In a world where technology and combat converge, the Vanguard is a master of modern warfare. Equipped with cutting-edge gear and tactical technology, these fighters excel on the front lines, using their advanced equipment to gain a tactical edge and protect their allies.

Advanced Gear

When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with tinker's tools if you don’t already have it. You also gain a set of advanced combat gear, which includes the following:

 

• Combat HUD: A heads-up display that grants you a +1 bonus to initiative rolls and allows you to add your proficiency bonus to any Intelligence (Investigation) checks made to assess the capabilities of enemies or environments.

• Reinforced Light Armor: Your light armor is equipped with adaptive tech that provides you with a +1 bonus to AC and advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to avoid detection in urban or technological environments.

• Deployable Shield: As a bonus action, you can deploy a personal shield that grants you a temporary bonus of 2 to your AC until the start of your next turn. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.

 

Tactical Advantage

At 7th level, your combat gear enhances your tactical prowess. You gain the following benefits:

• Enhanced Mobility: Your movement speed increases by 10 feet. Additionally, you can use a bonus action to Dash or Disengage during your turn, and when you do so, you can add your proficiency bonus to the result of any Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks you make to avoid being grappled or restrained.

• Targeting System: As a reaction when an enemy within 30 feet of you makes an attack, you can use your targeting system to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.

Energy Surge

At 10th level, you can channel energy through your combat gear to deliver a powerful surge. As a bonus action, you can activate an energy surge in your armor, which grants you the following effects for 1 minute:

• Overcharged Attacks: Your weapon attacks deal an extra 1d6 damage of the weapon’s type.
• Energized Defense: You gain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from non-magical attacks.

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Battle Enhancements

At 15th level, your advanced gear provides significant enhancements in battle. You gain the following benefits:

• Defensive Protocols: You gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against effects that would cause you to be stunned or paralyzed.
• Rapid Response: When a creature you can see makes an attack against you, you can use your reaction to gain advantage on your next attack roll against that creature before the end of your next turn.

Vanguard Mastery

At 18th level, you achieve peak performance with your combat gear. When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can use your reaction to activate an advanced combat protocol. Choose one of the following effects:

• Targeted Strike: The target must make a Constitution saving throw against your DC. On a failed save, the target is marked for 1 minute. While marked, the target takes an extra 2d6 damage from all attacks made by you and your allies.
• Disruptive Burst: You unleash a burst of energy that forces all creatures within 10 feet of you to make a Dexterity saving throw against your DC. On a failed save, creatures take 4d6 force damage and are pushed 10 feet away from you. On a successful save, they take half damage and are not pushed.

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.