Damage and Defense

Damage and Defense refers to the damage dealt while attacking and the damage resisted while being attacked. A basic formula is:
 * damage_dealt = attack_damage - defense_armor_rating

Damage Calculation
Damage is applied when a weapon strikes the attacked character. Damage dealt to a character is calculated using the following: damage_dealt = [(wpn_dmg x dmg_mod) + (ench_dmg x ench_mod)] - (armor_rating + blk)
 * wpn = attacker's weapon
 * dmg = damage
 * mod = damage modifier (weapon buffs, nerfs etc.)
 * ench = weapon enchantments
 * blk = block rating (shield or weapon blocking)

Knockback
Knockback occurs when a character is struck by an attack and is staggered by it. There are various levels of knockback that can be categorized as follows: When a character is knocked back they can't attack, dodge or move until the knockback has worn off. In general, heavier weapons will cause more knockback while lighter weapons and unarmed attacks will cause little or no knockback. A character's armor rating is used when calculating the amount of knockback. The higher the armor rating the more knockback will be reduced.
 * Light Knockback (Short duration)
 * Heavy Knockback (Medium duration)
 * Ragdoll Knockback (Long duration)

Blocking
When a character is blocking with their weapon or a shield they will receive less damage when attacked and receive reduced knockback. The amount of knockback is calculated using the weapon/shields block rating. While blocking energy regeneration is reduced by x%.

Defense (Armor Rating)
Defense (or armor rating) is the amount of damage that will be subtracted from attack damage when a character is attacked.

Armor Rating is calculated by the sum of the following factors: Armor Rating is NOT modified by the following:
 * Head-slot armor rating
 * Chest-slot armor rating
 * Legs-slot armor rating
 * Boots-slot armor rating
 * Armor modifiers
 * Weapon defense bonuses
 * Enchant defense bonuses
 * Any vanity-slot armor ratings