Vindicator

The Vindicator is an illager axe-fighter fought in the Frozen Highlands and spread across nine regions — one of the widest-ranging illagers in the game. It has 25 health and hits for up to 7.5, but its defining trait is speed: a movement rate of 900 makes it one of the fastest melee enemies you will face, and it closes distance before most heroes finish aiming.

Its moveset has two parts: a quick melee swing for 6 physical damage and a heavier area slam for 7.5 physical that punishes anyone crowding it. Its poise of 25 is low, so knockback and rapid hits can keep it from ever landing the slam — if you can catch it.

The counter is its soul weakness: soul damage is boosted +50%. Soul-gathering weapons and soul-burst artifacts, which you will be charging anyway from its 4-soul drops, melt vindicators on approach. You will meet them around Archie's Ruins, Fortress Backgate, the Frozen Fortress, Frozen Shipyard, Highland Cliffs, and the Ice Caves. Do not let one reach your backline — its slam ruins grouped-up teams. Keep moving, keep bursting, and keep your soul weapons charged.