Anyone know what raising the skill value does? Adds more "effectiveness" like the base perk? Lower stamina drain from bashing?

Also, we need stats on how much damage is blocked with shield/weap. Is it a percentage of the total? In OB it was 50% damage reduction (DR) for blocking with weaps and 75% DR for blocking with shields. I doubt this crossed over...

Also, how much does timing the block reduce damage versus holding down the block button until the enemy attacks? So many questions...need to sleep.

im curious though, since bash takes up so much stamina, why don't you go ahead and use a weapon power attack instead?

1) The slow time effect can be used to dodge attacks because you still move quickly. Once it fires, it last for a certain period even if you stop blocking - giving you a chance to side step the attack. This is most notable on something like a bear.

I think the power attack swing time of the enemy determines how long the slow time effect lasts.

This also gives you plenty of time to interrupt the attack with a bash.

2) Bashing is used to stun the enemy, giving you time to deal non-power attacks without wasting stamina. Yes getting a power attack off is better, but you can get hit while trying.

I often use bash to get power attacks off without fear of getting hit.

Basically, how it has been working for me is:

* Wait for enemy to PA
* Bash - interrupting their PA, then...
* Either PA or do a few non PA swings.

The idea is to conserve stamina until I think I can finish them off, then go for the kill.

And yes the elemental perk is very nice. With nord frost resist I'm basically immune to Frost dmg.

Combine this with the disarm shout and you are very tough. Can't wait to get the bash disarm...

re: number 2

That's kind of why I was thinking about coupling a shield with magic. I can shield bash without worrying about conserving stamina for my weapon. Basically, mana is for attacks, and stamina is for blocking. As opposed to a melee weapon class, whose stamina bar is for blocking and attacking.

But I'm not sure how it'd work

Good to know. Did you have to put points in stamina to be able to block effectively?