You get soft cover against all ranged attacks = +4 on AC
Normally you count as having partial cover and therefore you get +4 to AC. But I don't know what a drench is and how big or small it is. I'm not sure if those rules apply if you only got a tiny creature between you for example.
Cover
To determine whether your target has cover from your ranged attack, choose a corner of your square. If any line from this corner to any corner of the target's square passes through a square or border that blocks line of effect or provides cover, or through a square occupied by a creature, the target has cover (+4 to AC).
Note that the Improved Precise Shot feat negates the soft cover, so this tactic becomes less useful after level 11 or so.
Is there a way to use summons to maximise my AC more?
You could summon the creature right in front of the archer instead.
You could summon the creature right in front of the archer instead.
better this :))
Is there a way to use summons to maximise my AC more?You could summon the creature right in front of the archer instead.
That depends on what you want. That way the archer would provoke an AoO every time he shoots but if he is larger that the creature he could ignore the cover.
Low Obstacles and Cover
A low obstacle (such as a wall no higher than half your height) provides cover, but only to creatures within 30 feet (6 squares) of it. The attacker can ignore the cover if he's closer to the obstacle than his target.
But cover rules are always something a GM should use with a bit of thinking.
Now a year later, said man had a bad run in with a crocodile who bit off his legs. But he is still adventuring. As fate wills he is at the same location once again, laying at the same point. From far away it looks as if his legs are hidden behind that wall but as we know he doesn't have his legs anymore. Following the rules he doesn't get the cover bonus even if the same parts of him are visible to some attacker.
Your AC is meaningless if the archer is targeting the summons that's trying to eat his face.
Is there a way to use summons to maximise my AC more?You could summon the creature right in front of the archer instead.That depends on what you want. That way the archer would provoke an AoO every time he shoots but if he is larger that the creature he could ignore the cover.
True, in some circumstances it might not be the best choice, even if it often is.
Generally I think this is more a question of what kind of creature to choose, than where to place it.
An air elemental can create a square with total concealment with the whirlwind, a great option against ranged attackers.
I terms of granting AC, a summoned creature (or several) could use aid another to boost your AC.
Remember that you need a possibility to communicate with the summoned creature. Otherwise it will attack the nearest foe ..
.. If you can communicate with the creature, you can direct it not to attack, to attack particular enemies, or to perform other actions.