Weapon Finesse (Unarmed Strike) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Weapon Finesse (Unarmed Strike) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
NASCAR_1080i
07-26-07, 05:58 AM Is it within the rules for a monk to use weapon finesse in conjunction with unarmed strike?

The reason i ask is that the PHB description of weapon finesse states that all natural weapons are considered light weapons. So I guess the real question is, Are a Monks unarmed strikes considered the use of a natural weapon? :confused:
Feredenil
07-26-07, 06:16 AM Yes, of course.
You can defiitely take 'Weapon finesse Unarmed strike' for your monk.
It's a 'must'
Solian
07-26-07, 06:19 AM I would say Yes, because hitting with your fists or feet or whatever is natural for a humanoid without other means (e.g. Claws etc).
Kouk
07-26-07, 07:15 AM Yes, of course.
You can defiitely take 'Weapon finesse Unarmed strike' for your monk.
It's a 'must'

It isn't a "must", most Monks I know have a higher STR score than DEX, or exactly equal scores.

And Weapon Finesse no longer has to choose a specific weapon anymore, so if you take Weapon Finesse, it will also apply to most of your Monk weapons like Kama and Sai.

In the Equipment chapter, in the weapon category descriptions for Light weapons is:
Light

A light weapon is easier to use in one’s off hand than a one-handed weapon is, and it can be used while grappling. A light weapon is used in one hand. Add the wielder’s Strength bonus (if any) to damage rolls for melee attacks with a light weapon if it’s used in the primary hand, or one-half the wielder’s Strength bonus if it’s used in the off hand. Using two hands to wield a light weapon gives no advantage on damage; the Strength bonus applies as though the weapon were held in the wielder’s primary hand only.

An unarmed strike is always considered a light weapon.

So there you go.
NASCAR_1080i
07-26-07, 12:11 PM Thanks for helping me clear that up.
kaeso
08-03-07, 04:59 PM Can you use this feat in conjunction with a monk's Flurry of Blows?

The rules say you apply the strength bonus... but would weapon finesse allow dexterity instead? Logically it seems like a person trying to strick fast and hard would be focusing on strength rather than dexterity, but then again... I really don't know.
Puca
08-03-07, 05:12 PM I believe the strength bonus they mention in the flurry rules is in reference to damage, not to-hit. So yeah, Weapon Finesse works fine with a flurry.
kaeso
08-03-07, 05:18 PM oooh, sorry I missed that. Thanks!
DrMorganes
08-04-07, 02:02 PM So I guess the real question is, Are a Monks unarmed strikes considered the use of a natural weapon? :confused:

A monk’s unarmed strike is treated both as a manufactured weapon and a natural weapon for the purpose of spells and effects that enhance or improve either manufactured weapons or natural weapons.

In short: yes, a monk's unarmed strike is a natural weapon.
Pegasos989
08-04-07, 03:39 PM In short: yes, a monk's unarmed strike is a natural weapon.

Correct, though actually it doesn't matter as the reason why finesse works with unarmed strikes isn't it being natural weapon but rather it being light weapon.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
NASCAR_1080i 07-26-07, 05:58 AM	Is it within the rules for a monk to use weapon finesse in conjunction with unarmed strike? The reason i ask is that the PHB description of weapon finesse states that all natural weapons are considered light weapons. So I guess the real question is, Are a Monks unarmed strikes considered the use of a natural weapon? :confused:
Feredenil 07-26-07, 06:16 AM	Yes, of course. You can defiitely take 'Weapon finesse Unarmed strike' for your monk. It's a 'must'
Solian 07-26-07, 06:19 AM	I would say Yes, because hitting with your fists or feet or whatever is natural for a humanoid without other means (e.g. Claws etc).
Kouk 07-26-07, 07:15 AM	Yes, of course. You can defiitely take 'Weapon finesse Unarmed strike' for your monk. It's a 'must' It isn't a "must", most Monks I know have a higher STR score than DEX, or exactly equal scores. And Weapon Finesse no longer has to choose a specific weapon anymore, so if you take Weapon Finesse, it will also apply to most of your Monk weapons like Kama and Sai. In the Equipment chapter, in the weapon category descriptions for Light weapons is: Light A light weapon is easier to use in one’s off hand than a one-handed weapon is, and it can be used while grappling. A light weapon is used in one hand. Add the wielder’s Strength bonus (if any) to damage rolls for melee attacks with a light weapon if it’s used in the primary hand, or one-half the wielder’s Strength bonus if it’s used in the off hand. Using two hands to wield a light weapon gives no advantage on damage; the Strength bonus applies as though the weapon were held in the wielder’s primary hand only. An unarmed strike is always considered a light weapon. So there you go.
NASCAR_1080i 07-26-07, 12:11 PM	Thanks for helping me clear that up.
kaeso 08-03-07, 04:59 PM	Can you use this feat in conjunction with a monk's Flurry of Blows? The rules say you apply the strength bonus... but would weapon finesse allow dexterity instead? Logically it seems like a person trying to strick fast and hard would be focusing on strength rather than dexterity, but then again... I really don't know.
Puca 08-03-07, 05:12 PM	I believe the strength bonus they mention in the flurry rules is in reference to damage, not to-hit. So yeah, Weapon Finesse works fine with a flurry.
kaeso 08-03-07, 05:18 PM	oooh, sorry I missed that. Thanks!
DrMorganes 08-04-07, 02:02 PM	So I guess the real question is, Are a Monks unarmed strikes considered the use of a natural weapon? :confused: A monk’s unarmed strike is treated both as a manufactured weapon and a natural weapon for the purpose of spells and effects that enhance or improve either manufactured weapons or natural weapons. In short: yes, a monk's unarmed strike is a natural weapon.
Pegasos989 08-04-07, 03:39 PM	In short: yes, a monk's unarmed strike is a natural weapon. Correct, though actually it doesn't matter as the reason why finesse works with unarmed strikes isn't it being natural weapon but rather it being light weapon.