For truly low AC and tank ability why not go straight swashbuckler?
You get -7 AC from swashbuckler bonuses
For optimization use the two scimitars that give you +2 apr (so with dual wielding you get 4apr with +6 damage). This can be pushed up to 4.5apr with the right gauntlets.
Amulet of the master Harper for another -3 AC
Big metal unit for eventually having -10 AC, otherwise some really heavy plate.
If uai works, steal Raasad's moonlight walkers for the -2 AC
That's -22 AC right there. Dexterity gives you -26.
Then for a good helm. Lots give -1 AC, so that's -27.
Gax and earth control rings makes this -30z
If you want to trade 2APR for it, darksteel shield pushes you down -35.
And then you can start stacking spells like improved invisibility, protection from evil, etc.
For truly low AC and tank ability why not go straight swashbuckler?
You get -7 AC from swashbuckler bonuses
For optimization use the two scimitars that give you +2 apr (so with dual wielding you get 4apr with +6 damage). This can be pushed up to 4.5apr with the right gauntlets.
Amulet of the master Harper for another -3 AC
Big metal unit for eventually having -10 AC, otherwise some really heavy plate.
If uai works, steal Raasad's moonlight walkers for the -2 AC
That's -22 AC right there. Dexterity gives you -26.
Then for a good helm. Lots give -1 AC, so that's -27.
Gax and earth control rings makes this -30z
If you want to trade 2APR for it, darksteel shield pushes you down -35.
And then you can start stacking spells like improved invisibility, protection from evil, etc.
Now *that* is a tank!
AC is capped at -20+dex bonus+ single weapon style bonus.
Dwarven Defender.
You just can't beat them OP shorty save bonus. They will ensure you can tank any mage/liches and even beholders with just gear while unbuffed at mid to high levels. A berserker would have an easier time but only early game during BG1. Eventually (13-15+)the Defender SVs would grow high enough to nullify everything.
The only thing a fighter would have problems would be the super hard hitting enemies like dragons, which defender can deal with easily thanks to the DR ability and bonus + DoE.
And I'll say it again: a shorty fighter can actually counter everything and does a far better job than a mage because he does not rely on buffs and therefore cannot be dispelled at all. Of course if you are going to metagame and prebuff every fight already knowing what you are going to face it will make for a stronger mage but I personally find that pretty boring. Also no need to rest at all with a fighter.
Mages also can't enjoy the bliss that is merely standing in front of a beholder army while their rays fumble one after the other and their anti magic ray can't do anything against you.
Comments
You get -7 AC from swashbuckler bonuses
For optimization use the two scimitars that give you +2 apr (so with dual wielding you get 4apr with +6 damage). This can be pushed up to 4.5apr with the right gauntlets.
Amulet of the master Harper for another -3 AC
Big metal unit for eventually having -10 AC, otherwise some really heavy plate.
If uai works, steal Raasad's moonlight walkers for the -2 AC
That's -22 AC right there. Dexterity gives you -26.
Then for a good helm. Lots give -1 AC, so that's -27.
Gax and earth control rings makes this -30z
If you want to trade 2APR for it, darksteel shield pushes you down -35.
And then you can start stacking spells like improved invisibility, protection from evil, etc.
Now *that* is a tank!
AC is capped at -20+dex bonus+ single weapon style bonus.
You just can't beat them OP shorty save bonus. They will ensure you can tank any mage/liches and even beholders with just gear while unbuffed at mid to high levels. A berserker would have an easier time but only early game during BG1. Eventually (13-15+)the Defender SVs would grow high enough to nullify everything.
The only thing a fighter would have problems would be the super hard hitting enemies like dragons, which defender can deal with easily thanks to the DR ability and bonus + DoE.
And I'll say it again: a shorty fighter can actually counter everything and does a far better job than a mage because he does not rely on buffs and therefore cannot be dispelled at all. Of course if you are going to metagame and prebuff every fight already knowing what you are going to face it will make for a stronger mage but I personally find that pretty boring. Also no need to rest at all with a fighter.
Mages also can't enjoy the bliss that is merely standing in front of a beholder army while their rays fumble one after the other and their anti magic ray can't do anything against you.