Fighter Archetype: Legionnaire

The Bright Legion of Ryor house some of the toughest warriors in all of Riabeth. They specialize in utilizing enchanted heavy banded armor, the Lorica Fulgenti, heavy armor on the sword arm called the Digitabula, and the greatest symbol of Legionary might: the Turturi, a large tower shield emblazoned with the symbols of Ryor: a golden sun, a wreath and the sword. The soldiers fight side by side in tight formations over overlapping shields, creating a near impenetrable wall of steel and blinding gold.

Soldiers of Fortune

After their service, many legionnaires choose to continue their martial lifestyle, becoming bodyguards, town guards and Limitanei border guards, or even settling into less savory vocations like hired muscle for criminal enterprizes. It's not uncommon, though, for those trained by the Bright Legion to take up the adventuring life and become Auxiliaries, those without borders that seek out those in need and help solve the toughest jobs in Riabeth.

Defensive Specialization

Unlike other Fighter archetypes, Legionnaires are focused heavily on acting defensively. They learn to use their shields offensively, protect their brothers in arms, bolster their allies' fighting spirits, and can even learn to deflect magic away from themselves.

Offensive Defense

Starting at level 3 if you are wielding a shield you may use a bonus action to attempt to stun your target with a shield bash. They roll a Constitution Saving Throw with a DC equal to 8 + Strength modifier + Proficiency Bonus. If they fail, they are stunned until the end of their next turn. This can be done a number of times equal to your proficiency modifier, and you regain all uses after a long rest.

Standard Bearer

Staring at level 7 you are a beacon of courage on the battlefield, and your allies are emboldened knowing you are fighting beside them. You may shout words of encouragement, wave a banner or standard, or let out a warcry, reminding your companions what they are fighting for. When you use your Second Wind you grant temporary HP to all allies in a 30 foot radius equal to the HP you gain. This HP lasts for 1 hour. You may use this again after a long rest.

Brothers in Arms

Starting at level 10, when an ally adjacent to you is attacked you may use your reaction to grant them the AC bonus of any shield you have equipped.

Testudo

Starting at level 15, while you are wielding a shield enemies have disadvantage on ranged attacks against you, and any shield you wield grants an additional +1 to AC.

Spell Deflection

Starting at level 18, if you are targeted by a ranged spell attack, you may use your reaction to attempt to deflect the spell with your shield, aiming it at another target instead. Roll a Strength Saving Throw with a DC equal to 10 + the spell level of the spell. If you succeed, you may roll an attack on a creature you wish to deflect the spell towards. If it succeeds, they take half of the damage of the spell attack, and no other harmful effects. After you use this ability you may not do so again until you take a short rest.

Original artwork: Crytek