Xanphina/Player Guide

Xanphina - Player Guide

Xanphina is a Level 8 Orc Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian) with the Wildraised Survivor background. Xanphina is a member of the Order of the Gauntlet.

Overview

Role in the Party: Front-Line Tank, Damage Dealer, Ancestral Protector

Core Strengths:

• Highest HP in the party — built to absorb massive damage
• Rage gives resistance to physical (bludgeoning/piercing/slashing) damage — roughly doubles effective HP vs weapons
• Ancestral Protectors makes the first target you hit nearly useless against allies
• Spirit Shield lets you redirect/reduce damage aimed at allies
• Relentless Endurance lets you cheat death once per long rest
• Huge, flexible weapon arsenal with multiple Weapon Mastery properties, plus thrown-weapon tricks

Core Stats:

• AC: 21 (Dragonguard breastplate + Shield +1 + Cloak of Protection)
• HP: 101 (Max) — highest in the party (boosted by the Tough feat)
• Speed: 40 ft (30 ft base + 10 ft Fast Movement)
• Initiative: +3 (advantage from Feral Instinct)
• Proficiency Bonus: +3

Ability Scores: STR 18 (+4) | DEX 17 (+3) | CON 16 (+3) | INT 10 (+0) | WIS 10 (+0) | CHA 8 (−1)

Saving Throws: STR +8 | DEX +4 | CON +7 | INT +1 | WIS +1 | CHA +0. (Includes +1 to all saves from the Cloak of Protection.) Advantage on STR saves while Raging; advantage on DEX saves vs. effects you can see (Danger Sense) and vs. dragon breath weapons.

Resistances:

• While Raging: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing (half damage from weapons)
• Always: Cold (from Boots of the Winterlands)

COMBAT - What Can I Do On My Turn?

Main Action Options

Weapon Attacks

Weapon	Attack Bonus	Damage Roll	Type	Range	Properties / Notes
Garmok's Flail of Restraining	+9	1d8+6 (+1d6)	Bludgeoning	Reach 10 ft	Sap; 10/10 charges; grants the Restraining Ward reaction.
Greataxe, +1	+8	1d12+5	Slashing	Melee	Cleave (Mastery), Heavy, Two-Handed.
Greatsword, +1	+8	2d6+5	Slashing	Melee	Graze, Heavy, Two-Handed.
Returning Trident	+8	1d8+5 (1d10+5 versatile)	Piercing	Thrown 20/60	Topple (Mastery) — knock prone; flies back to your hand.
Improved Javelin of Lightning	+7	1d6+4 +4d6 lightning	Piercing/Lightning	Thrown 30/120	3/3 charges; big burst.
Javelin, +1	+8	1d6+5	Piercing	Thrown 30/120	Slow.
Maul	+7	2d6+4	Bludgeoning	Melee	Topple, Heavy, Two-Handed.
Longsword, +1	+8	1d8+5 (1d10+5 versatile)	Slashing	Melee	Sap, Versatile.
Warhammer, +1	+8	1d8+5 (1d10+5 versatile)	Bludgeoning	Melee	Push, Versatile.
Handaxe, +1	+8	1d6+5	Slashing	Thrown 20/60	Vex, Light.
Corpse Slayer Mace	+7	1d6+4	Bludgeoning	Melee	Sap, Simple.
Crossbow, Heavy	+6	1d10+3	Piercing	100/400 ft	Loading, Two-Handed, Heavy, Push.

Note: While Raging you add +2 to melee weapon damage (not to ranged/thrown-at-range attacks). Thanks to the Bomber feat (Long Shots), throwing at long range imposes no disadvantage, and Far Lobber lets you hurl a vial/flask up to 40 ft.

*Note: Rage damage bonus (+2) does NOT apply to ranged attacks

Critical Hit Damage

On a crit you double the weapon dice (you no longer have the old “Savage Attacks” extra die).

