Blocking is a combat mechanic in Outward related to Stability and Impact 
.
Effects and Properties[ | ]
- Blocking prevents all damage to Health
from melee attacks or physical projectiles.
- Gauntlets only reduce damage taken by 90%.
- Only certain skills can block magical blasts (see below).
- Blocking will increase the players maximum stability by 50%, indicated by the the small shield symbol next to the stability bar, and the bar turning orange.
- Weapons gain the same 50% bonus as shields, so blocking with even basic starting weapons can be surprisingly effective.
- Shields also grant bonus impact resistance, which will continue to apply even if the guard meter is depleted.
- When blocking an attack, you will lose
Stamina equivalent to 1/8th of the impact you received from the attack. So with higher impact resistance, blocking will consume less stamina. 
Stamina regeneration is also greatly reduced while holding the block button. - While blocking, your Movement Speed is reduced by 40%.
Projectiles[ | ]
- Magical projectiles can often be blocked with Shields, but not by blocking with other Weapons.
Blocking Skills[ | ]
Magic Blocking Skills[ | ]
Magic Blocking Skills can block any attack, including magical blasts.
Parry Skills[ | ]
Parrying skills will block melee attacks, and then counter with an attack in response.