DnD Shield Fighter Adding Sword & Board Combat to Your Game Dungeons and Dragons Character Builds

[@Nerdarchy]

Help Support Nerdarchy by Shopping at YOUR Favorites Places on the Internet. Just use these links and shop as usual. Nothing changes for you- Amazon- amzn.to/2jf0boA Nerdarchy the Store- goo.gl/M4YZEQ Drive Thru RPG- goo.gl/6nf5zh Easy Roller Dice- goo.gl/1n0M1r

[@gucci4president433]

Nerdarchy love all you’re vids I go back to watching old ones like this just to hear you’re guys knowledge lol quick question since I’m here can the shield master feat the part that says you can use you’re reaction to take no damage instead work when you don’t have a shield equip like how Gwm feat bonus atk on crits work even if u don’t use a 2hander wep thanks in advance

[@LeetMasterAce]

I am allowing my buddy to use his shield as a weapon he's proficient in so long as he wields no other weapons. He can also use it as a standard 20/60ft thrown weapon. He went Eldritch Knight, so now whenever he throws his shield, he can resummon it using the eldritch knight linked weapon feature. THAT is Captain America!

[@punishedwhispers1218]

Why so long if he doesn't wield any other weapons? A shield IS a weapon.

[@marcuspacheco3815]

A shield is not a weapon unless you have tavern brawler that's raw. Also Captain America is definitely a monk..... Don't care what you say at most he uses like a single weapon attack and then does a bunch of melee attacks.....

[@LeetMasterAce]

@@marcuspacheco3815 Blablabla. Most Superheroes fight exclusively with their fists. That doesn't make them all Monks. Superman, for instance, is definitely not a Monk. He's a total paladin!

[@marcuspacheco3815]

@@LeetMasterAce I'll grant you that, but Superman skills do not revolve around jiu-jitsu karate Muay Thai etc go look at Captain America's list of powers and it lists all of his martial arts skills as part of his actual skill set. I would argue Superman's greatest skill set is his invulnerability he's a super tank so yeah I could totally see how he would be a paladin. Although I would make the argument that Superman is really some sort of multi-classed character who's taken some magic abilities like flying. A lot of the super heroes would need multiclasses like for example Batman is part monk also because of his martial arts but then also need some rogue skills cuz he's sneaky as fuck.... He definitely gets to hide with his bonus action. Other characters maybe don't need that like iron Man he's 100% and artificer. But I think cap definitely falls into the fighter category or the monk category monk making the most sense because Captain America specifically does martial arts.

[@Troommate]

Eldritch Knight because I want a Shield for my Shield.

[@noahmorris1080]

matt510 AWESOME

[@blakebrockhaus347]

Troommate my friend is playing an eldritch knight, being able to hit 28 ac when he has shield and haste on is insane. we're 8th lvl im the wizard casting haste on him. The issue is that the dm fudges a ton to hit him. (+7 to hit but they only rolled 28/29????) also 4 attacks a round with haste and dancing blade

[@d-risky4994]

Alan Brockhaus that’s a lame way to fudge dice... just give the monster a saving thrown attack

[@kathrynk3200]

I think EK is underrated. Shield, Absorb Elements, Mirror Image, Haste, etc. make EK's EXTREMELY survivable. And Haste + Green Flame Blade, or Shadow Blade (on a dex warrior), give some very respectable dmg output. Shadow blade upcast to lvl 3, with +5 from dex (dex warrior with shield offhand), +2 from dueling style, 4x attacks, can deal 164 dmg (average) in one round with action surge. And it's only 1AC behind plate & shield on defense. Though if you have a +3 rapier, Haste to stack an extra attack with Green Flame Blade might be more tempting (144 average dmg with action surge, but you get 13.5 to a second target, and +2AC). Plus cantrips, and fire shield or polymorph or otiluke's bubble...

[@nathanmitchell5550]

Dudes. If you're counting a Shield as a weapon, go Eldritch Knight. Throw your Shield then summon it back to your hand with Weapon Bond. You even get Enlarge/Reduce if you want to go the Tavern Brawler grapple route. There's the true Captain America of DnD right there. Shove people to the ground, grapple and fuck their shit up with a Shield, throwing it at ranged enemies.

[@Nerdarchy]

Nathan Mitchell Good stuff my friend. Nerdarchist Dave

[@Dragonspassage]

Only problem is you never get the AC bonus with that build because donning a shield is a full action same for doffing it.

[@zackmorse9042]

If you really want to use a shield as a weapon, dual-wield shields. That way you can still get the AC bonus from one and throw the other. Or think how humiliated an opponent would be if someone kicked their butt just 1-2ing them with shields. Now I'm also thinking what would it look like to throw some monk into the mix. It dawned on me the other day that improvised weapons may not work with Kensai. What does everyone think? Are improvised weapons, 'weapons', or are they not true weapons that could be picked up with Kensai?

[@genghisgalahad6433]

Nathan Mitchell cool idea! Have your EK Cap America run with my Sword and Board Protection Paladin with Thor-like Smite and Shield Master Feat :)

[@bellamychae]

Bah! Just go Wizard Abjurer to the 18th level, and take some fighter feats. You'll outclass fighters by using a shield and casting _shield_. All the shields, every shields, with a ward on top. Then, when you get to 18th level, go fighter for your remaining 2 levels for that action surge to snap the action economy over your knee.

[@Demonsthere]

My shield fighting paladin is getting the shield mastery feat now asap. Protect allies, bash foes and heal when needed :)

[@ElenaAideen]

Glad to see this build video as I'm a big fan of 'sword and board' fighting. In the 5e campaign I play in we've got an awesome shield wall front line. I play a very tanky Hill Dwarf Life Domain Cleric with the Shield Mastery feat and the fighter whose always shoulder to shoulder with me is a Mountain Dwarf Champion with the Protection fighting style. Both of us are in full plate with weapon and shield and we consistently knock shit down and then smash and chop them up. Our rogue assassin rarely even needs to hide to get her sneak attacks off, she just stabs the crap out of whatever we've just knocked down.

