AC-to-Miss Chance-Ratio [Archive] - Wizards Community

AC-to-Miss Chance-Ratio [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Fiendish Dire Weasel
06-28-04, 11:20 PM This is a generic, optimization-oriented question: For defensive purposes how much AC is a 20% miss chance worth? If you had to choose between AC and a miss chance, what kind of AC-to-Miss Chance ratio is optimal?

I ask because I have a character with low-AC armor which carries a 20% miss chance. Originally I liked it because it had a high Max Dex bonus (it's leather armor) but due to an odd series of events, my Dex isn't what it used to be (and not going to be for a long time), which means I could wear an armor with a lower max dex bonus and higher armor bonus now but not sure how much AC gain is worth dropping a 20% miss chance for.
Dauntless
06-29-04, 12:57 AM Answer: It depends on what you're fighting.

Against something that will hit you on a roll of 11 or better, you can get hit on 10 different numbers. +2 AC would take out 20% of the possible hits (11 and 12). Against something that can only hit you on a 20, then miss chance is obviously better, since 20's will hit you regardless.

Generally, as the attacker's attack bonus goes higher in respect to your AC, miss chance matters more.
Piraatje
06-29-04, 03:24 AM Mischance (when applied!) cancels sneak attack. ;)
Furdaddy
06-30-04, 02:11 PM Dauntless is right, it depends on the opponent.

In addition, if due to concealment, the miss chance will make you immune to sneak attacks.

Also, the miss chance will presumably apply to touch attacks, whereas the AC won't.

So, personally, I wouldn't give up the 20% miss chance for less than +4 to AC, and even +4 would be a tough call.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Fiendish Dire Weasel 06-28-04, 11:20 PM	This is a generic, optimization-oriented question: For defensive purposes how much AC is a 20% miss chance worth? If you had to choose between AC and a miss chance, what kind of AC-to-Miss Chance ratio is optimal? I ask because I have a character with low-AC armor which carries a 20% miss chance. Originally I liked it because it had a high Max Dex bonus (it's leather armor) but due to an odd series of events, my Dex isn't what it used to be (and not going to be for a long time), which means I could wear an armor with a lower max dex bonus and higher armor bonus now but not sure how much AC gain is worth dropping a 20% miss chance for.
Dauntless 06-29-04, 12:57 AM	Answer: It depends on what you're fighting. Against something that will hit you on a roll of 11 or better, you can get hit on 10 different numbers. +2 AC would take out 20% of the possible hits (11 and 12). Against something that can only hit you on a 20, then miss chance is obviously better, since 20's will hit you regardless. Generally, as the attacker's attack bonus goes higher in respect to your AC, miss chance matters more.
Piraatje 06-29-04, 03:24 AM	Mischance (when applied!) cancels sneak attack. ;)
Furdaddy 06-30-04, 02:11 PM	Dauntless is right, it depends on the opponent. In addition, if due to concealment, the miss chance will make you immune to sneak attacks. Also, the miss chance will presumably apply to touch attacks, whereas the AC won't. So, personally, I wouldn't give up the 20% miss chance for less than +4 to AC, and even +4 would be a tough call.