The Aegis style of fighting has been passed down from generation to generation, and is usually considered both a philosophy and a martial art. Those who ascribe to it value protection, mental strength, and form.

The style centers around the shield, using it as both an extension of the body and a weapon. Due to this, an Aegis master will hone their body to a physical knife's edge. Aegis masters are fierce on the battlefield, both an unstoppable force and an immovable object, capable of battering down the most resilient of foes or acting as a sentinel against darkness.

Aegis masters also go through a process of reinvention, often choosing to fight without a weapon. This requires a certain degree of adaptation. When this occurs, an Aegis master utilizes the lessons they've learned as a warrior thus far, culminating in an Aegis style unique to them. One Aegis master may hurl their shield at foes, catch it in their hand, and then go on to unleash a devastating strike. Another may simply place their full weight behind their bulwark, slamming it into creatures with devastating force.

Regardless, all Aegis masters are unyielding, fierce, and stand tall with their allies. When the world asks them to move aside, they are the ones to plant their heels and say: "No, you move."

Not all shields are created equal

Starting at 3rd level, you can make or modify any shield to fit your fighting style. You can create any of the following, provided you have a shield or the materials to make one.

• Bucklers are lighter, easier to throw, and leave your hands free for checks and somatic components, but only grant a +1 bonus to AC.
• Kite Shields are normal shields, with regular stats.
• Tower Shields are larger and heavier, and require two hands to wield, but grant +3 to AC.

Buckler

Bucklers are lighter, easier to throw, and leave your hands free for checks and somatic components, but only grant a +1 bonus to AC.

Kite Shield

Kite Shields are normal shields, with regular stats.

Tower Shield

Tower Shields are larger and heavier, and require two hands to wield, but grant +3 to AC.

Shield-based fighting style

Bladed Aegis

 

You have learned how to create a bladed edge on your shield. You may make a melee attack with this shield, using your Strength modifier. The damage of such an attack is based on the size of the shield. A buckler does 1d6 slashing damage, a kite shield does 1d8 slashing damage, and a tower shield does 1d10 slashing damage. You can make an attack like this as a reaction to a creature missing you with a melee attack in addition to being able to do so normally.

 

Indomitable Aegis

 

As long as your shield is no smaller than a kite shield you can make a melee attack to bash your enemies with it, dealing bludgeoning damage on a hit relative to the type of shield used.

A kite shield deals 1d10 damage, and a tower shield deals 1d12. Additionally, when you hit with an attack with this shield, you may make a contested Strength check to push the creature 5 feet directly away from you.

 

Ricochet Master

 

As long as your shield is no larger than a kite shield you can throw it at a creature within 30 feet, dealing bludgeoning damage on a hit relative to the type of shield used. A buckler deals 1d6 damage, and a kite shield deals 1d8 damage. This attack can be made using either your Strength or Dexterity modifier. Your shield returns to you after such an attack. Your shield counts as a ranged weapon.

 

Spiked Shield

 

You have added spikes to your shield. You may make a melee attack with this shield, using your Strength modifier. The damage of such an attack is based on the size of the shield. A buckler does 1d6 piercing damage, a kite shield does 1d8 piercing damage, and a tower shield does 1d10 piercing damage. Additionally, when you hit with an attack with this shield, you may make a contested Strength check to move the creature 10 feet in any direction, provided they are still adjacent to you.

Bladed aegis

You have learned how to create a bladed edge on your shield. You may make a melee attack with this shield, using your Strength modifier. The damage of such an attack is based on the size of the shield. A buckler does 1d6 slashing damage, a kite shield does 1d8 slashing damage, and a tower shield does 1d10 slashing damage. You can make an attack like this as a reaction to a creature missing you with a melee attack in addition to being able to do so normally.

Indomitable aegis

As long as your shield is no smaller than a kite shield you can make a melee attack to bash your enemies with it, dealing bludgeoning damage on a hit relative to the type of shield used.

A kite shield deals 1d10 damage, and a tower shield deals 1d12. Additionally, when you hit with an attack with this shield, you may make a contested Strength check to push the creature 5 feet directly away from you.

Ricochet master

As long as your shield is no larger than a kite shield you can throw it at a creature within 30 feet, dealing bludgeoning damage on a hit relative to the type of shield used. A buckler deals 1d6 damage, and a kite shield deals 1d8 damage. This attack can be made using either your Strength or Dexterity modifier. Your shield returns to you after such an attack. Your shield counts as a ranged weapon.

Spiked shield

You have added spikes to your shield. You may make a melee attack with this shield, using your Strength modifier. The damage of such an attack is based on the size of the shield. A buckler does 1d6 piercing damage, a kite shield does 1d8 piercing damage, and a tower shield does 1d10 piercing damage. Additionally, when you hit with an attack with this shield, you may make a contested Strength check to move the creature 10 feet in any direction, provided they are still adjacent to you.

Valorous shield

Starting at 7th level, your shield attacks count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage.

Sentinel

Starting at 10th level, you can use your reaction to defend an ally. When a creature attacks an ally within 5 feet of you, you may make an opportunity attack against the attacker, and the targeted ally gains a bonus to their AC equal to your shield bonus for one round.

Versatile defense

Starting at 15th level, you can add your strength modifier to any saving throw.

Total defense

Starting at 18th level, as long as you have a shield equipped, you can use a bonus action to grant yourself half cover for one round. Any single-target ranged attacks targeting you that would miss you are reflected back at the attacker for ¼ the damage they would normally do.