The Sentinel: The Shield that Stands Eternal

A Sentinel is not simply a warrior, they are the unwavering bulwark, the line that holds fast when all others falter. Clad in armor scarred by countless battles and wielding a shield that seems more fortress wall than weapon, these stalwart defenders stride into danger without hesitation. Where others see chaos, a Sentinel sees opportunity, an opportunity to protect, to control, to endure. They are the eye of the storm, unshaken and resolute, turning every assault into a chance to safeguard those who stand behind them.

Sentinels master the art of shieldcraft, treating it not only as an object of defense but as an extension of their very being. Every movement of their shield is deliberate, whether deflecting a deadly blow, striking with bone-jarring force, or interposing between a vulnerable ally and the jaws of death. Their shields are not just tools, they are symbols of their unwavering commitment to the lives they protect.

On the battlefield, a Sentinel becomes an indomitable presence. Their Defender’s Stance transforms their shield into an impenetrable barrier, while every swing and strike disrupts the enemy’s plans, pushing them back and scattering their formations. Like a fortress on legs, they advance methodically, their allies inspired by their courage and reassured by the security of their presence.

A Sentinel’s power extends beyond their physical prowess. With a commanding presence and a voice that brooks no argument, they can draw the ire of foes, daring them to face the indomitable will standing before them. To attack anyone else is folly, for a Sentinel’s taunts are woven with the promise of swift retribution.

Yet their strength is not only in defiance, it is in protection. A Sentinel does not merely hold the line, they are the line. Their Aegis of Steel fortifies those near them, granting them the strength to endure even the fiercest assaults. And when the tide of battle threatens to overwhelm, a Sentinel’s shield slams the ground with the force of a battering ram, scattering enemies and restoring order to the chaos.

As they grow in experience, a Sentinel’s mastery transforms them into a living fortress. Their presence alone reshapes the battlefield, creating a zone of protection where allies find shelter and enemies find despair. To face a Sentinel is to fight against the very concept of unyielding defense. They are the guardian of the weak, the bane of reckless aggression, and the shield that stands eternal against the storm.

Level 3: Shield Mastery

Your mastery of shield combat allows you to strike and defend with unparalleled skill.

• Shield Strike: When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can make an additional melee attack with your shield as a bonus action. This attack deals bludgeoning damage, starting at 1d6 + your Strength modifier. This damage increases as you gain levels in this class, as shown below. On a hit, this attack also pushes the target 5 feet away.

  • You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
  • Shield Strike Damage Progression: 1d6 (Level 3), 2d6 (Level 5), 3d6 (Level 9), 4d6 (Level 13), 5d6 (Level 17), 6d6 (Level 20).

Level 7: Bastion’s Interposition

You become a shield not just for yourself but for others.

• When a creature within 10 feet of you is targeted by an attack, you can use your reaction to do one of the following:
  • Damage Reduction: Reduce the damage the target would take by an amount equal to your Fighter level + your proficiency bonus.
  • Interception: Move into the target’s space and become the target of the attack instead.
• You can use this feature once per round as a reaction.

Level 7: Challenging Presence

You radiate a commanding aura, drawing the ire of your enemies.

• As a bonus action, you can force creatures within 15 feet of you to focus on you. Each creature of your choice within range that can see or hear you must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier). On a failed save, the creature has disadvantage on attack rolls against targets other than you until the start of your next turn.
• Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Level 10: Aegis of Steel

Your shield becomes a rallying point of protection and inspiration for those around you.

• Fortifying Aura: While wielding a shield, you have advantage on Strength saving throws and checks made to resist being moved or knocked prone. Allies within 5 feet of you gain a +1 bonus to their AC while you are conscious.
• Bolstering Presence: As a bonus action, you can grant temporary hit points to an ally within 5 feet of you. The temporary hit points equal your Fighter level + your Constitution modifier. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all uses after a long rest.

Level 15: Ward Breaker

Your shield becomes a weapon of unparalleled battlefield disruption.

• As an action, you can strike with your shield, releasing a shockwave of force. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must make a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier). On a failed save, a creature takes 2d10 bludgeoning damage, is pushed 10 feet away from you, and is knocked prone. On a success, the creature takes half damage and isn’t pushed or knocked prone.
• You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Strength modifier (minimum of once) and regain all expended uses after a long rest.

Level 18: Sentinel’s Fortress

You become the living embodiment of an unassailable shield.

• While wielding a shield, its AC bonus increases by +1.
• You cannot be moved or knocked prone while conscious.
• Enhanced Defender’s Stance: When you use Defender’s Stance, you can extend its benefits to any number of allies within 5 feet of you.
• Unyielding Aura: As an action, you create a protective aura in a 10-foot radius around you that lasts for 1 minute. Allies within the aura gain resistance to all damage, and enemies treat the area as difficult terrain. You can use this feature once per long rest.