Fighter: Shield Bearer Martial Archetype

The archetypal Shieldbearer of the Ironcrag Cantons is a staunch bulwark against any foe. Fighters who emulate this archetype become one with their shields, bolstering their defensive power and even turning it into a crushing weapon.

SHIELD BEARER

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you become proficient with shields as weapons and you may wield shields as offhand weapons without the need for them to be light. They have the following traits:

• Buckler: 1d6 (Bludgeoning), Light, Finesse
• Heater: 1d8 (Bludgeoning), Versatile 1d10
• Tower: 1d10 (Bludgeoning), Versatile 1d12

 

SHIELD WALL

Starting at 7th level, any allies within 5 ft. of you add your shield bonus to their AC.

IMPROVED SHIELD

At 10th level, when wielding a shield, you gain the following benefit, appropriate to your chosen shield.
Buckler. You treat any buckler as if it was a throwing shield and it gains the Pummel Strike and Mobile Shot weapon actions. Additionally, when you parry with this shield, you may add your full proficiency bonus.
Heater. You may add your shield's AC bonus to its attack and damage rolls. Additionally, it gains the Concussive Smash and Heart Stopper weapon actions.
Tower. You and allies within 5 ft. of you gain a bonus to Strength and Dexterity Saving Throws equal to your shield bonus. 

SHIELD THE MIND

Starting at 15th level, you add your shield’s AC bonus to Wisdom, Intelligence, and Charisma saving throws.

UNASSAILABLE BULWARK

At 18th level, while wielding a shield, you have resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks. In addition, when you fail a saving throw against being charmed, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, stunned, or knocked prone, you can choose to succeed instead; after using this ability once, you must complete a short or long rest before using it again. You also have advantage on ability checks and saving throws against effects that would cause you to drop your shield.