Defend (ぼうぎょ, Bōgyo?), also known as Guard (まもる, Mamoru?) , Parry, and Defending, is a recurring status effect in the Final Fantasy series, usually caused by the ability of the same name. Characters in this status take a defensive stance that causes them to take less damage.
Appearances
Final Fantasy IV
In the 2D versions, Defend status wears off when the character's next turn comes up. When the player chooses the command to defend, this status is applied. The status is also applied after using Brace. While under this status, the defense of the character increases by a factor of 2.
The player will not see a status description while the status is granted on the character when they are selecting a Cure or Esuna spell or healing items.
Final Fantasy IV -Interlude-
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Defend is a status that doubles the character's defense until the character's input window is displayed again.
Final Fantasy VII
Every character can use the Defend command to take half damage until the start of their next action.
Final Fantasy VIII
Defend status is gained from the Brothers' and Cactuar's ability Defend. It grants the character immunity to physical attacks and halves magical damage. If the user is attacked by a physical attack that would cause a status effect, the status effect will never be applied, but statuses from magic attacks can take effect. The status lasts until the character picks their next move.
Final Fantasy X
A character will automatically defend against physical attacks when their turn is skipped through 
. When defending, damage from physical attacks is halved.
Final Fantasy Tactics
The Evasive Stance (also known as "Defend") status doubles the character's chance of evading an attack until their next turn. The thief's reaction ability, Vigilance, can trigger the defending stance when the user is being attacked, as can the squire's Evasive Stance ability.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Defend increases the units' weapon and magic resistance until the unit next moves.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Defend increases the unit's Defense and Resistance until the next turn. There is a stronger version, Bulwark, which makes the unit impervious to damage for one turn.