[@ElenaAideen]

As for the idea of whether or not a shield is or can be used as a weapon: No, technically a shield is not a weapon, they are a defensive implement. Any shield can however be used to attack by someone who is skilled in their use though, whether it's got a spiked boss or not. The edge of any shield is great for breaking noses, wrists, feet, etc, and any metal shield can have its edges sharpened to make such maneuvers especially effective. The drawback is that when you use your shield for these types of attacks you are taking it out of line and therefore creating an opening in your defenses. aka: Giving up the AC bonus til your next turn. Possibly also losing your duelist damage bonus, if you use that fighting style. My interpretation, swapping stories at the tavern after an adventure: Bar patron - So why the heck did that orc fall on his butt when you ducked under his swing? Me - Well, you see he swung high and when I ducked under his axe, his foot was just there in front of me. So, I smashed the edge of my shield down on his instep. Of course he ended up ass over tea kettle, I just broke four or five bones in his foot, which he was sort of using to keep himself upright. I actually see absolutely no reason why you would need to take the tavern brawler feat to be 'Proficient with improvised weapons' if you're already proficient with shields. To me that's just making things more difficult than they need to be. Unless for some strange reason you want to be able to throw your shield. The problem there is that most shields aren't something that you just hold in your hand like a dagger or axe. They are typically strapped to your forearm, and heater, kite, and tower shields also usually have a strap that runs over the opposite shoulder and across the back to take some of the weight off your arm. Which really kills the whole Captain America EK build theory when you get down to it. Possibly this could be done with a buckler which is actually held by only a singly handle inside the boss and is roughly the size of a soup plate. Frankly I think it's a silly idea, but hey if your having fun with it and your DM allows it, more power to you.

[@ElenaAideen]

As for the idea of whether or not a shield is or can be used as a weapon: No, technically a shield is not a weapon, they are a defensive implement. Any shield can however be used to attack by someone who is skilled in their use though, whether it's got a spiked boss or not. The edge of any shield is great for breaking noses, wrists, feet, etc, and any metal shield can have its edges sharpened to make such maneuvers especially effective. The drawback is that when you use your shield for these types of attacks you are taking it out of line and therefore creating an opening in your defenses. aka: Giving up the AC bonus til your next turn. Possibly also losing your duelist damage bonus, if you use that fighting style. My interpretation, swapping stories at the tavern after an adventure: Bar patron - So why the heck did that orc fall on his butt when you ducked under his swing? Me - Well, you see he swung high and when I ducked under his axe, his foot was just there in front of me. So, I smashed the edge of my shield down on his instep. Of course he ended up ass over tea kettle, I just broke four or five bones in his foot, which he was sort of using to keep himself upright. I actually see absolutely no reason why you would need to take the tavern brawler feat to be 'Proficient with improvised weapons' if you're already proficient with shields. To me that's just making things more difficult than they need to be. Unless for some strange reason you want to be able to throw your shield. The problem there is that most shields aren't something that you just hold in your hand like a dagger or axe. They are typically strapped to your forearm, and heater, kite, and tower shields also usually have a strap that runs over the opposite shoulder and across the back to take some of the weight off your arm. Which really kills the whole Captain America EK build theory when you get down to it. Possibly this could be done with a buckler which is actually held by only a singly handle inside the boss and is roughly the size of a soup plate. Frankly I think it's a silly idea, but hey if your having fun with it and your DM allows it, more power to you.

[@DristanRossVII]

"So I kinda cut you o-" Ad starts playing Touché

[@Nerdarchy]

Hah, for whatever reason the ad didn't trigger for me, but that was a pretty genius placement! -Nerdarchist Ryan

[@nathanwilson7929]

Just happened to me *while I am reading this post*!!!

[@RaulDiaz-mp8ms]

@@nathanwilson7929 Same thing here.

[@SteveSwannJr]

One of my Shieldmaster PC's asked if they could pick up a lizardfolk shield to use as a weapon in their off hand... sounded cool at the time... I said yes! So far, it has been fun and not overused.

[@serpentreedz]

I'm using a ranger gloom stalker with a bounty hunter background. I'm level 3 now but at level 2 I grabbed shield master ,as I'm a human. The rest of the group is level 5 and I'm killing on the field. The DM has expressed his frustration with my build as I'm stronger than he thought I would be. This helped as I wasn't sure what to do at level 4. This has given me some to look into more. Thanks

[@bryceroper802]

=) I had a spiked shield made for me by a local blacksmith, that just allowed me to do 1d4 damage whenever i used a shield ability. So using protectioin to help allies, I get a little bit of damage. Going to pick up shield master for the reasons you mention in your video. Plan is to use blacksmithing and magic to boost the efffectiveness of the shield itself so that as the parties tank I can focus on protecting others and drawing enemies to me, while being able to inflict some damage or give advantage. Didn't even think of tavern brawler but that does sound like it'd fit in nicely if my dm allowed it. So thanks for the video!

[@NobodyDungeons]

one thing I would add to the protection fighting style is the ability to block projectiles that come with in five feet of you

[@thedwarf4121]

I've been working on a shield and spear build using the bugbear race. Just as a fun character to roleplay, I was originally planning to go Battle Master but this video really set me onto Champion. Thank you!!

[@luizations]

I once played a battle master tiefling, the strategic mastermind feeling you get from it is just awsome.

[@J9M7N]

our next game is starting in about 3 weeks and this really gave some clarity to how i wanna build my shield using fighter :)

[@matthewkemp9438]

How would you guys build a wheel of Time style caster in 5e

[@dicegoblinz]

I tend to push my newer players that have never tried a table top role playing game into playing a sword and board style of fighter simply for their straight forward abilities and ability to fill a role that more experienced party members tend to shy away from due to it's lack of options compared to some other choices. It really helps newer players keep their mechanics straight and allows them to build into the more complicated paths or stick to the simpler ones as they level up to 3rd and options become available. I really like your in depth analysis and tossed in tid bits about "we have been told for a fact that shield's are not counted as weapons when dueling abilities are in question" and that's something I have thought about but never researched. Thanks for making cool videos and highlighting so many good options for one of the most standard of classes, you really did help bring depth to what most people blow off as a NEWB type character.

[@omegaelement]

I have a Sword & Board Golaith Fighter (Champion) character who I got to play for a short while. A lot of fun, and I had him pre-planned for up to level 6 or so (I only got as far as 4th using him). I went with Dueling and planned to go for Defence Fighting Style. I also took Heavy Armour Master at 4th and planned on possibly taking Tough at 6th for the extra hitpoints. Basically wanted to make him a Gladatorial style combatant, who could dish out as much as he could take. Sadly it might be a while before I can play him again, but he did manage to take out a Manticore with rolling two 19 Crit attacks in the same turn (huzzah Action Surge) and dealing out almost max damage both times. For the record he used a War-Hammer instead of a Sword. Wanted to mix it up a bit and give him an option for if he didn't have his shield on hand for any reason.

