There is a light armour which gives you 17 AC. You need to complete Zhentarim quest. And with that you can get 19 dex +17 AC.
Take medium armour feat, and get 17 AC +1 Dex which gives 18 dex. Use It nearly does same damage as with 19 Dex. Prefer shord swords. Do not take dual wielder because rapier's offhand misses so many times.
Wear 'warped headband of intellect' for dexterity saves, and you are pretty much tank. You are immune to ironbound pursuit attacks made by those redcaps. If you do not believe me then check out guides.
