Path of the Warden

Barbarians who walk the Path of the Warden are selfless warriors that devote their lives to the protection of others. Taking up shields as their weapons of choice, they let them serve as a symbol of their devotion.

As a Path of the Warden barbarian, the shield you carry is an extension of yourself and the devotion you have towards the people you care about. As such, it should have a unique story behind it or carry a special importance to you. Roll on the Shield Tale table below, or come up with your own!

D6	Shield Tale
1	Family Heirloom. You inherited the shield from a family member when you came of age. It bears your family crest.
2	Victory Token. You bested a powerful opponent in one-on-one combat, claiming their shield as your own.
3	Proud Craftsmanship. You built the shield you carry with your own hard labor and carry it with pride.
4	Humble Beginnings. Your shield is not a proper one, but a pot lid or a plank of wood. It saved your life in an emergency and hasn't failed you yet.
5	Strange Treasure. You happened upon the shield you carry by accident. It bears a strange or opulent appearance and might radiate magical energy.
6	Spoils of War. Whenever you defeat an enemy carrying a shield, you claim theirs for yourself and abandon the one you previously owned. In doing so, you honor your opponent's memory.

Shield Warrior

Beginning when you choose this path at 3rd level, your shield is as much a weapon as a means to protect. Any shield you are carrying counts as a martial melee weapon with the heavy and two-handed properties. It uses your Strength modifier for its attack and damage rolls. On a successful hit, it deals 1d8 bludgeoning damage.

In addition, while wielding your shield with both hands, you gain the following features:

Aggressive Shove. As a bonus action, you can take the shove action.

Swinging Bash. As a bonus action, you can bash a creature with it. This attack uses your Strength modifier for its attack and damage rolls. On a successful hit, it deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage.

Guarded Persona

Also at 3rd level, you’re an expert at evaluating threats and keeping quiet for the sake of others. You have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks made to determine if a creature is dangerous or carries hostile intent towards you. In addition, you have advantage on Charisma (Deception) checks made to withhold information that could endanger or compromise you or your allies.

Warding Charge

At 6th level, you’re always ready to put yourself in harm’s way to protect others. As a reaction to a creature you can see taking damage, you can move up to half your speed towards it. If this movement puts you within 5 feet of the creature, you can choose to take the damage, instead of that creature taking it.

Living Barricade

At 10th level, you’re a vigilant guardian of your allies. While you’re wielding a shield, creatures of your choice within 5 feet of you gain the benefits of half cover.

Shield Crash

At 14th level, you’ve learnt how to use your shield as a battering ram to devastating effect. As an action while wielding your shield with both hands, you can choose to charge a number of feet equal to your movement speed in a straight line. This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity. Any creature in the way of this charge must make a Dexterity saving throw against a DC of 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier. On a failed save, a creature takes 4d8 bludgeoning damage, is pushed to an unoccupied space within 5 feet that is adjacent to you and is knocked prone. On a successful save, a creature takes half damage and suffers no other effects.