[@danieldavis1478]

building a goliath fighter with a towershield and greataxe my buddy is makin a halfling barbarian great videos guys

[@Direwolf13PS3]

For my campaigns Ive added a bonus to Defensive Duelist in which if your AC including the bonus exceeds the incoming attack by 10, you can immediately make a melee attack against the attacker. - Its not overpowered as its part of your reaction, and thus you can only get one extra melee attack out of it. Additionally it has to be a melee attack, no cantrip melees or multi-attacks here. I figure it adds a good deal of flavor to a character using a sword and shield.

[@Tectonix26]

I've played a couple shield based characters, a tower shield clad fighter and a devotion paladin, the dm ruling that his shield was larger, heavier and thus granted half cover against ranged attacks, so Taurus would take the dodge action and trudge forward towards teh enemies with the party behind him, before planting himself in tight spaces and only thrusting out with his weapon when he deemed it was worth the risk of exposing himsel. The paladin, Leona would treat her heater shield as a second weapon, as the dm allowed an additional use of the shield master bonus action to use it as a d6 bludgeoning damage weapon (Later upgraded to d4 radiant + d4 bludgeoning) and use it along side shield of faith for the holy protector aesthetic.

[@baconghoti]

Reading through RAW/RAI on Thrown properties, a shield is a shield when used defensively, but a weapon when used offensively. The choice lasts until your next turn. It's the DM's choice under the improvised weapon rules as to whether it is an improvised weapon as it is a object built for fighting with, but unless it is a small shield it would be too bulky to be of much use. The problem is that buckler doesn't exist in the rules, which is a real world weapon and when used offensively it is used in a similar way to a katar or punch dagger. Most of the time it will be held with a straight arm away from the body unlike a typical shield held close. However it can also be used to guard the main hand as well as attack when the main hand is otherwise engaged. Skallgrimm has a short YT video on how they are used. We have added it for play testing as a D4/B, Light martial weapon (+1 shield). It can be used two ways and has a Special Property. Defensive use = Counts as a shield and gives advantage against disarm or an additional +1AC; Offensive use = Counts as a Martial weapon granting +1 AC and a D4/B bonus action attack against 1 target. Special - Duelists and Dual Wielder's retain their AC bonus when using a buckler. What are your thoughts?

[@mihokspawn]

You are over-mathing it, keep it simple. If you use the shield on defense it gives +2AC, if you use it on offense it is a D4 weapon [club/dagger equivalent] no AC bonus. Having more options is good in theory, but having more options makes power creep inevitable. Like what you made. There is no problem that a buckler doesn't exist separately to other shields in the game, all shields can be used offensively and defensively in historical terms with enough efficiency. The video you talk about references that a buckler is underrated in games and other media, 5e fixed that by putting them all together in one group. A large shield [round shield, heater shield...] or even a tower shield [rottela, scutum, riot shield...], from older editions, in game terms in this edition are balanced with the smaller types [adarga, buckler, parmula...] for simplicity, and avoiding some item types being clearly more powerful than others [Tower shield best shield 3.x].

[@baconghoti]

Miklos Mihok yeah, I know it a tad over mathed. Our other idea was it would be a straight +1ac, D4/B instead of shove and advantage against disarm.

[@arczero1623]

In order to dual wield with a shield, you first have to make a shield an improvised weapon with either the Tavern Brawler feat or the Variant Entertainer background Gladiator (which debatably gives you proficiency with one unusual/improvised weapon, with DM permission of course). Now you are able to wield a shield as a 1d4 weapon but you cannot dual wield it since improvised weapons are considered non-light weapons and dual wielding states you must be wielding two light weapons. So wham bam, take the Dual Wielder feat and now you can dual wield two non-light weapons. And at the end of the day, you get an extra point to AC from dual wielder, so in a way, your shield is now giving you +3 ac. Not a bad deal at all. Just for extra spiciness, I have a character in mind that would dual wield shields, because why not?! Those enemies blocking the hallway in Dark Souls scarred me...

[@Briansgate]

In Sage Advice, Jeremy Crawford clarified that RAI, even with imporvised weapon and two weapong fighting, a shield is not intended to be 'weapon.'

[@TonyisLink]

For what you talked about Capitan America I would reclass that more of a monk with shield skills cause see him with out a shield is my reason but I loving the ideas you guys come up with.

[@jnmmcgraw]

one nifty thing you can do with Tavern Brawler is it shines when you get extra attack. you can push prone-attack with advantage-and then grapple. if you go that route you have now CC'ed your target for your party to wail on. Dip one into rogue so you can gain expertise for athletics.

[@glacialrelic7878]

Interesting thing I think you could note from the improvised weapon section is "At the DM's option, a character proficient with a weapon can use a similar object as if it were that weapon and use his or her proficiency bonus." If we also look at the "lizardfolk" (from the monster manual not Volo's) they have a spiked shield attack. I think a cool DM would let you use your shield as a spiked shield or buy/craft a shield into something similar to it. Side note if someone wanted to do a shield warrior there's a shout out for a Minotaur Barbarian.

[@Nerdarchy]

Arthur DeLuca Great catch on the lizardfolk. Nerdarchist Dave

[@monsterbash9758]

I think the cleric class description specifically says your holy focus can be a shield with a symbol of your deity on it.

[@SelwynClydeAlojipan]

My 8th-Level Wood-Elf War Cleric of Tempus (his name is Felis Tigris) started out 3rd-level in the UnderDark Rage of Demons campaign with a rare and an uncommon magic item allowed by the DM. His Stats were Str10, Dex18, Con12, Int12, Wis18, Cha10, then raised his Wis to 20 at 4th-level. I gave him a Belt of Hill Giant Strength (rare, attuned) so his Str is now 21(+5mod) and Slippers of Spider Climbing (uncommon, attuned) so he can run up walls and on the ceiling. He spent 8hrs in a Faerzress region and got lucky rolls that transformed his nonmagical shield into a legendary "Shield of the Lion" +3 (AC+5) with two lion heads that each attack on a bonus action at +9 with 1d8 piercing dmg; I named it "Sabretooth." Next he won a Dwarven Plate Armor +2 (AC20) at 7th-level so his current AC is 25. He also has the Heavy Armor Master feat that reduces all nonmagical Bludg, Slash, and Pierc dmg by 3. He now casts Spirit Guardians (3rd-level spell) to give 3d8 radiant damage to all enemies within 15-ft radius (during their turns) and wades into the horde in front of the party. Next turn, he can cast Greenflame Blade cantrip with Drow Shortsword +2 weapon with his Divine Strike (deals another 1d8 weapon damage) feature to deal 1d6P+1d8P+1d8fire+7 dmg to target and another 1d8+5Wis dmg to another enemy 5ft away. Or he can do two 1d6+7 shortsword attacks with 1d8 Divine Strike dmg on the first attack. He also has +10 Perception (+3Prof+5Wis and +2 from Earrings of Perception) so he's difficult to surprise. At 12th-level, I plan give him the Magic Initiate feat as Wizard with Find Familiar (Owl) and Mage Hand and Shocking Grasp cantrips that the familiar can deliver on its turn (Flyby feat). The Owl familiar can also deliver Cure Wounds healing to allies anywhere on the battlefield. When needed, the owl also serves as my character's eyes and ears while flying (its Darkvision is up to 120ft!).

