Dexterity

Dexterity is defined as "skill or adroitness in using the hands or body". This trait has been adapted as a Shadowbane stat responsible for many traits dealing with finesse, cunning, or nimbleness.

Role in Defense

Dexterity plays the biggest part amongst all stats for defense.

Formula

Defense can be calculated using the following formula (reference 1):

• Defense = ((Dexterity*2) + (Total Armor Defense*(Armor Skill * .03)) + (Shield Armor * ( * .03)) + ((Primary Weapon Skill + Secondary Weapon Skill)/2)) * (1. Stance Modification)

Armor Penalty

The weight of one's armor can hinder dexterity. For this reason, it is common to see dexterity-based characters using Light Armor, due to the low weight. However, Elven heavy and medium armor offer reduced weight and thus reduced penalty, but still not as much as light armor.

Role in Offense

Dexterity-Based Weapons

The following weapons use the dexterity value to determine their maximum damage:

• Daggers
• Throwing Daggers
• Staffs
• Bows
• Crossbows
• Unarmed weapons
• Nature's Wrath, a Druid-only one-handed sword
• Brallia Blades, a Ranger-only one-handed sword
• Long Blades, the cardinal weapon of Blade Masters
• Tlanarion Swords, the cardinal weapons of Blade Weavers

References

1. Defense formula: Conformed Game Formulas (UBI Forum)