The Watchdog archetype for Fighter
Sacrifice and Salvation
The archetypal Watchdog chooses a charge and is prepared to give their life to preserve that of their charge. All a Watchdog's resources are diverted to the sole cause of almost supernatural protection, forsaking all other goals. Often this archetype serves as bodyguard to the nobility, or perhaps to a skilled scholar or mage. Whoever they guard, a Watchdog would rather die than see their charge harmed.
Subclass Features
Sharp Eyes
3rd-level Watchdog feature
You are always alert to potential dangers. You have advantage on Wisdom checks that rely on sight. You also have advantage on initiative rolls
Unarmored Defense
3rd-level Watchdog feature
While you are wearing no armor, your AC equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your Wisdom modifier.
Watchdog's Charge
3rd-level Watchdog feature
You are able to safeguard one ally, protecting them from harm. When you roll initiative, choose one creature other than you which you can see within 30 feet of you to designate as your "charge." Becoming your charge gives that creature the following benefits:
- Your charge has resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
- Attack rolls against your charge have disadvantage as long as you are in the attacker's line of sight.
- When you use your second wind, both you and your charge regain hit points equal to 1d10 + your fighter level.
These benefits last for 1 minute, until you are incapacitated, or until you are more than 30 feet from your charge. Once you have used this feature, you cannot do so again until you finish a short or a long rest.
Nimble Steps
7th-level Watchdog feature
You are lightning on your feet. You gain proficiency in Dexterity saving throws.
Watchdog's Reproach
10th-level Watchdog feature
You fight back when your charge is endangered. If a creature successfully hits your charge with an attack roll, all your attacks against that creature have advantage until it is reduced to 0 hit points, you are reduced to 0 hit points, or you use this feature on another creature.
Living Rampart
15th-level Watchdog feature
You dominate the battlefield, giving constant protection to those nearest to you. Creatures of your choice within ten feet of you have half cover.
Guardian Angel
18th-level Watchdog feature
You are able to split your attention while giving immaculate protection. When you roll initiative, you can designate two charges instead of one.
Art Attribution
Dauntless Bodyguard, by Manuel Castañón