Can an Eidolon use Bracers of Armor?

[HappyDaze]

Can an Eidolon that has Limbs (arms) use Bracers of Armor?

If so, and assuming that all of its usual armor points have gone into natural armor and since the Summoner is likely to wear actual armor, this seems like a strong option.

[Dumb Paladin]

Yes.

However, I don't think it's quite as strong an option, and AC is really not the primary concern for eidolons: I'd argue saves are.

Boosting an eidolon's natural armor bonus and armor bonus does nothing to boost its touch AC, which will remain the easiest way to kill it. Any spellcaster and the gunslinger can take it out rather easily, but the spellcaster also gets to target the eidolon's not-too-great saves. Also, this means the summoner can't ever wear a magic item on his/her arm slot.

[HappyDaze]

Not so worried about giving up the Summoner's arms slot. There really isn't too much that looks really attractive for that slot short of custom items.

In my experience with Pathfinder, it's been weapon damage that tends to kill most things. Raising AC helps against most of this, guns being a rather uncommon exception.

Rays and touch attacks are a different story, but for some of those there are resistances. Otherwise, I don't really see any good ways to defend against touch attacks.

[Malfus]

Ring of Protection for one. Belt of Dex for another. Dodge. Levels in Sensei to pass your Wisdom to AC bonus to your eidolon :P So many ways!!! :D

[David knott 242]

Malfus wrote:

Ring of Protection for one. Belt of Dex for another. Dodge. Levels in Sensei to pass your Wisdom to AC bonus to your eidolon :P So many ways!!! :D

Levels in Sensei is a horrible idea for a summoner -- every level spent on a class other than summoner is a level where your eidolon does not advance. You definitely cannot afford to waste six levels that way.

But the ring of protection and a belt are fine ideas.

One thing you may notice is that your eidolon should only have problems with AC at very low levels -- their natural improvements and evolution selections eventually take care of the problem.

Incidentally, the Mage Armor spell is a good substitute for lower level bracers of armor. My 8th level summoner is now in the habit of casting that spell (usually while wielding a Lesser Extend Spell metamagic rod) first thing every morning. That means that, barring the case where my eidolon is targeted by an inconvenient Dispel Magic, the eidolon gets a +4 armor bonus all day.