As you train in Avoidance, you will learn the art of controlling your prana-musculature in order to avoid physical attacks (such as a sword) or lessen the damage received from a physical attack by partially dodging it and thus taking the wound in a less damaging place. This damage reduction can be nearly as much as one part in seven. It applies to both major forms of physical damage: cutting and blunt.
It will not serve to lessen damage which is not physical in nature, such as damage generated by psychic or magical attacks. Avoidance has no individual abilities; rather, the more it is learned, the better the chance a physical attack is avoided or lessened. Avoidance works whether the attacker is a denizen or an adventurer.