Bodyguard (Companion Archetype)

Some companions live lives of faithful devotion and steady vigilance, standing watch through long hours and always ready to leap into action to protect their masters.

Animal Feats: In addition to the standard feats available to animal companions, a bodyguard can select Bodyguard, Combat Patrol, Heroic Defiance, Heroic Recovery, and In Harm’s Way.

Shared Vigilance (Ex)

Both a bodyguard and its master gain Alertness as a bonus feat whenever they are adjacent.

This replaces share spells.

Tenacious Guardian (Ex)

At 3rd level, a bodyguard can always act in a surprise round (though it remains flat-footed until it acts). As long as its master is adjacent, a bodyguard remains conscious (though it becomes staggered) when its hit points fall below 0. While below 0 hit points, the bodyguard loses 1 hit point per round but gains a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks, dying only if its hit points reach a negative total equal to its Constitution score plus its master’s class level.

This replaces evasion.

Uncanny Dodge (Ex)

At 9th level, a bodyguard gains uncanny dodge as per the rogue class feature of the same name. This replaces Multiattack.

Greater Tenacity (Ex)

At 15th level, a bodyguard with fewer than 0 hit points gains a +4 morale bonus on attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks; immunity to fear effects; and temporary hit points equal to its master’s class level (maximum 20). It dies only if its hit points reach a negative total equal to twice its Constitution score plus its master’s class level.

This replaces improved evasion.

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