Hey guys. I have been playing CF for a few months now, but as of yet have not managed to level a char above lvl 19. I have read some different logs on the battlefield boards, and have decided that I want to create a defensive warrior. From what I've seen however, the weapon that you use doesn't really affect your parry/dodge. Is there a weapontype that is more defensively oriented? I know that polearms have defensive spins etc, but does that mean that you can deflect blows with them once in a while...??? or does it mean that the polearm class of weapons is exceptional at blocking blows.
I would appreciate any sort of answer, and if possible any tips on building a defensive char.
Thanks a lot

Brawny

Just to add to this question a bit... Would it be worth giving up a shield for a two-handed weapon? Or would it be easier to parry/dodge/shieldblock etc with say a dagger or a sword and a shield?
Thanks

Brawny

Shield block does give you another defensive option and you would want to consider it depending on the weapon choice and what level you are. Pre level 20 you will get the best defense in general wielding a sword and carrying a shield. After level 20 it depends on the weapon spec you take. Defensive spin for example with a spear/staff spec will provide you better def then a sword/shield combo.

sorry, it was the spear/staff weapon type that utilises the defensive spin.:)

nt

Weapon type does matter for defensive purposes in regards to parry. Swords parry better for example then a dagger or an axe. This is designed relatively intuitively so if you think it would be hard to parry using a whip it probably does not parry well in the game.

Dodge is affected by your dex and your weight. Again this is designed to be realistic, characters that have a high dex and are not carrying much will dodge better then someone with low dex and 100% of there wieght capacity filled. So to maximum dodge, maximize your dex and minimize how much you are carrying.

If you are playing a warrior and are purely looking to maximize defensive capabilities at loweer levels (pre 40) you might want to look at the weapon specialization skills such as the one you mentioned, defensive spin. Sword, spear/staff, and polearm all have a 20th level skill that increases your defense in one manner or another I would recommend reading up on those skills (Flourintine, defensive spin, distance) as they each work differently and would consider choosing one of those specs for any warrior aiming to be more defensive.

My personal favorite defensive oriented warrior is a spear/staff spec felar, though arials would be even more defensive with this weapon spec.

Thanks a lot, this has helped quite a bit! I was thinking of going with a spear wielding half-dro. That way I can get 24 dex, infravision, and decent str/con. But I was wondering, how many extra attacks does a felar get with his claws while wielding a two-handed weapon... and is it worth sacrificing the str etc?
Thanks again

Brawny

Felars will always dual wield their claws. The extra attacks are normal dual wield attacks. So, 0-4 extra attacks per round which use your dual wield skill.

I feel it is worth the sacrifice. The biggest problem with spear/staff and pole specs is the loss of your dual wield attacks and thus your over all damage output is greatly decreased. A felar spear/staff or pole spec does not have this limitation and still gets the great defense from the weapon. I would not choose polearm though as the str is a greater factor with this spec as there are fewer light polearms.

Even given the slightly better dex and str and I still prefer a felar with a spear/staff the extra con(+4) and the extra attacks will in my opinion more then make up for the -2 str and the -1 dex in your example.

aside note: Felar have a bonus with hand to hand, that is there claws, another little benefit of this combo.

You rock Elerosse, thanks for all the advice. I planned on setting my second weapon specialisation as hands, and this felar compliments this perfectly. I'll be creating a felar by the name of Tuono... wish me luck!:)

*dance and prance*
Brawny