Streetfighting bruiser
Pugilist
Pugilists live rough lives that leave them full of determination and reckless confidence, whether that confidence comes from desperation, overconfidence, or hard experience. In a fight, they channel that strength D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic
ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ of character into moxie and use it to survive enemies with greater numbers, arms, or armor.
A Pugilist is not a disciplined monk or polished weapon master. The class is built around back-alley brawling, improvised pressure, pain tolerance, unarmed strikes, and a refusal to stay down when a normal combatant would already be finished.
At the table, the Pugilist wants to close distance, trade blows, spend moxie at the right moment, and let a Fight Club define the exact shape of their brawling style, from theatrical arena work to dirty tricks, sleuthing, grappling, boxing, or fighting beside a loyal hound.
Class Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Role | Streetfighting bruiser |
| Primary ability | Strength |
| Multiclassing | Prerequisite: Strength |
| Source | Pugilist Clean Edition |
Core Class Traits
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 |
| Armor | Light armor |
| Weapons | Simple weapons, improvised weapons, whip, hand crossbow |
| Tools | Your choice of one artisan's tools, gaming set, or thieves' tools |
| Saving Throws | Strength |
| Skills | Choose two from Acrobatics |
Starting Equipment
Choose one
Armor or weapon
Leather armor D&D Portal - Light Armor Equipment reference Light Armor is an equipment reference used by
character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/light-armor/ or Any simple weapon
D&D Portal - Simple Weapons Equipment reference Simple Weapons is an equipment reference used by
character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/simple-weapons/ .
Choose one
Pack
A dungeoneer's pack or An explorer's pack D&D Portal - Explorer's Pack Equipment reference Explorer's Pack is an equipment reference
used by character options, equipment choices, and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/equipment/adventuring-gear/explorers-pack/ .
Choose one
Tools
A set of artisan's tools orA gaming set orThieves' tools .
Pugilist Progression
Track Pugilist level, proficiency bonus, fisticuffs damage, moxie points, and class features.
| Level | Prof. | Fisticuffs | Moxie Points | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| +2 | 1d6 | - | ||
| +2 | 1d6 | 2 | ||
| +2 | 1d6 | 2 | ||
| +2 | 1d6 | 3 |
| |
| +3 | 1d8 | 3 | ||
| +3 | 1d8 | 4 | ||
| +3 | 1d8 | 4 | ||
| +3 | 1d8 | 5 |
| |
| +4 | 1d8 | 5 | ||
| +4 | 1d8 | 6 | ||
| +4 | 1d10 | 6 | ||
| +4 | 1d10 | 7 |
| |
| +5 | 1d10 | 7 | ||
| +5 | 1d10 | 8 | ||
| +5 | 1d10 | 8 | ||
| +5 | 1d10 | 9 |
| |
| +6 | 1d12 | 9 | ||
| +6 | 1d12 | 10 | ||
| +6 | 1d12 | 10 |
| |
| +6 | 1d12 | 12 |
Level 1 2 features gained Fisticuffs | Iron Chin +2 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Fisticuffs
- 1d6
- Moxie Points
- -
- Features
Level 2 2 features gained Moxie | Street Smart +2 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Fisticuffs
- 1d6
- Moxie Points
- 2
- Features
Level 3 2 features gained Bloodied but Unbowed | Fight Club +2 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Fisticuffs
- 1d6
- Moxie Points
- 2
- Features
Level 4 2 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Dig Deep +2 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Fisticuffs
- 1d6
- Moxie Points
- 3
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Dig Deep
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 5 2 features gained Extra Attack | Haymaker +3 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Fisticuffs
- 1d8
- Moxie Points
- 3
- Features
Level 6 2 features gained Fight Club feature | Moxie-Fueled Fists +3 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Fisticuffs
- 1d8
- Moxie Points
- 4
- Features
Level 7 2 features gained Fancy Footwork | Shake It Off +3 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Fisticuffs
- 1d8
- Moxie Points
- 4
- Features
Level 8 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +3 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Fisticuffs
- 1d8
- Moxie Points
- 5
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 9 1 feature gained Down but Not Out +4 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Fisticuffs
- 1d8
- Moxie Points
- 5
- Features
Level 10 1 feature gained School of Hard Knocks +4 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Fisticuffs
- 1d8
- Moxie Points
- 6
- Features
Level 11 1 feature gained Fight Club feature +4 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Fisticuffs
- 1d10
- Moxie Points
- 6
- Features
Level 12 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +4 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Fisticuffs
- 1d10
- Moxie Points
- 7
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 13 1 feature gained Rabble Rouser +5 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Fisticuffs
- 1d10
- Moxie Points
- 7
- Features
Level 14 1 feature gained Unbreakable +5 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Fisticuffs
- 1d10
- Moxie Points
- 8
- Features
Level 15 1 feature gained Herculean +5 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Fisticuffs
- 1d10
- Moxie Points
- 8
- Features
Level 16 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +5 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Fisticuffs
- 1d10
- Moxie Points
- 9
