Thanks for the response. No, I didn't skip the tutorials. I just find it frustrating that I'm not able to take any avoiding action while that bar's filling up.
My character empties her weapons bar and then just stands there taking hits while being bashed, instead of getting out of the way.
I mustn't be too critical because I do like the game but the combat doesn't seem to need much input from the player.
I don't recall a tutorial on sneaking. Was there one?