Shield Warden

The frotliner, the defender, the protector.

 

 

Original creator on reddit: u/Kepsli

Defense to Offense

When you adopt this fighter archetype at 3rd level, you learn to fight more effectively with your shield. You can use any shield you are holding as a simple weapon with the light property. On a hit, it deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage.

Brace

When you reach 3rd level, as an action, you may choose to Brace. Until the start of your next turn, you gain the following benefits:

• You have advantage on checks and saving throws made to resist being moved against your will.
• Making an opportunity attack does not expend your reaction. You cannot make an opportunity attack against the same creature more than once per round.
• You gain a +2 bonus to your AC. This bonus increases to +3 at 11th level, and +4 at 17th level.

Shield Bash

At 7th level, you learn new ways to utilize your shield’s offensive capabilities. When you make an attack with a shield, you may choose to make a shove attack as part of that same attack. You may make this special attack a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and regain all expended uses on a short rest.

Guardian

At 10th level, you have become a guardian for those around you. Whenever a creature within 5 feet of you becomes the target of an attack, you may use your reaction to swap places with them, becoming the target instead. You must do this before knowing the roll.

Forward Charge

At 15th level, you have ensured that you always lead from the front. As a bonus action, you may start a Charge. You may move up to your movement speed through any number of enemies without expending additional movement. These enemies must succeed on a Strength (Athletics) check or a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check against your own Strength (Athletics) check (made when you start the Charge) to avoid being knocked prone. You may use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and regain all expended charges on a Long Rest.

Unbreakable

At 18th level, you have become an indomitable wall of protection. Your Brace now lasts indefinitely. Additionally, while you are in your Brace, you gain the following effects:

• You gain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
• You move at half speed. However, your speed can not be reduced below that point, even if under the effects of a condition that removes your actions, such as Paralyzed or Stunned.
• Whenever you make an opportunity attack, you may add an additional 1d10 to the damage roll.

The Brace ends early if you fall unconscious, or if you choose to end it at the start of your turn.