View source for Expanded Armor Class (3.5e Variant Rule)

=== The Meaning of the Order ===

They're ordered in a specific way intentionally, as it lends to a certain Order of Operations style structure of AC. 1-10, the Opponent Misses, Other Modifiers such as cover would logically be the first thing to make contact with when attacking, assuming the cover or other modifiers are in place and are capable enough to block a strike. While Insight Bonus can be placed anywhere, I group it together with the other no-contact conditions for the reasons under Dexterity and Dodge, and I believe it should come prior to Armor and Natural armor at the very least, as if insight bonus takes hold, it would be before the strike makes contact, not between armor and the full contact. Dexterity and Dodge follow, representing your ability to move and avoid contact outright, as its more likely that one would choose to evade before blocking. Deflection bonus is grouped with the other no-contact bonuses, but may be placed universally in the order, as it could be seen as deflecting the blow regardless of its contact. Shield Bonus follows, marking the point where you start putting an active effort into preventing damage to yourself. Armor follows this, being where you can't react quickly enough with your shield or dodge, and your armor takes the blow instead. Natural armor follows armor, representing the last line of defense, a final layer between your armor and your health.
Author	Xandar +
Identifier	3.5e Variant Rule +
Rating	Unrated +
Summary	A needlessly complicated expansion to Armor Class. +
Title	Expanded Armor Class +