Avoid

Avoid (プルーフ, Proof) is a Mercury-based Utility Psynergy featured throughout the Golden Sun series. The Sacred Feather, a one-time use item, can be used to emulate Avoid's effect.

Basic Characteristics
Avoid is a non-damaging Psynergy that can be used in dungeons, the overworld, or on the world map.

When used, Avoid features golden rings appearing around the current playable character. The character will then glow for a moment, and a message will appear noting the reduction in the random encounter rate.

Mechanics
Avoid is unique amongst Psynergy in that it is the only Psynergy capable of reducing random monster encounters. It does not completely eliminate encounters, and thus the number of encounters can vary greatly during Avoid's use. Avoid will wear off after an unspecified period of time.

Availability
In all games, Avoid is available to Venus, Mars, and Mercury Adepts. It should be noted that the majority of classes require that the Adept has the required Djinn to have reached the second stage of the class, the exception being the Dragoon class. Thus, Avoid is available to the following classes:


 * Mariner class series (Class must be Privateer or higher)
 * Aqua Squire class series (Class must be Aqua Prince or higher)
 * Swordsman (Venus) (Class must be Defender or higher)
 * Swordsman (Mars) (Class must be Defender or higher)
 * Dragoon

In The Lost Age, Avoid can also be accessed by any Adept, including Jupiter Adepts, that has equipped the Mysterious Card, which allows access to the Pierrot class series. Regardless of class, Avoid is learned at Level 6.

Analysis
Avoid is an extremely useful tool to have, but when overused it can lead to catastrophic results. It is most helpful when the player's party is in dire straits, since it helps the party get to an inn before it is too late. It is also especially useful for players who are visiting areas where the enemies are too weak to be worth fighting, since it saves the annoyance of random combat.

The drawback, however, is that it is impossible to collect experience points for battles not fought; excessive dependence on Avoid can lead to the player being unprepared when a boss comes around.