Weapon	Crit Dice (Raging)	Approx. Damage
Garmok's Flail	2d8+6 + 2d6	~26 (psychic included)
Greataxe, +1	2d12+5 +2 rage	~22
Greatsword, +1	4d6+5 +2 rage	~21
Improved Javelin of Lightning	2d6+4 + 8d6 lightning	~39 (huge, limited charges)

Offensive Abilities

Ability	Effect	Resource Cost	Notes
Rage	+2 damage to melee attacks, resistance to physical damage, advantage on STR checks/saves	4/Long Rest	Bonus action to activate, lasts up to 10 minutes
Reckless Attack	Gain advantage on all STR-based melee attacks this turn	None (enemies get advantage vs you until your next turn)	Use when you need to hit, avoid when surrounded
Extra Attack	Attack twice when you take Attack action	Always active	Don't forget your second attack!
Ancestral Protectors	First creature you hit while raging has disadvantage on attacks vs allies, allies resist damage from it	Always active when raging	Lasts until start of your next turn, choose target wisely
Ancestral Enemy (Rank 1)	Spirit Shield works on dragons/dragonkin at 60 ft range and deflects extra 2d6 damage from them	Always active	Bonus vs Tiamat's forces

Weapon Mastery Properties

Weapon	Mastery Property	Effect	When to Use
Greataxe	Cleave	After hitting, make another attack vs second creature within 5 ft of first (damage = weapon die only, no STR/rage bonus)	Fighting multiple enemies in close proximity
Greatsword	Graze	If attack misses, deal damage = your STR modifier (4)	Consistent damage even on miss
Handaxe	Vex	If you hit, advantage on next attack vs same target before end of your next turn	Use first attack with handaxe, second attack with advantage
Garmok's Flail	Sap	Target has disadvantage on next attack roll before start of your next turn	Debuff dangerous enemies
Corpse Slayer Mace	Sap	Target has disadvantage on next attack roll before start of your next turn	Debuff dangerous enemies

= Defensive/Tank Abilities

Ability	Effect	Resource Cost	Range	Notes
Ancestral Protectors	First target you hit has disadvantage on attacks vs allies, allies resist its damage	Always active when raging	Melee range	Mark high-priority targets
Spirit Shield	Reduce damage to ally by 2d6 (4d6 vs dragons/dragonkin)	Reaction, unlimited while raging	30 ft (60 ft vs dragons)	Protect squishy allies
Unarmored Defense	AC = 16 + shield bonus (without armor)	Always active	Self	Alternative to armor
Danger Sense	Advantage on DEX saves vs effects you can see	Always active unless incapacitated	Self	Better vs fireballs, traps, breath weapons
Rally the Line	Ally who can hear you rerolls failed save	3/Long Rest	Audible range	Order of the Gauntlet Rank 2
Relentless Endurance	Drop to 1 HP instead of 0	1/Long Rest	Self	Orc last stand (drop to 1 HP, 1/long rest)

Bonus Actions

Ability	Effect	Resource Cost	Notes
Rage (Enter)	Activate rage: +2 melee damage, resistance to physical damage, advantage on STR checks/saves	4/Long Rest	Lasts up to 10 minutes, ends if you don't attack or take damage
Extend Rage	Keep rage active if you haven't attacked or taken damage	None	Alternative to attacking/taking damage to maintain rage
Instinctive Pounce	Move up to half your speed (20 ft) when entering rage	Part of Rage activation	Use to close distance immediately
Shield of Faith	Ally gains +2 AC for 10 minutes (concentration)	1/Long Rest	Order of the Gauntlet Rank 1
Adrenaline Rush	Take the Dash action and gain 3 temporary HP	3 uses (regain on Short/Long Rest)	Orc trait — great for closing distance or topping up before a hit
Expeditious Retreat	Dash as a bonus action each turn (concentration)	Bracers of the Bound Devil charges	Mobility when not raging
Infernal Smite	Add fiendish/fire damage to a hit (bonus-action spell)	Bracers of the Bound Devil charges	Burst on a key hit when you can't rage-smite

