The Guardian - A Fighter Subclass

Shield in hand, the Guardian is a subclass for the teamplayer with a focus on defense. The Guardian's main feature is their Guardian Stance, a form they can shift into that buffs the defenses of those around them. Alone, the Guardian might not be much of a threat. With a team, the Guardian can be the cornerstone of an impenetrable wall.

Tanks are a tricky thing in 5e, to whatever extent you'd consider this a tank. This one was a little more complicated than the other subclasses I've done, so tell me how it all works out. I worry the close-range abilities might feel a little fiddly with how BG3's movement and distance work, although I don't really want to expand its range too much further. Taking hits for allies should mostly work, but it might play a little odd with temporary HP. I don't have a great solution for that right now, but hopefully the subclass should otherwise function.

This is another LaserLlama subclass. Probably not the last, but while I do like LL's content, I might give their work a break for a bit. If I am going to keep making mods, I do want to show off a few other of the creators I know! Actually, no promises, but if you want to vouch for any fun Christmas / winter homebrew, give me a shout. There's every chance I'll be a little swamped come December, but if nothing else you'll have given me something to show my D&D group.

No requirements, but compatible with the Compatibility Framework if you have it. Otherwise, there'll likely be issues with other Fighter subclasses; Larian's built-in progression merging still has some bugs.

Features by level

• []Level 3: Your AC increases by 1 provided you're wearing armour or a shield. Additionally, you can use your bonus action to enter a Guardian Stance. This has numerous effects while active:

  []Your speed is reduced by 3m.

  []Allies within 3m of you gain a +1 to their AC.

  []You can use your shield to bash enemies as a bonus action, knocking them prone if you succeed on an Athletics check.

  []You can use your reaction to take the damage when an ally within 3m is attacked. You can't take the damage for already Downed characters.

  
  • []Level 7: If you use Second Wind while in your Guardian Stance, you and your allies within 3m gain temporary hitpoints equal to your Fighter level.

    []Level 10: You gain a +1 bonus to your Armour Class for each friendly creature within 3m, regardless of whether you are in your Guardian Stance. While in it, you have the following benefits:

    []You cannot be moved against your will or knocked prone.

    []Both you and friendly creatures within 3m have advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws.

    []If you are not already