Hmmm... dexterity seems to be improving the number of hits I can place. A good combination of combat att , combat def , and magic def , with dexterity and a strong weapon can often tide around your way.
As for the resting efficiency - gain all possible constitution in the intro story and then go on to build the central gardens (gives more efficiency per level than home). I was able to de-stress for 22 stress on my first turn.
With no difficulty , you can match up your stress and healing to gain a week or so.
So with 22 eff , I would rest only at multiples like 22,44,66 more or less.
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