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 17 1 feature gained Fight Club feature +6 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Fisticuffs
- 1d12
- Moxie Points
- 9
- Features
Level 18 1 feature gained Fighting Spirit +6 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Fisticuffs
- 1d12
- Moxie Points
- 10
- Features
Level 19 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +6 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Fisticuffs
- 1d12
- Moxie Points
- 10
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
D&D Portal - ASI Shortened rule term ASI means Ability Score Improvement. Use an ASI when a class feature grants Ability Score Improvement. You normally increase one ability score by 2, or two ability scores by 1 each, within the normal maximum. If feats are allowed, the ASI can often be exchanged for a feat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/asi/
- Ability Score Improvement
Level 20 1 feature gained Peak Physical Condition +6 Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof.
D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Fisticuffs
- 1d12
- Moxie Points
- 12
- Features
Class Features
As a pugilist, you gain the following class features.
Fisticuffs
Level 1
At 1st level, your years of fighting in back alleys and taverns have given you mastery over combat styles that use unarmed strikes and pugilist weapons, which are simple melee weapons without the two-handed property, whips, and improvised weapons. You may not use the finesse property of a weapon while using it as a pugilist weapon.
You gain the following benefits while you are unarmed or using only pugilist weapons and you are wearing light or no armor and not using a shield:
- You can roll a d6 in place of the normal damage of your unarmed strike or pugilist weapon. This die changes as you gain pugilist levels, as shown in the Fisticuffs column on the Pugilist table.
- When you use the Attack action
D&D Portal - Attack Action Action rule Attack Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/attack-action/ with an unarmed strike or a pugilist weapon on your turn, you can make one unarmed strike or grapple as a bonus action
D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/.
Iron Chin
Level 1
Beginning at 1st level, you can use Constitution D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance,
and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ instead of Dexterity
D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ to determine your armor class when you are wearing light or no armor and are not using a shield.
Moxie
Level 2
Starting at 2nd level, your experience laying the beatdown on others has given you a moxie you can channel in the midst of battle. This swagger is represented by a number of moxie points. Your pugilist level determines the maximum number of points you have, as shown in the Moxie Points column of the Pugilist table.
You can spend these points to fuel various moxie features. You start knowing three such features: Brace Up, The Old One-Two, and Stick and Move. You learn more moxie features as you gain levels in this class. You regain all expended moxie points when you complete a short or long rest D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover
resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/.
Brace Up. You can use a bonus action D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/ and spend 1 moxie point to brace for attacks. Roll your fisticuffs die + your pugilist level + your Constitution
D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance,
and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ modifier and gain that many temporary hit points
D&D Portal - Hit Points Combat rule Hit Points is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/hit-points/.
The Old One-Two. Immediately after you take the Attack action D&D Portal - Attack Action Action rule Attack Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/attack-action/ on your turn, you can spend 1 moxie point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action
D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/.
Stick and Move. You can use a bonus action D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/ and expend 1 moxie point to make a shove attack or take the Dash action
D&D Portal - Dash Action rule Dash is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/dash/.
Street Smart
Level 2
Beginning at 2nd level, carousing, shadowboxing, and sparring all count as light activity for the purposes of resting for you. Additionally, once you have caroused in a settlement for 8 hours or more, you know all public locations in the city as if you were born and raised there and you cannot be lost by non-magical means while within the city.
Bloodied But Unbowed
Level 3
Starting at 3rd level, when you take damage that reduces you to half your maximum hit points or less, you can use your reaction D&D Portal - Reaction Action rule Reaction is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/reaction/ to gain temporary hit points
D&D Portal - Hit Points Combat rule Hit Points is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/hit-points/ equal to your pugilist level + your Constitution
D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance,
and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ modifier and you regain all expended moxie points. You cannot use this feature again until you finish a short or long rest
D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover
resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/.
