Defender Fighter Subclass ———————————————— Created by Lance Dennison
The Defender utilizes defense as their weapon and their shield serves to protect them in combat as well as their allies. However, the bulk of a large shield makes for a surprisingly deadly weapon. With a well placed strike, you can cripple a target under the mass of your shield, buying precious time in the frenzy of combat. Taking defense to the extreme, the Defender needs not a weapon, for a shield in both hands better suits their needs. The Defender serves as a stalwart protector, making them extremely valuable for any party of adventurers.
Subclass Features
Defense Expert 3
You gain the following feats:
Sentinel
Shield MasterAdditionally:
You are able to wield large (+3) shields
You can equip a shield in both hands
Shield Bash
You can attack with your shield, dealing: 1d6 and 1d8, for regular and large shields respectively.
These attacks use your Strength modifier.
Guard 7
As a bonus action, you can target one creature/object that is within 5 feet of you. Until the start of your next turn, they are unable to be targeted for single target attacks.
If this feature is used while a large shield is equipped, your AC raises by your proficiency bonus and any area of attack damage dealt to you and your target is halved.
Combat Rescue 10
This feature requires the use of a large shield.
You can use your Guard bonus action on an unconscious target.
Doing so, grants you advantage on a Medicine check for this turn.
Crippling Blow 15
You attempt to cripple your target as an attack action.
If they pass an Athletics check against one of your own, their movement is halved for two turns.
If they fail, they also have disadvantage on all attacks for two turns.
Forceful Parry 18
Not usable with a large shield.
When attacked, you can use your reaction to parry your opponent.
If you beat their attack roll with an Athletics check, you can do one of the following:
- Disarm your attacker, sending their weapon 15 feet away.
- Push them back 5 feet and they are knocked prone.
Shield Toss 18
Not usable with a large shield.
You can make a ranged attack with your shield as if proficient with throwing (30/60).
If your attack hits, and they fail a Dexterity saving throw against your attack roll, they are knocked prone.
If they are not facing you, they have disadvantage.