New Fighter Archetpye: Shield Savant

[WhosDaDungeonMaster]

So, one of my players has been playing a "Shield Master" Fighter archetype he found online. At first, I was ok with it so whatever. Now, though, he doesn't really like tracking the armament dice (like Battle Master would) and some it seems OP after playing it for a while. We are trying to figure out a new archetype for him to follow with something like the Champion's simple features.

I need features for 3rd, 7th, 10th, and then 15th and maybe even 18th depending on how the others go.

Right now for 3rd level I let him shield punch with his off-hand for 1d4 + Str as a bonus action, but he accepts a -1 AC penalty when he does until the start of his next turn since his shield isn't being used solely for defense.

Any suggestions?

 

[Bawylie]

I assume he’s taking the shield master feat. If not, he should get it for free at 3rd level.

At 7th level, I’d make something like a shield lob - you throw your shield at an enemy within range and deal (whatever damage you’re allowing here). If you have the extra attack feature, you can ricochet the shield to an additional target for each attack you are able to make, provided those enemies are within range. The shield bounces back to you if your last attack hits.

At 7th that should be 2 enemies. And he could be using that bonus action to push one of those enemies 5 ft.

After that we’re pushing the limits of what we’ve all seen a shield do. So you might consider expanding the area of effect. For instance, at higher levels, adjacent allies may gain the benefits of the shield master feat and the 10ft area around you might either be difficult terrain or impassible by anyone you don’t want getting through.

After that, you may just go with superior critical or other benefits from the champion kit.

 

[WhosDaDungeonMaster]

I assume he’s taking the shield master feat. If not, he should get it for free at 3rd level.

No, he hasn't yet. He's held off on it since we don't want the archetype to blend into the feat and haven't decided all its features yet.

At 7th level, I’d make something like a shield lob - you throw your shield at an enemy within range and deal (whatever damage you’re allowing here). If you have the extra attack feature, you can ricochet the shield to an additional target for each attack you are able to make, provided those enemies are within range. The shield bounces back to you if your last attack hits.

At 7th that should be 2 enemies. And he could be using that bonus action to push one of those enemies 5 ft.

Very "Capt America"! I like it. Making in his action, and allowing the extra attack feature, would be pretty neat. Damage is 1d4 for the shield. Since it is a thrown weapon at that point, I would probably rule it adds Str mod, at least to the initial target. Obviously, he would not gain AC benefit until the beginning of his next turn.

I could even throw in an option that if the attack misses his target, the target can try to catch the shield. I could see a Monk's Missile Deflection being quiet comical.

After that we’re pushing the limits of what we’ve all seen a shield do. So you might consider expanding the area of effect. For instance, at higher levels, adjacent allies may gain the benefits of the shield master feat and the 10ft area around you might either be difficult terrain or impassible by anyone you don’t want getting through.

After that, you may just go with superior critical or other benefits from the champion kit.

All-in-all some good ideas. Thanks!

 

[Bawylie]

You’re welcome. I would probably allow 1d6 + Str mod to all attacks myself, since this is like his main deal. You might even consider increasing the damage die a step as he levels. D4 at 3rd, d6 at 7, d8 at whatever is next. 11? Can’t remember.

 

[WhosDaDungeonMaster]

I like it at d4, but increasing it to a d6 at 7th and maybe a d8 at a higher level would be good.