AD&D 3rd Ed. Question: what is a good AC???

[NogginBopper]

In the old AD&D AC system, I knew a good AC when I saw it, largely because I knew what it meant in terms of THACO. Now, this new system completely perplexes me.

So, what is a good AC in 3rd ed. rules? How does it affect the likelihood that some bad guy manages to slip a knife between my ribs? My Paladin is walking around with an AC of 31, and I don't know if I'm a tough guy or just some schmuck in a tin suit.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

[[-Mortician-]]

hmm

well the higher the better. I've played as a rogue, and you only hit mid-20s, and as far as i can remember, the most my fighter ever had was around 34-39, no more than that. So if you're sitting at 31 (i assume u have +3 platemail at this point) then you're sitting high and mighty hehe

[Keshik]

That's quite high. To hit you'll, they'll need a perfect roll (20) and then at least a +11 (maybe 12) roll modifier. Makes you seem pretty safe

[pinkypinky]

After 30 AC you'll definitely start noticing how half the monsters just can't hit you anymore. A few will always hit you no matter how high like those duergar warrior punks, but after 30 you'll be pretty much immune to all regular monsters and after 35 you'll be safe from giants.

[Datt]

Think of it this way. In 3rd a 20 AC is equal to a 0 in 2nd. So that would make a 30 a -10, which was the max in 2nd. So in 2nd terms you are walking around with a -11 AC. Attack Bonus works the same way compared to THAC0. A +1 AB is equal to a 20 THAC0 and a +20 AB is a 1 THAC0. But just like with AC they have removed all caps. So you can have more than a +20 AB.

[Nygma]

So my 17th level monk with AC 33 would have an equivalent of -13 AC in BGII??

No wonder this guy's taking names. I ended Throne of Bhaal as a 33/34 level monk and I'm not sure I had -10 AC.

I'm going to have to go from hardcore to the next level.

[Datt]

Tell me about it. I just upgraded my equipment and I now have a 38 AC. so in second I would have a -18 AC in 2nd!