Reactions

Reaction	Trigger	Effect	Resource Cost	Range	Notes
Spirit Shield	Ally within range takes damage while you're raging	Reduce damage by 2d6 (4d6 vs dragons)	Unlimited (1 reaction/round)	30 ft (60 ft vs dragons)	Save squishies from big hits
Rally the Line	Ally within hearing fails a save	They reroll the save	3/Long Rest	Audible	Your words give them strength
Restraining Ward	Creature you can see in range attacks or uses ability	Spectral chains appear, target makes STR save (DC 15+rage bonus) or restrained	3/Long Rest	Unknown range	From Garmok's Flail
Opportunity Attack	Enemy leaves your reach without Disengaging	Make melee weapon attack	Unlimited	5 ft (10 ft with reach weapon)	Standard reaction

Passive Abilities (Always On)

Ability	Effect	Notes
Rage Resistance	Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing & slashing damage	Only while raging; effectively doubles HP vs weapons
Ancestral Protectors	First creature you hit each turn while raging has disadvantage on attacks that aren't against you, and allies resist its damage	Also works vs dragon/caster breath weapons (Ancestral Enemy)
Primal Knowledge	While raging, you may make Acrobatics, Intimidation, Perception, Stealth & Survival checks as STR checks; you also gained proficiency in Perception	Big for grapple-tank skill checks
Feral Instinct	Advantage on Initiative rolls	Likely to go first
Danger Sense	Advantage on DEX saves vs effects you can see	Better vs traps, breath weapons, fireballs
Fast Movement	+10 ft speed while not in heavy armor	40 ft walking speed
Darkvision	See in darkness up to 120 ft	Orc racial (improved range)
Relentless Endurance	When reduced to 0 HP (not killed outright), drop to 1 HP instead	1/Long Rest, Orc racial
Adrenaline Rush	Bonus Action to Dash and gain 3 temp HP	3 uses, regain on a Short or Long Rest (Orc racial)
Bomber (feat)	Far Lobber (throw a vial/flask at a target within 40 ft) and Long Shots (no disadvantage on long-range thrown attacks); +1 DEX	Pairs with Alchemist's Supplies
Tough (feat)	HP maximum increased (+16 plus +2 per level)	Source of your 101 HP

SOCIAL SITUATIONS

Skill Bonuses

Proficient skills shown in bold. While raging, Primal Knowledge lets you make Acrobatics, Intimidation, Perception, Stealth & Survival checks as STR checks.

Skill	Bonus	Notes
Athletics (STR)	+7	Best grappler, climber, swimmer in the party
Acrobatics (DEX)	+6	Balance, tumbling, escaping grapples
Stealth (DEX)	+6	Surprisingly sneaky for a tank
Perception (WIS)	+3	Now proficient (Primal Knowledge)
Survival (WIS)	+3	Tracking, foraging, navigation
Sleight of Hand (DEX)	+3	—
Intimidation (CHA)	+2	Threatening presence (proficient)

Passive Scores

• Passive Perception: 13
• Passive Insight: 10
• Passive Investigation: 10

Social Features

• Intimidation proficiency (now via Barbarian Primal Knowledge), usable as a STR check while raging
• Order of the Gauntlet Member: Authority when dealing with evil, protecting innocents
• Ancestral Guardian Theme: Can roleplay spiritual wisdom from ancestors
• Intimidating Presence: your imposing Orcish build makes you naturally imposing

Languages

• Common, Dwarvish, Halfling, Orc

EXPLORATION

Movement & Senses

• Walking Speed: 40 ft (30 ft base + 10 ft Fast Movement)
• Darkvision: 120 ft
• Climbing/Swimming: Athletics +7 makes you the best climber in party

Useful Exploration Abilities

• Danger Sense: Advantage on DEX saves vs traps and hazards you can see
• Feral Instinct: Advantage on Initiative (go first in surprise rounds)
• Rage: Advantage on STR checks (breaking doors, bending bars, moving heavy objects)
• Relentless Endurance: Survive deadly traps better (1/Long Rest)
• Fast Movement: Cover more ground quickly
• Athletics Expertise: Best at climbing, jumping, swimming, grappling

