Brawler

I once experimented with a brawler using nothing but RAW. Started with a variant human barbarian with the Tavern Brawler Feat. For several reasons I was unhappy with the character. Oh, he was fun to roleplay, but in combat he couldn't really do the things I envisioned him doing. I mean, I wasn't looking for a huge damage-dealer, but someone who really gets in your face and fights dirty. I'm talking biting and eye gouging and headbutts and sand kicked in the eyes and body slams. Also definitely someone who can take a beating (I think they call such a character a tank).

Why not just just play a monk? I've played a couple of monks and they are great. But it's not what I'm looking for in this instance.

So I started looking online, but I didn't really like any of the homebrew classes or archetypes people were coming up with. At any rate, an archetype won't kick in until 3rd level anyhow. The Tavern Brawler Feat is a good start but by itself definitely lacks something. So here are a couple of proposals:

* Implement the optional Disarm mechanic as per DMG page 271 with one change: If an unarmed combatant disarms his opponent, he can choose whether the weapon ends up on the ground or he now has it in his hands.
* Allow unarmed Two-Weapon Fighting: use a bonus action for an unarmed attack, without the STR bonus to damage, unless you have the TWF Fighting Style.

Your thoughts? Also, how do I make this happen:

How about this? Interesting that it uses the Superiority Dice mechanic to do exactly the kind of dirty tactics I had in mind. I would probably still start with a level of Barbarian though, before going Fighter. Which means the Brawler archetype doesn't kick in til the character hits 4th level.

The optional rule, for sure.
I have no issue with the TWF unarmed thing.
That could work as a fighter archetype.

I've been tossing around ideas in my head about the brawler as a pure class, with subclass options to detail things like drunken fighter, pugilist, or (sort of) a jiu jitsu type person. Maybe. Plus, an ability to hit someone with someone else and cause damage to both.

Sweet! Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. Unarmed combat without the mysticism of the monk. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Will roll up some ability scores in the meantime.

Here's the rough and dirty first pass:

Brawler

I can't wait to give this a more thorough read, but just an initial reaction: I feel like this class should be proficient with unarmed strikes from the get go. As it is now, you have to wait until 3rd level and take either the Pugilism or Drunk & Disorderly style.

Damn, this looks like so much fun! I'm torn: I feel like starting this at 10th level and just dojo-ing it to really see what it can do, but would also be fun to play as part of a group!

I don't know what the group situation is or what the character rules are but couldn't you make a 10th level, run it through a dojo or two then revert him back to 1st level and group him.

Huh. Good idea. Subject to Drama's approval, of course! :-)

Per the errata everyone is always proficient with their unarmed strikes. It's a typo in pugilist. Should be you can add proficiency to your damage when engaged solo. Like the D and D brawler adds it while tipsy.

And yes you can always run someone in the dojo at a higher level and then downlevel them for group storyline play.

Sweet! Oh man, I can't decide which style to take!

Oh and I just checked and I don't think there was a typo at all. I think I was simply misreading the text. Sorry about that!

Nah, I changed it already. Lol. I forgot the damage bit originally.

Just some minor corrections:
• Dirty Tactic DC reads: "8 + your proficiency bonus + your" I assime that's Strength modifier?
• Typo: "Vicious" is misspelled
• Eye Thrust: I think it should be Blinded condition, not Blindness.

And some questions:
• Always Prepared allows you to wield improvised weapons, dealing Brawling Damage. But without Proficiency, correct?
• Does the damage resistance granted by Deep Breathing work against the triggering attack? Or only for subsequent attacks til next turn?
• Hip Throw: Can you throw your opponent straight up and potentially deal them falling damage?

I think Crush Trogbuzz is ready for the dojo. :-D

Awesome.

How about a nice little Tavern Brawl? :-D