Defensive frontliner
Vanguard
Vanguards are built around being first into danger and hardest to move once the fight begins.
The class focuses on protection, armor, enemy control, and positioning tools that make it costly to ignore the front line.
In play, a Vanguard protects fragile allies by occupying space, punishing movement, and surviving attacks meant to break the party formation.
Class Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Role | Defensive frontliner |
| Primary ability | Strength  D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic
ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ or Constitution  D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance,
and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ |
| Source | D&D Portal live content |
Core Class Traits
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hit Die | d10 |
| Armor | Light armor, medium armor, heavy armor, and shields |
| Weapons | Simple weapons and martial weapons |
| Tools | None |
| Saving Throws | Strength D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic
ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/, Constitution D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance,
and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ |
| Skills | Choose athletics, perception, intimidation, insight, or survival skills. |
Starting Equipment
Data missing
Starting equipment data has not been added for this class yet. .
Vanguard Progression
| Level | Prof.  D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/ | Features |
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Level 1 1 feature gained Guarding Stance +2 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
Level 2 1 feature gained Interpose +2 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
Level 3 1 feature gained Vanguard Doctrine +2 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
Level 4 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +2 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 5 1 feature gained Extra Attack +3 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
Level 6 1 feature gained - +3 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- -
Level 7 1 feature gained - +3 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- -
Level 8 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +3 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 9 1 feature gained - +4 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- -
Level 10 1 feature gained - +4 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- -
Level 11 1 feature gained - +4 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- -
Level 12 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +4 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 13 1 feature gained - +5 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- -
Level 14 1 feature gained - +5 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- -
Level 15 1 feature gained - +5 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- -
Level 16 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +5 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 17 1 feature gained - +6 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- -
Level 18 1 feature gained - +6 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- -
Level 19 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +6 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 20 1 feature gained - +6 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- -
Class Features
As a vanguard, you gain the following class features.
Guarding Stance
Level 1
Hold a defensive posture that makes nearby space harder for enemies to exploit.
Interpose
Level 2
Use your presence or reaction 
D&D Portal - Reaction Action rule Reaction is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/reaction/ to reduce pressure on a nearby ally.
Vanguard Doctrine
Level 3
Choose the defensive doctrine that defines your later class features.
Extra Attack
Level 5
Attack twice when you take the Attack action 
D&D Portal - Attack Action Action rule Attack Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/attack-action/.
Subclasses
Subclass pages for this class can be added here when their central data is available.
FAQ
What is a Vanguard in D&D?
The Vanguard is a D&D Portal homebrew support class built around Charisma spellcasting, heavy protective equipment, a Helpful Companion, and a short-rest Tool Point resource used to assist allies and reshape spell resources. It uses a d8 Hit Die, has Charisma and Wisdom saving throw proficiencies, can wear light, medium, or heavy armor and use shields, and chooses Thaumaturgist, Saboteur, or Living Shield as its subclass at 3rd level.
Read more: Vanguard 
D&D Portal - What is a Vanguard in D&D? Vanguard FAQ The Vanguard is a D&D Portal homebrew support class built around Charisma spellcasting, heavy protective equipment, a Helpful Companion, and a short-rest Tool Point resource used to assist allies and reshape spell resources. It uses a d8 Hit Die, has Charisma and Wisdom saving throw proficiencies, can wear light, medium, or heavy armor and use shields, and chooses Thaumaturgist, Saboteur, or Living Shield as its subclass at 3rd level. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/vanguard/what-is-a-vanguard-in-dnd/
How do you play a Vanguard?
Play a Vanguard by thinking about the party's action economy rather than only your own damage. Keep Charisma high for spellcasting, maintain enough Wisdom to support the Tool Point pool, and use your strong armor to occupy positions where support abilities matter. Spend Tool Points when they prevent lost turns, restore a crucial resource, or enable a subclass effect, and let Thaumaturgist, Saboteur, or Living Shield determine whether you focus on healing, debuffing, or damage interception.
Read more: Vanguard D&D Portal - How do you play a Vanguard? Vanguard FAQ Play a Vanguard by thinking about the party's action economy rather than only your own damage. Keep Charisma high for spellcasting, maintain enough Wisdom to support the Tool Point pool, and use your strong armor to occupy positions where support abilities matter. Spend Tool Points when they prevent lost turns, restore a crucial resource, or enable a subclass effect, and let Thaumaturgist, Saboteur, or Living Shield determine whether you focus on healing, debuffing, or damage interception. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/vanguard/how-do-you-play-a-vanguard/
What ability scores are best for a Vanguard?
Charisma is the Vanguard's primary ability and spellcasting ability. Wisdom is unusually important because the Tool Point pool equals proficiency bonus plus Wisdom modifier. Constitution is the natural defensive third priority for a d8 support character expected to stand near allies, while Strength and Dexterity depend more on equipment and skills because the class already has broad armor training.
Read more: Vanguard D&D Portal - What ability scores are best for a Vanguard? Vanguard FAQ Charisma is the Vanguard's primary ability and spellcasting ability. Wisdom is unusually important because the Tool Point pool equals proficiency bonus plus Wisdom modifier. Constitution is the natural defensive third priority for a d8 support character expected to stand near allies, while Strength and Dexterity depend more on equipment and skills because the class already has broad armor training. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/vanguard/what-ability-scores-are-best-for-a-vanguard/
What are the main Vanguard class features?
The Vanguard's defining features are Charisma-based Spellcasting, Helpful Companion, Tool Points, a 3rd-level Vanguard subclass, Instant Assistance, Protective Aura, Tool Point spell-slot conversion and ally boosts, later familiar improvements, expanded protective auras, and high-level party-wide power boosts. Because it is homebrew, its mechanics should be read as their own class system rather than normalized to another class.
Read more: Vanguard D&D Portal - What are the main Vanguard class features? Vanguard FAQ The Vanguard's defining features are Charisma-based Spellcasting, Helpful Companion, Tool Points, a 3rd-level Vanguard subclass, Instant Assistance, Protective Aura, Tool Point spell-slot conversion and ally boosts, later familiar improvements, expanded protective auras, and high-level party-wide power boosts. Because it is homebrew, its mechanics should be read as their own class system rather than normalized to another class. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/vanguard/what-are-the-main-vanguard-class-features/
What subclasses can a Vanguard choose?
The Vanguard has three subclasses: **Thaumaturgist, Saboteur, and Living Shield**. Thaumaturgist specializes in healing and restoration, Saboteur specializes in weakening and marking enemies, and Living Shield specializes in taking or sharing damage that would otherwise harm allies. Each uses its own Vanguard subclass mechanics.
Read more: Vanguard D&D Portal - What subclasses can a Vanguard choose? Vanguard FAQ The Vanguard has three subclasses: **Thaumaturgist, Saboteur, and Living Shield**. Thaumaturgist specializes in healing and restoration, Saboteur specializes in weakening and marking enemies, and Living Shield specializes in taking or sharing damage that would otherwise harm allies. Each uses its own Vanguard subclass mechanics. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/vanguard/what-subclasses-can-a-vanguard-choose/