ESODecoded

Defensive Posture

Weapon · One Hand and Shield · Active — base skill and both morphs, exact values.

data retrieved 2026-06-11 · datamined via UESP

At a glance

Class / categoryWeapon
Skill lineOne Hand and Shield
Skill typeActive
Morphs2
Base cost4320 Stamina
Unlocks atLevel 14

Base skill & morphs

BASE Defensive Posture4320 Stamina · unlocks lvl 14

Bolster your defenses, gaining a damage shield that absorbs up to 4958 damage for 6 seconds. This portion of the ability scales off your Max Health. You reflect the next harmful direct damage projectile cast at you. This effect can occur once per cast.

MORPH Absorb Missile4320 Stamina · unlocks lvl 14

Bolster your defenses, gaining a damage shield that absorbs up to 4958 damage for 6 seconds. While the shield persists, you are healed for 2560 Health the next time a harmful direct damage projectile hits you. This effect can occur once per cast. This ability scales off your Max Health.

MORPH Defensive Stance4320 Stamina · unlocks lvl 14

Bolster your defenses, gaining a damage shield that absorbs up to 4958 damage for 6 seconds. This portion of the ability scales off your Max Health. You reflect the next harmful direct damage projectile cast at you, once per cast. While slotted and you have a shield equipped, the amount of damage you can block is increased by 10% and the cost of blocking is reduced by 10%.

Morph differences

What each morph changes relative to the base skill — exact datamined text only, no recommendation of which to pick.

Defensive Posture BASE

Bolster your defenses, gaining a damage shield that absorbs up to 4958 damage for 6 seconds. This portion of the ability scales off your Max Health. You reflect the next harmful direct damage projectile cast at you. This effect can occur once per cast.

Absorb Missile MORPH

Changes vs base: While the shield persists, you are healed for 2560 Health the next time a harmful direct damage projectile hits you. This ability scales off your Max Health.

Defensive Stance MORPH

Changes vs base: You reflect the next harmful direct damage projectile cast at you, once per cast. While slotted and you have a shield equipped, the amount of damage you can block is increased by 10% and the cost of blocking is reduced by 10%.

FAQ

What are the morphs of Defensive Posture?

Defensive Posture has 2 morphs: Absorb Missile, Defensive Stance.

What's the difference between the Defensive Posture morphs?

Absorb Missile: While the shield persists, you are healed for 2560 Health the next time a harmful direct damage projectile hits you. This ability scales off your Max Health.

Defensive Stance: You reflect the next harmful direct damage projectile cast at you, once per cast. While slotted and you have a shield equipped, the amount of damage you can block is increased by 10% and the cost of blocking is reduced by 10%.

How much does Defensive Posture cost?

4320 Stamina.

Where does Defensive Posture come from?

Weapon · One Hand and Shield skill line.