Can a Monk use Cleave barehanded?

[Lucius Foxhound]

I noticed there's a bunch o' feats that mention "melee weapons." Cleave, Great Cleave, Spring Attack, and Improved Critial all mention melee weapons. Only Weapon Focus specifically says that you can choose "unarmed strike" as your focus.

Does this mean Monks can't really use these feats (other than special monk weapons of course)? I can't find where in the PHB it says that monk's fists count as melee weapons...

 

[CRGreathouse]

No. See the definition of unarmed strike in the glossary (page 282 in my PH).

 

[hong]

Oh, not the "what is a weapon" question again....

I don't see any reason not to allow Cleave with an unarmed strike. The feat description only talks about melee attacks, not weapons as such (except indirectly).

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

No. See the definition of unarmed strike in the glossary (page 282 in my PH).

But that definition seems to make the Monk's unarmed strikes unlike all other unarmed strikes: "Monks can deal normal damage with an unarmed strike, but others deal subdual damage."

And pretty much, if a monk isn't going for the Spring Attack feat or Great Cleave feat ... well, he's pretty damn lame at high levels.

 

[Crothian]

I'd allow it

 

[kreynolds]

Yes. Ignore the definition of unarmed strike in the glossary (page 282 in my PH).

 

[CRGreathouse]

Yes. Ignore the definition of unarmed strike in the glossary (page 282 in my PH).

I answered his question literally. Cleave should, of course, be allowed with unarmed strikes.

I have the second printing, whose glossary supports this ruling. Does the first printing not?

 

[Christian]

Can characters apply the Improved Critical feat to an unarmed strike?
Yes, an unarmed strike or other natural weapon is a "weapon" for the purposes of the Improved Critical feat (and for most other purposes).

(D&D FAQ, pg. 17)

 

[kreynolds]

I answered his question literally. Cleave should, of course, be allowed with unarmed strikes.

Ah. I see.

I have the second printing, whose glossary supports this ruling. Does the first printing not?

Not sure. My PH is at home and I'm stuck at work.

 

[The Forsaken One]

WotC let Monks in NEverwinter Nights autmatically gain cleave at second level and so they can cleave at second level for free and with unarmed strike. It kix ass.