The Kukri Blade Vanguard is a subclass inspired by legendary mountain warriors, blending ferocious combat prowess with unshakable bravery. Known for their unmatched skill with the kukri blade—a weapon as much a tool of survival as it is a symbol of fear—they are masters of close-quarters combat and relentless perseverance. These warriors thrive in dangerous environments, using their keen tactical minds, resilience, and courage to overcome any odds.

Kukri Blade Vanguards are renowned for their fearless demeanor, often charging headlong into combat against overwhelming foes. Their training emphasizes precision, allowing them to deliver devastating strikes while remaining agile and difficult to pin down. Their mastery of the kukri is not just about its lethality; it is a reflection of their discipline, resourcefulness, and adaptability.

Beyond their combat capabilities, Kukri Blade Vanguards embody the spirit of guardianship. They are protectors of the weak, defenders of treacherous mountain passes, and vanguards of safety for their people. Their presence on the battlefield inspires their allies, bolstering their resolve to stand firm in the face of fear.

In the world of Exandria, Kukri Blade Vanguards are often found among the rugged defenders of mountainous regions, such as the Rumal Garrison of Marquet, the Cliffkeep Mountain patrols of Tal'Dorei, or even as guerrilla fighters in the dangerous terrain of Xhorhas. Wherever they are found, these warriors are symbols of bravery, strength, and relentless determination.

Key Characteristics:

• Precision and Efficiency: Their expertise with the kukri makes them deadly in close quarters, emphasizing quick, decisive strikes.
• Resilience: Kukri Blade Vanguards are built to withstand hardship, with abilities that enhance their durability and adaptability.
• Inspiring Presence: Their courage and determination uplift allies, turning the tide of battle through sheer resolve.
• Guerrilla Tactics: Skilled at ambushes and quick strikes, they excel in using terrain and strategy to their advantage.

Kukri Blade Vanguards are not just warriors—they are legends in the making, forged in the crucible of battle and shaped by their unyielding spirit.

Level 3: Kukri Mastery

• Kukri Proficiency: You gain proficiency with kukris (treat as short swords with finesse).
• Twin Blade Strikes: When you take the Attack action and attack with a kukri, you can make an additional attack with a kukri in your off-hand as part of the same action.
• Fearless Warrior: You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Level 7: Mountain Resilience

• • You gain proficiency in Survival.
  • When traversing difficult terrain caused by rocky or mountainous environments, your speed is not reduced.
  • As a reaction when you take damage, you can reduce the damage by 1d10 + your Fighter level. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus per long rest.

Level 10: Tactical Ambush

• When you hit a creature with a weapon attack while hidden or unseen, you deal an extra 1d8 damage.
• If you are within 5 feet of a hostile creature, you can use your bonus action to Disengage.

Level 15: Spirit of the Kukri


• As a bonus action, you can enter a focused state for 1 minute. While in this state:
  • When you score a critical hit with a melee weapon, you regain hit points equal to your Fighter level.
  • You add your Constitution modifier to all melee weapon damage rolls.
  • You have advantage on Intimidation checks.
• Once you use this ability, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.

Level 18: Vanguard of Courage

• Allies within 30 feet of you have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
• When you take the Attack action, you can forgo one attack to grant an ally within 30 feet an immediate weapon attack as a reaction.