Bards and AC in [U] AL games [/U]

[ZorroGames]

Let us assume no magic armor for the Bard for simplicity. Traditional CH/DE build or a CH/ST build for medium or Heavy armor (implies MC or dip at first level.)

AC 16 with Leather and DE 20
Replace Leather with Studded AC 17 With DE 20

AC 17 Half Plate with DE 14

AC 18 Half Plate with DE 16 and MAM.

AC 18 with Plate and ST 15 dumping DE
AC 17 with Splint and ST 15 dumping DE
AC 16 with Chainmail and ST 13 dumping DE

Probable dip/MC would be Fighter or Paladin for 1 or 2 levels first then Bard.

Thoughts on how viable this is?

[Unoriginal]

As a Bard, AC 17 is likely enough (goes to 19 if you have the subclass for the shield). That is to say, the investment to get more isn't really worth it.

[ZorroGames]

As a Bard, AC 17 is likely enough (goes to 19 if you have the subclass for the shield). That is to say, the investment to get more isn't really worth it.

The idea for a ST instead of DE Bard character came from PeteNutButter’s Ultimate Optimizer Multiclassing Guide where he rates a Bard Dipping Paladin for 2-4 levels Gold and 2-4 levels of Fighter Sky Blue. There are other builds like dipping Warlock that I would seriously consider another time.

So far all my 5e play has been front-line characters usually Martial (Clerics with Heavy Armor, Fighters, Monk, Paladin, Rangers,) and my one Wizard found himself in melee every freaking encounter due to lack of “heroic” martial characters and ambushes so ended up taking one level of Fighter for Medium Armor. Dropping to zero seems like a “lifestyle choice” in many AL games so far for squishies - a dwarf sorcerer friend goes down at least once a game still - so I am concerned about durability for the Bard.

That said, remember I place RP far above mere mechanical optimization.

Here are some possible Half-Elf builds I am looking at:

Bard or Bard with Warlock dip
ST 8
DE 15+1
CO 15+1
IN 8
WI 8
CH 15+2, Feat of Elven Accuracy to boost CH at first ASI

Medium Armor Build - possible Cleric dip for two levels
ST 10
DE 12+1
CO 15+1
IN 8
WI 13
CH 15+2
Same Elven accuracy with possible +1,+1 much later after boosting CH

Minimal Heavy Armor Build - Fighter or Paladin Dip 2 levels
ST 13
DE 8
CO 15+1
IN 8
WI 12+1
CH 15+2
Elven Accuracy for CH, ST and WI probably not change until last ASI, if then.

Maximum Heavy Armor Build
ST 15
DE 8+1
CO 14+1
IN 8
WI 10
CH 15+2

Yep Elven Accuracy for CH boost. ST and DE probably boost after CH 20 or last ASI.

Carry on.

[JeffreyGator]

Why not this?
Maximum Heavy Armor Build
ST 15 +1
DE 10
CO 13+1
IN 8
WI 10
CH 15+2

Yep Elven Accuracy for CH boost. Warcaster, ST or CON probably boost after CH 20 or last ASI.




Maximum Heavy Armor Build
ST 15
DE 8+1
CO 14+1
IN 8
WI 10
CH 15+2

Yep Elven Accuracy for CH boost. ST and DE probably boost after CH 20 or last ASI.

Carry on.

[ZorroGames]

Why not this?
Maximum Heavy Armor Build
ST 15 +1
DE 10
CO 13+1
IN 8
WI 10
CH 15+2

Yep Elven Accuracy for CH boost. Warcaster, ST or CON probably boost after CH 20 or last ASI.

Nice build but if heavy armor is the main draw then 15 lets you wear all armor through Plate. 16 is a point more for a character I plan to play as an armored caster that could be placed elsewhere. Not that my numbers were the most efficient granted.