Okay!  I think I've got it now!  I just hope I understood everything!<br/><br/>On the understanding that 32 point buy is acceptable, I was able to up my dexterity from 8 to 14.<br/><br/>With a +2 dexterity modifier, I can get the AC I want from a Rare Barrier Tatoo (http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/wondrous-items:barrier-tattoo) instead of a Very Rare one.<br/><br/>Now I can name the sword + gem I described earlier.  It may be underwhelming but I think that's okay.  :)<br/><br/>*  *  *<br/><br/>So, do you want us to pay for our home base out of our starting resources?  If not is it okay if I've got a permeant one of these somewhere?<br/><br/>Mighty Fortress (http://dnd5e.wikidot.com/spell:mighty-fortress)<br/><br/>