The Mechanics of Tavern Brawler and Grappler

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 104 views

Combining Feats: Tavern Brawler and Grappler in D&D 5e

Understanding the Feats

In the world of Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, feats are special abilities that characters can acquire to enhance their skills and combat prowess. Two popular feats among players are Tavern Brawler and Grappler. While they may seem like complementary abilities, there's a question that arises when a character has both feats: can they both push and grapple?

The Mechanics of Tavern Brawler and Grappler

Tavern Brawler is a feat that allows a character to deal an additional 2d6 bludgeoning damage when they hit with an unarmed strike. Additionally, if the character hits with an unarmed strike, they can push the target 5 feet away as part of the attack. This feat also allows the character to move up to 5 feet towards the target as part of the attack.

Grappler, on the other hand, is a feat that allows a character to grapple a creature as a bonus action on their turn. When a character grapples a creature, they can use their action to make a grapple check, which can allow them to restrain or move the creature.

The Question: Can You Both Push and Grapple?

When a character has both Tavern Brawler and Grappler, the question arises: can they both push and grapple? Specifically, if a character hits a target with an unarmed strike and uses Tavern Brawler to push the target 5 feet away, can they then use their action to grapple the target as a bonus action?

Analyzing the Rules

According to the rules of D&D 5e, when a character uses Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away, they can move up to 5 feet towards the target as part of the attack. This movement is part of the attack, and it does not use the character's action.

However, when a character uses their action to grapple a target, they must make a grapple check. This check requires the character to use their action, and it cannot be done as a bonus action.

The Answer

Based on the rules of D&D 5e, a character with both Tavern Brawler and Grappler can push a target 5 feet away using Tavern Brawler and then use their action to grapple the target. However, they cannot use their action to grapple the target as a bonus action.

Example Scenario

Let's consider an example scenario to illustrate this point. A character with both Tavern Brawler and Grappler hits a target with an unarmed strike and uses Tavern Brawler to push the target 5 feet away. As part of the attack, the character moves 5 feet towards the target.

On their next turn, the character can use their action to grapple the target. They can make a grapple check to restrain or move the target, but they cannot use their action to grapple the target as a bonus action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a character with both Tavern Brawler and Grappler can push a target 5 feet away using Tavern Brawler and then use their action to grapple the target. However, they cannot use their action to grapple the target as a bonus action. This is because the movement caused by Tavern Brawler is part of the attack, and it does not use the character's action.

Additional Considerations

It's worth noting that the rules of D&D 5e are complex and can be nuanced. When in doubt, it's always best to consult with a Dungeon Master or a trusted source to ensure that you're playing the game correctly.

Tips for Players

If you're a player with both Tavern Brawler and Grappler, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Make sure to use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away before using your action to grapple them.
Use your action to grapple the target, rather than trying to do it as a bonus action.
Consider using other abilities or feats to enhance your grappling ability.

Tips for Dungeon Masters

If you're a Dungeon Master, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Make sure to explain the rules of Tavern Brawler and Grappler to your players.
Encourage players to use their abilities and feats creatively.
Consider adding additional challenges or obstacles to make the game more exciting.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a character with both Tavern Brawler and Grappler can push a target 5 feet away using Tavern Brawler and then use their action to grapple the target. However, they cannot use their action to grapple the target as a bonus action. By understanding the rules of these feats and using them creatively, players can enhance their gameplay experience and create more exciting adventures.
Q&A: Combining Feats - Tavern Brawler and Grappler in D&D 5e

Understanding the Feats

Q&A Session

Q: Can I use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away and then use my action to grapple them?

A: Yes, you can use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away and then use your action to grapple them. However, you cannot use your action to grapple them as a bonus action.

Q: What happens if I use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away and then try to grapple them as a bonus action?

A: If you use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away and then try to grapple them as a bonus action, your Dungeon Master will likely rule that you cannot do so. This is because the movement caused by Tavern Brawler is part of the attack, and it does not use your action.

Q: Can I use Grappler to grapple a target as a bonus action if I've already used Tavern Brawler to push them 5 feet away?

A: No, you cannot use Grappler to grapple a target as a bonus action if you've already used Tavern Brawler to push them 5 feet away. This is because the movement caused by Tavern Brawler is part of the attack, and it does not use your action.

Q: What if I'm using a different feat or ability that allows me to grapple a target as a bonus action? Can I still use Tavern Brawler to push them 5 feet away?

A: Yes, you can still use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away even if you're using a different feat or ability that allows you to grapple them as a bonus action. However, you cannot use your action to grapple them as a bonus action.

Q: Can I use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away and then use my action to make a melee attack against them?

A: Yes, you can use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away and then use your action to make a melee attack against them. This is because the movement caused by Tavern Brawler is part of the attack, and it does not use your action.

Q: What if I'm using a different feat or ability that allows me to make a melee attack as a bonus action? Can I still use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away?

A: Yes, you can still use Tavern Brawler to push a target 5 feet away even if you're using a different feat or ability that allows you to make a melee attack as a bonus action.