Way of the Guardian

Monks have for years perfected their martial prowess for various purposes. Some seek inner peace. Some the power to conquer, or to hold sway over the forces of nature. Others hone their abilities for the purpose of protecting others. Monks of the Way of the Guardian practice using a shield in conjunction with their martial prowess in order to safeguard those around them.

Martial Defense

Beginning 3rd level, you gain the benefits of your unarmored defense trait, while using shields. Additionally, your shield is treated as a monk weapon for the purpose of melee attacks, dealing bludgeoning damage equal to your martial arts die.

Assisting Aegis

Starting 3rd level, you have trained to use your shield to protect others in combat. When a creature within 5 ft. of you is targetted with a ranged weapon attack, you may spend a ki point to use Deflect Missiles on it. If a missile is deflected this way, it cannot be thrown back as part of the same reaction. Additionally, you may take a bonus action to defend a creature within 5 ft. Until the beginning of your next turn, melee weapon attacks against that creature are made at disadvantage.

Offensive Bulwark

Starting 6th level, you begin to perfect the style of fighting with a shield, learning to enrage your opponent with brutal strikes. Melee attacks with your shield are considered magical for the purposes of overcoming resistances. Additionaly, once per turn when you make an attack with your shield, you may spend a ki point, forcing your target to make a wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, all attacks the target makes against creatures other than you gain disadvantage until the beginning of your next turn.

Saviors Phalanx

Starting at 11th level, you learn how to better defend those around you. When a creature within 5 feet takes damage, you may use your reaction, spending 1 ki point, to reduce the damage by half.

Ki Shield

Starting at 17th level, you begin to project your ki outward, producing shields to protect allies. As an action, you may spend 3 ki points. For the next minute, allies within 5 ft. of you gain a +2 to their AC. Creatures already carrying a shield do not gain the benefits of this ability. You may use this ability once, and regain the ability to do so on a long rest.