Oath of the Bulwark

The Oath of the Bulwark is an oath taken by those who swear to defend those found in their charge, whether they be soldiers on the field of battle or refugees of atrocities with nobody to protect them. These knights, sometimes referred to as Bulwarks, Stalwart Knights Iron Knights or Shield Knights, focus on making sure that both their own and the defenses of their charges are strong and capable of withstanding assault so that they may see another sunrise. Paladins who take this oath put others before themselves and find themselves acting selflessly in the protection of others. While these knights make sure to maintain their armor and shields, many of them will leave the scratch marks left on either as badges of honor amongst them and their kind. These knights know that often times the only thing standing between evil and the innocent are themselves. As such they make sure to stand tall and proud, even in the face of danger so that others may see that their fears won't stop Bulwarks from doing what is needed of them.

Tenets of the Bulwark

• Protect Those in Need: You are strong and capable in ways that not all others are. Use your strengths to help those in need.
• Others Before Yourself: Your path is one of selflessness. Though admittedly, you may not be able to help everyone you meet, but be sure to do your part whenever you can.
• Stand Strong and Proud: Act as a beacon of hope for others. Do not run headlong into danger, but when faced against it, show no fear.

Channel Divinty

 When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. See the Sacred Oath class feature for how Channel Divinity works.

 

• Mobile Fortress: As an action, you present your holy symbol and utter a prayer of defense. You emanate a 15ft radius aura that travels with you for 1 minute. While you maintain concentration on this effect (as though concentrating on a spell), you and a number of creatures up to a number equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1) within the aura gain the benefits of 3/4 cover.
• Divine Physicality: As an action, you invest your presence with the bolstering power of your faith. You and a number of creatures up to a number equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1) that you can see within 30ft of you have advantage on Strength, Constitution, and Dexterity saving throws for 1 minute.

Oath of the Bulwark Spells

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Oath of the Bulwark Spells:

Paladin Level:

 

• 3rd Level: Shield, Shield of Faith
• 5th Level: Warding Bond, Mirror Image
• 9th Level: Counterspell, Protection from Energy
• 13th Level: Death Ward, Fire Shield
• 17th Level: Circle of Power, Wall of Force

Stalwart Aura

At 7th level, you emanate a persistent aura of protection while you aren't incapacitated. You and any creatures of your choice within 10ft of you gain a bonus to AC equal to 1/3 of your proficiency bonus (rounded down). At 18th level, the range of the aura increases to 20ft.

Armor Breaker

Starting at 15th level, whenever a creature attacks a creature that is friendly to you, you can make a melee weapon attack against the attacker as a reaction so long as they are within your melee range. If the attack hits, the target's AC is lowered by an amount equal to 1/2 you proficiency bonus (rounded down) until the start of the target's next turn. The effects of this feature also apply to opportunity attacks you make against a creature.

Defender from the Heavens

At 20th level, you can enhance your presence to serve as a pinnacle of defensive might on the battlefield. As an action, you can channel the power of your faith and bestow yourself with the following benefits for 1 minute:

 

• You have resistance to all damage.
• You and your allies gain the benefits of 1/2 cover while within 30ft of you.
• If a creature within 30ft of you that you can see suffers damage, you can use your reaction to absorb the damage taken by them. This damage cannot be reduced in anyway.

 

This effect ends early if you are incapacitated or die. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.