| The item you're missing that leaps out at me is the Shimmering Sash, which puts the user under the effect Blur (effectively +3 to AC). It's only useable by good characters, and can be purchased from Orrick. You can also find the Boots of the Fox (+1 AC, increased speed) as a random item in Dragon's Eye.
In the expansions, you can find a Cloak of Scintillating Colors (+3 AC, useable with other protection items) and/or the Wailing of Virgins (cloak granting mind-spell immunities and bonuses to AC depending on weapon type).
The post was also written considering that Klorox was using a paladin as a lead character. Paladins, of course, get +2 AC for their long-lasting special ability Protection From Evil, which stacks with PfE spells. That extra +2, combined with the Shimmering Sash, would give a base AC of -20 with the items and Dex you described.
Your Gnome Fighter may not be able to reach the best AC (-30 or lower), as that requires the use of caster-only spells, but will certainly be serviceable as a tank.
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When your back is against the wall... the other guy is in a whole lotta trouble.
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