Timing a block perfectly will parry an enemy, stunning them for a critical backstab.
The world is a hub-and-spoke model with as your base. Sands of Aura
Activating charges enhances your next few actions. For example, Spellblade charges can change your dodge animation and add elemental effects. Timing a block perfectly will parry an enemy,
Use these to break the blue shields of guarded enemies. Sands of Aura
Watch the yellow bar under an enemy's health; once filled, they stagger. Note that your own Poise (shield strength) scales with your maximum health.