[@mikegould6590]

For a Shield Fighter, I'm thinking a little differently. Go Ranger, Hunter. Take Horde Breaker. Dueling Fighting Style. Shield Master Feat. All possible at 1st with a Human Variant. Possible with all other races at 4th. Here's the effect: When in combat, you're already proficient Dex saving throws are now Save-For-None at a higher bonus (dex + proficiency + AC bonus). The Shove feature could be done as a Bonus Action, not factoring in your already numerous Attack Actions (see below). Even when restricted to Medium Armor, Scale + Shield + 14 (or more ) Dex means an 18 AC possible at 1st level. When you use Attack as your action, you'll attack one as the Attack, once more against another target within 5' from Horde Breaker, and a Bonus Shove to know prone. That's three attacks at 3rd level. At 5th, you gain one more. Dueling fighting style will add a further +2 damage on each Attack. Build a Strength-based Ranger and you're a beast in combat. Use Javelins as your ranged weapon so that STR can be used for Attack/Damage rolls (as per p. 14 PHB). Overall, your defense is decent and respectable, you have a brutal save for none on Dex-based combat spells (a very common problem), when wielding a one-handed D8 weapon you're doing 1d8+2+STR (possibly another +3 or +4 at 1st depending on generation method) to one target at 1st, 2 targets at 3rd, and you gain a Shove action. Prone targets are dogmeat. Now you have a character like a Roman soldier, Viking raider or early Saxon. Shields (yes, Vikings used them...quite effectively), one handed brutality, and survivability. I like it. I have an arctic White Dragonborn Hunter build around this named Rhaazovanii... No idea when that will get played.

[@BrianReisbeck]

"...All possible at 1st'' I don't think Rangers get a Fighting Style till 2nd level and Horde Breaker till 3rd. "...Dex saving throws are now Save-For-None'' Do Uncanny Dodge like effects stack this way RAW or is this a house-rule by your DM because I believe they both require the use of expending a reaction? So probably could choose to use one or the other but not BOTH on the same reaction barring a character getting multiple reactions from an Epic Boon, Divine Intervention, etc... Someone please correct me if I am interpreting this incorrectly though. Also, Uncanny Dodge isn't gained until level 15 right? (beyond the scope of most of my personal games) Most optimized Hunter Archetype/Conclave builds that I hear of utilize: Colossus Slayer at 3rd/Multiattack Defense at 7th/Volley at 11th/Uncanny Dodge at 15th The Charisma Bonus from your choice of race seems wasted by lacking in synergy with your classes primary and secondary ability score requirements.

[@mikegould6590]

Whereas you are quite correct in that Rangers get fighting styles at 2nd, the rest leaves me puzzled. First, Uncanny Dodge or Evasion, either individually being available at 15th (late in the game), address the problem differently. Evasion works all the time against Dexterity saving throws, and Uncanny Dodge works against attacks that you can see. Both are basically the same as other defensive abilities available to Rogues at lower levels, and I do believe that they stack with each other. That's not a house rule. I've seen in in practice at Chris Perkins' table when dealing with Rogues, and I think that it's been covered under Sage Advice. Next, Uncanny dodge requires a Reaction. The Shield Master effect that saves for none also requires a reaction. You only get one reaction. So it's one or the other. That's all RAW. However, adding your Shield's bonus to AC against that saving throw requires no action. That's stackable. So you could add your Shield AC to either the Uncanny Dodge save or the Shield Master save. Further, Evasion requires no action, but the Shield Master requires a reaction, so to me they would stack, meaning you would save for none, and a fail would be 1/4 damage. There's no reason written anywhere why they would not stack in this way. Finally, the choice of race. If a race for a class is only chosen based on optimization, then there's a certain amount of "character depth" missing. If I, as the player, don't concern myself with the Charisma issue, neither should anyone else. It's really down to player choice. Cut. And. Dried. That same logic means one should never play Halfling Fighters, Dwarf Wizards, Half-Orc Sorcerers or, indeed, Dragonborn Rangers. These races would not restrict themselves to a few classes, so why should a player? You're talking to a guy who played a Goblin Bard. Optimum Race isn't something I always look at. Additionally, playing yet another bow-shooting wood-elf ranger hunter who chooses the same abilities as everyone else after two years just doesn't ring the bell any more. A White Dragonborn hunting down the Frost Giants who killed his mate and crushed his young does. Perhaps Colossus Slayer fits better, but I thought I'd go over the Horde Breaker mechanic simply for conversation's sake. Were this to see play, I would likely choose Colossus Slayer, if only to fit the theme even better.

[@BrianReisbeck]

I do believe I mis-spoke on the uncanny dodge/shield master and I thank you for correcting me. In regards to my comment on choice of race... Players are free to make any role playing and character creation choices they choose I was just pointing out that "The Charisma Bonus from your choice of race seems wasted by lacking in synergy with your classes primary and secondary ability score requirements." I fully stand by that statement. An admittedly extreme example that doesn't even involve choice of race: I knew a player who once choose to play a wizard (I don't remember the race but I'd be surprised if it had any relevant bonuses) and dumped int and fought in melee with a greatsword that he lacked proficiency with and not cast any of his spells. We tried to talk him out of it but it was his choice, Cut. And. Dried...needless to say, he didn't perform optimally for the group and died during the first session (first combat actually). For some/many, this may be fun and there is nothing wrong with that as long as the player and his group are ok with it (Mine was not). Many campaign's tend to be meat-grinders that involve a lot of player death and players trying everything at their disposal to avoid such an untimely fate. YMMV happy gaming, cheers mate.

[@mikegould6590]

I think this entire reply is based on your one quote: "Many campaign's tend to be meat-grinders that involve a lot of player death and players trying everything at their disposal to avoid such an untimely fate" Many might. Many more aren't. Campaigns tend to tell an overarching story. If they're meat grinders, that's on the DM, not player choice.

