Martial Archetype
Note from the Palm: This was inspired by recent re-watching of Reign: The Conqueror, the weird, Aeon Flux-style retelling of the story of Alexander the Great. In it, he is obsessed with speed, sure that it is the absolute key to overwhelming victory. Lots of these abilities would work very well for a Calvary-based class, but i wanted to build something that did this on foot, not a Cavalier. In any case, enjoy!
Vanguard
In combat, there are situations where each weapon is important: In duels, it is the sword, flexible and strong, good for attack and defense; In brutal melee, the axe and the hammer win the day, pounding through armor and crushing the warrior beneath; In siege, the ballista can strike with great force that which cannot be destroyed by man alone. In war, however, it is the spear and the arrow that win the day: quick, long reaching, and able to kill the enemy before they know they are dead.
Here, in this spot, at the tip of the spear, is the Vanguard.
Advance
Starting at 3rd level, on your turn, you deal an additional 1d8 damage on the first melee attack made after you move at least 10 feet in a straight line towards your target. You may do this multiple times on the same turn, but you must move at least 10 feet in a straight line towards your target between each attack, and you cannot use this ability against the same creature more than once per turn. This damage increases to 2d8 at level 10, and 3d8 at level 18.
Alternatively, you may use your momentum to knock your target away or flatten them to the ground. Instead of taking bonus damage, the target of your melee attack must succeed on a strength saving throw (DC = 8 + your Strength modifier + your proficiency bonus) or be shoved 10 feet away from you or knocked prone.
Double Time
Starting at 7th level, you are no longer hindered by rough terrain, and you may travel overland at twice the normal speed without suffering any ill effects. Any allies traveling with you for greater than 1 hour also gain these benefits.
Additionally, you gain proficiency in the Survival skill. If you are already proficient in Survival, you can select a different skill from among those which fighters can learn at 1st level.
Lightning Step
Starting at 10th level, on your turn, you may take the Dash or Disengage actions as a bonus action.
First to Fight
At 15th level, your base movement speed increases by 10 feet, and you may add your proficiency bonus to your initiative rolls.
War Master’s Charge
At 18th level, as an action on your turn, you may move up to twice your movement speed in a straight line towards a creature. At the end of this movement, you make a melee attack with advantage against that creature. Any allies within 20 feet of you when you start your movement may use their reaction to do the same, though they do not have to choose the same creature as you. Once you use this ability, you must finish a long rest before you can do so again.
Changelog: 4/10/16: Double Time: If you already are proficient in Survival, you can pick another skill.
4/15/16: Added Shove mechanic to Advance, based on external suggestions.
Reduced Advance’s movement requirement to make it more useable and keep it in line with the Charger feat.
