[NobleNick]

Originally posted by Stratos: ... *Block - I'm not sure I agree with Block being based on Endurance but perhaps they needed Endurance raising skills (assuming the level-up system is similiar to that of Morrowind.

Here's a nugget that I learned recently about real life blocking: The Roman soldiers, in the days of the legions, carried javelins. These iron throwing weapons, IIRC, weighed about 8 pounds. The purpose of the Roman javelin was not to slay the enemy (although, if they got in a kill, I guess they'd take it). Instead, the object was to embed the javelin solidly into the enemy's wooden shield. Two javelin sticks added 16 pounds to the shield, making it very tiresome to hold up in the correct position for blocking missiles, and awkward for blocking swords after the enemy closed to melee. Therefore, endurance did become a factor in effective blocking (although I think strength would also play a big part).

I agree with your analysis, though: It was likely a gameplay thing, not a reality or roleplay consideration.