D&D 5E (2014) Can monks still punch?

[seebs]

So, with "unarmed strike" removed from the weapons table, it's no longer a "simple weapon". Tavern Brawler gives proficiency with unarmed strike.

Monk doesn't.

Since I'm the GM, I'm just handwaving this as "don't be silly of course monks have proficiency in unarmed strike", but it seems to me that if Unarmed Strike is taken out of the weapons table, it should be added to monk, no?

 

[jbOKgamer]

All characters are proficient with unarmed strike according to the Errata - Combat - Melee Attacks. (According to Errata Tavern Brawler does not give you proficiency with unarmed strikes since you are already proficient).

 

[Bitbrain]

Unless I be much mistaken, everybody is proficient in their unarmed strikes.
tavern brawler just lets you be proficient with improvised weapons, and allows your unarmed strikes to deal 1d4 bludgeoning if you didn't choose to play as a monk.

 

[jasper]

only at the prom. Dad is spiking it at home.

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[Greenstone.Walker]

I've ruled that Monks cannot punch. Any time they are striking, muscle memory takes over and they automatically use their Monk fighting.

I like the flavour of a Monk being unable to just relax and have a harmless barfight anymore. It's a consequence of training body & mind in unarmed combat.

 

[abirdcall]

I've ruled that Monks cannot punch. Any time they are striking, muscle memory takes over and they automatically use their Monk fighting.

I like the flavour of a Monk being unable to just relax and have a harmless barfight anymore. It's a consequence of training body & mind in unarmed combat.

What?

 

[TheCosmicKid]

I like the flavour of a Monk being unable to just relax and have a harmless barfight anymore. It's a consequence of training body & mind in unarmed combat.

No unarmed combat is actually "harmless", but the more training you have, the better you know how to minimize risk of serious injury to your opponent. In any martial art, how not to hurt people is kind of a big deal -- if for no other reason than you need to be able to spar. It's the untrained people flailing about wildly who are the biggest dangers to themselves and others.