Bulwark

“As a crazed elf throws a homemade explosive towards a crowd of innocent bystanders, a dragonborn steps forward, putting himself between the crowd and the explosion, shield raised.“

Using their shields and bodies, Bulwarks put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. These selfless and vigilant protectors have devoted themselves to shielding and emboldening those they care about amidst adversity and unfavourable odds.

Defensive Stance

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you’ve learnt a special maneuver to provide greater protection to your allies. As a bonus action while you’re wielding a shield, you can enter a special defensive stance for 1 minute, or until you’re incapacitated. For the duration, you gain the following features:

• The area in a 5-foot radius centered on you is considered difficult terrain to creatures of your choice, and any allies within this radius are considered to be behind half cover.
• Whenever you hit a creature with a weapon attack, that creature has disadvantage on any attack rolls that aren’t made against you until the beginning of your next turn.
• Your movement speed is halved.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Strength modifier per long rest.

Immovable Wall

At 7th level, you can stand your ground against even the strongest of foes. You have advantage on saving throws you make to avoid being knocked prone or moved against your will.

Warding Charge

At 10th level, you’re always ready to come to the aid of your allies. As a reaction to an ally within line of sight suffering damage from an attack, you can move up to half your speed towards the target. If this movement puts you within 5 feet of your ally, they gain resistance to the attack’s damage. You must be wielding a shield to use this feature.

Additionally, your speed is no longer reduced whilst your Defensive Stance feature is active.

Iron Sentinel

At 15th level, you’ve mastered your Defensive Stance and are always ready to strike. Your Defensive Stance radius increases from a 5-foot radius to a 10-foot radius. Additionally, any creatures that move into this radius while your Defensive Stance feature is active provoke an attack of opportunity from you.

Relentless Vigilance

At 18th level, your vigilant eyes and swift reflexes never rest. You regain your reaction at the beginning of each creature’s turn during combat, instead of at the beginning of your next turn.