Defense stats grant characters protection in combat. The higher a character's defense, the more likely the opponent is to miss an attack.
Each defense (other than Deflection) is equally influenced by two stats. Aside from level, the attributes that contribute to each defense are the primary determining factors of that defense. Class rarely has a large influence on a character's defenses.[1] Defense can also be further modified by spells, abilities, talents and equipment.[2] Every level, characters gain 3 additional points to all defenses.[3]
Defense types
The four types of defenses and their respective attacks are:
- Deflection (DEF): Represents a character's ability to deflect direct melee and ranged attacks. It is mostly determined by class. It can be modified by using a shield. It is influenced by Resolve.[1]
- Fortitude (FOR): Represents a character's endurance to "body system attacks" such as poison or disease. It is based on Might and Constitution.[1]
- Reflex (REF): Represents a character's ability to dodge area of effect attacks. It is based on Dexterity and Perception.[1]
- Will (WIL): Represents a character's strength of mind and resistance to mental attack. It is based on Intellect and Resolve.[1]
Starting defenses
The character's class determines the starting value of the Deflection defense. The other three defenses all start at 20 regardless of class.
| Class | Base Deflection |
|---|---|
| Fighter | 30 |
| Chanter, Monk | 25 |
| Cipher, Druid, Paladin, Ranger | 20 |
| Barbarian, Priest, Rogue | 15 |
| Wizard | 10 |