#also important to note that Caleb actually has *relatively high* HP for a wizard because Liam's been rolling well

[luckthebard]

I’ve not said anything yet because I was worried it was my Wizard Player Bias showing, but I’d like to submit the fight last night as evidence in support of “AC is less important than HP at this level, and the Ring of Evasion is definitely more useful for Caleb than anyone else.”

The enemy rolls to hit last night? Mostly above 20. At this level and the kinds of creatures they’re fighting, most attacks will hit most of the characters (exception maybe Beau, with her 20 AC). A difference between, say, an AC 14 and an AC 16 doesn’t mean much at this level.

What does matter a lot more is having enough HP to stay up in the fight. Every other character has at least 20 more HP than Caleb. Yasha’s HP is almost double his (101 to his 57). Fjord got hit for more damage than Caleb last night and still ended the fight at barely below Caleb’s max. 

I know Yasha’s AC is “super low” for this level, but honestly, her high HP and rage halving damage seems to be working out for her just fine. Yasha’s only been unconscious 2 times and the last time was in episode 19. That’s way back when they were level 4 y’all! And I know Ashley’s not been there, but it’s not like Travis was jagering her totally out of battle - she was in it!

Caleb, on the other hand? KO’d 13 times, just one away from the record for a PC in campaign one, and in half as many episodes. And Liam’s kept him far enough away from the thick of battle that it’s become a running joke (”Caleb distance”) so it’s not like he’s being reckless with the character. 

Evasion helps with HP problems, not with AC. There’s a reason it’s an ability for classes who might be in the thick of things but have a relatively lower hit die (rogues, monks). The Ring also takes a Reaction to use, and would therefore be a steep price for a melee fighter who would probably rather use that Reaction for an Attack of Opportunity.

Like Laura said on Talks a few weeks ago, they like to give Liam a hard time, but insisting on this particular item is understandable. Especially since he nerfed himself attunement-wise and this takes up one of his limited 2 remaining slots.

#also important to note that Caleb actually has *relatively high* HP for a wizard because Liam's been rolling well #as a frequent wizard player I endorse his efforts to reduce the damage his character takes at all costs #d&d mechanics #critical role #caleb widogast #cr spoilers #I really love wizards ok? #even if they are the og glass canons