====== Defend Action ======


In [[start|Fate Accelerated]], the **Defend action** isn’t just about reacting to attacks from other characters—it’s also used to shield yourself from immediate threats posed by the environment, such as magical explosions, collapsing structures, or other sudden dangers. Unlike the [[overcome|Overcome]] action, which focuses on solving problems or escaping from situations, Defend is all about mitigating harm in the moment.

  * **Physical Defense**: Blocking debris from a sudden cave-in, resisting the force of a strong wind, or protecting yourself from falling rocks might involve a Forceful brace or a Quick reflex to duck out of the way.

  * **Magical Defense**: If a trap releases a burst of fire or a magical explosion, Defend lets you react to shield yourself. A Careful placement of a shield might minimize harm, or a Clever move could use nearby cover to absorb the blast.

  * **Hazardous Situations**: From being caught in a sudden flood to dodging bolts of electricity from a malfunctioning artifact, the Defend action helps you handle direct environmental dangers as they happen. A Flashy leap to safety or a Sneaky roll behind cover could save you from taking damage.

What makes Defend distinct is its reactive nature—you’re responding to an immediate threat. If you succeed, you avoid harm entirely. If you fail, you’ll take stress or consequences based on the severity of the danger. A tie might leave you mostly safe but create a boost for the environment or hazard, potentially complicating future actions.

Defend ensures that characters have a clear and effective way to handle sudden environmental threats without overstepping into [[overcome|Overcome]] territory, which is reserved for proactive problem-solving like finding an escape route or disarming a trap. This keeps the focus on the immediacy of danger and the creative ways characters can respond to it in the heat of the moment.