Reduce incoming damage from a single attack by your Defense. Some damage may not be avoidable (e.g., psychic damage, or some areas of effect).
Defend
Core Rules v2 p. 14
FAQs
4Can I Interpose and Defend at the same time?
OfficialCore Rules v2 p. 14
Yes! As long as you have enough actions to spend, you can Interpose and Defend at the same time. However, you won't be able to do either reaction again until your next turn ends since each is limited to 1/round.
Can you Defend against Warding Bond?
OfficialCore Rules v2 p. 55
Yes, this counts as being attacked so you can Defend against it as normal.
How do defensive and reaction spells affect their trigger?
OfficialCore Rules v2 p. 55
Reactions resolve before their trigger. So if an attack was made but the attacker is now Poisoned/Frightened/Blind/etc. the attack is rolled again, but taking into account the condition (rolling with disadvantage). You can only cast 1 defensive spell each time you Defend (e.g., Frost Shield OR Alacrity, not both on the same round).
How does Barrier of Wind interact with Defend?
OfficialCore Rules v2 p. 55
When an ally is attacked at Range, if you upcast Barrier of Wind, you can Defend to protect them provided they are within Reach.
Related Rules
1Heroic ReactionsCombat / Reactions