I / PROTECTION BECOMES POWER
Shield Warden
Protect the party. Turn the pressure back on the enemy.
- Shield pool
- Absorbed damage
- Charges
How the class finds its strength.
01 / PROTECT
Put a shield in the way.
Spend from your shield pool to protect an ally with Ward, or protect yourself with Brace.
02 / CONVERT
Let pressure arm you.
Damage absorbed by your shields produces charges. Each fight starts with no stored charges, so strong retaliation must be earned.
03 / RETALIATE
Choose your moment.
Spend charges on shield attacks such as Retort. Basic attacks remain available while you build your resources.
How much protection can you commit before your shield pool recovers?
An enemy that does little damage gives you little charge income. An enemy that hits hard earns retaliation, but can also strain the shield pool. Charges and protection are related resources, not the same resource.
AN ILLUSTRATIVE ENCOUNTER
A wounded ally, an opening to strike.
An ally needs protection and your Warden has charges to spend. Put the protective rule first and the shield wins. Put Retort first and the attack can take priority. Both actions may be available; the order expresses what you value in that moment.
A starting plan.
Begin with protection for a vulnerable ally, then a charge-spending attack, then a basic attack. Set conditions so the Warden does not spend the shield pool on protection the party does not need.
Your tactics are ordered priorities, not a fixed script. The first available rule with a valid target and satisfied conditions wins. Explore how tactics work.
Your kind of class?
Choose the Warden if you enjoy managing a defensive reserve and turning enemy pressure into a measured counterattack.
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