Shield Master

A Shield Master is a fighter that has mastered all aspects of the shield. Whether used to defend oneself, protect others, beat down an opponent, or strike from range, a Shield Master can accomplish all with only a simple shield. A Shield Master sees his shield as an ultimate tool of warfare.

Shield Master

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you gain the Shield Master feat, and learn how to attack with shield rather than weapon. You can choose to use a sharpened edge of you shield to cause 1d8 slashing or piercing damage, or you can bash with your shield, causing 1d8 bludgeoning damage.

You use shields not just for protection but also for offense. You gain the following benefits while you are wielding a shield:

• If you take the Attack action on your turn, you can use a bonus action to try to shove a creature within 5 feet of you with your shield.

• If you aren't incapacitated, you can add your shield's AC bonus to any Dexterity saving throw you make against a spell or other harmful effect that targets only you.

• If you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you can use your reaction to take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, interposing your shield between yourself and the source of the effect.

Shield Throw

Starting at 7th level, you have mastered the ability to use your shield as a thrown projectile and have it return to you. As an action, you can throw your shield at an enemy, using both your strength and proficiency modifiers.Your thrown shield has a 30/60 ft range, and deals 1d8 piercing, slashing, or bludgeoning damage, depending on your modification of the shield. In any attack roll except a 1, the shield returns to you. You can catch it and re-equip it as a bonus action.

Maximum Shield Damage

At 10th level, you learn how to maximize damage using your shield attacks. Instead of rolling damage on a hit with a shield attack, the attack causes maximum possible damage. 

Protector

Starting at 15th level, you have mastered helping your allies with your shield. Any ally within 10 feet of you gets a +2 to their AC.

Critical Shield Damage

At 18th level, any time you successfully hit an enemy with a shield attack, you deal critical damage. Treat any hit with your shield attacks as a critical hit.