If u want a powerful character in combat always max def , its amazing (its a huge difference between 5 and 10, bullets do no damage, many weapons barely scratch you, even aggrevated damage, fire is the only danger).
I love def in bloodlines and always have it high, my first playthrough i had it at six and died constantly and got frustrated at the game.
My second i maxed it quick and enemies couldnt touch my char (i killed ming with katana and a 10 in melee and 10 def without bloodpacks and discplines once)
The 4 crossbow dudes at the end will probably not get to lower than half life if u melee them with max defense, if you shot em with good firarms skill then, well they should die much quicker.
Be warned tough,the game becomes easy with max defense
combine it with your fort discp of 3 and your a tank, a tank with regeneration
