How to raise armor class...

[carnanick]

-I'm making a lv. 10 Paladin/Dwarven Defender NPC. I want him to have an armor class that is as high as possible. This is a low level world so he is as powerful a character as exists pretty much, the problem is my psycho party is butchering the non-combatants and I need the major figures to be able to take a licking, and win combats.
-How to I get him to have a really good AC. I've given him a hvy. steel shield+1, dwarven full plate+2 and a ring of protection +2 and his AC is only 27. That seems pretty bad...help please.

 

[Darklone]

He needs some buff buddies. Barkskin sounds good. Dodge Feat if possible. Armor and shield specialisation feats... yet most paladins don't have feats to throw around.

Same problem with Divine Feats. Divine Shield looks like the best feat he can take... if he can spare the feat.

What about mithral full plate and high dex? Potions of Enlarge Person will decrease his AC, yet it would be a good idea.

If he's a dwarven defender, give him a reach weapon. Otherwise he's heading for trouble.

Edit: Multiclassing with 4 or perhaps only 2 fighter level sound like a good idea.

 

[Notmousse]

Minions. Aid Another gives a +2 to AC, and they also act as ablative armor by being around to take hits for their master. Dedicated Defenders are particularly good at this as they retain their dodge bonuses to AC while 'taking' hits for your important person allowing them to 'matrix' incoming attacks and render their charge protected... somehow.

 

[blargney the second]

Take the Shape Soulmeld feat from Magic of Incarnum, and pick Wormtail Belt as his soulmeld for +2 natural armor. Combat Expertise is great for more AC. A dusty rose ioun stone gives +1 insight to AC.