Back-Alley Bruiser

Grappling Specialist. The Back-Alley Bruiser can initiate or maintain a grapple as part of any unarmed strike. Targets must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or become grappled (escape DC 16).

Unarmed Fighting Style. Unarmed strikes deal 1d8 + 4 bludgeoning damage if the target is not grappling the Back-Alley Bruiser. If the Back-Alley Bruiser is grappling a creature, unarmed strikes against that target instead deals 1d4 + 4, but automatically hits.

Crusher. Once per turn, when the Back-Alley Bruiser deals bludgeoning damage, it can push the target 5 feet (no save) or knock it prone (if already grappled).

Gag and Bind (Recharge 5–6). If the Back-Alley Bruiser starts its turn grappling a creature, it can attempt to bind and gag them. The target must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw or become Restrained and Silenced (unable to use verbal or somatic components for spellcasting). Escaping requires an action and a successful DC 16 Strength or Dexterity check.

Multiattack. The grappler makes two unarmed strikes or one unarmed strike and one shove.

Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) [bludgeoning] damage. If the target is already grappled, the attack automatically hits and deals 6 (1d4 + 4) bludgeoning damage instead.

Shove. The grappler attempts to shove a creature prone (no damage). The target must make a DC 16 Strength save or fall prone. If already grappled, the Saving Throw is made with disadvantage.

Lockdown. If the Back-Alley Bruiser has a creature grappled, it can attempt to restrain them with manacles, rope, or binding tools as a bonus action. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or become Restrained. Escaping requires an action and a DC 16 Strength or Dexterity check.

Chokehold. When a grappled creature casts a spell with verbal components, the grappler can use its reaction to force a DC 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the spell is lost and the target is silenced until the start of their next turn.