Tools

• Alchemist's Supplies — craft and throw alchemical items (with the Bomber feat)
• Navigator's Tools — navigation and map reading

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Resource	Total	Recharges	Current Status
Hit Dice (d12)	8	Long Rest	Track usage
Rage	4 uses	Long Rest	Lasts up to 10 minutes each
Adrenaline Rush	3 uses	Short/Long Rest	Bonus-action Dash + 3 temp HP
Reckless Attack	Unlimited	Always available	Choose each turn
Extra Attack	Always active	-	Remember second attack!
Spirit Shield	Unlimited (1/round)	While raging (reaction)	Protect allies liberally
Ancestral Protectors	Unlimited	Always active when raging	First target hit each turn
Rally the Line	3 uses	Long Rest	Order of the Gauntlet Rank 2
Restraining Ward	3 uses	Long Rest	From Garmok's Flail
Relentless Endurance	1 use	Long Rest	Drop to 1 HP instead of 0
Shield of Faith	1 use	Long Rest	Order of the Gauntlet Rank 1
Staff of Defense (Mage Armor)	1 charge (10 max)	Unknown	+AC
Staff of Defense (Shield spell)	2 charges (10 max)	Unknown	+5 AC as reaction
Sending Stones	1 charge	Unknown	Send message

COMMON TACTICS

Opening Combat (Turn 1)

Standard Opening: 1. Bonus Action: Activate Rage + move up to 20 ft (Instinctive Pounce) 2. Movement: Move remaining distance to reach priority target 3. Action: Attack twice (Extra Attack) with Reckless Attack for advantage 4. First Target Hit: Ancestral Protectors apply automatically - target has disadvantage vs allies

Priority Target Selection:

• Enemy attacking your squishy allies (Shade, Gootcha, Keyleth)
• Enemy spellcasters
• Enemy ranged attackers
• Boss/high-threat enemies

During Combat - Tank Role

Your Job: Protect Allies

1. Mark Priority Targets: First attack each turn applies Ancestral Protectors

  * Target has disadvantage on attacks vs allies
  * Allies resist damage from that target
  * Effect lasts until start of your next turn

2. Use Spirit Shield Reaction: When ally takes damage

  * Reduce by 2d6 (4d6 vs dragons)
  * 30 ft range (60 ft vs dragons)
  * Save your reaction for big hits on squishies

3. Position Between Enemies and Allies:

  * Stand in front of backline casters
  * Use reach weapon (Garmok's Flail) to control 10 ft radius
  * Block chokepoints

4. Draw Aggro:

  * Ancestral Protectors makes enemies want to attack you (disadvantage vs others)
  * You have resistance + high HP - you can take it
  * Reckless Attack makes you threatening (enemies want to stop you)

During Combat - Damage Dealer

Maximum Damage Output:

1. Rage Active + Reckless Attack:

  * Two attacks per turn with advantage
  * +2 damage per hit from rage
  * ~10% crit chance with advantage

2. Weapon Choice for Damage:

  * Garmok's Flail: 1d8+8 + 1d6 psychic + 2 rage = 19 avg per hit (10 ft reach)
  * Greataxe +1: 1d12+7 + 2 rage = 15 avg per hit (best crit damage)
  * Greatsword +1: 2d6+7 + 2 rage = 15 avg per hit (consistent, Graze property)

3. Use Weapon Mastery:

  * Cleave (Greataxe): Attack second target if they're within 5 ft
  * Vex (Handaxe): First attack with handaxe, second with advantage
  * Sap (Garmok's Flail): Enemy has disadvantage on next attack

4. Two Attacks with Advantage Per Turn:

  * Turn 1: ~30-34 damage (two hits with advantage)
  * Crit on ~10% of advantage attacks: ~27 damage in one hit

Boss Fight Tactics

Fighting a Single Big Enemy:

1. Turn 1: Rage + Reckless Attack + Approach + Attack twice

  * Mark with Ancestral Protectors (disadvantage vs allies)
  * Use Greataxe for best crit potential

