Developing a New DD 5E Fighter Subclass: The Guardian

Creating a new Fighter subclass for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (DD 5E) can be an exhilarating challenge. Below is a concept for a subclass called the Guardian, specifically designed for defending allies and controlling the battlefield.

Introduction to the Guardian Fighter Subclass

The Guardian Fighter Subclass is a distinct addition to the DD 5E fighter class. It focuses on enhancing a character's defensive capabilities and their ability to protect and support fellow players. The Guardian subclass offers a blend of unique abilities that can significantly enhance a character's role in combat.

Guardian Fighter Subclass Overview

This subclass is ideal for players who enjoy a supportive role while still being capable fighters. Guardians excel at protecting their allies, drawing attacks away, and creating opportunities for their companions to thrive on the battlefield. Let's delve into the specific features that define the Guardian Fighter Subclass.

Subclass Features

3rd Level: The Guardian's Oath

At 3rd level, when you choose this subclass, you swear an oath to protect your allies. This choice grants you several benefits:

Protective Stance: By using a bonus action, you can enter a protective stance. While in this stance, you gain a 2 bonus to AC and can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack roll made against an ally within 5 feet of you. This stance lasts for 1 minute and can be used a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all expended uses after a long rest. Guardian's Bond: You can choose one ally you can see within 30 feet. You can add your proficiency bonus to their saving throws until the start of your next turn.

7th Level: Shielded by Steel

At 7th level, you become adept at using your armor to protect yourself and others. Here are the benefits:

Armor Mastery: If you are wearing medium or heavy armor, your movement speed is not reduced by the armor, and you gain advantage on saving throws against being grappled or restrained. Defensive Maneuver: When a creature you can see targets you or an ally within 5 feet of you with an attack, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll.

10th Level: Bulwark

Your presence on the battlefield acts as a bulwark against harm at 10th level. The following benefits are available:

Unyielding Defense: When you take damage, you can reduce that damage by an amount equal to your Fighter level. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all expended uses after a long rest. Guardian's Aura: You and allies within 10 feet of you gain temporary hit points equal to your proficiency bonus at the start of each of your turns while you are conscious.

15th Level: Shield Wall

At 15th level, you can create a formidable defense involving your allies. Here’s how:

Shield Wall: As an action, you can create a wall of shields for 1 minute. Choose a number of allies equal to your proficiency bonus within 30 feet. They gain a 2 bonus to AC and advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed while within 10 feet of you. Immovable: You cannot be moved against your will while you are wearing heavy armor and not incapacitated.

18th Level: Guardians Sacrifice

At 18th level, your commitment to your allies reaches its pinnacle. Here is how this feature works:

Sacrificial Shield: When an ally within 30 feet takes damage, you can choose to take that damage instead. You can use this feature once per long rest.

Playstyle

The Guardian subclass emphasizes teamwork, defense, and strategic positioning on the battlefield. Guardians excel at protecting their allies, drawing attacks away, and creating opportunities for their companions to thrive. This subclass would be ideal for players who enjoy a supportive role while still being capable fighters.

Conclusion

The Guardian subclass provides a unique blend of defensive capabilities and support for allies, encouraging a playstyle that focuses on protection and teamwork. It is a solid addition to the Fighter class in DD 5E, offering players a distinct and powerful way to contribute to their party's success.