Hi Fools!
As far as I know Defense has nothing to do with your armor.
Defense is determined by your agility, whereas Armor the sum of your worn armor pieces is. Armor reduces damage if you´re hit. Defense prevents you of beeing hit.
When you die you have to reload a previous saved game.
Hope that Helps <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
bernhard