2. Subsequent Turns:

  * Continue Reckless Attack (fewer attacks against you)
  * Keep attacking to maintain rage
  * Use Spirit Shield to protect allies from boss AOE/breath

3. Use Rally the Line:

  * When ally fails important save vs boss ability
  * 3 uses per long rest - use on critical saves

4. Use Restraining Ward:

  * Reaction to restrain boss (STR save DC 15+rage bonus = 17)
  * 3 uses per long rest - save for clutch moments

Multi-Enemy Tactics

Fighting Multiple Enemies:

1. Rage + Position Centrally:

  * Get within reach of multiple enemies
  * Use Garmok's Flail (10 ft reach) to control large area

2. Mark the Biggest Threat:

  * First target hit gets Ancestral Protectors
  * Choose enemy most likely to attack allies

3. Be Careful with Reckless Attack:

  * Multiple enemies = more attacks with advantage against you
  * Consider normal attacks if surrounded by 4+ enemies
  * Use Reckless if you need to drop an enemy quickly

4. Use Weapon Mastery:

  * Cleave: Hit two enemies in one turn if close together
  * Sap: Debuff multiple enemies over multiple turns

5. Use Spirit Shield:

  * Multiple enemies = more ally damage
  * Prioritize protecting low-HP allies

Resource Conservation

When to Rage vs When to Save:

USE Rage When:

• Combat looks serious (multiple enemies or tough opponent)
• Allies are in danger
• You need to close distance quickly (Instinctive Pounce)
• You're about to take significant damage

SAVE Rage When:

• Fighting trivial enemies (1-2 weak creatures)
• Expecting another combat soon
• You have 1 rage left and unsure if this is the last fight before rest

Rage Tracking (4/Long Rest):

• Lost Mine of Phandelver typically had 2-4 combats per long rest
• Rise of Tiamat may have more combat-heavy days
• Plan to use 1-2 rages per major combat, save 1 for emergencies

When to Use Reckless Attack:

• Almost always when raging (you resist damage anyway)
• When you need to hit reliably
• When fighting 1-3 enemies
• Avoid when surrounded by 5+ enemies

When to Use Reactions (Priority Order): 1. Spirit Shield: Ally about to drop to 0 HP or taking massive damage 2. Rally the Line: Ally fails save vs deadly effect (petrification, banishment, dominate) 3. Restraining Ward: Boss about to do something devastating 4. Opportunity Attack: Enemy leaving reach (lowest priority)

QUICK REFERENCE

Combat Priority Checklist

Start of Your Turn: 1. □ Is Rage active? If no and combat is serious, activate Rage (bonus action) 2. □ Who is the biggest threat to my allies? (mark with Ancestral Protectors) 3. □ Position: Am I between enemies and squishies? 4. □ Attack twice (don't forget Extra Attack!) 5. □ Use Reckless Attack? (Yes if 1-3 enemies, no if 5+)

Enemy's Turn: 1. □ Is an ally about to take big damage? (Use Spirit Shield reaction) 2. □ Did an ally fail a critical save? (Use Rally the Line reaction) 3. □ Is a boss about to do something devastating? (Use Restraining Ward)

After Combat: 1. □ Did I use Relentless Endurance? (Note: need long rest to recharge) 2. □ How many rages remaining? (Plan for next combat) 3. □ Update HP and resources

Key Numbers to Remember

Attack Bonuses (All Include +4 STR, +3 Prof, +1 Magic):

• Garmok's Flail: +9 to hit
• Greataxe/Greatsword/Handaxe +1: +8 to hit
• Corpse Slayer Mace: +7 to hit (+4 STR, +3 Prof)

Damage per Hit (Raging):

• Garmok's Flail: 1d8+8 + 1d6 psychic + 2 = ~16-17 avg
• Greataxe +1: 1d12+7 + 2 = ~15 avg
• Greatsword +1: 2d6+7 + 2 = ~15 avg
• Handaxe +1: 1d6+7 + 2 = ~13 avg

Rage Bonuses:

