The tavern brawler is a character in Dungeons and Dragons that excels at using brute force and whatever objects are available to inflict damage. While not optimal for dealing massive damage, the tavern brawler adds flavor and creates fun moments in the game. It is a versatile character that can fight in any situation and is always a threat. If you’re interested in playing a character that can turn a barstool into a weapon or tackle enemies to the ground, this Tavern Brawler Guide is for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover the versatility of the tavern brawler and how it can add excitement to your game.
- Explore the best species choices for a tavern brawler character.
- Learn the importance of taking the tavern brawler feat and how it enhances your abilities.
- Understand which classes are the most compatible with the tavern brawler playstyle.
- Consider the benefits of using fists versus improvised weapons and choose what suits your character best.
Tavern Brawler Overview
Welcome to the tavern brawler overview, where we dive into the versatile world of Dungeons and Dragons’ tavern brawler character. With the ability to fight without weapons and utilize improvised objects, the tavern brawler brings a unique and exciting dynamic to the game.
The tavern brawler’s main capability lies in its versatility. This character can adapt to any situation, using whatever objects are at hand to inflict damage. Whether it’s smashing a chair over an opponent’s head or swinging a broken bottle, the tavern brawler always keeps their foes guessing.
This versatility is what makes the tavern brawler such a threat in combat. Even if their weapons are taken away or they find themselves disarmed, they can still hold their own and come out victorious. This adaptability adds flavor and creates memorable moments in the game, allowing players to think creatively and embrace the unexpected.
“The tavern brawler is a master of improvisation, turning everyday items into deadly weapons.” – Dungeon Master Mark
When facing a tavern brawler, opponents must be prepared for the unexpected. Their ability to fight without traditional weaponry opens up a world of possibilities and keeps encounters exciting and unpredictable. From bar brawls to epic battles, the tavern brawler’s resourcefulness ensures they are always a force to be reckoned with.
So if you’re looking for a character with unparalleled versatility and the ability to turn even the most mundane objects into weapons, the tavern brawler is the perfect choice for you. Embrace your creativity, outsmart your opponents, and let the brawling begin!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Best Species For A Tavern Brawler
When it comes to creating a formidable tavern brawler character in Dungeons and Dragons, choosing the right species can make all the difference. Species with bonuses to strength and constitution are particularly well-suited for this role. Here are some of the best species options for aspiring tavern brawlers:
| Species | Strength Bonus | Constitution Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Bugbear | +2 | +1 |
| Custom Lineage | +1 | +1 |
| Dwarves (Mountain) | +2 | +2 |
| Goliath | +2 | +1 |
| Half-Orc | +2 | +1 |
| Variant Human | +1 | +1 |
These species provide a solid foundation for a tavern brawler, with bonuses that enhance both their strength and resilience. Bugbears and dwarves, for example, offer substantial bonuses to both strength and constitution, making them excellent choices for players looking to maximize their character’s brawling potential.
Remember, while these species are well-suited for tavern brawlers, your choice ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle and character concept. Consider the unique traits and abilities each species brings to the table when deciding which one aligns best with your vision of a tavern brawler.
Whether you prefer the brute strength of a bugbear or the enduring toughness of a goliath, selecting the right species is an important step in creating a powerful and enjoyable tavern brawler character. So, choose wisely and get ready to unleash your brawling prowess in the world of Dungeons and Dragons!
Take The Feat
In order to fully embrace the role of a tavern brawler in Dungeons and Dragons, it is essential to take the Tavern Brawler feat. This feat enhances your character’s combat abilities and provides a range of benefits that are crucial for a brawling-focused playstyle.
By acquiring the Tavern Brawler feat, your character gains the following advantages:
- Proficiency in improvised weapons: With this feat, you become skilled in using everyday objects as weapons, effectively turning the environment into your arsenal. From bar stools to beer mugs, anything can become a potent tool in your hands.
- Increased unarmed attack damage: The feat also grants you the ability to deal more damage with your bare fists. Unarmed strikes become a more viable option, allowing you to pack a punch even without weapons.
