Anthraxus
Explorer
VonRichthofen said:Concerning buckler: As long as it is non-magical, it is not that great a trade-off. (1:1)
But as soon as you can get enchanted baubles, it begins to pay off.
A +5 armor will cost you the same as a +4 armor and a +3 buckler (sparing the cost for a masterwork buckler, but gah...)
Your net gain will then be +3 to AC for a -1 to hit - to me, this sounds about right.
And you can easily add 4-6 extra points of AC with Divine Shield at high levels.
I hadn't thought of that for some reason. Better than combat expertise, a -1 to attack for a lot more AC(+6 with a +1 buckler and Divine shield(after a +2 Cloak of Cha purchase).
Some good ideas. I'll probably go with Divine Vigor or D. Shield with the next Paladin level, and then switch to Fighter levels and pick up the Buckler Feat and/or Improved Crit.