Shield Bearer

In contradiction to most fighters, you don't yield the motto 'attack is the best defense', but ‘defense is the best attack’. You overcome your enemies by wearing them down on your impenetrable defense. After they become tired, you are able to finish them easily. Shields and other defensive tactics are your best friends and you not only defend yourself with it, but also use it as a weapon.

Whether your skills were developed through countless hours of training, a case of pure talent, or you studied the art of defense in the library the way of the shield became yours.

Way of the Shield

3rd-level Shield Bearer Feature

At 3rd level, by study, talent or training, you know how to use your shield to defend yourself better than any other. Therefore, when you wield a shield, you gain an extra +1 bonus to AC. Additionally as a bonus action you can use your shield to make a weapon attack. On a hit you deal an extra 1d6 bludgeoning damage.

Protector

7th-level Shield Bearer Feature

Starting from the 7th level you can use your defensive experience to protect your allies. When an ally within 10ft of you gets hit by an attack, you can use your reaction to protect this ally. You reduce the damage by 1d10 + your strength modifier (min. of 1). You can use this feature equal to your proficiency bonus. All expended uses are regained after a long rest.

Defensive Knowledge

10th-level Shield Bearer Feature

From the 10th level on you not only became a master of defense, you also learned to recognize other creatures' defense strategies. Therefore, as a bonus action, you can focus yourself on the defenses of one enemy as if you were concentrating on a spell. While doing so your attacks on this creature are made with advantage, for the duration of 1 minute.

Additionally the damage dealt by using your shield as a weapon increases to 2d6 and the creature needs to make a Strength Saving Throw or fall prone.

Shieldwall

15th-level Shield Bearer Feature

At 15th level, you are able to inspire allies to defend together. Therefore every ally within 5ft radius of you that is carrying a shield gets a +1 bonus to AC for every ally within that same range carrying a shield.

Impeccable Defense

18th-level Shield Bearer Feature

At 18th level your defense became almost impeccable and very difficult for enemies to penetrate. Therefore, all melee attacks made with non-magical weapons are made with disadvantage.

Additionally, if you do not move willingly on your turn. Every attack will receive a -5 penalty on damage, except for psychic damage.