[@TKaarel]

Human variant, Barbarian of the bear totem at lvl 3. Shieldmaster with any one-hand weapon(i chose the longsword). You rage, you get advantage on STR skill checks and saving throws and your enemy is proned almost always because of the shield hit ability of the Shieldmaster feat. You get advantage on attacking rolls, and you deal rage damage while cutting (almost)all other damage you sustain to half. No armor, 16 STR, 16 CON, 16 DEX and unarmored defense gives me high AC, and THEN +2 more from the shield itself. 18 AC at lvl 1. 1-2 less with bit worse rolls/point buy. But with amazing rolls could be even more! More durability, more probability kicking enemies prone, hence more probability of scoring crits from prone enemies and less chance of getting kicked down or being grappled. I think my character would destroy that hunter in a 1v1...a situation where sword & board excels in.

[@trequor]

That red sweater is amazing

[@samfish2550]

I could see a paladin working for a sword and board character depending on how dedicated you are to playing fighter for it. Things like smite and improved smite help keep your damage up in spite of dealing a max of a d8 per round. Plus they get good defensive and survivability boosting spells and abilities to keep you and your party alive.

[@PossMcLeod]

Just getting back into D & D with some friends (the last time we played was back in the 2nd Edition Days lol) and I'm Not sure I understood Maneuvers. I thought that you had to use a superiority dice to use any of them, hence I didn't even consider Battlemaster at all (cos 4 dice (more at later levels) per rest was kinda sucky. From this vid it seems you can use Maneuvers without expending superiority dice? Just rereading the rules now, and am more confused. Is it that you can use some of the Maneuvers without the superiority dice, but if you use the dice there's more of a chance they'll work? Lil help please?

[@VioletMoonfox]

I did a dex Eldritch Knight with a shield, medium armor, using the defense fighting style and the first level human feat for medium armor master...20 AC at level one with scale mail, and 21 once you get half-plate. Add in the shield spell, and you have a 25 ac as a reaction at level 3. Not to mention that you have the same AC as a full-plate fighter and have no disadvantage on stealth checks, if you're in campaign or situation where stealth is needed. Plus, since you're maxing dex, you will have a better dex save, increasing the likelihood of the dex parts of Shield Master's second and third effects to happen. The drawback being this build pretty much requires variant human and using up the 1st, 4th, and 6th level feats (the 4th level preferably being War Caster), but you do have quite a bit of utility and ranged while never putting away your weapon. Also, you can make the character ridiculously hard to hit, for example when I got to 8th level, I traded one of my spells known for Mirror Image, so for however many turns it was up, I had a 50-75% chance of being missed (depending on how many images were up) before even factoring in my AC. It may be a niche build, but man it worked like a charm.

[@zmcg]

12-hits 1 turn: Fighter 2/Paladin 5/Warlock 2 Dual Wielder Two Weapon Fighting Action Surge Extra Attack Beg DM for dual hexblades Thirsting Blade: You can attack with your pact weapon twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. Each pact weapon attack (left atk, right atk) is doubled, for 4. Action Surge +4, Extra Attack another 4. At max atk stat, slots, Smites and Lifedrinker, attacking an incapacitated target (auto crits), that's over 800 melee/radiant/necro damage possible in 1 turn at level 14.

[@zmcg]

@@gamecavalier3230 I'm not sure if that was in the rules when I wrote this comment, bit I see that now, and it sucks! It doesn't make sense to deny it as one is essentially a weapon enchantment and the other is a fighting skill, so they should be stackable.

[@zmcg]

@@gamecavalier3230 But multiclass characters are weaker at higher levels (losing out on high level class feats) which creates some balance. But, yes, I was trying to min-max the mechanics, with little concern for balance :)

[@TyHunterX]

my last character was dual shield fire gensai, with 3 barbarian and 7 or so of fighter. just go crazy in a fight. but my GM allowed me to create shields that have a sharpened edge so they do D6 instead, and I just hammer the enemies down

[@Nerdarchy]

TyHunterX must admit I'm not a fan of the dual shields. Seems a bit hokey, but if you had fun more power to you. Nerdarchist Dave

[@bacchus8081]

If it works for Fire Giants...:P

[@driftinHank29]

Flavor wise you could justify the extra damage done by the superiority dice on maneuvers as a shield bash, without having to justify the shield as a weapon, as long as the triggering attack is done with a weapon. For example you attack with a battleaxe and choose pushing attack, bashing the enemy with your shield for 1d8 (or whatever your superiority dice is) additional damage and pushing the enemy back. I don't see why any DM would object to this because it doesn't change any mechanics.

[@mihokspawn]

Shield fighter is the quintessential fighter type for me. Also in this edition, it is the type that makes STR as good as DEX, if not making it straight up better for combat options. With shield master, trip attack maneuver and the shove special attack at lvl5 you start doing some nice battlefield control, 300 style but with armor.

[@hans.m.j]

in my game there is a city in a desert where the guards have higher dex and use shields + pata (pata=gauntlet sword homebrew thing +1 ac with it) and they use light cloth armor cuz of the desert heat

[@Darkthoughts-z7r]

I really wanna strap a live goblin or halfling to the shield and charge into the fray. Or maybe attach wheels to the shield so I have a fantasy skateboard.

[@gaberielpendragon]

Have a shield in both hands? One is your weapon and the other is just a shield? Or you can take a penalty to your ac and make an offhand attack with the other shield. Unless you are attacking with the shield, it isn't a weapon and gives you the ac bonus. Likely want to roll this as a variant human for the extra feat. As a tavern brawler, when you hit them with the shield you can make a grapple check on them. Can try to talk to the dm to use the enemy you are grappling as a shield in some cases for rule of cool.

[@boxant]

If you allow Unearthed Arcana, a fighter with Tunnel Fighter (fighting style), Blade Mastery (feat), Sentinel (feat). Dodge action, unlimited Opporunity Attacks at advantage, Sentinel to lock everything down. Take Eldritch Knight for Blur and Shield.

[@isaackarr6576]

There are weaponized shields usually buckler dagger hybrids.

[@ashtonjohnston7314]

I found the Eldritch Knight Sword and board surprisingly strong. All my spells I took revolved around buffing my AC or making me harder to hit. REally annoyed our Barbarian when we were forced to fight each other

[@jennyrosebane8129]

Barbarian with a shield and a longsword or rapier. It's for the unarmored defence 10 base+dex+con and rage cuts bludgeoning, slashing, piercing damage if they hit. Use a +2 dex or con race (doesn't matter on which one) then at level 3 Path of the Ancestral Guardian or Path of the Totem Warrior (bear for the first then wolf or eagle or tiger or elk most likely elk for movement, and then back to bear). Then Sentinel or Shield Mastery or Mage Slayer. Sentinel locks the battlefield keeping the enemy stationary most of the time + if you hit a rogue they can not hide due to the 0 movement, Shield Mastery (they already explained why). Mage Slayer works really well with a lot movement and have advantage on saving throws against every magic spell, but only at close range.

