Nintaku:
In a Challenge, you're basically doing something like darting the camera around to a bunch of tasks being completed at once to resolve the overall situation. It's generally one roll for each task, and the outcome of the whole thing is determined by how the sub-problems were dealt with. It's quick and then it's done.
I thought that was only one use for them. For instance, the party might be disarming or dealing with a complex trap, the operation of which takes a few moments. Or trying to open a portal quickly. Or conduct refugees onto a rocking ship.
I can readily imagine any of those as taking place while an epic fight is underway. Now, one
could just make Fight part of the challenge, but that would seem to trivialize it. There should be at least a few good exchanges before the trap chomps down, the portal opens, or the last little waif is onboard.
Has anyone done that? Run a Challenge of maybe a couple of rolls for each participating character (or making one Challenge check for every couple of Conflict exchanges)? Once the challenge is done or failed, the Conflict might have a clear end, with the PC withdrawing, or maybe the stakes are higher than just bought time.
I've done it with skill challenges in D&D, which is what makes me think about doing it here. Also, it's just very cinematic. Most fights in fiction aren't usually about the fight itself, but about some other goal.
Nintaku:
There are reasons the two aren't quite as connected as they could be, but also ways to intertwine the ideas of them, so long as you know what each is mechanically distinct for.
I hear you. Still learning.
Nintaku:
But yeah, using Fight to impress people who are impressed by fighting prowess is exactly why Fight is allowed as an Overcome action in the first place. It's built right into Fate.
Yeah, it just rubs me the wrong way. Like, Robin impresses Little John, but it's an actual "fight" not just flexing and posturing. But, hey, in most Robin Hood stories, there's a Shooting contest at some point. Oh, well.
I could explain my take on Intimidation and Charisma, but I won't ruin this fine thread with that.