Path of the Pugilist

The oldest form of combat predates trained techniques and sticks and stones. Those on the Path of the Pugilist tap into an ancient fury, empowering their fists with bestial force, making slow and deliberate strikes that utilize the entire weight of their body. When raging, you will feel your fury propel your attacks even further, and your vicious fighting style will help you shake off attacks without a sweat.

Brawling

Beginning at 3rd level when you choose this Primal Path, you begin fighting with nothing but your pure strength channeled through your fists. When you make an unarmed strike, you deal 1d4 + your Strength modifier bludgeoning damage, instead of the usual standard damage. This ability increases to a d6 at 5th level, a d8 at 9th level, a d10 at 13th level, and a d12 at 17th level.

While raging, your unarmed strikes count as melee weapon attacks for the purposes of bonus rage damage. Additionally, whenever you make an unarmed attack as an action on your turn, you may make an additional unarmed strike as a bonus action if you do not have a weapon or shield equipped.

Back-Alley Fighting

Beginning at 3rd level, whenever you make an Intimidation skill check, you may instead use your Strength modifier to make the check.

You gain proficiency with Improvised Weapons. 

Hardened Stance

At 6th level, your physical endurance becomes a protective force of its own. While raging, if you do not have a weapon or shield equipped, you gain a +2 bonus to AC and have advantage on saving throws against effects that would push you or knock you prone.

Unstoppable Force

At 10th level, you learn to add your weight into your punch, trying to force an opponent back with your fury. Once per turn, when you hit a creature with an unarmed strike, you can force the target to make a Strength saving throw of with a saving throw DC of 8 + proficiency + your Strength modifier. On a failure, they are pushed up to 15 feet backward. Additionally, your movement speed cannot be reduced by any effect other than difficult terrain, including spell effects.

You can use this ability a number of times equal to 1 + your Strength modifier (minimum of 1). These uses reset on a long rest.

Defensive Counter

At 14th level, you learn to use your raw power to defend yourself and turn an attack back on its attacker. When you would be hit with a melee attack, you may use your reaction to add your Strength modifier to your AC for that attack. If the target would miss their attack because of this bonus, you may immediately make a Brawling strike against the attacker. If the target still hits despite this bonus, the activation of this ability does not count towards its limited uses.

You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Strength modifier (minimum of 1) before you must take a long rest.