Description:

The Shieldmaster is a warrior unlike any other. Where most fighters wield swords, axes, or bows, the Shieldmaster wields only shields — two at once — transforming defensive implements into instruments of both offense and domination. Each strike of a Shieldmaster carries the weight of unyielding resolve; each block embodies the protection of those they have sworn to guard.

 

Clad in dual shields, a Shieldmaster moves like an unstoppable wall, pushing through foes, shrugging off blows that would fell ordinary warriors, and turning the battlefield into a stage for their mastery of defense and retribution. They are living fortresses: unbreakable, immovable, and terrifying to those who dare oppose them.

 

 

 

 

Lore:

In the lands of old, when kingdoms were beset by endless war and monsters lurked beyond every border, legends tell of warriors born not from sword or spear, but from duty itself. The first Shieldmasters were guardians of sacred sites, charged with protecting priests, rulers, or sacred relics. It was said that when a Shieldmaster stands, nothing short of divine intervention could topple them.

 

A Shieldmaster is more than a fighter; they are a living bulwark. Their training emphasizes endurance, precision, and discipline above all else. They learn to anticipate attacks before they come, to turn an enemy’s failure into their own strength, and to strike with their shields in ways that shatter bones, morale, and the very line of battle.

 

Legends speak of Shieldmasters charging into battle, dual shields raised, plowing through entire battalions, and emerging almost untouched. Some tales whisper of Shieldmasters who protected kings for decades, standing between life and death so that their charges might live. Their existence is a testament to unwavering vigilance, a lifetime devoted to defense and retaliation, and a willingness to stand as the last line between the world and destruction.

Level 3: Twin Shield

You gain proficiency with shields as weapons. Shields are treated as martial melee weapons for you, dealing 1d8 bludgeoning damage on a hit.

 

You may dual-wield shields, using them with Two-Weapon Fighting rules.

 

You lose proficiency with all other martial and simple weapons, focusing solely on shields.

Level 3: Bolstered Defense

While wielding two shields, you gain the AC bonus from both shields.

Level 7: Iron Retribution

Once per turn, when a creature misses you with a melee attack, you may use your reaction to make a shield attack against them.

 

On a hit, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Constitution modifier + half your Fighter level.

 

While wielding your shields, they count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage.

Level 10: Titan Wall Advanced

While wielding two shields, you are immune to being knocked prone.

 

You have advantage on saving throws against being stunned.

Level 15: Unyielding Slam

When you hit a creature with a shield attack, you may force it to make a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + proficiency bonus + Strength modifier).

 

On a failed save, the creature is knocked prone and takes an additional 3d8 bludgeoning damage.

 

You can use this feature a number of times per long rest equal to your Strength modifier (minimum 1) and only once per turn.

Level 18: Earth Shatter Sentinel

At the peak of your mastery, you become a living juggernaut of protection and devastation.

 

When you take the Attack action, you may slam both shields into the ground as part of one attack.

 

All hostile creatures within 15 feet must make a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + proficiency bonus + Strength modifier) or take 10d8 bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.

 

Creatures that succeed take half damage and are not knocked prone.

 

This feature can be used once per long rest.