Classic (RC) D&D had a rule like this, I think it was +4 to hit vs unarmed opponent. It makes sense but I think in practice it's best kept to attacking the unfortunate Commoners, rather than worrying about whether the Wizard PC has a dagger in hand. I'd also count a shield as preventing advantage on the attack.
Some combat house rules to peruse or ignore
Classic (RC) D&D had a rule like this, I think it was +4 to hit vs unarmed opponent. It makes sense but I think in practice it's best kept to attacking the unfortunate Commoners, rather than worrying about whether the Wizard PC has a dagger in hand. I'd also count a shield as preventing advantage on the attack.
Cap'n Kobold
Hero
These look reasonable to my eye. Personally I'd make some tweaks or clarifications:
Any ranged weapon other than a crossbow or thrown weapon incurs the opportunity attack. (So slings, blowguns also included.) You still suffer disadvantage on the attack roll, even with a crossbow or thrown weapon.
Picking up an object in your space, I probably wouldn't rule that it provokes, and I'd say that it could be done with an attack or object interaction. Picking up one 5ft away from you probably would. (And definitely if its in an opponent's space.)
Clarify whether casting when grappled requires the concentration roll for any spell, or just those with Somatic components, or Material components that aren't already in hand.
I might allow an opposed grapple check instead actually if it is just the Somatic and Material components.
Disarm - Remove the damage component. Dealing damage with a disarm is the Battlemaster's shtick. Everyone else has to choose between trying to take out their weapon, or just kill them.
While I'm not too fussed about the Battlemaster disarm maneuver which is a lot more powerful, I reckon I will change disarm attack to:
Disarming: Attack is with Disadvantage (& can't attempt a disarm if already at disadvantage); if it hits then target takes half damage & makes a STR save at the higher of DC 5 or damage dealt (maximum DC 20) to not drop object. Save is with Advantage if holding object with two hands.
Disarming: Attack is with Disadvantage (& can't attempt a disarm if already at disadvantage); if it hits then target takes half damage & makes a STR save at the higher of DC 5 or damage dealt (maximum DC 20) to not drop object. Save is with Advantage if holding object with two hands.
TaranTheWanderer
Legend
I don't think it should do any damage. A shove doesn't do damage and, to me, this is a similar maneuver. And there's no down side if you let it do damage. They have to choose the pro for a con. Otherwise you'll have people trying it just to see if it works and go, 'at least I did half damage.' And then you have to figure in Crits.
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
I guess it just depends on how you see it, I could certainly see a maneuver where a weapon is finessed out of the target's hand.
Sword of Spirit
Legend
Since I haven't seen anyone mention it... the DMG does have its own optional Disarm rules. I'd compare any rule being considered to that to make sure it is more effective at achieving your desired goal.
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