Defense value (DV) increases the character's Evade rating by 1% per point.
DV may be increased by wearing armor or by having the Dodge feats. Some weapons may also increase DV.
Elona+[]
In Elona+, Defense value increases the characters Evade rating by 3.75% per point.
Omake Overhaul[]
In Omake overhaul, all characters gain PV and DV based on their race when wearing no armor. This bonus scales with level.
Shields count as armor.