Fight Club
Level 3
Starting at 3rd level, you choose a fight club that best exemplifies your style: Arena Royale, Bloodhound Bruisers, Dog & Hound, Piss & Vinegar, the Squared Circle, or the Sweet Science. Your fight club grants you features at 3rd level and again at 6th, 11th, and 17th level.
Ability Score Improvement
Level 4
When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you cannot increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.
Dig Deep
Level 4
Starting at 4th level, you discover a strength D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic
ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ inside you that cannot be broken. As a bonus action
D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/, you gain resistance to bludgeoning
D&D Portal - Bludgeoning Damage type Bludgeoning is a damage type used by attacks,
spells, class features, resistance, immunity, and vulnerability. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/damage-types/bludgeoning/, piercing
D&D Portal - Piercing Damage type Piercing is a damage type used by attacks,
spells, class features, resistance, immunity, and vulnerability. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/damage-types/piercing/, and slashing
D&D Portal - Slashing Damage type Slashing is a damage type used by attacks,
spells, class features, resistance, immunity, and vulnerability. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/damage-types/slashing/ damage for one minute. At the end of that minute you gain a level of exhaustion
D&D Portal - Exhaustion Condition Exhaustion is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/exhaustion/.
Extra Attack
Level 5
Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action D&D Portal - Attack Action Action rule Attack Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/attack-action/ on your turn.
Haymaker
Level 5
Starting at 5th level, before you make an attack roll D&D Portal - Attack Roll Combat rule Attack Roll is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/attack-roll/ with an unarmed strike or pugilist melee weapon attack
D&D Portal - Melee Weapon Attack Combat rule Melee Weapon Attack is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/melee-weapon-attack/ that does not already have disadvantage, you can declare you are swinging wild haymakers. You make all attack rolls
D&D Portal - Attack Roll Combat rule Attack Roll is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/attack-roll/ until the end of this turn with disadvantage and when you deal damage you do not roll, but use the maximum die result instead.
Moxie-Fueled Fists
Level 6
Starting at 6th level, your unarmed strikes count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to non-magical attacks and damage.
Fancy Footwork
Level 7
At 7th level, you gain proficiency in Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ saving throws
D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve
uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/.
Shake It Off
Level 7
Starting at 7th level, you can use your action to end one effect on yourself that is causing you to be charmed D&D Portal - Charmed Condition Charmed is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/charmed/ or frightened
D&D Portal - Frightened Condition Frightened is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/frightened/.
Down But Not Out
Level 9
At 9th level, when you use your Bloodied But Unbowed feature you can choose to also use this feature. If you do, you add your proficiency bonus to your damage with unarmed attacks and pugilist weapons for the next minute. You can use this feature again after you complete a long rest D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover
resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/.
School of Hard Knocks
Level 10
By 10th level, you have graduated top of the class at the school of hard knocks and you took most of them on the head. You have resistance to psychic D&D Portal - Psychic Damage type Psychic is a damage type used by attacks,
spells, class features, resistance, immunity, and vulnerability. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/damage-types/psychic/ damage and gain advantage on saving throws
D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve
uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/ against effects that would make you stunned
D&D Portal - Stunned Condition Stunned is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/stunned/ or unconscious
D&D Portal - Unconscious Condition Unconscious is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/unconscious/.
Rabble Rouser
Level 13
Starting at 13th level, word of your exploits travels quickly in cities and other settlements. Once you have taken a long rest D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover
resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/ by carousing in a settlement, you gain advantage on all Charisma
D&D Portal - Charisma Presence, confidence, and influence Charisma measures force of personality,
confidence, eloquence, and the ability to influence others. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/charisma/ ( Persuasion
D&D Portal - Persuasion Skill reference Persuasion is a skill used for ability checks
in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/persuasion/) and Charisma
D&D Portal - Charisma Presence, confidence, and influence Charisma measures force of personality,
confidence, eloquence, and the ability to influence others. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/charisma/ ( Intimidation
D&D Portal - Intimidation Skill reference Intimidation is a skill used for ability checks
in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/intimidation/) rolls made against the people who live there.
Unbreakable
Level 14
Starting at 14th level, you gain advantage on Strength D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic
ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/, Dexterity
D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/, and Constitution
D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance,
and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ saving throws
D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve
uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/. Additionally, whenever you make a saving throw
D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve
uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/ and fail, you can spend 1 moxie point to reroll it and take the second result.
