Defense and Resistances
The defense system relies on two fixed values:
- the Defense Score (DS): determines whether an attack hits.
- the Resistances: reduce damage once the attack succeeds.
For a complete understanding of the resistance system, see Resistance System.
1. Defense Score (DS)
The Defense Score represents the difficulty of hitting a target. It depends on the type of attack received and the corresponding defense statistic.
General Formula
DS = 10 + (defense stat / 2) + armor bonus| Attack Type | Defense Stat Used | Example of Influential Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy attack / 2-handed | Strength (STR) | Heavy armor, shield |
| Light attack / 1-handed | Dexterity (DEX) | Medium armor, light exoskeleton |
| Ranged attack | Precision (PRE) or Perception (PER) | Medium armor, cover |
| Arcanotechnological attack | Intelligence (INT) | Arcanotechnological armor, quantum resistances |
The attacker must achieve a result >= the target’s DS for their attack to hit. Armor bonuses, shields, and cover are added to the final value.
2. Resistances
Once the attack succeeds, Resistances determine how much damage is absorbed before reaching hit points.
There are three types of resistances based on the physical nature of the attack:
The Three Resistances
| Resistance | Abbreviation | Covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Resistance | RMEC | Impact, perforation, pressure, shockwave | Sword, bullet, rock projectile |
| Radiative Resistance | RRAD | Heat, cold, light, external electricity | Fire, laser, lightning, surface frost |
| Internal Resistance | RINT | Flux alteration, internal combustion/freezing | Necrosis, life drain, corruption |
General Formula
Resistance = armor bonus + (secondary stat / 4) + special bonusesThe secondary statistic and bonuses depend on the resistance type and equipment.
| Resistance | Primary Secondary Stat | Typical Bonus Sources |
|---|---|---|
| RMEC | Strength (STR) | Heavy armor, exoskeleton, shield |
| RRAD | Constitution (CON) | Insulating suit, energy shield |
| RINT | Intelligence (INT) | Flux stability, rare implants, meditation |
Application
When an attack succeeds:
Final Damage = Raw Damage - Applicable ResistanceImportant: It is not the source of the attack that determines the resistance, but its physical nature.
- An arcanotechnological fireball -> RRAD (heat)
- An arcanotechnological rock projectile -> RMEC (impact)
- An arcanotechnological necrosis -> RINT (internal alteration)
Damage can never be reduced below 0. Some mixed attacks (such as explosions) affect multiple resistances: blast (RMEC) + heat (RRAD).