Defense is a core combat mechanic in Remixed Dungeon that determines the chance to successfully evade incoming attacks.

The defense skill is calculated in the Char.java file as part of the defenseSkill method:

public int defenseSkill(Char enemy) {
 
    int defenseSkill = baseDefenseSkill + lvl();
 
    final int[] bf = {0};
    forEachBuff(b -> bf[0] += b.defenceSkillBonus(this));
 
    int bonus = bf[0];
 
    float evasion = (float) Math.pow(1.2, bonus);
    if (paralysed) {
        evasion /= 2;
    }
 
    int aEnc = getItemFromSlot(Belongings.Slot.ARMOR).requiredSTR() - effectiveSTR();
 
    if (aEnc > 0) {
        return (int) (defenseSkill * evasion / Math.pow(1.5, aEnc));
    } else {
 
        if (getHeroClass() == HeroClass.ROGUE) {
 
            if (getCurAction() != null && getSubClass() == HeroSubClass.FREERUNNER && !isStarving()) {
                evasion *= 2;
            }
 
            return (int) ((defenseSkill - aEnc) * evasion);
        } else {
            return (int) (defenseSkill * evasion);
        }
    }
}

• Definition: The character's base defense skill value
• Storage: baseDefenseSkill field in Char class
• Examples:
  • Rat: 3
  • Warrior: 5 (in Hero class)
  • Thief: 12
  • Goo: 12
  • King: 25
  • Yog's Heart: 40
• Function: Provides the foundational defense value before modifiers

• Formula: baseDefenseSkill + lvl()
• Effect: Each level increases defense skill by 1 point
• Implementation: baseDefenseSkill + lvl() in the calculation

• Mechanism: Each buff with defenceSkillBonus increases the skill
• Formula: Bonuses are summed and applied as exponential modifier to evasion: Math.pow(1.2, bonus)
• Examples: Various buffs can provide defense skill bonuses

• Condition: When character is paralyzed
• Effect: Evasion is halved (evasion /= 2)
• Purpose: Reduces defensive capabilities while paralyzed

• Calculation: aEnc = getItemFromSlot(Belongings.Slot.ARMOR).requiredSTR() - effectiveSTR()
• Effect: If aEnc > 0 (armor requires more STR than available), defense is reduced by a factor of Math.pow(1.5, aEnc)
• Impact: Wearing armor that requires more strength than available significantly reduces defense

• Hero Classes: Non-rogues use basic formula defenseSkill * evasion
• Rogues: Use modified formula (defenseSkill - aEnc) * evasion and get additional bonuses
• Freerunner Subclass: When not starving and moving, evasion is doubled (evasion *= 2)

• Hit Chance: The attacker's attack skill is compared against the defender's defense skill
• Calculation: Random.Float(attacker.attackSkill(defender)) > Random.Float(defender.defenseSkill(attacker))
• Result: If true, the attack hits; if false, the attack misses

The Hero class has a special defense skill calculation:

// In Hero.java
public int defenseSkill(Char enemy) {
    float skillFactor = 1;
 
    if (getSubClass() == HeroSubClass.BRIGAND) {
        skillFactor *= 1.2;
    }
 
    return (int) (super.defenseSkill(enemy) * skillFactor);
}

• Evasion: The primary means of avoiding damage is through the defense skill system
• Hit Calculation: Random.Float(attacker.attackSkill(defender)) > Random.Float(defender.defenseSkill(attacker))
• Result: If the attacker's roll is higher, the hit succeeds; otherwise, the defender evades

• Char_StaDodged: Text displayed when a character successfully dodges an attack

• Java: Char.java
• Java: Hero.java
• Java: CharUtils.java

• Defense Formula (Java): defenseSkill method in Char.java calculates defense with baseDefenseSkill + lvl() + buff bonuses
• Evasion Multiplier: Math.pow(1.2, bonus) where bonus comes from buffs with defenceSkillBonus method
• Armor Encumbrance: aEnc = getItemFromSlot(Belongings.Slot.ARMOR).requiredSTR() - effectiveSTR()
• Encumbrance Reduction Factor: Math.pow(1.5, aEnc) when armor requires more STR than available
• Paralysis Effect: evasion /= 2 when character is paralyzed
• Freerunner Bonus: evasion *= 2 when not starving and moving
• Combat Hit Calculation: Random.Float(attacker.attackSkill(defender)) > Random.Float(defender.defenseSkill(attacker))
• String Resources: Char_StaDodged array in strings_all.xml provides dodge text messages

• Attack Skill Mechanic
• Evasion Mechanic
• Combat Mechanic
• Accuracy Mechanic
• Armor Item
• Encumbrance - How armor weight affects movement and defense
• Strength - How strength affects armor requirements
• Buffs - How buffs affect defense skill
• Paralysis - Effect on defense when paralyzed
• Freerunner - Class with special defense mechanics