[@stoatystoat174]

Your fighter could use Shield Shove to push your party's wizard out of combat with a creature too big to shove. It stops the wizard getting stabbed in the back trying to disengage 🧙‍♂️👹

[@scottmefford6917]

OMG I love Ted's hoody, so clever, LOL.

[@nickcody1001]

Good vid, thanks! Consider a dex-based paladin (half-elf?) with shield master. Granted you can only use your Reaction once per round, but you'll be able to avoid a lot of damage at times. Almost like a poor man's Evasion. And then knocking an enemy prone grants advantage, so that increases your chance to smite. All in all, I think a paladin comes off better as a sword-n-board user than a fighter. That second bullet of the Shield Master feat can be confusing, since it doesn't apply to area of effect spells. Think sacred flame, acid splash, or disintegrate there.

[@sanctusinfernusrecords]

I've been thinking about a (hobgoblin) paladin that uses a spiked shield and a maul/flail, anyone got suggestions on how to make such a build rules for the use of spiked shields? I personally like the idea of upon someone melee atticking me and missing, i can use my reaction to shield bash

[@glacialrelic7878]

What do you guys think about mobile half cover(something you carried around)? The book lists "large furniture or a narrow tree trunk" Could be possible using some other implement of similar size with sufficient strength eh?

[@Nerdarchy]

Arthur DeLuca As an impromptu crazy spur of the moment PC plan all for it. The player who thinks they're going to sword and board with a tower shield not so much. Nerdarchist Dave

[@daveschrumpf8261]

I did make an Amazon for one campaign I played--alas, it was cut too short, but I really liked the build plan. First, like Dave, I went with Champion for the base class. I took Protection at 1st Level, along with the Shield Master feat as a variant human. As an Amazon, I was using spears and javelins as my main weapon, and at the low levels, this turned out to be amazingly effective. Imposing disadvantage on foes with poor hit bonuses was massive, and made the other front line warrior (I think it was a Paladin?) amazingly effective. We could plow through CR 4s and 5 at Level 2 with relatively few problems. My plan, which I never got to put into action, was to take either Dueling or Archery as my second fighting style. Why Archery? Because that +2 to attack rolls applies to all ranged weapons, including javelins. Combined with the Sharpshooter feat, this can make a javelin thrower pretty deadly, and you don't lose the AC bonus from the shield! I was leaning more toward Dueling, though, as it seemed like being a melee fighter was more what the group needed. I never really considered taking Tavern Brawler, as I was mostly focused on using my bonus action to shove with the shield rather than using it as an improvised weapon. Interesting idea, though.

[@chevtothemax]

Teds hoodie game on point

[@danteverjil]

Actually, Tavern Brawler, only turns unarmed attacks into 1d4. The shield is not considered a weapon, so you can continue using "dueling", and you can still use a bonus action to attack. You only need to get the feat, Dual Wielder, unarmed attacks also count as "non-light weapons". I hope this helped.

[@21mongus]

A shield can be an improved weapon. Page 148 "an object that bears no resemblance to a weapon deals 1D4 damage." Then take Tavern Brawler so you are proficient and add your proficiency to the attack and your strength modifier to the damage. So now your a shield basher. Whether you also knock the enemy prone in the process, say to by running up them and bashing them (like 4e allowed), may be up to your DM.

[@TheTenshitobias]

I'm not sure, but when you have used the shield for an attack in 1 round - I think you would loose the AC bonus until your next turn ???

[@DatsVatSheSaid]

Nope, still keep the AC even if you attack with the shield.

[@kikedragoon]

The question is wether or not Improvised Weapons, count for abilities that have the Keyword weapon. For TWF with 2 improvised weapons which don't have any properties, you'd need Dual Weilder. I guess that probably works RAW. As for Improvised Weapon Attacks, it works for all abilities that say Melee Weapon Attacks.

[@joshuajohnson9043]

What do you think about using Warforged or Goliath as the race in this build?

[@Nerdarchy]

Joshua Johnson sounds like fun to me. Even higher AC or the ability to stop damage. Nerdarchist Dave

[@marcobering3945]

Dave mentioned multiclassing, and it spawned an idea. Human Rogue 2/Fighter 18. Why the rogue multiclass? Rogue's Cunning Action, the ability to Dash as a bonus action every turn. Combine that with Shield Master and Protection Fighting Style. You have a character that can rush to defend allies, knock people ass over elbows to give their team advantage. The sneak attack die won't be all that useful to you, unless you build a Dex fighter(which you totally should... rogue multilcass, remember), but the Expertise feature would always be useful. I would choose the Champion archetype for this character, and use one of the fighter's extra ASIs to take the Martial Adept feat to pick up a few choice maneuvers like Ted brought up. The cost of multiclassing is that you lose the last ASI(still get more than any other nonfighter), 2-4hp depending on max or average, and the fighter's 4th attack, but this kind of character sort of emphasizes defense more than attack anyway. For a more unique version, take Tavern Brawler and Dual Wielding and dual wield two shields. And instead of Champion, take Eldritch Knight and make both shields your bonded weapons. Fling shields everywhere and fluff summoning them back as rebounding back ala Captain America but better.

[@justinduff3384]

What if you had a spiked shield and took the shield master feat with either champion for the expanded crit range or the battle master for its manuevers?

[@justinduff3384]

Or even a spartan style shield fighter with the shield master and the spear fighter feats.

[@crcurran]

They say in this video at 6:40 that you can use Shield Mastery to use the Bonus Action to shove with shield to knock opponent prone then use your Attack Action to have advantage against them. That is not the case. To gain this Bonus Action shove ability during your turn you must first use your Attack Action (including any Extra Attacks) before you use the Bonus Action to shove with the shield. It's an errata by WoTC.

[@adrenalineunlimited]

You've already done a shield-wielding build! 'D&D-ize Captain America'

[@brianlopez5836]

Is there a updated shield build, I'm thinking of running a battle master with maneuvers and shield master to get a bash thoughts on optimization?

[@brianlopez5836]

Fighter with protector aswell to kind of defender of the people type

[@lilrebbitzen]

So probably newbish question (pretty new to 5e), but would you need to take Tavern Brawler to use the shield as a weapon (like to bash with) period?