• +2 damage per melee attack
• Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing & slashing (half damage)
• Advantage on STR checks and saves

Defensive Numbers:

• AC: 21 (excellent for a barbarian)
• HP: 101 (highest in party)
• Effective HP while Raging: ~200 vs physical attacks
• Spirit Shield: 2d6 (avg 7) damage reduction to allies
• Spirit Shield vs Dragons: 4d6 (avg 14) damage reduction to allies

Save DCs:

• Restraining Ward: DC 17 (15 + 2 rage bonus) STR save
• Shield of Faith: No save (ally buff)

Best Damage Options (Two Attacks Per Turn)

Top 3 Damage Combinations (While Raging with Reckless Attack):

1. Garmok's Flail × 2 (with psychic damage):

  * Attack: +9, Advantage
  * Damage: 2 × (1d8+10 + 1d6 psychic) = ~34 avg damage/turn
  * Bonus: 10 ft reach, Sap debuff

2. Greataxe +1 × 2:

  * Attack: +8, Advantage
  * Damage: 2 × (1d12+9) = ~30 avg damage/turn
  * Bonus: Best crit damage (3d12+9 = ~27 per crit), Cleave for third target

3. Greatsword +1 × 2:

  * Attack: +8, Advantage
  * Damage: 2 × (2d6+9) = ~30 avg damage/turn
  * Bonus: Graze property (deal 4 damage even on miss), consistent damage

Critical Hit Expected Value (with Advantage):

• ~10% crit chance with advantage
• Greataxe crit: 3d12+9 = ~27 damage
• Greatsword crit: 5d6+9 = ~27 damage
• Garmok's Flail crit: 3d8+10 + 3d6 = ~34 damage (if psychic applies)

Best Tank Options

How to Maximize Enemy Focus on You:

1. Ancestral Protectors: First target hit has disadvantage on attacks vs allies

  * Enemies want to attack you (you're the only one they can hit effectively)

2. Reckless Attack: Enemies have advantage on attacks vs you

  * Makes you a juicy target (easier to hit)

3. High Threat: Deal significant damage each turn

  * Enemies want to stop you from wrecking them

4. Position: Stand between enemies and squishies

  * Block paths to backline

5. Garmok's Flail (Reach): Control 10 ft radius

  * Opportunity attacks on anyone leaving your reach

How to Protect Allies:

1. Mark Priority Targets: First hit each turn applies Ancestral Protectors

  * Choose targets threatening allies
  * Disadvantage + resistance makes allies much safer

2. Spirit Shield Reaction: Reduce damage to allies by 2d6 (4d6 vs dragons)

  * Use on big hits to squishies
  * 30 ft range (60 ft vs dragons) - good coverage

3. Rally the Line: Ally rerolls failed save (3/Long Rest)

  * Save for critical saves (death, domination, petrification)

4. Positioning: Stay between enemies and allies

  * Force enemies to go through you

5. Grappling: Use Athletics +7 to grapple dangerous enemies

  * Rage gives advantage on STR checks (including grapple)
  * Grappled enemies have speed 0 (can't reach allies)

Weapon Selection Guide

Use Garmok's Flail When:

• You want maximum damage (1d8+10 + 1d6 psychic)
• You need 10 ft reach to control area
• You want to debuff enemies (Sap property)
• Fighting mixed melee and ranged enemies (reach helps)

Use Greataxe +1 When:

• You want best critical hit damage (3d12+9)
• Fighting multiple enemies close together (Cleave)
• Maximum single-target burst damage

Use Greatsword +1 When:

• You want consistent damage (Graze property = damage even on miss)
• You're not confident in hitting (Graze provides backup)
• You want good crit damage with consistency (5d6+9)

Use Handaxe +1 When:

• You need ranged option (20/60 ft)
• You want Vex property (advantage on second attack)
• Fighting at range temporarily

Use Shield When:

• You're low on HP and need +2 AC
• Facing many enemies and taking lots of hits
• Not raging and need defense
• Use with Corpse Slayer Mace (1d6+6 one-handed)

