Unarmed attacks for non-monks

[azmodean]

This is probably a stupid question, but can non-monks make unarmed strikes with no free hands?

The class description explicitly states that a monk can do so:

At 1st level, a monk gains Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat. A monk's attacks may be with either fist interchangeably or even from elbows, knees, and feet. This means that a monk may even make unarmed strikes with her hands full.

The description for unarmed strikes is similar, but does not state it explicitly:

Striking for damage with punches, kicks, and head butts is much like attacking with a melee weapon, except for the following:

Similarly, can a non-monk use an unarmed strike as an off-hand weapon, as per Two Weapon Fighting? If so, do they still get the full strength bonus added to the damage?

 

[Henrix]

This is probably a stupid question, but can non-monks make unarmed strikes with no free hands?

I'd say no, as it is explicitly explained as part of a special monk ability. I'd allow anyone with improved unarmed to do it in an oriental setting, though.

Similarly, can a non-monk use an unarmed strike as an off-hand weapon, as per Two Weapon Fighting? If so, do they still get the full strength bonus added to the damage?

I'd go for yes, but only with half strength bonus, as for a normal off-hand attack.

 

[Egres]

This is probably a stupid question, but can non-monks make unarmed strikes with no free hands?

The class description explicitly states that a monk can do so:

The description for unarmed strikes is similar, but does not state it explicitly:


Similarly, can a non-monk use an unarmed strike as an off-hand weapon, as per Two Weapon Fighting? If so, do they still get the full strength bonus added to the damage?

From the PHB Glossary:

unarmed attack

A melee attack made with no weapon in hand.

From the SRD:

Unarmed Attacks: Striking for damage with punches, kicks, and head butts is much like attacking with a melee weapon, except for the following:

Where's the problem?

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Someone can make an Unarmed Strike while wielding a longsword and a tower shield. They can even do so without the Improved Unarmed Strike feat, though they'd draw an AoO for doing so.

Anyone may make an Unarmed Strike as an off-hand attack, using the same rules as all other off-hand attacks (.5x Strength damage, -4 / -8 to attacks if you don't have the right feats, etc.).

Note that an Unarmed Strike is always a light weapon, though unlike most light weapons it can benefit from Power Attack.

Note also that monks, when making an unarmed strike as an off-hand attack, do not add their full strength bonus to damage, either (and the FAQ on this subject is a total abortion, anyway).

Specifically:

There is no such thing as an off-hand attack for a monk striking unarmed. A monk may thus apply her full Strength bonus on damage rolls for all her unarmed strikes.

The FAQ, however, mentions:

When using an unarmed strike as an off-hand attack, the monk suffers all the usual attack penalties from two-weapon fighting (see Table 8–10 in the Player’s Handbook) and the monk adds only half her Strength bonus (if any) to damage if the off-hand unarmed strike hits.

Hypersmurf has a great way of formulating this contradiction. It's amusing.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Hypersmurf has a great way of formulating this contradiction. It's amusing.

Um?

Something like "There's no such thing as an off-hand attack for a monk striking unarmed, unless the monk elects to strike unarmed as an off-hand attack"?

-Hyp.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

That's the one!