“Brawler: Master of Unarmed Combat”

“Unstoppable Force Unleashed: Master the Art of Mayhem with the Brawler Prestige Class!”

There are few fighters with as low a reputation as the brawler and their true skills are rarely recognised.

The Quintessential Fighter
Author Matthew Sprange
Series The Quintessential Series
Publisher Mongoose Publishing
Publish date 2001

Brawlers, often dismissed as mere tavern troublemakers, may seem to relish tormenting the vulnerable for sheer amusement. However, beneath their rough exterior lies an exceptional breed of individuals, possessing levels of self-discipline rivaling the noblest knights, despite their humbler origins.

These individuals have honed their combat skills through years of relentless training and practical experience, specializing in the art of unarmed combat. Contrary to common belief, they do not merely pick on the weak for fun and sport. Instead, they earn their living by championing their tavern of choice, becoming its stalwart defender and celebrated fighter. Year after year, they engage in spirited contests with rival establishments, each battle aimed at retaining their hard-earned title as the town’s premier combatant.

But a brawler’s role extends beyond tavern championships. They are experts at maintaining order in the chaos that often erupts during common brawls within their home tavern. This unique skill set has its perks; brawlers enjoy the landlord’s generous hospitality, residing in their beloved tavern until a more powerful challenger finally ousts them.

You’ll typically find these brawlers frequenting taverns and inns, always on the lookout for worthy opponents to test their remarkable skills. Their chosen battlegrounds often prove to be the local watering holes, where they carefully select adversaries who might push them to their limits. Regardless of their racial background, a seasoned brawler can more than hold their own against an entire adventuring party if they dare to provoke trouble within their tavern’s hallowed walls.

The Brawler
Level	Base Attack	Fort	Ref	Will	Special
1	+1	+2	+0	+0	surprise strike +1d6
2	+2	+3	+0	+0	combat awareness
3	+3	+3	+1	+1	powerful punch
4	+4	+4	+1	+1	surprise guard
5	+5	+4	+1	+1	surprise strike +2d6, bar-room fury

Hit Die: d10.

Requirements

To qualify to become a brawler, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.

• Base Attack Bonus: +5 or higher
• Ability Scores: Strength 15+
• Feats: Alertness, Improved Unarmed Strike

Class Skills

The brawler’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Climb (Strength), Intimidate (Charisma), Jump (Strength), and Swim (Strength)

Skill points at each level: 2 + Intelligence modifier

Class Features

All of the following are class features of this prestige class.

Weapon and Armour Proficiency: He gains no proficiency in any weapons or armour.

Surprise Strike: He is adept at laying opponents out in the midst of a brawl, long before they are aware of his presence. He gains the sneak attack class feature of the rogue. This bonus stacks with any sneak attack already attained.

Combat Awareness: At 2nd level, he gains the ability to fend off several opponents at once, a worthy trick when confronting a mob angered over rising bar prices. When confronting unarmed attackers, the brawler cannot be flanked and opponents gain no bonus for attempting to do so.

Powerful Punch: He hones the power of his punches, and gains the reputation of not needing weapons because of his mighty blows. From 3rd level onwards, the brawler deals 1d6 damage with his unarmed attacks.

Surprise Guard: Knowing the value of keeping his eyes open during a fight, he is very difficult to catch unawares. Any successful sneak attack dealt against a brawler of 4th level or higher has its damage reduced by double his class level.

Bar-room Fury: At 5th level, he is able to enter a barbarian rage once per day.