Weapon Finesse

[prankster]

Bare hand weapon finesse

Reading the PHB I was pretty positive that weapon finesse _couldn't_ be used with an unarmed strike. The classification of a monk's hand as light is to explain why a further off hand penalty isn't incurred.

I am, of course, phb-less right now, but weapon finesse specifies a light weapon, and bare-hand isn't considered a weapon.

Where does it call an unarmed strike a melee weapon?

 

[hong]

Re: Bare hand weapon finesse

Reading the PHB I was pretty positive that weapon finesse _couldn't_ be used with an unarmed strike. The classification of a monk's hand as light is to explain why a further off hand penalty isn't incurred.

I am, of course, phb-less right now, but weapon finesse specifies a light weapon, and bare-hand isn't considered a weapon.

PHB, p.103: "You can use the Weapon Finesse feat (see page 86) ... with an unarmed strike"

 

[Ranger REG]

Now, the description says "Choose one light weapon", however, there is no "light" classification for weapons, only size. In the equipment description for dagger, it states that it is a light weapon, and can be used with this feat, but I see no mention of this in any other weapon description.

My question, what exactly is a light weapon (other than rapier and spiked chain), and are there any others? I think a short sword should be considered light to a typical medium sized creature, but there is no mention of this. What do you think?

From http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/SRDEquipmentI.rtf

Light: If the weapon's size category is smaller than the character's, then the weapon is light for that character. Light weapons are easier to use in the off hand, and they can be used while grappling. A light weapon can be used in one hand. There is no special bonus when using such a weapon in two hands.

If you want page citation from the Player's Handbook, Chapter 8, page 97, column 1, top paragraph.

Regarding unarmed strike...

From http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/SRDEquipmentI.rtf

Unarmed Strikes: An unarmed strike is two size categories smaller than the character using it.

Player's Handbook, Chapter 7, page 97, paragraph 7.

Player's Handbook, Chapter 7, page 103, Strikes, Unarmed entry, last paragraph.