Martial Arts (Monk) bonus unarmed strike add ability modifier?

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

WilliamCQ

Apr 09, 2015 7:14:00

First I apologize if this question was already answered but my search of this forum yielded nothing; just link me to the answer if it was.

 

I was playing with a monk and he made a bonus unarmed strike. I'm used to bonus weapon attacks for my PCs using range weapons, as I don't want to use an action putting a shield unless it's really dangerous, so I just unsheat an offhand light weapon and give it my best. So I noticed the player added the ability modifier to the bonus unarmed strike referring to PHB > Chapter9: Combat > Making an Attack > Melee Attacks > Two-Weapon Fighting (p. 195). I was told by an experienced player that Monks add ability modifier to their bonus unarmed strike. So I've looked up the Monk class and in the Martial Arts I don't see anything mentioning the former; although perhaps I missed something.

 

Thank you kindly for your guidance in this matter

#2

mellored

Apr 09, 2015 7:27:10

Martial arts is not TWF, and does not follow TWF rules (penalties or bonuses).

 

Anyone can TWF.

Monks have a better version.

#3

NuclearSunset

Apr 09, 2015 9:06:33

By default you add your modifier to attack rolls and damage rolls for all ranged and melee attacks (not spells) - Str for melee dex for ranged. Thats the default rule. Weapon's with finesse adjust teh defualt rule by allowing you to use dex instead of str for melee. Monks adjust this rule by allowing dex for  unarmed strikes or monk weapons. Two weapon fighting adjusts the rule by removing the ability modifier for the offhand weapon. As stated above, martial arts and flurry of blows are a different mechanic than two weapon fighting. So you don't use THAT adjustment to the default rule. The only adjustment to the rule which is applicable here (in my opinion) is that you use dex instead of str for unarmed strikes and monk weapons. You still get the bonus. We have a monk in our group and this is how we've been playing it. No one even brought it up, she just does it that way and no one suggested it was a misinterprertation. ;)