A defense modifier is a statistical value assigned to certain one-handed weapons. This value only affects users when they have equipped a shield with their one-handed weapon. The defense modifier adjusts the defense rating of the shield, instead of combining the defense value of the weapon and the shield.
The defense modifier can be identified by a "+" or "-" after the defense value of a weapon. If a weapon shows a defense of "Def:18 +1", then the weapon's defense modifier is "+1".
Example[]
For example, if a character has equipped a Wooden Shield (Def:14) and a Barbarian Axe (Def:18 +1), then the character's actual defense is Def:15 (shield defense + weapon's defense modifier).
Negative Defense Modifier[]
Some weapons have a negative defense modifier. This works in the same way as a positive defense modifier. Using our previous example, if a character has equipped a Wooden Shield (Def:14) and a Butcher's Axe (Def:24 -2), then the character's actual defense is Def:12 (shield defense + weapon's negative defense modifer).