- Bonus action grappling: With the Tavern Brawler feat, you can perform grappling as a bonus action. This ability enhances your control in combat, giving you the upper hand in close-quarters encounters.
- Ability score increase: Taking this feat also provides an increase in your character’s ability scores. For a tavern brawler, focusing on strength is highly recommended. Strengthening your muscularity not only boosts your unarmed damage but also improves your grappling prowess.
By investing in the Tavern Brawler feat, you unlock a whole new level of versatility and combat prowess for your character. Whether you prefer using improvised weapons or delivering powerful blows with your fists, this feat empowers you to dominate the battlefield with your brawling abilities.
“With the Tavern Brawler feat, I don’t need a fancy sword or a magical staff. I can grab a chair or a nearby barrel and show these enemies what true brawling is all about!” – Grunthar the Half-Orc Brawler
Compatible Classes
When it comes to selecting the perfect class for a tavern brawler, there are two standout options: barbarian and fighter. Both classes offer unique advantages that complement the brawler’s playstyle and maximize their capabilities in combat.
Barbarian: Unleash Your Inner Fury
Barbarians are known for their unparalleled strength and constitution, making them formidable tanky combatants. Their rage feature amplifies their damage output and resilience, allowing them to withstand heavy punishment on the battlefield. In addition, barbarians have a natural affinity for grappling, a key aspect of tavern brawling. The combination of high strength, constitution, and the ability to rage makes barbarians excellent choices for those who want to immerse themselves in the chaos of hand-to-hand combat.
If you’re looking to take your tavern brawler to the next level, certain barbarian subclasses can provide unique synergies and abilities that enhance their brawling prowess:
- Rune Knight: This subclass, introduced in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, grants the brawler magical runes that can augment their strength and provide additional combat options. The Giant’s Might and Stone’s Durability features further enhance the tavern brawler’s durability and damage output.
- Beast Barbarian: Ideal for those who want to tap into their primal instincts, this subclass lets the brawler transform into powerful animalistic forms. The natural weapons and innate abilities offered by this subclass make the tavern brawler even deadlier in close-quarters combat.
Fighter: Master of Combat Techniques
Fighters, renowned for their versatility and combat prowess, also make excellent choices for tavern brawlers. They can benefit from the Unarmed Fighting Style, which increases the damage output of their unarmed strikes. Fighters also gain access to numerous features and maneuvers that enhance their unarmed attacks and grappling abilities. The combination of martial prowess, tactical flexibility, and access to multiple attacks at higher levels makes fighters a force to be reckoned with in hand-to-hand combat.
When choosing a subclass for your fighter tavern brawler, consider the Battlemaster archetype. This subclass provides a wide range of combat maneuvers, allowing the brawler to disarm opponents, trip them, or gain temporary hit points through the use of superiority dice. These maneuvers enhance the tavern brawler’s versatility, enabling them to adapt to various situations and emerge victorious.
Take a look at the comparison table below to further understand the strengths and features of barbarians and fighters for tavern brawling:
| Barbarian | Fighter |
|---|---|
| High strength and constitution | Unarmed Fighting Style |
| Rage feature for increased damage and resilience | Access to combat maneuvers |
| Natural affinity for grappling | Multiple attacks at higher levels |
| Subclasses with unique brawling synergies (e.g., Rune Knight, Beast Barbarian) | Tactical flexibility |
Remember, no matter which class you choose, the tavern brawler’s true strength lies in their ability to adapt and make the most out of their environment. Are you ready to step into the ring?
Fists Or Improvised Weaponry?
The choice between using fists or improvised weapons depends on the character’s class and personal preference. Fighters with the unarmed fighting style can deal more damage with fists, while barbarians may find improvised weapons more versatile. Improvised weapons can be swapped and thrown, providing more options in combat.
When it comes to unarmed fighting, the tavern brawler relies on their own physical strength and skill. They can pack a punch with their fists, delivering powerful blows to their opponents. This can be particularly effective for fighters who choose the unarmed fighting style, gaining bonuses to their unarmed attacks.
