D&D 4E 4e Fisticuffs?

[Chronosome]

Hey all,

Has a kind designer out there created power options for unarmed combat? Different than those provided by the monk class or brawler build, I mean. I think it would be neat to have a variety of powered multiclass feats (like those for garrote or whip training) which allow access to styles of boxing or wrestling a character might have picked up and can employ in those less lethal situations (i.e., bar fights).

I like the idea of a fighter (or whatever) surprise-uppercutting a braggart brute on the docks, and think it'd be cool to have some powers which fall along those lines.

 

[Aulirophile]

You know how many people die in bar fights every year? Less lethal is not how I would categorize them.

Also sounds like a good time to employ the damage expression chart and the DC by level chart. If you want a fist fight, just make it up (perhaps for each successful attack an endurance check goes up by 2 and if you fail the endurance check you stumble, granting CA for the next attack, fail by 5 or more and you go down).

 

[moxcamel]

You know how many people die in bar fights every year? Less lethal is not how I would categorize them.

I'm not a game designer, I just play one on TV. So I would classify fisticuffs less lethal than, say, a long sword.

 

[Aulirophile]

I'm not a game designer, I just play one on TV. So I would classify fisticuffs less lethal than, say, a long sword.

Not usually, a guy walking around with a long sword usually has some training in how not to hurt people with it (speaking as someone who has done fencing, SCA, and Kendo the first thing you learn is how not to hurt other people). He might kill you on purpose, not so much on accident. Bar fight deaths tend to be accidental (and are relatively common compared to the number of bar fights, far commoner then the number of deaths by sword in relation to the number of events that involve intentionally hitting people with real swords).

 

[ShaggySpellsword]

Shieldhaven / Bar Brawl

This might could be adapted for what you want.

 

[Chronosome]

(Ignore or delete this one.)

 

[Chronosome]

You know how many people die in bar fights every year? Less lethal is not how I would categorize them.

Also sounds like a good time to employ the damage expression chart and the DC by level chart. If you want a fist fight, just make it up (perhaps for each successful attack an endurance check goes up by 2 and if you fail the endurance check you stumble, granting CA for the next attack, fail by 5 or more and you go down).

That's a good ad-hoc method, definitely. Thanks.

I'm more interested in mechanics that bring a little flavor to the scuffle (and, by extension, the campaign). Somethings with names like "Red Goliath Hammer Elbow", "Halfling Berry Punch", or "Something I Picked Up In the Navy". Just a little something that can be gravy to a more robust feat bonus. Hell, they don't even have to be feats -- could be hearty background bonuses, a la Forgotten Realms.

 

[Chronosome]

Shieldhaven / Bar Brawl

This might could be adapted for what you want.

Those are great! Definitely in the realm of what I'm looking for. Bookmarked. Thanks much!

 

[moxcamel]

Not usually, a guy walking around with a long sword usually has some training in how not to hurt people with it (speaking as someone who has done fencing, SCA, and Kendo the first thing you learn is how not to hurt other people). He might kill you on purpose, not so much on accident. Bar fight deaths tend to be accidental (and are relatively common compared to the number of bar fights, far commoner then the number of deaths by sword in relation to the number of events that involve intentionally hitting people with real swords).

When you punch a guy in the head, he gets maybe a concussion or a broken jaw or nose. Rarely, he dies. When you swing a sword at a guy, he loses parts of his body. The odds of dying are a lot greater. Whether you're swinging a sword in a fight (bar or otherwise), you're not trying not to hurt other people.

Back to topic, I really like this idea of swapping out powers for situational powers. Makes a lot of sense, thanks for the link Shaggy!

 

[Incenjucar]

Assuming you have Weapon powers (Fighter, etc) that don't specify a type of weapon, you can just use your fists and elbows or a chair. They all fall under "Improvised Melee Weapon."