Bulwark
The Bulwark is a fighter who specializes in combat with a shield. They promptly learn that a shield is more than just a defensive option and strive to protect their companions on the battlefield.
Shield Bash
Starting at 3rd level, you learn that your shield can be used for more than just blocking attacks. While wielding a shield, whenever you take the Attack action and attack with a melee weapon that you’re holding in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with your shield. You are proficient with this attack and the damage for this attack is 1d4 bludgeoning damage. You don't add your ability modifier to the damage of this attack, unless that modifier is negative.
At level 13, this increases to 1d6 bludgeoning damage.
Defensive Focus
Starting at 7th level, you learn to focus your defensive intensity for a limited time. You may use a bonus action to enter a focused state. For 1 minute you gain the following benefits:
- At the start of your turn, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1).
- You have advantage on saving throws against being knocked prone.
- You are immune to the frightened condition.
- As a reaction when you suffer a critical hit, you can turn that hit into a normal hit. Any effects triggered by a critical hit are canceled. You may only use this ability once per Defensive Focus.
You can’t use this feature again until you finish a short or long rest.
Intervene
Starting at 10th level, you learn to position yourself in a way that allows you to better protect your nearby allies. Whenever a creature within 5 feet of you is attacked, you can use your reaction to have the attack strike you instead of the intended target.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses of it when you finish a long rest.
Shield Specialist
At 15th level, you gain an additional +2 AC bonus to any shield you are wielding. Additionally, any creature that is hit by your Shield Bash must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength modifier). On a failed save, the target is dazed, and the next attack roll made against this target before the end of your next turn has advantage.
Mighty Resilience
At 18th level, your defensive prowess ensures that you deflect even the mightiest blows, reducing their power even if they hit you. While wielding a shield, damage that you take from weapon attacks is reduced by an amount equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1).
