Unflinching

Unflinching raises flinch resistance for the Vanguard while toggled on. Blows land, and the stroke they were meant to interrupt lands anyway.

Effect

Without flinch resistance, being hit mid-swing can cost you the swing. The greatsword's animations are the longest of any weapon, which means the Vanguard is the class most exposed to that, and the class that gains most from being able to see a stroke through.

It reduces no damage; you still take the hit. What it protects is the attack you were already committed to.

Toggling

Prayers switch on instantly and lock out briefly after being switched off.

Strategy

• It is at its best when several enemies are on you at once, which is exactly when Whirlwind wants to resolve.
• Pair it with Battle Trance in a Cottage fight, where there is no room to disengage.
• On an open map where you can retreat between swings, Bladesong or Second Wind will do more.
• It does not protect an ability's cast, only the flinch that would interrupt your attack.