Status Conditions & Effects

Conditions You Can Inflict:

• Sap (Garmok's Flail, Corpse Slayer Mace): Target has disadvantage on next attack
• Disadvantage (Ancestral Protectors): First target hit has disadvantage vs allies
• Restrained (Restraining Ward): Spectral chains restrain target (3/LR)
• Grappled: Athletics +7 with advantage while raging - excellent grappler
• Prone: Shove action with advantage while raging

Conditions You Resist/Avoid:

• Advantage on Initiative: Feral Instinct (go first, avoid surprise)
• Advantage on DEX Saves: Danger Sense vs visible effects
• Advantage on STR Saves: While raging
• Resistant to Physical Damage: While raging (bludgeoning, piercing, slashing)
• Drop to 1 HP: Relentless Endurance (1/LR) - survive lethal damage

Remember These Critical Things

1. You Attack TWICE Per Turn: Don't forget Extra Attack!

2. Rage Ends If You Don't Attack or Take Damage: Stay aggressive or use bonus action to extend

3. Ancestral Protectors Applies to FIRST Target Hit Each Turn: Choose wisely - mark the biggest threat to allies

4. Spirit Shield is Unlimited (While Raging): Use your reaction every round to protect allies

5. Reckless Attack is a Choice: Evaluate tactical situation each turn

6. You Have the Most HP: You're built to take damage - don't hide in back

7. Feral Instinct = Advantage on Initiative: Tell DM before rolling initiative

8. Big thrown burst: Improved Javelin of Lightning adds 4d6 lightning (3 charges)

9. Relentless Endurance Once Per Long Rest: Track usage carefully

10. You're the Tank: Your job is to protect squishies by marking threats and absorbing/reducing damage

Rage Checklist (Active Benefits)

While Raging, You Have: - □ Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing & slashing damage (half damage) - □ +2 bonus to all melee weapon damage rolls - □ Advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws - □ Ancestral Protectors active (first target hit each turn marked) - □ Spirit Shield available (reaction to reduce ally damage by 2d6) - □ Cannot maintain Concentration on spells - □ Cannot cast spells

Rage Duration:

• Lasts up to 10 minutes (enough for most combats)
• Ends early if you don't attack or take damage on your turn
• Can use bonus action to extend if needed

Ancestral Protectors Effects (First Target Hit While Raging)

Target Effects (until start of your next turn): - □ Target has disadvantage on attack rolls against anyone except you - □ Your allies have resistance to all damage from that target - □ Applies automatically when you hit - □ Can change target each turn (hit new target = they become marked)

Tactical Notes:

• Choose targets threatening your squishies (Shade, Gootcha, Keyleth)
• Ignore targets already in melee with Alexios (he can handle himself)
• Mark ranged attackers and spellcasters when possible
• Reapply each turn (lasts until start of your next turn)

Order of the Gauntlet Features

Rank 1 - Defender:

• Cast Shield of Faith once per long rest
• +2 AC to ally for 10 minutes (concentration)
• Use before combat on frontliners

Rank 2 - Justicar:

• Rally the Line (3/Long Rest)
• Reaction: Ally rerolls failed save when they can hear you
• Use on death saves, dominate, petrification, banishment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting Extra Attack: You get TWO attacks per Attack action - use them both!

2. Forgetting Rage Damage: Add +2 to every melee hit while raging

3. Not Using Spirit Shield: You have unlimited reactions while raging - use them every round to protect allies

4. Forgetting Ancestral Protectors: First target hit is automatically marked - choose priority targets

5. Breaking Rage Early: Make sure to attack or take damage each turn, or use bonus action to extend

6. Using Reckless When Surrounded: 5+ enemies with advantage can shred you - be selective

7. Forgetting Feral Instinct: Announce advantage on Initiative before rolling

8. Not Tracking Relentless Endurance: You only get this once per long rest - mark when used

9. Forgetting Weapon Mastery: Cleave, Graze, Vex, Sap - these add significant value

10. Not Protecting Squishies: Your job is to tank and protect - position accordingly and use Spirit Shield