Highest AC possible

[Crimson_Manticore]

I realize that this subject has likely been discussed here before, but as I can see no way to run a search on the boards, I thought I would bring it up again. If someone knows of a previous thread dealing with this subject, please point me to it.

On another thread, I recently saw someone boast about his 19th level psychic warrior with a “buffed” AC of 70+. This struck me as odd, as I’ve played a few games at the mid-20’s level, and I have never seen an AC over 50. How is it possible to get an AC of 70 below 25th level?

More generally, what is the highest AC you can have at 25th level, using any “official” classes/races/spells/powers/equipment?

**edit**
Oh yeah, let's leave out effects that boost your AC at the cost of an Attack penalty. There is something to be said for being untouchable, but what good is that if you can't touch anything either?

 

[tauton_ikhnos]

Stat Buffs: DEX +6, INT +6, WIS +6 (cost 108,000 gp)
12 Wishes: DEX +4, INT +4, WIS +4 (cost 330,000 gp)
Ring of Protection +5 (cost 50,000 gp)
Amulet of Natural Armor +5 (cost 25,000 gp)
Bracers of Armor +10 (cost 100,000 gp)
Total: 613,000 gp

Monk 1/Swashbuckler 6/Duellist 10/something 2

DEX 32 (18, +6 enhance, +4 inherent, +4 level)
INT 24 (14, +6 enhance, +4 inherent)
WIS 24 (14, +6 enhance, +4 inherent)

AC 55 (10, +11 DEX, +7 INT, +7 WIS, +5 deflect, +5 natural, +10 armor)
canny defense and combat expertise increase that to 70

So, AC 70, with no buff spells in play.

What specific buffs he is using for his psychic warrior, I dunno, but it's easily possible.

 

[tauton_ikhnos]

Just realized you were asking what the highest was, and at 25th level, to boot. For 25th level, tack on another +2 to DEX (+1 AC), and enough money to buy runes of Holy Star (+10 AC), Shield (+4 AC), Barkskin (+5 AC), and Magic Vestment (+5 AC).

Also, add 5 levels of Duellist, for another +5 AC when using combat expertise.

Net AC 100. If you use a defending rapier, 105.

And I probably haven't pushed this as far as it will go.

 

[Bill Muench]

I realize that this subject has likely been discussed here before, but as I can see no way to run a search on the boards, I thought I would bring it up again. If someone knows of a previous thread dealing with this subject, please point me to it.

On another thread, I recently saw someone boast about his 19th level psychic warrior with a “buffed” AC of 70+. This struck me as odd, as I’ve played a few games at the mid-20’s level, and I have never seen an AC over 50. How is it possible to get an AC of 70 below 25th level?

More generally, what is the highest AC you can have at 25th level, using any “official” classes/races/spells/powers/equipment?

In 3.0, 200+ was doable. In 3.5, it's a lot harder.

Here's a 16th level cleric with an AC of 70 that I whipped up in about a minute. I'm sure there are ways to get it higher. If he was a gnome, it'd be 71, 75 vs. giants.

10 base
+13 mithral full plate +5 (MV)
+7 heavy shield +5 (MV)
+5 deflection (shield of faith)
+6 natural (alter self into troglodyte)
+5 natural enhancement (barkskin)
+1 insight (ioun stone)
+3 Dex
+3 fighting defensively
+16 improved combat expertise
+1 haste

 

[Krafen]

Once you go epic, you can use the Epic Spellcasting feat to create permanent spells that give significant bonuses to AC. If you increase the casting time a lot, you can get a good bonus for a low XP/gold cost. Get yourself a Rod of Security so you have a safe place to cast the spells. The Armor seed can create an Armor, Natural Armor, Deflection, Divine, and Insight bonus to AC. The Fortify seed can create an Inherent bonus (capped at +5).

 

[Nail]

Sure, but what else could such a tweaked out PC do? In public, mind you.

 

[MarauderX]

In 3.0, 200+ was doable. In 3.5, it's a lot harder.

10 base
+13 mithral full plate +5 (MV)
+7 heavy shield +5 (MV)
+5 deflection (shield of faith)
+6 natural (alter self into troglodyte)
+5 natural enhancement (barkskin)
+1 insight (ioun stone)
+3 Dex
+3 fighting defensively
+16 improved combat expertise
+1 haste

+3 Dex in full plate?

 

[Hypersmurf]

... and Magic Vestment (+5 AC).

Magic Vestment will provide an enhancement bonus to a shield or suit of armor, which won't stack with a/ your Shield spell, or b/ your Bracers of Armor...

-Hyp.

 

[Krafen]

Mithral ads 2 to the max Dex bonus.

I believe the Nimble enchantment ads another 2. I think Nimble is in Magic of Faerun.

 

[dcollins]

On another thread, I recently saw someone boast about his 19th level psychic warrior with a “buffed” AC of 70+. This struck me as odd, as I’ve played a few games at the mid-20’s level, and I have never seen an AC over 50. How is it possible to get an AC of 70 below 25th level?

Most frequently, it's with incorrect applications of the stacking rules.