Can't wear Heavy Armor with Cleric/Druid

AHA - That's what I was looking for in my first post on this thread. Are there any other benefits of armor that I missed as opposed to a high AC from magic?

 

What is this? A test of our knowledge of the rules?

 

No, Rather a lack of MY knowledge of them.

 

Layering on magic bracers, rings, amulets, and dex boosting items gets you a great AC. The downsides are that the DEX bonus doesn't apply in some situations, and the items are a bit pricey.

Heavy armor can get you a very good AC, especially layered with defensive items. The downside is that it's heavy, and can screw up the class abilities of Rogues, Wizards, and Druids (depending on armor type). OTOH, items that takes care of the "Heavy" problem (Belts or gloves that boost STR) also increase attack power.

Two Handed Weapon vs Shield vs Two Weapon Fighting depends on the role the character plays and what weapons and feats are involved.

Two Handed weapons are generally, but not always, the best choice for high STR offensive fighters.

Weapon and Shield is generally the best choice for blockers, allowing the blocker to hold back the enemy while ranged attackers fire missiles and cast spells. The blocker himself either strikes with his weapon or casts spells from the front line.

Two Weapon Fighting usually suxors, with an attack penalty and reduced STR damage even if you do pick all the best feats. You don't even get the extra attack unless you're right next to the enemy. However, add magic weapons with multiple damage boosts, and suddenly two weapon fighting becomes a good choice for lower STR characters in close combat, or even higher STR characters once you really layer on the enchantments.

Add Quick Draw and it becomes possible to easily mix approaches. Start with a two handed weapon for maxing out damage as you close, switch to weapon and shield if you start taking too much damage, switch to two weapon fighting if you have two heavily enchanted weapons and you're already next to the enemy.

 

Thanks OB, That clears up a lot of questions that I had.

I knew there had to be some good reasons for carrying all of that weight around, but I just couldn't see it - too many trees to see the forest as the old saying goes.

I am also on line on World of Warcraft with my son (Captain Anton of the Archers of Ravenwood of Renfaire fame) and a few of our old PnP players, so I sometimes get a bit confused as to which rules are what.

I'm definately NOT trying to jerk anyones chain around here. You guys ar doing a fantastic job and I certainly appreciate it.