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"Naked" Grappler
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<blockquote data-quote="Kobold Stew" data-source="post: 8491303" data-attributes="member: 23484"><p>I am currently playing an unarmed halforc battlemaster, and so far it is fun.</p><p></p><p>To focus on grappling:</p><p>1. Fighting Style : Unarmed fighting gives you 1d8+STR damage. The catch is it's hard to make it magical damage (which most builds have by level 5-6). No other fighting style directly benefits Grappling; this gives 1d4 (but not 1d4+STR) damage vs. grappled creatures for free.</p><p></p><p>It is reasonable to ask how this intersects with the crusher feat: "when you hit a creature with an attack that does bludgeoning damage...". Does "when you hit" mean with an attack roll, or is doing bludgeoning damage enough? Talk to your DM, but probably not. I would not take Crusher as a result.</p><p></p><p>2. Rather than Prodigy, consider Skill Expert (TCOE), which gives you +1 str (or con or whatever) rather than a language and a tool, and still gives you double your proficiency bonus on grapple/escape attempts.</p><p></p><p>3. With these Tavern Brawler (+1 STR and bonus action to attempt grapple; still a good choice) and Grappler (advantage on attacks vs those being grappled; use action to restrain both you and opponent. "Restrained" means attack rolls vs have advantage, attacks from have diadvantage (whcih will cancel each other out from you at least; and disadv. vs. Dex saves).</p><p></p><p>4. Indeed, with TCOE's Custom Lineage, you can take Tavern Brawler or Skill Expert, and start with a STR 18 (using the default array or point-buy). Play an intelligent Orangutan.</p><p></p><p>5. Multiclassing choices:</p><p>a. One level of Barbarian gives you 2 minute-long rages/long rest, which gives you +2 to damage and advantage on checks which will help avoid escapes.</p><p></p><p>b. one level of Rogue gives you Expertise.</p><p></p><p>c. two levels of Rogue gives you Cunning Action, whi h gives you good flexibility through your bonus action.</p><p></p><p>d. three levels of Rogue lets you choose Skrimisher (which gives you a free half-move when you are grappling someone) or Mastermind (which lets you use your bonus action to Help an incoming attack.</p><p></p><p>So...</p><p></p><p>Yes on battlemaster x/barb 1. When grappling, ideal would be to (a) start with a high STR [Custom lineage is best for you, and lets you take Tavern Brawler; (b) Unartmed Fighting style gives you extra damage, but it's not magical' (c) Rogue 1 would give you expertise.</p><p></p><p>I might consider Battlemaster 5 (go to 20 STR with the ASI)/Barbarian 1/Rogue 2, for the first 8 levels.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Kobold Stew, post: 8491303, member: 23484"] I am currently playing an unarmed halforc battlemaster, and so far it is fun. To focus on grappling: 1. Fighting Style : Unarmed fighting gives you 1d8+STR damage. The catch is it's hard to make it magical damage (which most builds have by level 5-6). No other fighting style directly benefits Grappling; this gives 1d4 (but not 1d4+STR) damage vs. grappled creatures for free. It is reasonable to ask how this intersects with the crusher feat: "when you hit a creature with an attack that does bludgeoning damage...". Does "when you hit" mean with an attack roll, or is doing bludgeoning damage enough? Talk to your DM, but probably not. I would not take Crusher as a result. 2. Rather than Prodigy, consider Skill Expert (TCOE), which gives you +1 str (or con or whatever) rather than a language and a tool, and still gives you double your proficiency bonus on grapple/escape attempts. 3. With these Tavern Brawler (+1 STR and bonus action to attempt grapple; still a good choice) and Grappler (advantage on attacks vs those being grappled; use action to restrain both you and opponent. "Restrained" means attack rolls vs have advantage, attacks from have diadvantage (whcih will cancel each other out from you at least; and disadv. vs. Dex saves). 4. Indeed, with TCOE's Custom Lineage, you can take Tavern Brawler or Skill Expert, and start with a STR 18 (using the default array or point-buy). Play an intelligent Orangutan. 5. Multiclassing choices: a. One level of Barbarian gives you 2 minute-long rages/long rest, which gives you +2 to damage and advantage on checks which will help avoid escapes. b. one level of Rogue gives you Expertise. c. two levels of Rogue gives you Cunning Action, whi h gives you good flexibility through your bonus action. d. three levels of Rogue lets you choose Skrimisher (which gives you a free half-move when you are grappling someone) or Mastermind (which lets you use your bonus action to Help an incoming attack. So... Yes on battlemaster x/barb 1. When grappling, ideal would be to (a) start with a high STR [Custom lineage is best for you, and lets you take Tavern Brawler; (b) Unartmed Fighting style gives you extra damage, but it's not magical' (c) Rogue 1 would give you expertise. I might consider Battlemaster 5 (go to 20 STR with the ASI)/Barbarian 1/Rogue 2, for the first 8 levels. [/QUOTE]
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