Block

Blocking is the act of using a shield to prevent partial damage. It's one of the means of physical damage mitigation.

Game mechanics
Physical attacks, either ranged or melee, can be blocked only if you have a shield equipped.

Block rating
The main attribute of blocking is your block rating, as shown on the character sheet. 1 strength provides 1 block rating. A higher rating will provide a higher chance to block an attack, and absorb a higher portion of blocked blows.

Chance to block
The block chance is calculated as follows :


 * BlockChance = X * BlockRating

X is a factor that depends on level, as shown in the following table

Block absorption
The percentage of damage absorbed on a blocked attack is calculated as such :


 * DamageAbsorbed = BlockRating / (BlockRating + X)

DamageAbsorbed is between 0 and 1, and X is a number that gets higher on given levels. X can be calculated from the character sheet :


 * X = BlockRating * (1-DamageAbsorbed) / DamageAbsorbed

Here's a table of known X values :

When a soul tree "increases your block by X%", only the chance to block in increased, not the rating or the damage absorbed.

Paladin
Stalwart Shield : Increases your Block by 2/4/6/8/10%.

Shield of the Hero : Buff that increases block by 5%

Shield of the Chosen : Buff that increases block by 5%

Warlord
Defensive Experience : Increases your Block by 1/2/3/4/5%