Best way to do my AC for my spell caster

[HiddenBoss]

I playing a crafting Impossible Sorcerer‎ and I getting close to getting Craft Magic Arms and Armor (one game off or so from lv 6 and getting it at lv 7).

I been thinking about my armor but i was not sure what be the best for me.

I been using mage armor up this point when i need AC but i think it was starting to be time to look in to magic items for it but i was not sure so i made a list of ideas i think could do with my view of up and downs at this time.

1: just keep using mage armor.
upside: only need one casting and it would last a good time.
Force so stops ghosts(undead hunter in the group so we may see more ghosts and so on)
Downside:could be dispelled
no added powers.

2:use Bracers of Armor
upside can craft them for half cost
add +* powers if needed (Spell storing is i the best i can think of)
Force so stops ghosts as well.
downside
can not add flat gp add powers to it
need time to craft it

3:get a Haramaki and put magic on it
upside:can put flat gp powers on it if needed.
add +* powers if needed(can go a bit higher then Bracers of Armor but a bit lower ac)
can craft for half cost
still have +1 ac if dispelled
downside
no ghost touch unless i pay +3 cost
think it be more costly
time to craft

[andreww]

At level 7 you are definately better off sticking to Mage Armour. The bracers are horribly overpriced, 16k is a lot to get the same benefit you have from a level 1 spell.

The Haramaki idea is OK but again you are spending nearly 10k to duplicate the effect of a level 1 spell. For the same price you could pick up a +1 ring of protection, amulet of natural armour and jingasa/dusty rose ioun stone for +3AC on top of mage armour.

If you are interested in investing in AC then look at getting a mithral bucklet. It has 0ACP and no arcane spell failure meaning you can wear it without problems.

[HiddenBoss]

i did say it half cost for me as i the one who crafting it so the 16k +4 Bracers of Armor would be 8k or 4500k for +3 haramki(4ac)

[andreww]

It still isnt worth it even for half cost.

Also if you dont have it already Craft Wondrous Item will provide you with a far bigger discount as the majority of useful gear for you is crafted by it.

[HiddenBoss]

I got Craft Wondrous Item as part of my bloodline, i mainly pick up Craft Magic Arms and Armor so i can take Craft Construct.

[BigDTBone]

Don't buy bracers until the cheapest way to increase your AC by 1 is more than 25,000 gp. (Or 12,500 if you are crafting.) ie, in your case you need a ROP+3, ANA+5, and a belt of DEX+6 (or DEX and CON +4) before you think about crafting BOA. When you do craft them, they should be +5.

Note, for people who aren't crafting the benefit point comes much later.

Edit: changed numbers to reflect the ability to craft other wondrous items.

[LazarX]

Running the AC race is a losing game for an arcanist. You're much better off concentrating on hit avoidance. That's what spells like Mirror Image, and Displacement are for.

[Imbicatus]

AC is a loosing game gor casters unless you build sole for it. Instead, consider some layered defenses:

Step one: miss spells. Mirror Image, Displacment, Blur, Blink. These negate hits and are more useful than AC. Concealment does double duty here of making sneak attacks impossible.

Step two: Deny the ability to attack. Battle Field control here. Obsuring Mist, Wind Wall, Create Pit, Fly. Be out of range of melee and not targetable by ranged.

Step three: Damage Resistance for when you do get hit. Defending Bone, Stoneskin

Step four: get a harimaki with some of the more utility based armor enhancmeents. I like fortifying to negate any unlucky sneak attacks or crits.

[Undone]

Step 1: Cast overland flight
Step 2: Greater invisibility
Step 3: They can't see you and have no idea of your location.
Step 4: Profit.

The inability to be hit is far more valuable than AC as a caster.

[HiddenBoss]

So keep to the mage armor for now and wait until i can get better ac, and use spells to make sure they do not hit me.

[Devin O' the Dale]

I would agree with some others that going heavily into AC is not ideal ... offering other targets or making yourself unavailable as a target are more fruitful........

BUT there is always the 2 arcane armor feats and mithral chain to get you in a decent spot.... it is pretty heavy of a feat investment to get there though....