How do you beef up AC to Eladrin Wizard?

[Labon]

This will be my first 4e character since the 1st edition D&D years ago. Any help on how to beef up AC on a 1st lvl Eladrin Wizard? I'm worried he'll be hit pretty easily.

 

[BobTheNob]

See feat : Unarmored Agility (I think thats its name) From PHB3, +2 AC while not wearing armor.

 

[thewok]

There's also Hafted Defense, if you're a staff user. I don't have my books handy, but I believe staff wizards get a bonus to defense from implement mastery, as well.

That's one of the things I like about 4E, though: wizards can take a few hits, instead of dreading everything because they only have 4-6 HP at level 1.

 

[malraux]

This will be my first 4e character since the 1st edition D&D years ago. Any help on how to beef up AC on a 1st lvl Eladrin Wizard? I'm worried he'll be hit pretty easily.

My Eladrin Wizard has been the second line tank for most of his 20 levels. Staff wizard is a good choice if defenses are your priority. A defensive staff (level 2 item) works well, and remember that you can dual wield staffs for casting. Beyond that, the wizard can get a bunch of additional dodging spells, shield and moonstride (both level 2 utilities) being early examples. Finally, a feat invested in leather armor proficiency gets another point in AC.

 

[Mad Hamish]

A wizard does pretty reasonably for AC.
Int modifies AC so you'll normally have +4 or +5 straight up and most wizards will eventually take either leather armour proficiency or the feat mentioned above (+2 to AC with no armour)

Also staff wizards have a few options.

 

[nookiemonster]

Well, to beef up AC, start with Int 18 or 20, that will start you off with AC 14 or 15. Take Staff of Defense class feature, that's another +1 AC. Take Unarmored Agility or Leather Armor Proficiency, for +2 AC. So that's as much as AC 18 at lvl 1, as good as plate armour without a shield. Adding in magic items, there's the Staff of Ultimate Defense, lvl 3 magic item, +1 AC per plus if you have Staff of Defense class feature. Magic robes or leather armour will beef up your AC as well.

If your eladrin has Str 13 & Con 13, you can take leather armour proficiency and then chain proficiency and Eladrin Chain is a good item to have because if beefs up your teleports.

 

[Mengu]

This may sound odd, but if you're worried about staying conscious at first level, Toughness may be a better deal. At level 2 or 3, you can retrain it to Unarmored Agility, or one of the Essential feats that boost FRW.

 

[Camelot]

Stand behind a fighter. =)

Seriously, though, the advice here is good. But I wouldn't worry about AC too much, if your defender is doing a good job. If you have a pushing spell or something like expeditious retreat, you'll be fine.

 

[DracoSuave]

Well, to beef up AC, start with Int 18 or 20, that will start you off with AC 14 or 15. Take Staff of Defense class feature, that's another +1 AC. Take Unarmored Agility or Leather Armor Proficiency, for +2 AC. So that's as much as AC 18 at lvl 1, as good as plate armour without a shield. Adding in magic items, there's the Staff of Ultimate Defense, lvl 3 magic item, +1 AC per plus if you have Staff of Defense class feature. Magic robes or leather armour will beef up your AC as well.

If your eladrin has Str 13 & Con 13, you can take leather armour proficiency and then chain proficiency and Eladrin Chain is a good item to have because if beefs up your teleports.

Chain isn't an AC Gainer, tho.

You can also take Staff Fighting to make it a double weapon with the defensive property.

 

[Dr_Ruminahui]

My own priority for wizards AC is as follows:

1. Make sure your defender is doing their job. If they don't protect you enough, or you don't have one, go to 2.

2. Take to utilities like shield that boost your defences,

3. If those aren't enugh, take unarmoured agility feat (or leather armour proficiency) - +2 AC is your friend.

4. If that isn't enough, look to staff mastery for +1 AC.

5. If that isn't enough, take hafted defence feat for another +1 AC.

6. If that isn't enough... well, I think your party has issues, but you can go down the twin weapon fighting route if you have the strength... chances are, however, you do not.