Martial Archetype: Bulwark
Standing staunch against the tide of their foes, a Bulwark serves as the ships hull that the waves crash against. They are the first to enter the fray, and the last to fall. Legendaries tales have been told of Bulwarks from ages past, protecting their allies against entire armies as a lone soul. But the strength of a Bulwark truly lies in the combatants who fight alongside them, given the gift of a guardian angel in mortal form to keep them fighting until the deed is done.
Defensive Stance
At 3rd level, you have learned how to enter a stance that provides you a greater amount of protection. As a bonus action, as long as you are wielding a shield, you can enter a defensive stance. When you enter this stance, you gain a number of temporary hit points equal to 3 x your level in this class + your Constitution modifier. In addition, so long as you maintain your defensive stance, whenever you would take damage, you can use your reaction to reduce the damage taken by an amount equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum 1).
While in this defensive stance, you move at a reduced rate. Your movement speed is reduced by half (rounded down), and you cannot benefit from any bonus to your speed. In addition, you have disadvantage on all attack rolls while maintaining your stance. The stance ends when you lose the temporary hit points granted by this feature, when you are incapacitated, or when you end this effect early on your turn as a bonus action. Ending the defensive stance early causes you to lose any remaining temporary hit points granted by this feature.
You can use this ability a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and regain all uses on a long rest.
Roots of the Earth
Starting at 7th level, while you are in your Defensive Stance, you gain advantage on saving throws to resist being knocked prone or moved against your will.
Defensive Action
Beginning at 10th level, while you are in your Defensive Stance, you have a second reaction. This reaction can only be used to make an attack of opportunity or to use the unique reaction granted to you by your Defensive Stance feature.
Stalwart Blockade
Beginning at 15th level, while you are in your Defensive Stance, the area within 5 feet of you is considered difficult terrain for creatures of your choice. In addition, you count as granting half cover to creatures of your choice within 5 feet of you.
Immovable Object
At 18th level, you have become the foremost representative of indomitable spirits and unshakable resolve. While you maintain your Defensive Stance, and while your health is at or below half, you regain an amount of health equal to your proficiency bonus at the start of each of your turns.
Credits
Art
Art by Daniel Henningsson.