[@Nurk0m0rath]

I think the biggest hindrance to really getting in there with a shield fighter is D&D's apparent attachment to strapped-on shields. Note this is just my personal observation, I don't recall seeing any descriptions to that effect or anything. But the vast majority of historical shields are just held by a central grip (even the massive roman Scutum was held this way), which makes them much more weapon-like, and being punched with a quarter- to half-inch-thick wooden rim is just as painful as being hit with a mace. If you don't believe me, check out ThegnThrand on youtube, who demonstrated breaking cement blocks with a viking shield. My idea for shield-as-weapon rules are you can punch for 1d4+str with an attack roll, or you can boss-bash for 1+str with a dex save to somehow "stun" the opponent, whether that be skipping their turn or some lesser effect depending on the size of the creature and how exactly you manage to hit it. Both options would use the bonus action slot as per two weapon fighting.

[@paulcoy9060]

I think the most important part of a shield based character isn't the Class, it's the shield itself. You can't have Captain America with a Tower Shield. If the player wants to spend the gold to have a blacksmith create the perfect aerodynamic disc, then just say "Yes". It will be usable as a weapon and a defensive armor. If it is thrown, then you lose the AC bonus. Can you apply the Pact of the Blade ability as a Pact of the Shield ? Again, this is not just some random shield you picked off the ground, it's one you have trained with for years before you became an adventurer.

[@fuse451]

Just noticed the Brawny Feat from UA - Feats for Skills. +1 STR and it doubles proficiency (Expertise?) on Athletics checks if already proficient. Shield Master uses Athletics as the contested check to see if the target is prone or pushed. 'Expertise' in Athletics is always on. Give me stuff to Break!

[@dragonmaster613]

Can you guys make 5E PCs based on the characters from the old D&D cartoon

[@justincote5693]

You can't use knock prone before you attack with you melee. Unless you just house rule it

[@Test_Your_Mettle]

I think you're overcomplicating it. With the Shield Master Feat, you can shove as a bonus action. Instead of trying to pick up all those disparate Fighting Styles, and the Taven Brawler Feat, just focus on that to reposition enemies around the field.

[@jackirving4193]

I think the funny thing is. It doesn't cancel out dueling. The way I see it Tavern Brawler turns the shield into an improvised weapon temporarily as in when you want to use it. So shield master, shield bash, MH WA +2 dmg dueling, BA Attack using it as an improvised weapons 😂combining with TWF

[@Ston247]

*Shield Master* 1) add YOUR proficiency to A.C. to negate one melee attack. 2)add shield's A.C. to one ally within 5 feet as a reaction. 3) Add shield's A.C. for 1/2 damage vs AoE attacks. 4) Shield slam an enemy 1d6+ strength. Dexterity save or be knocked back 1-10 feet. Add strength modifier.

[@Arkloyd]

I played an Eldrich Knight with battle-axe and shield. The DM stopped trying to hit him and started going for the rogue a lot more.

[@MarcusHelius]

My current 'Viking' Fighter has gone Fighting style Protection, Battlemaster, taken every ability I can that shoves enemies, Charger, Shield Master, If I Dash I can push enemies 10feet back, if I make pushing attacks I can push an enemy 15 feet with EACH attack that hits up to my maximum manoeuvres, it's a lot of fun!

[@airborneranger2531]

Great Sword and Board: Human Variant, Battle Master (Monster Hunter if your DM allows it), Starting with the Spear Mastery feat.

[@michaelautrey6641]

i would use the spear/shield brute fighter and take the spear master/shield master feats.take dueling as a fighting style.

[@tbunt6636]

I made a shield fighter. Champion, tunnel fighter, with shield push feat at 4th level. Goliath.

[@firstwatch3285]

Go full captain america: become an eldritch knight and ask your DM to allow you to use weapon bond on your shield (shield of returning). If you took tavern brawler, improvised weapon rules pp147-148 state you can throw an improvised weapon 20', 60' with disadvantage.

[@passedjudgements4729]

My opinion on dueling is less of if your holding two weapons but more are you actively swinging both weapons or not? Are you using one weapon? Cool dueling. You trying to attack with the second? No dueling

[@BrianReisbeck]

I like this common sense approach to rules clarifications...when possible! :-)

[@Ulfhednir9]

Sadly the sheild mastery shove has to happen after your attacks :( so can't shove then attack.

[@Nerdarchy]

Maybe in your game. Jeremy Crawford isn't the boss of our game. But you are absolutely correct about raw. Nerdarchist Dave

[@Ulfhednir9]

@@Nerdarchy ah 😎 is being able to use the shield as an improvised weapon RAW or DM discretion?

[@Ulfhednir9]

@sum body i am the DM 😂

[@DragonKnightX12]

@sum body I don't know why. Can't get more broken then GWF/Sharpshooter.

[@tinlizard45]

@@Nerdarchy At Jeremy's table he let's the shield bash happen after 1 attack if you have more then one. This seems a fair compromise and is what is used at my table as well.

[@gravityman5319]

I would multi-class champion and paladin to get the fighting styles protection defense and dueling taking the feats shield master, Sentinel, Heavy armor master if your going heavy armor that way they can tank and have a little healing maybe for yourself or another melee fighter

[@BrianReisbeck]

I thought they might mention Paladin because it is often associated with sword & board fighting and has Powerful Aura's as class features [Protection, Courage, Warding, Etc...] that fit thematically with the idea of protecting oneself and others. An Oath Of The Ancients 7th level "Aura of Warding"s resistance to spells seems particularly useful to me.

[@21mongus]

A shield can be an improved weapon. Page 148 "an object that bears no resemblance to a weapon deals 1D4 damage." Then take Tavern Brawler so you are proficient and add your proficiency to the attack and your strength modifier to the damage. So now your a shield basher. Whether you also knock the enemy prone in the process, say to by running up to them and bashing them (like 4e allowed), may be up to your DM. This IMO is better than Shield Master which forces the prone condition AFTER the attack. Sure you get the bonus action but it does less good after the fact. As a fighter you can always knock prone anyway if your strength is high.

[@scabbynack]

Half orc for an extra big ole D4 on a crit? :D

[@Nerdarchy]

scabbynacker Oh yeah! ALL THE D4'S! Nerdarchist Dave

[@mihokspawn]

And spend all of your money on enlarge potions, so you get another D4 all the time

[@scabbynack]

Yaaa! Hahah

[@rosskliebenstein8363]

Drow dex paladin? sword and board or duel wield?

