Source: Polished Commander & Warleader
Some inquisitors work alone, judging the guilty in the shadows. The ardent vanguard judges in the light, at the head of a team bound to their cause by the force of their convictions and faith.
Proficiencies
An ardent vanguard receives a martial tradition, gaining proficiency with simple weapons, light armor, and bucklers, in addition to the combat talents granted by their martial tradition.
This modifies proficiencies.
Combat Training (Ex)
At 1st level, the ardent vanguard is considered a proficient practitioner, gaining combat spheres and talents as appropriate.
Militant Coordinator
At 1st level, the ardent vanguard gains the Warleader sphere, plus 1 additional Warleader talent at 7th level and every 6 levels thereafter. The ardent vanguard cannot select a drawback that trades away the (tactic) package.
Zealous Mantle (Su)
At 1st level, the ardent vanguard gains the ability to project their zealous mantle, a supernatural projection of conviction and faith. The ardent vanguard selects a single zealous mantle (see below). Once chosen, this selection cannot be changed. The ardent vanguard always benefits from their zealous mantle and shares its benefits with any ally benefitting from their Warleader sphere effects.
If the ardent vanguard would be unable to participate in combat, such as being frightened, panicked, paralyzed, stunned, or unconscious, the zealous mantle’s effects are suppressed for other allies until the ardent vanguard can participate in combat again.
This replaces judgment, second judgment, third judgment, and slayer.
Enhanced Tactics
At 3rd level, the ardent vanguard gains the commander’s enhanced tactic class feature, treating their ardent vanguard level as their commander level for this purpose. The ardent vanguard gains a single enhanced tactic, plus an additional enhanced tactic every 3 levels thereafter.
This replaces solo tactics and teamwork feats.
Zealous Surge (Su)
At 4th level, while the ardent vanguard’s zealous mantle is active, the ardent vanguard may spend an immediate action to use their mantle’s zealous surge. The ardent vanguard must be at or below half their total hit points to use this effect, and may only use their zealous surge once per combat.
At 8th level, the ardent vanguard regains their martial focus when using their zealous surge.
At 16th level, the ardent vanguard may use zealous surge a second time each combat.
Expanded Zeal (Su)
At 8th level, the ardent vanguard selects a second zealous mantle, determining its effects using half their ardent vanguard class level (for example, at 8th level, the ardent vanguard’s second mantle would determine its effects as though they were an 4th level ardent vanguard).
At 17th level, the ardent vanguard’s second zealous mantle now determines its effects using the ardent vanguard’s full class level.
Ardent Zeal (Su)
At 20th level, the ardent vanguard may now use their zealous surge at any hit point total (not just when at or below half their total hit points) and any number of times per combat.
In addition, after initiative is rolled, the ardent vanguard may use their zealous surge as a free action. If the ardent vanguard could not take actions during the first round of combat (such as being unable to act during a surprise round), the ardent vanguard may instead use this ability on the first round they could act.
This replaces true judgment.
Zealous Mantles
A mantle is not a spell, nor a prayer, it is a simple truth made loud enough to resonate in the hearts and minds of their allies.
The zealous mantles available to the ardent vanguard are detailed below:
Mantle of Clarity
You provide clarity and assuredness to those who follow your conviction.
The ardent vanguard and other allies gain a +1 sacred bonus on all saving throws, +1 per 6 ardent vanguard levels. This bonus also applies to Perception and Sense Motive checks.
At 10th level, this bonus is doubled on saving throws made against an ongoing effect (such as an additional saving throw made to end hold person early).
Zealous Surge: The ardent vanguard and each ally benefitting from their zealous mantle may either take a 5-foot step or move up to half their speed.
Mantle of Elation
You provide surety and zeal to those who follow your passion.
The ardent vanguard and other allies gain a +1 sacred bonus to their damage rolls, +1 per 6 ardent vanguard levels. This bonus also applies to Acrobatics and bull rush, drag, and reposition combat maneuver checks.
At 10th level, this bonus is doubled on damage rolls made against a creature at or below half their total hit points.
Zealous Surge: Until the start of the ardent vanguard’s next turn, the ardent vanguard and each ally benefitting from their zealous mantle may roll a single attack roll twice, taking the better result. An ally must declare they are benefitting from this effect before attempting the attack roll.
Mantle of Impulsiveness
You provide fervor and momentum to those who follow your instincts.
The ardent vanguard and other allies gain a +1 sacred bonus on attack rolls made as part of an attack of opportunity or against a creature that was hit by another ally within the past round, +1 per 6 ardent vanguard levels. This bonus also applies to Bluff and Intimidate checks.
At 10th level, this mantle’s bonus is doubled on any attack roll made to confirm a critical hit (and applies even if the initial attack did not benefit from this bonus).
Zealous Surge: Until the start of the ardent vanguard’s next turn, the ardent vanguard and each ally benefitting from their zealous mantle may each add an additional +1d4 to a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. This bonus may be applied to a check after the roll has been made, but before the results have been determined.
Mantle of Resilience
You provide stability and certainty to those who follow your determination.
The ardent vanguard and other allies gain a +1 sacred bonus to their AC, +1 per 6 ardent vanguard levels. Allies also gain this same amount as fast healing, but only while below half their maximum hit points.
At 10th level, this bonus is doubled against attack rolls made to confirm critical hits.
Zealous Surge: The ardent vanguard and each ally benefitting from their zealous mantle gain a number of temporary hit points equal to two-times the ardent vanguard’s class level.