Donning the Shiny Armor of Impenetrability: A (Slightly Tongue-in-Cheek) Guide to High AC in 5e
Ah, Armor Class. The bane of attackers, the bringer of smug satisfaction when that beholder whiffs its disintegratory ray yet again. But for the aspiring tank, the question burns eternal: How do I become a walking fortress, a beacon of defensive brilliance? Fear not, comrades, for this guide will be your comedic compass on the path to AC nirvana.
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| How To Get High Ac 5e |
Option 1: Become a Living Turtle (But Cooler)
- Step 1: Embrace the Shell - Let's face it, heavy armor is pretty darn good. Plate armor? 21 AC base, baby! Though lugging that stuff around can feel like wearing a medieval refrigerator, the damage reduction is undeniable.
- Step 2: Shields Up! Who needs two arms when you can have one giant metal turtle-shield arm? A shield adds another +2 AC, making you that much more annoying to hit.
- Step 3: Defense is the Best Offense (Except When It's Not) Consider the Defense Fighting Style. It's like your character took a defensive driving course for adventurers, granting a permanent +1 AC. Now you can lecture your teammates about "safe adventuring practices" while they dodge fireballs.
Remember: While becoming a walking iron wall is great, don't forget Dexterity completely. You still need to dodge that rogue who wants to tickle your funny bone with a dagger... or worse.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Option 2: Become a Practically Untouchable Blur (But Maybe Not See Where You're Going)
- Step 1: The Power of Dexterity - Dexterity is your friend, especially for characters who favor lighter armor or no armor at all. A high Dexterity modifier translates to a higher AC, making you a slippery eel for enemies to target.
- Step 2: Become One with the Wind (Monks Only) Monks, with their Unarmored Defense feature, can turn their bodies into weapons... and excellent defense! With enough training, you can achieve an AC that puts even plate armor wearers to shame. Just don't expect much sympathy if you get a chill.
- Step 3: The Dextrous Duelist Feat (Because Fancy Footwork Matters) This feat allows you to add your proficiency bonus to your AC as a reaction when you use a finesse weapon in one hand and nothing else in the other. Basically, you become a swashbuckling whirlwind of defense, a defender with panache!
Pro Tip: Don't forget about spells like Shield (a +5 AC bump for a round) or Mage Armor (base AC of 13 + Dexterity modifier) for those "oh crap" moments.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
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Remembering the Other AC Essentials: It's Not All About You
- Taking Cover - Duh! Hiding behind a conveniently placed rock or portcullis grants a bonus to your AC based on the cover's quality. Just make sure it's not made of papier-m�ch�.
- Magic Items (The Shiny Kind You Actually Want) There's a whole treasure trove of magical armor and shields out there, each offering a sweet AC boost. Just be prepared to fight a dragon or two to get your mitts on them.
Most Importantly: Don't become so obsessed with AC that you forget about the rest of the game! A high AC is fantastic, but it won't help much if you're too busy admiring your own defensive prowess to actually help your party. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work (and by dream, we mean surviving that encounter with the ancient red dragon).
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
So there you have it, adventurers! With a dash of humor, a sprinkle of strategy, and maybe a touch of luck, you too can become a bastion of resilience, a monument to defensive mastery. Now go forth and dodge those pointy objects with style!
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
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