Unarmed Fighting states that "your unarmed strikes can deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 (1d8 if both hands are free) + your Strength modifier." Can this be used in conjunction with the Tavern Brawler perk "When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike...on your turn, you can use a bonus action to attempt to grapple the target."? Therefore, giving you the 1d6/8 in lieu of the 1d4?
The damage dice do not stack. Think of the unarmed fighting style as an improved version of unarmed fighting from the tavern brawler feat, as far as fisticuffs damage is concerned.
Keep in mind that neither Tavern Brawler or Unarmed Fighting add a damage bonus to your Unarmed Strikes... rather, they modify the damage calculation. Normally an Unarmed Strike only deals 1 + STR Damage... the feat/fighting style give you the option to replace that "1" with a Dice Roll instead, but does not add more damage to the damage calculation.
Unarmed Fighting states that "your unarmed strikes can deal bludgeoning damage equal to 1d6 (1d8 if both hands are free) + your Strength modifier." Can this be used in conjunction with the Tavern Brawler perk "When you hit a creature with an unarmed strike...on your turn, you can use a bonus action to attempt to grapple the target."? Therefore, giving you the 1d6/8 in lieu of the 1d4?
Yes. You can choose which die to use and still get the BA grapple.
But will the 1d8 and 1d4 stack?
The damage dice do not stack. Think of the unarmed fighting style as an improved version of unarmed fighting from the tavern brawler feat, as far as fisticuffs damage is concerned.
"Not all those who wander are lost"
Keep in mind that neither Tavern Brawler or Unarmed Fighting add a damage bonus to your Unarmed Strikes... rather, they modify the damage calculation. Normally an Unarmed Strike only deals 1 + STR Damage... the feat/fighting style give you the option to replace that "1" with a Dice Roll instead, but does not add more damage to the damage calculation.
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