Herculean
Level 15
At 15th level, your carrying capacity is doubled, and when you deal damage with a melee weapon D&D Portal - Melee Attack Combat rule Melee Attack is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/melee-attack/ or unarmed strike to an inanimate object that damage is doubled. Your standing jump
D&D Portal - Jumping Movement rule Jumping is a movement rule used during
exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/jumping/ distance is the same as your running start jump
D&D Portal - Jumping Movement rule Jumping is a movement rule used during
exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/jumping/ distance.
Fighting Spirit
Level 18
Starting at 18th level, when you have 4 levels of exhaustion D&D Portal - Exhaustion Condition Exhaustion is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/exhaustion/ or fewer and are reduced to 0 hit points, you regain half of your maximum hit points, half of your maximum moxie points, and gain a level of exhaustion
D&D Portal - Exhaustion Condition Exhaustion is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/exhaustion/. You cannot use this feature again until you finish a long rest
D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover
resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/.
Peak Physical Condition
Level 20
At 20th level, your Strength D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic
ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ and Constitution
D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance,
and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ ability scores increase by 2 to a maximum of 22. Additionally, when you take a long rest
D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover
resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/ you recover 2 levels of exhaustion
D&D Portal - Exhaustion Condition Exhaustion is a game condition that can affect
what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/exhaustion/ instead of 1 and you regain all your expended hit dice instead of half your expended hit dice.
Fight Clubs
Despite the name, fight clubs are not formal fraternities or sororities, but collections of pugilists who, by training or happenstance, share a similar style. In some D&D worlds, fight clubs can tell you a lot about where a person comes from, while in others there are representatives of many fighting styles in all metropolitan areas.
Fight Clubs
Pugilist Clean Edition
Arena Royale
A theatrical gladiator and performer who turns persona, crowd work, mobility, and signature moves into fight-winning spectacle.
- pugilist
- subclass
- fight club
- arena-royale
Pugilist Clean Edition
Bloodhound Bruisers
An urban hunter and investigator who reads people, finds trouble, and uses city familiarity to stay one step ahead.
- pugilist
- subclass
- fight club
- bloodhound-bruisers
Pugilist Clean Edition
Dog & Hound
A loyal brawler who fights beside a canine companion and shares moxie, attacks, and battlefield pressure with their hound.
- pugilist
- subclass
- fight club
- dog-and-hound
Pugilist Clean Edition
Piss & Vinegar
A dirty-trick heel who uses insults, provocation, psychic pressure, and spiteful tricks to make enemies fight badly.
- pugilist
- subclass
- fight club
- piss-and-vinegar
Pugilist Clean Edition
The Squared Circle
A grappling-focused Pugilist who pins, controls, redirects attacks, and turns close contact into a finishing hold.
- pugilist
- subclass
- fight club
- squared-circle
Pugilist Clean Edition
The Sweet Science
A boxing-focused Pugilist who blocks, counters, chains fast strikes, regains momentum, and looks for the knockout.
- pugilist
- subclass
- fight club
- sweet-science
Pugilist References
The Pugilist Clean Edition also includes class-specific equipment and nonplayer characters. Those references live on separate pages so the main class page stays focused on class rules and progression.
Reference Pages
Pugilist Clean Edition
Equipment
Browse weapons, gear, magic items, rarity, attunement, item traits, and equipment descriptions.
- equipment
- items
- weapons
- magic items
- gear
Pugilist Clean Edition
NPCs
Browse NPC references, stat blocks, challenge ratings, actions, traits, and encounter notes.
- npcs
- nonplayer characters
- stat blocks
- characters
FAQ
What is a Pugilist in D&D?
The Pugilist version used by D&D Portal is a Strength- and Constitution-focused d8 martial class built around Fisticuffs, Iron Chin, Moxie, improvised or pugilist weapons, and a never-stay-down style of fighting. It gains Moxie at 2nd level, Bloodied but Unbowed and a Fight Club at 3rd level, Extra Attack and Haymaker at 5th level, and increasingly strong durability features at higher levels. This is not the later d10 Pugilist (2024) version.
Read more: Pugilist D&D Portal - What is a Pugilist in D&D? Pugilist FAQ The Pugilist version used by D&D Portal is a Strength- and Constitution-focused d8 martial class built around Fisticuffs, Iron Chin, Moxie, improvised or pugilist weapons, and a never-stay-down style of fighting. It gains Moxie at 2nd level, Bloodied but Unbowed and a Fight Club at 3rd level, Extra Attack and Haymaker at 5th level, and increasingly strong durability features at higher levels. This is not the later d10 Pugilist (2024) version. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/pugilist/what-is-a-pugilist-in-dnd/
How do you play a Pugilist?
