Shield guards focus on defense and group combat. They master the art of the shield and control on the battlefield. Known for their indomitable courage and resolve.

Shield Slam

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you are proficient with shields as offhand weapons and may use a bonus action to attack with your shield for 1d4 damage.

Unyielding Guardian

At 7th  level as a reaction you may reduce a critical hit to a normal hit a number of times equal to your proficiency on a short or long rest.

Defense Specialist

Starting at 10th level, you can choose Defense or Protection Fighting style as an additional fighting style. In addition, you cannot be flanked while wielding a shield.

Defense

While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.

Protection

When a creature you can see attacks a target other than you that is within 5 feet of you, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. You must be wielding a shield.

Superior Defender

Starting at 15th level, you may take a number of reactions each turn equal to your wisdom modifier.

Unshakable

At 18th level, while wielding a shield you may take the Dodge action and gain resistance to all damage but psychic. When you do so you may expend a hit dice to heal as a bonus action.