[@zinogrevz7389]

to anyone reading this: i present the light shield! it has the light property, isnt a weapon(for the dueling fighting Style) and can be used as a impovised weapon in your ofhand, dealing 1 d4 bludgeoning

[@casimirlawnicki8990]

I know this video's really old, but I've got a query. A buddy of mine really wants to play a Dragonborn Paladin who's main thing is that he's got this massive greatshield...that he uses as his only weapon. Its got this grate that he can slide open to use his breath weapon through. But other than that, he just slams it into people Dark Souls-style. Its bizzare. As a total noob DM (First sesh is coming in about 2 months) I'm totally stumped as to how to implement that into gameplay. Any ideas on what to base shield damage off of? Thanks in advance.

[@crownlexicon5225]

Casimir Lawnicki did you figure it out? I've seen other people post it as a d6

[@SilverSidedSquirrel]

Shields can EASILY be used as weapons, and are in real life. Don't over complicate it guys. If you are proficient with a shield, allowing a d4 as damage is quite reasonable. edit** I would be more worried about the TYPE of shield as to whether or not it's a good bashing implement.**

[@Daredhnu]

i can now imagine an all warrior based party marching through dungeons in a phalanx protection warriors at the forefront with shield mastery shoving opponents to the ground and then brutalizing them with the whole party (the people in the back using glaives/halberds) all with advantage while the enemy has disadvantage on their attacks due to the protection fighting styles at the front. this would become even worse if the whole party consisted of bugbears for increased reach and them taking sentinel so as to stop the enemy from getting to them at all to begin with. :P it would make for a very efficient though one-note killing machine that clears dungeons.

[@macbethhately7000]

I started late to a game and the Dm let me have a rare magic item. I now play an op paladin protection style with a +2 shield

[@passedjudgements4729]

If you can use a shield as a weapon from tavern brawler why not eldritch knight? It's a weapon so make a bond with it to summon it as a bonus action, so be captain America and toss your shield. Plus with a previous comment about lizard folk and spiked shields your damage isn't awful as you mix your spells in with bashing up close? Idk, shielded fighters a little clunky for eldritch knight depending on if the spell has somatic components you have to drop your weapon but you could bonus action it to hand if it's one of your bonded weapons. I just like the feeling of calling in a shield that you've strapped a handful of weapons and gear to so your never truly disarmed

[@TheHaven923]

Passed Judgements A weapon is an item on the weapon table. A shield is not a weapon. I love this format, but Nerdarchy never seems to fact-check and spread misinformation as a result. Please check Sage Advice to clear up any confusion.

[@talscorner3696]

Fun fact. I don't think D&D 5E classifies the shield as a weapon. However, the shield IS a weapon: just look at the historical treaties on buckler fighting, Eastern European fencing and "viking era" combat.

[@EidolonSpecus]

A shield IS a weapon; it's just not an _offensive_ weapon; it's a defensive weapon. Two-weapon fighting rules should apply to it, but it should at best use the stats of a "club" when used to attack. You could really bash someone's head in with a historical late-medieval shield; just not an ancient/early-medieval one, which were wider, much thinner and designed for maximum coverage and lightness. Shields were used offensively not to directly cause blunt trauma, but rather to open up angles of attack for the offensive weapon in your main hand (spear, axe, sword etc). In immediate-range combat, a shield is a tool to control your opponent, it is what you use to open up their guard to a follow-up. It is only in long-range combat that the shield is entirely passive, a barrier between you and hostile projectiles.

[@wh0urdady]

I just created a halflling dex barbarian going sword and board, took the Totem of the Bear also

[@Halosty45]

It should be noted that Rage damage only applies to attacks using Strength.

[@leonhunter2638]

Halosty this is about being a sword and board e.g tank though so loss of rage damage is a little thing compared to what dex bring to the table.

[@wh0urdady]

and with the point buy using a finesse weapon, with Str I have a -1 to attack if I want to use Str for a +1 damage tradeoff from using dex at lvl 3. 14 str 16 dex, and 18AC at lvl 3 taking half damage on everything but psychic damage.

[@KordTheDestroyer]

Ted!!! Where'd you get that sweet hoodie? I love it.

[@ShamanCore23]

If you wan't to "duel wield" with a shield as an improvised off hand weapon you HAVE TO take the two weapon fighter feat because the shield is not a light weapon. I am note sure if you can keep the 2AC from the shield if you start to use it like a weapon. The community is a litlle split on the subject and I don't see any officiel ruling. On one hand, it is a lot of investissement ( you need both tavern brawler for the proef and two weapon fighting). On the other it is +2AC from the shield and +1AC from the two weapon feet while having an off hand attack. Without any clear rules it is up to the DM but there is a lot of discussion online on this specific build that can help make a decision.

[@gregoryfloriolli9031]

I'd go Half Orc with this build to get that extra damage on crits.

[@alexkoponen9102]

How about a (half-Orc) Barbarian using Shield Master? Rage giving advantage when you use a bonus action to shove your opponent to the ground which in turn can give advantage to your following attack without needing to go Reckless.

[@ryanbritt4459]

The shield kensai monk could be a thing

[@dannymontanny3064]

Easiest thing is if they used the shield as a weapon that turn, they then loose the AC bonus until their next turn.

[@Matt-md5yt]

if you give the Fighter a Spike shield then it is a Weapon, especially if they use shield bash.

[@lavendermoss522]

I was thinking, if you just want a shield wielder like captain America, just go with kensei monk with a kensei chakram( reflavored darts??) to act like a shield. You get +2 ac when you fight unarmed, you can throw it like capt America, and you can do other monk shit :D

[@theonlymatthew.l]

Toss in levels of Battle Master for extra fun

[@rhinox0110]

(lighter shield 1d4 / medium to med-heavy shield 1d6 / heavy shield 1d8 all plus str mod ) I've always looked at it like this because their is historical precedent in the real world. One example being the Spartans, a shield in a Spartan's hands was as deadly as anything else they wielded. Just my two cents on something that I see as being severely misrepresented.

[@kathrynk3200]

Dex warrior, studded leather +3, +5 dex = 20 AC, +2-5 AC from shield (max AC armor+shield+dex = 25) +5 dmg to rapier, +2 more with dueling fighting style = 1d8+7 dmg (if you're using a shield anyway, its 1d8 with rapier or longsword either way). You get strong dex save rolls, and you can stealth effectively. And with shield you're looking at 1h weapons, so you have zero dps loss for going dex. That said, longsword, plate, & shield with high magic bonus is going to be 1 AC higher at any rarity (max AC armor+shield+dex = 26)