Trying to build a pro-wrestler with Standard Array
So, I am trying to build a wrestling styled character for a campaign I am joining, but am having trouble making the build feel… competent especially when the party is so magically focused it feels like a waste of time. Between the Grapple DC being really low, and the amount of feats to make Unarmed stuff feel good, I feel like I’m running into a wall on where to go with it.
The current idea is an Oath of Glory Paladin, with the stats: 17 STR, 8 DEX, 13 Con, 12 INT, 10 WIS, 15 CHA with the Unarmed Fighting Style and Tavern Brawler as the Origin Feat.
For a wrestling style character, I might suggest something more along the lines of monk with their various strikes and that unarmed attack bonus action or barbarian for their raw physical strength. Heck, maybe even talk to your DM and you could work something out for a fighter. They might let you use a homebrew subclass that fits your theme better. That might apply to any class too. I remember finding a hilarious homebrew wizard subclass called school of gains that essentially creates Mashle from the manga Mashle: Magic and Muscles. Also, I'd highly recommend petitioning for the wraps of unarmed power and/or ring of protection magic items. Oh, and the gladiator background is a perfect fit for a wrestling character IMO.
The fighting style is great 1d8 for attacks is nice. Think time line? That may be better down the road.
Assuming you’re proficient in Athletics? Take skill expert, add it as expertise, this will boost you well.
Pally as a base is tough, a Barb or Monk might be a better start? Maybe look at a monk pally multi? But I think you’ll run into raw issues on smiting with your fists?
Could be a fun dive but back him up with his big shinny 2 handler?
My barbarian is a brawler 80% of the time, but if you’re making him mad, then out comes the weapons.
I tried to do the same thing with my glory paladin as well but unfortunately the general unarmed strike rules are still not the best for application to all classes. A paladin could get two attacks per round at level two with the appropriate weapon mastery and fighting style feat. But the same single class paladin can only punch once per round until level 5. It does not make sense, as punches should be just as fast or faster than any weapon attacks.
Will the dm let you cast divine favor on your fist? You could also multiclass to warlock or take fey touched feat for hex spell. Or maybe multiclass into fighter for action surge?
Unfortunately I gave up on doing that with my glory paladin and went with great weapon master instead.
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Trying to build a pro-wrestler with Standard Array
So, I am trying to build a wrestling styled character for a campaign I am joining, but am having trouble making the build feel… competent especially when the party is so magically focused it feels like a waste of time. Between the Grapple DC being really low, and the amount of feats to make Unarmed stuff feel good, I feel like I’m running into a wall on where to go with it.
The current idea is an Oath of Glory Paladin, with the stats: 17 STR, 8 DEX, 13 Con, 12 INT, 10 WIS, 15 CHA with the Unarmed Fighting Style and Tavern Brawler as the Origin Feat.
For a wrestling style character, I might suggest something more along the lines of monk with their various strikes and that unarmed attack bonus action or barbarian for their raw physical strength. Heck, maybe even talk to your DM and you could work something out for a fighter. They might let you use a homebrew subclass that fits your theme better. That might apply to any class too. I remember finding a hilarious homebrew wizard subclass called school of gains that essentially creates Mashle from the manga Mashle: Magic and Muscles. Also, I'd highly recommend petitioning for the wraps of unarmed power and/or ring of protection magic items. Oh, and the gladiator background is a perfect fit for a wrestling character IMO.
Tavern is fun, but Grappler is better.
Once grappled you gat advantage on your attacks 🤩
The fighting style is great 1d8 for attacks is nice. Think time line? That may be better down the road.
Assuming you’re proficient in Athletics? Take skill expert, add it as expertise, this will boost you well.
Pally as a base is tough, a Barb or Monk might be a better start? Maybe look at a monk pally multi? But I think you’ll run into raw issues on smiting with your fists?
Could be a fun dive but back him up with his big shinny 2 handler?
My barbarian is a brawler 80% of the time, but if you’re making him mad, then out comes the weapons.
I tried to do the same thing with my glory paladin as well but unfortunately the general unarmed strike rules are still not the best for application to all classes. A paladin could get two attacks per round at level two with the appropriate weapon mastery and fighting style feat. But the same single class paladin can only punch once per round until level 5. It does not make sense, as punches should be just as fast or faster than any weapon attacks.
Will the dm let you cast divine favor on your fist? You could also multiclass to warlock or take fey touched feat for hex spell. Or maybe multiclass into fighter for action surge?
Unfortunately I gave up on doing that with my glory paladin and went with great weapon master instead.