Druid armor that has no spell failure chance

[Mark1733]

While I am sure that there are threads somewhere in the forums that have answered this, I don't have any time to really research my question: What is the best way to armor my druid, particularly without affecting my spell casting? If there are no armor arrangements that can be made without affect my spell casting, what is the best way to protect him? I tried doing something "flavorful" with darkwood and an ironwood spell, but then realized that this cannot be done the way I imagined.

Thanks in advance for the help here.

 

[delericho]

Druids don't suffer the chance of spell failure - that only applies to arcane spellcasters (Wizards, Sorcerers, and Bards in the core rules). However, they are limited to using only "natural" armours.

So, at the outset, your best bet is probably hide armour and a heavy wooden shield - this gives the best AC that can be managed in the PHB alone.

From there, your best bet is probably to save for dragonhide plate (DMG p.220), and then get this enhanced same as any other armour. (But note: dragonhide plate is heavy armour, so you would need to spend a feat to gain proficiency, and that's probably not worth the expenditure.) Add to that the usual array of amulet of natural armour, ring of protection and a magical shield, and the job is mostly done.

But, one more note: the above is just a discussion about Armour Class, but the truth is that that is only one (fairly small) aspect of protecting your character. I suspect an optimiser would advocate investing your funds elsewhere, and largely ignoring AC anyway.

 

[Dozen]

I suspect an optimiser would advocate investing your funds elsewhere, and largely ignoring AC anyway.

You suspect correctly.

To the OP, As a spellcaster, particularly of a strong class, you are able to avoid most Attack Rolls entirely with a smart spell selection, and Druids have Wild Shape to make up for the occassional mistake. AC is not quite important. Get Natural Spell as a feat, and you're better than any not optimized character to ever live. So long you don't multiclass, get some basic protection, then mess around, Druids are easy like that.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

When you first get wildshape, expect a poor AC while using that ability. Eventually you can get wild armor, which you can use even when wildshaped. Pick whichever form gives you a good AC, naturally.

You could get yourself a suit of plate armor, made from ironwood, as early as 11th-level, and this will not count as metal armor. Note that you'll need the appropriate armor feat, and accept the speed penalty. (Longstrider is on your spell list, taking that away as long as you're not dispelled.) You can also make an ironwood heavy shield, although a wooden shield is about as good, as long as it doesn't get sundered.

There's a few spells that boost AC. Barkskin comes to mind, but note that this spell doesn't last long, and you don't always want to spend actions on it.

 

[Greenfield]

The big issue for Druids and AC is that their Wildshape ability, when used in combat, causes them to lose the benefits of all that very expensive armor, and all those nifty magic items.

Better to research combat forms with high natural AC and/or Dex bonuses and/or size bonuses. Then bolster with spells.

Now there is an enhancement (or so I recall) that lets you keep your armor when you change, but its pricey.

Now, want the best of both worlds? Invest in magic armor, either leahter or hide or even dragon hide. Maybe FeyLeaf, if you can find it.

Also, invest in a Ring of Arming.

Now, when combat starts, take off the ring and hold it or drop it. Change into a Dire Ape,or something similar. Put your ring back on, and call your armor and weapons.

It has a cost in terms of actions, but it gives you the physical power of the ape, with all the benefits of your armor magical armor and weapons. Magic armor will adjust to fit the ape form, after all.

 

[Nagol]

The big issue for Druids and AC is that their Wildshape ability, when used in combat, causes them to lose the benefits of all that very expensive armor, and all those nifty magic items.

Better to research combat forms with high natural AC and/or Dex bonuses and/or size bonuses. Then bolster with spells.

Now there is an enhancement (or so I recall) that lets you keep your armor when you change, but its pricey.

Now, want the best of both worlds? Invest in magic armor, either leahter or hide or even dragon hide. Maybe FeyLeaf, if you can find it.

Also, invest in a Ring of Arming.

Now, when combat starts, take off the ring and hold it or drop it. Change into a Dire Ape,or something similar. Put your ring back on, and call your armor and weapons.

It has a cost in terms of actions, but it gives you the physical power of the ape, with all the benefits of your armor magical armor and weapons. Magic armor will adjust to fit the ape form, after all.

The Wild ability (DMG) is quite expensive. Picking up the incredibly cheap Wilding Clasp wondrous item (MIC) is much more economical.

 

[MarkB]

If it's available in your campaign world, Darkleaf armour from the Eberron Campaign Setting is reasonably good at low levels. As I recall, it provides some decent medium armour options and is relatively inexpensive.

 

[Walking Dad]

There are also many other non-metallic armors hidden in various source books. Stone Plates in Races of Stone, many leaf and wood in Races of the Wild and sharkskin in Stormwrack, all cheaper than dragon hide.

 

[Grogg of the North]

Elven Darkleaf from the A&EG is pretty awesome. Drops your armor a weight category doesn't have metal, and the armor's max dex mod goes up by one.

You can also add on the Beastskin enhancement to retain your armor when wildshaped.

 

[Mark1733]

Great replies! Thanks to you all.