Play a Pugilist by keeping Strength and Constitution high, using Fisticuffs as your reliable baseline, and spending Moxie according to what the round needs. Brace Up improves durability, The Old One-Two increases offense, and Stick and Move improves mobility or control. Bloodied but Unbowed can restore momentum after heavy damage, while Haymaker is a deliberate accuracy-for-damage tradeoff rather than an automatic attack mode.
Read more: Pugilist D&D Portal - How do you play a Pugilist? Pugilist FAQ Play a Pugilist by keeping Strength and Constitution high, using Fisticuffs as your reliable baseline, and spending Moxie according to what the round needs. Brace Up improves durability, The Old One-Two increases offense, and Stick and Move improves mobility or control. Bloodied but Unbowed can restore momentum after heavy damage, while Haymaker is a deliberate accuracy-for-damage tradeoff rather than an automatic attack mode. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/pugilist/how-do-you-play-a-pugilist/
What ability scores are best for a Pugilist?
Strength is normally the Pugilist's highest ability score and Constitution is the second priority. Strength powers the class's close-range attacks, while Constitution increases hit points and can replace Dexterity when calculating Armor Class through Iron Chin. Some Fight Clubs make Charisma, Wisdom, or another secondary ability more valuable. This version requires Strength 13 and Constitution 13 for multiclassing.
Read more: Pugilist D&D Portal - What ability scores are best for a Pugilist? Pugilist FAQ Strength is normally the Pugilist's highest ability score and Constitution is the second priority. Strength powers the class's close-range attacks, while Constitution increases hit points and can replace Dexterity when calculating Armor Class through Iron Chin. Some Fight Clubs make Charisma, Wisdom, or another secondary ability more valuable. This version requires Strength 13 and Constitution 13 for multiclassing. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/pugilist/what-ability-scores-are-best-for-a-pugilist/
What are the main Pugilist class features?
This Pugilist's main features are Fisticuffs, Iron Chin, Moxie, Street Smart, Bloodied but Unbowed, a Fight Club, Dig Deep, Extra Attack, Haymaker, Moxie-Fueled Fists, Fancy Footwork, Shake It Off, Down But Not Out, School of Hard Knocks, Rabble Rouser, Unbreakable, Herculean, Fighting Spirit, and Peak Physical Condition. Moxie returns after a short or long rest.
Read more: Pugilist D&D Portal - What are the main Pugilist class features? Pugilist FAQ This Pugilist's main features are Fisticuffs, Iron Chin, Moxie, Street Smart, Bloodied but Unbowed, a Fight Club, Dig Deep, Extra Attack, Haymaker, Moxie-Fueled Fists, Fancy Footwork, Shake It Off, Down But Not Out, School of Hard Knocks, Rabble Rouser, Unbreakable, Herculean, Fighting Spirit, and Peak Physical Condition. Moxie returns after a short or long rest. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/pugilist/what-are-the-main-pugilist-class-features/
What Fight Clubs can a Pugilist choose?
The D&D Portal Pugilist chooses one of six Fight Clubs at 3rd level: **Arena Royale, Bloodhound Bruisers, Dog & Hound, Piss & Vinegar, The Squared Circle, or The Sweet Science**. Arena Royale is a performer-gladiator, Bloodhound Bruisers is an urban investigator, Dog & Hound fights with a canine companion, Piss & Vinegar uses provocation and dirty tricks, Squared Circle specialises in grappling, and Sweet Science specialises in technical boxing and counters.
Read more: Pugilist D&D Portal - What Fight Clubs can a Pugilist choose? Pugilist FAQ The D&D Portal Pugilist chooses one of six Fight Clubs at 3rd level: **Arena Royale, Bloodhound Bruisers, Dog & Hound, Piss & Vinegar, The Squared Circle, or The Sweet Science**. Arena Royale is a performer-gladiator, Bloodhound Bruisers is an urban investigator, Dog & Hound fights with a canine companion, Piss & Vinegar uses provocation and dirty tricks, Squared Circle specialises in grappling, and Sweet Science specialises in technical boxing and counters. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/pugilist/what-fight-clubs-can-a-pugilist-choose/