On the other hand, some tavern brawlers prefer the versatility offered by improvised weapons. These can range from barstools and bottles to tables and chairs. The key is to use the environment around them to their advantage. Improvised weapons can be found or created on the spot, allowing the tavern brawler to adapt to different situations.
Not only can improvised weapons deal damage, but they can also be used strategically. For example, a thrown bottle can create a distraction or provide a tactical advantage by temporarily blinding an enemy. Swapping weapons quickly allows the tavern brawler to adapt to different opponents or take advantage of the situation at hand.
In the end, the choice between fists and improvised weapons ultimately depends on the individual playstyle and preferences of the player. While using fists may provide straightforward and consistent damage, improvised weapons offer versatility and the ability to think on your feet. Both options can be effective in different situations, so it’s up to the tavern brawler and their player to decide which approach fits their character best.
Building Around The Feat
To fully maximize the tavern brawler feat in your character build, there are several strategic choices you can make. By combining different abilities and feats, you can enhance your tavern brawler’s effectiveness in combat and create a memorable and formidable character.
Here are some recommendations for building around the feat:
- Take Proficiency in Athletics: This skill is crucial for a tavern brawler as it improves your chances of succeeding in grapples and shoves, allowing you to control opponents and create advantageous situations in combat.
- Consider the Fighting Initiate Feat: This feat allows you to choose the Unarmed Fighting style, which enhances your unarmed strikes and provides additional benefits. It increases your damage and allows you to deal bludgeoning damage equal to a d4 instead of the normal 1 point.
- Take the Crusher or Grappler Feat: These feats provide valuable abilities that synergize well with the tavern brawler playstyle. The Crusher feat increases your damage, allows you to push enemies after hitting them with a melee attack, and grants advantage on attacks against creatures you have grappled. The Grappler feat improves your grappling abilities, allowing you to pin enemies and gain advantage against them.
- Consider the Eldritch Claw Tattoo: This magical tattoo from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything grants you the ability to imbue your unarmed strikes with magical energy. It adds additional damage to your attacks and can be a powerful asset in combat.
By combining these choices, you can create a versatile and formidable tavern brawler character that excels in close-quarters combat and grappling. Experiment with different combinations and adapt them to fit your unique playstyle and the needs of your party.
| Choice | Description |
|---|---|
| Proficiency in Athletics | Improves chances of succeeding in grapples and shoves, providing more control in combat |
| Fighting Initiate Feat | Choose the Unarmed Fighting style to enhance unarmed strikes and deal additional bludgeoning damage |
| Crusher Feat | Increases damage, allows you to push enemies, and grants advantage against creatures you have grappled |
| Grappler Feat | Improves grappling abilities, allowing you to pin enemies and gain advantage against them |
| Eldritch Claw Tattoo | Magical tattoo that adds additional damage to unarmed strikes and enhances combat abilities |
Remember, the key to building a successful tavern brawler character is finding the right balance between maximizing their brawling capabilities and complementing the rest of your party. Choose abilities and feats that synergize well with your playstyle and contribute to the overall success of your adventuring team.
Tips On Creating A Melee Character
When it comes to creating a tavern brawler or any melee character in Dungeons and Dragons, there are a few key things to keep in mind. The choices you make during character creation will greatly impact your character’s effectiveness in combat and overall playstyle. Here are some tips to help you create a formidable melee character:
1. Focus on Strength and Constitution
Strength and Constitution are the primary attributes to focus on when creating a melee character. Strength determines your character’s raw power and ability to deal damage, while Constitution provides increased durability and hit points. Investing in these attributes will make your character a formidable force on the battlefield.
2. Choose Feats and Abilities that Complement Your Playstyle
Consider your character’s playstyle and choose feats and abilities that align with it. For a tavern brawler, the Tavern Brawler feat is a must-have. It grants proficiency in improvised weapons and increases unarmed attack damage. Additionally, feats like Crusher or Grappler can enhance your grappling abilities, while the Fighting Initiate feat gives you access to the unarmed fighting style.
