ISS Vanguard · Board game rules
Can you exert during the middle of partially resolving a spend X dice effect?
Quick answer
Yes, you can Exert during the resolution of a "Spend X dice" effect to gain dice if needed.
Details
Exertion can be performed "at any time (this includes Landings)" and does not count as an Action [p.31 — Exertion]. This includes using it in response to an effect, such as resolving a "Spend X dice" requirement. If you lack sufficient dice to fulfill a Spend effect, you may Exert by Sacrificing 1 die to Refresh 5 of your Section dice, thereby gaining the necessary dice to complete the Spend action [p.31 — Exertion].
For example, if an effect requires you to "Spend 1 die" but you have no Available dice, you can Exert to Sacrifice a die from your Spent Pool, Refresh 5 dice, and then Spend one of the Refreshed dice to resolve the original effect [p.31 — Exertion].
Watch out: Exertion is only possible if you have at least 4 Section dice in total (to avoid gaining an "Exhausted" Injury). If you have 3 or fewer dice, you must take the Injury instead of Sacrificing a die [p.31 — Exertion].