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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JPL" data-source="post: 812903" data-attributes="member: 1964">"Um... because the ability to knock someone out quickly and easily with little permanent harm is tied into pressure points, and learning about ways to make pinpoint strikes more effective with a light weapon is a logical extension of that same pressure-point theory?"Tak, I'm sure that it's my lack of ninja training that is causing my confusion, but I look at words like "Brawl" and "Streetfighting" and assume that the designers did not choose them at random.  I assume that the designers have a sufficient command of the English language and the d20 system such that the mechanics of the feat are reasonably closely related to the name of the feat. The word "brawl" has the connotation of a free-for-all.  It's not a match, it's not a duel, it's not a sparring session.  Although in game terms it makes it easier to "do no permanent harm," Brawling involves hitting someone as hard as you can to produce unconsciousness.  The brawler is not doing hit point damage, true --- that does not mean he is doing some sort of Vulcan nerve pinch.  I'm pretty sure that we're talking trying to make the other guy's brain bump into his skull until he stops moving.The word "streetfighting" has the connotation of down-n-dirty, no-holds-barred, anything goes fighting.  In my ignorance, I tend to assume that the feat is supposed to reflect some sort of tactics that are an extension of "Brawling" and are found "on the streets" [i.e., practical, real-life situations, versus the supposedly artificial environment of the dojo].  I agree with you --- the extra die of damage probably relates to "pressure points" or sensitive areas.  But we're talking about knee to the groin, thumb in the eye, knife in the windpipe.  Lots of formal martial arts styles teach this  stuff, true --- but a streetfighter has skipped all the kata and history and simply concentrated on a few dirty but effective techniques, and he's conditioned himself to stick a knife in another man's eye without flinching.    Again, I was not raised by Shaolin, so I may be wrong...but if these feats are supposed to be nothing more than "Nonlethal Combat", does it make any sense that they are bonus feats for Strong and Tough heroes?  Does "pressure point manipulation" require you to hit the pressure point as hard as you can?</blockquote>

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