3. Understand the Rules for Unarmed Combat and Grappling
A solid understanding of the rules for unarmed combat and grappling is essential for a tavern brawler or any melee character. Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of unarmed strikes, grappling checks, and the various actions available in combat. This knowledge will enable you to make strategic decisions and optimize your character’s performance in battle.
By following these tips and making informed choices during character creation, you can create a melee character, such as a tavern brawler, that excels in combat and adds excitement to your Dungeons and Dragons adventures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tavern brawler is a versatile character in Dungeons and Dragons that excels at brawling and using improvised weapons. While it may not be the optimal choice for dealing massive damage, the tavern brawler adds flavor and creates fun moments in the game. Whether it’s throwing a barstool or using a broken bottle, the versatility of the tavern brawler allows them to adapt to any combat situation.
By choosing the right species, such as bugbears, custom lineages, dwarves (mountain), goliaths, half-orcs, or variant humans, players can further enhance the tavern brawler’s abilities. Taking the tavern brawler feat is essential, as it grants proficiency in improvised weapons, increases unarmed attack damage, enables grappling as a bonus action, and provides an ability score increase. Strength is recommended for the ability score increase to maximize both unarmed damage and grappling potential.
To fully optimize a tavern brawler character, it is important to choose compatible classes like barbarian and fighter. These classes offer unique features and subclasses, such as the rune knight and beast barbarian, that synergize exceptionally well with the tavern brawler’s playstyle. Additionally, considering feats like the grappling-focused grappler or the damage-dealing crusher can further enhance the character’s versatility and effectiveness in combat.
Building around the tavern brawler feat involves taking proficiency in athletics, considering the fighting initiate feat for the unarmed fighting style, and even acquiring a magical boost to unarmed strikes with the Eldritch Claw Tattoo. By carefully selecting species, feats, and class abilities, players can create a powerful and enjoyable tavern brawler character that can hold their own and provide unforgettable moments in any DND 5E campaign.
FAQ
What is a tavern brawler in Dungeons and Dragons?
A tavern brawler is a character that excels at using brute force and whatever objects are available to inflict damage in combat. They are versatile fighters that can adapt to any situation.
Can a tavern brawler fight without weapons?
Yes, a tavern brawler can fight without weapons and use improvised objects as weapons. This provides a wide range of options for combat.
What species are recommended for a tavern brawler character?
Species that have a bonus to strength and constitution, such as Bugbears, custom lineage, dwarves (mountain), goliaths, half-orcs, and variant humans, are recommended for a tavern brawler character.
Why is the tavern brawler feat essential for a brawler character?
The tavern brawler feat grants proficiency in improvised weapons, increases unarmed attack damage, allows grappling as a bonus action, and provides an ability score increase for the character. It enhances the brawler’s abilities and makes them more effective in combat.
What are the best classes for a tavern brawler?
Barbarians and fighters are the two best classes for a tavern brawler. Barbarians have high strength and constitution, making them tanky and excellent at grappling. Fighters can benefit from the unarmed fighting style and have access to special features that enhance unarmed attacks and grappling.
Should a tavern brawler use fists or improvised weapons?
The choice between using fists or improvised weapons depends on the character’s class and personal preference. Fighters with the unarmed fighting style can deal more damage with fists, while barbarians may find improvised weapons more versatile.
How can I maximize the tavern brawler feat?
To maximize the tavern brawler feat, it is recommended to take proficiency in athletics, consider the fighting initiate feat for the unarmed fighting style, take the crusher or grappler feat for additional grappling abilities, and consider getting the Eldritch Claw Tattoo for magical unarmed strikes.
What is important when creating a tavern brawler or any melee character?
When creating a tavern brawler or any melee character, it is important to focus on strength and constitution, consider the character’s playstyle, and choose feats and abilities that complement it. Having a solid understanding of the rules for unarmed combat and grappling is also beneficial.
Why should I choose a tavern brawler character?
The tavern brawler character adds flavor and fun to the game, even if it may not be the optimal choice for dealing massive damage. It is versatile, always a threat, and creates enjoyable moments in combat.
