I've heard it makes you attack more often, but I'm more inclined to believe that it just aids evasion.
Now, does that evasion include shield blocking and parrying? Or just straight dodging?
And how MUCH does it help? For example, if I have a low evasion skill and a high agi, am I as well-off as someone with a high evasion skill and a low agi? Am I better-off? Worse?
Why I'm asking: I'm planning on making a pal/war. I have an elvann war at level 10. My evasion is pretty low (15), my shield and parry are at a miserable 3 each. And none of them ever trigger. To make a good tank, I figure I'll have to dodge pretty well (or parry or block). So I was thinking of restarting as a Mithra, even though they are much less popular for paladins. I also want their extra MP! (Elvaans get CRAP for MP).
However, if it turns out that paladins take so little damage that they don't really need to block/parry/dodge, LET ME KNOW (so I don't have to scratch a lot of work); same for if it turns out that they don't need much in the way of MP.
Also, is there a stat that contributes directly to defense, i.e., to how little damage I take?
Please, any input would be great, especially from elvaan or mithra paladins. Thanks