How does defense work?

[homefry]

If I have a unit that has more defense points than attack points and the enemy is charging straight for them, is it better to....

1. Leave your units alone.

2. Make your units charge back at the enemy.

3. Enable guard mode on that unit.


which one?

[Lord Firkraag]

Guard mode if you are being charged by something with better charge attack than you (mostly cavalry), counter-charge if you have a good charge attack yourself (cavalry vs cavalry, or something like Varangians against other infantry).

[Lupu]

2. Because high defence noesnt get more if your standing still and a charcge does damage and reduces enemy charge damage, standing still only offers protection vs cav.

A-L

[sumaznguy]

Speaking of defense, what does defense skill do? It seems useless. Armor and shield values are significantly more important correct?

[Lusted]

Shield value is only applied to frontally attacks, and 50% of the value is applied to attacks from either side. It is not used when attacked from rear. Musket type wepaons ignore the shield value.

Armour value is used all the time but is affected by the ap trait.

Defense skill is only used in melee.