Path of the Guardian

The Path of the Guardian trains you to protect your allies and yourself, in that order.

**Requirements:** Supporting Defender (Knight), Base Course Set

**Path Completion Bonus**: +1 Strength

## Core Abilities

**Shield Expertise I**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

For every 4 abilities purchased in the Path of the Guardian, your Shields have +1 Shield Bonus.

**Shield Expertise II**

**Prerequisite**: **Shield Expertise I,** Shield Block (Fighter)

**Cost**: 500 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

When you Shield Block (Fighter), reduce any incoming bleed or burn damage by your Shield Bonus.

**Shield Parry**

**Prerequisites**: Parry (Fighter), Shield Block (Fighter)

**Cost**: 500 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: 1 Reaction, 5 Vim

This ability is usable if you are being attacked with a melee weapon and you have a Shield Bonus. Shield Block (Fighter) this attack; if you take no damage after resolving the attack, the attacker takes ONE of the following (your choice):

* 2 unavoidable stun damage
* 2 unavoidable paralysis damage
* 15 unavoidable Vim damage
* Your next attack against them deals double damage

**Guardian’s Vengeance**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited** **for**: Rage, Charm

**Activation**: Free Reaction, 3 Vim

This ability is usable immediately after using Guard and Protect (Fighter). Make a melee basic attack against the attacker as a Free Reaction.

**Sentinel’s Haste**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage, Charm

**Activation**: 1 Reaction

*You rush to an ally’s side.*

This ability is usable when an ally within 2 meters is attacked. Move one hex closer to the ally prior to resolving the attack.

**Fortress Stance**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage, Charm

**Activation**: Passive

While this Stance is active, Guard and Protect (Fighter). is a Free Reaction, but you must use it whenever it could be used. Additionally, while this Stance is active, your Armor increases by the number of times you have used Guard and Protect (Fighter). this Encounter, up to a maximum of 6. You may have one Stance active at a time. This ability may be toggled on or off between Encounters as a Free Action.

**Supple Fighter**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

Whenever you would take Vim damage, take STR less.

**Stout**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

Whenever you are forcibly moved, you are moved only half the distance.

**Heat Resistant**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

Whenever you would take burn damage, take STR less.

**Thick Skin**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

Whenever you would take bleed damage, take STR less.

**Hardy**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

When you would become sick or stiff from a hostile attack or ability, make a Strength check DL 7 + the enemy's Level. If you succeed, you are not afflicted by sick or stiff.

**Stalwart**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

When you would become fatigued or staggered from a hostile attack or ability, make a Strength check DL 7 + the enemy's Level. If you succeed, you are not afflicted by fatigue or staggering.

**Tenacious**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

Gain resistance to stun damage. Whenever you gain stun damage, gain three times as much temporary Vim.

**Staunch**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

Gain resistance to paralysis damage. Whenever you gain paralysis damage, gain three times as much temporary Vim.

**Unyielding**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

When you would be knocked prone from a hostile attack or ability, make a Strength check DL 7 + the enemy's Level. If you succeed, you are not knocked prone and instead gain 5 temporary Vim.

**Virtues of the Guardian**

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage, Charm

**Activation**: Passive

Whenever you defend the helpless, gain Legendary Roleplaying. Additionally, gain +3 to checks made to protect others at a cost or risk to yourself.

**Magically Resistant**

*This ability is not required for the Path Completion Bonus.*

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

Gain +3 to checks made to resist magical effects and gain STR Armor versus magical attacks. Take a -3 penalty to all casting rolls.

**Path of the Greatest Resistance**

*This ability is not required for the Path Completion Bonus.*

**Prerequisite**: Path Completion of the
Path of the Guardian

**Cost**: 400 XP

**Expedited for**: Rage

**Activation**: Passive

*Your body has been honed to take a beating.*

Gain +8 max HP.