Do Natural Weapons Count as Unarmed? A Deep Dive into Melee Combat Mechanics
The short answer is: generally, no. Natural weapons like claws, bites, horns, and tail slaps are not considered unarmed strikes in most role-playing game systems, most notably Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition. While both involve using your body to attack, they operate under distinct rules and mechanics. This difference is important for understanding how various classes, abilities, and feats function in combat. Let’s explore the intricacies of natural weapons and unarmed strikes in detail.
Understanding the Difference: Natural Weapons vs. Unarmed Strikes
What are Natural Weapons?
Natural weapons are inherent to a creature. They are physical attributes like claws, teeth, horns, or a tail that can be used to make attacks. These weapons are a part of a creature’s body, not something they wield or equip. A beast’s claws, a dragon’s bite, or a creature with horns all exemplify natural weapons. These attacks are not learned skills; they are innate capabilities.
What are Unarmed Strikes?
In contrast, an unarmed strike is a deliberate attack using parts of the body not considered natural weapons. This usually involves actions like punching, kicking, headbutting, or similar forceful blows. Unlike natural weapons, unarmed strikes typically require a degree of skill or technique to utilize effectively. In many RPGs, especially D&D, unarmed strikes are viewed as basic, universally available attacks. They are generally the default melee option when a character is not using a weapon.
The Key Distinction
The primary distinction lies in the origin and rules governing the attacks. Natural weapons are a feature of a creature’s biology, while unarmed strikes are a more generalized action that any creature capable of physical movement can perform. This distinction results in different rules for attack rolls, damage calculation, and how other abilities interact with each type of attack. For instance, feats or class features that specifically reference unarmed strikes usually do not apply to natural weapons, and vice versa, unless stated otherwise.
Natural Weapon Mechanics
In systems like D&D, natural weapons are treated as weapons, even though they don’t fall into the categories of simple or martial weapons. They have their own set of rules governing how they work. They are considered “armed” attacks, meaning they do not provoke opportunity attacks when used. This is a vital point, as unarmed strikes do not provide this benefit unless modified by specific features.
Most systems also recognize natural attacks as either primary or secondary, with primary attacks utilizing the creature’s full base attack bonus and strength modifier, whereas secondary attacks are typically at a penalty. This categorization affects how many attacks a creature can make in a round, and the power of each.
Unarmed Strike Mechanics
An unarmed strike, while not a weapon itself, is treated as a melee attack. In D&D 5th edition, unarmed strikes use the same attack and damage roll structure as simple weapons, but without any properties that could give benefits. They are the default when a character is not wielding a weapon. Specific classes, such as the monk, often receive additional features and improvements to their unarmed strikes.
However, it’s crucial to understand that standard unarmed strikes do not benefit from effects specific to weapons. Thus, feats like Two Weapon Fighting, which require weapons with the light property, generally cannot be used with unarmed strikes.
Why This Matters
The distinction between natural weapons and unarmed strikes matters because it impacts character builds and tactical decisions. Monks, for example, focus on enhancing their unarmed strikes and may use other features that key off of that, whereas characters with natural weaponry will need to find other ways of improving their combat prowess. Failing to understand these differences could lead to unintended disadvantages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do natural weapons count as weapons?
Yes, natural weapons are considered weapons in most systems, but they are distinct from simple or martial weapons. They fall into their own category and have their own specific rules.
2. Are unarmed strikes considered weapons?
Unarmed strikes are generally not considered weapons. They are a basic melee attack, but they do not have the properties or interaction with other mechanics like weapons do.
3. Can natural weapons be used with two-weapon fighting?
Generally, natural weapons do not benefit from the standard two-weapon fighting rules. They usually get a specific number of attacks per round.
4. Can unarmed strikes be used with two-weapon fighting?
Unarmed strikes cannot be used for two-weapon fighting unless you have specific class features or abilities that enable them to function as weapons with the light property.
5. Can a Monk use natural weapons as Monk weapons?
Typically, a Monk cannot use natural weapons as their monk weapons unless they are specifically permitted by a particular feature.
6. Do improved unarmed strike abilities apply to natural weapons?
Improved Unarmed Strike abilities or similar feats almost always apply exclusively to unarmed strikes, not to natural weapons.
7. Can you combine natural weapon attacks with unarmed strikes?
Yes, in many cases, you can combine natural weapons with unarmed strikes in the same combat action. However, check for any specific penalties or limitations.
8. Do natural weapons provoke attacks of opportunity?
No. Natural weapons do not provoke opportunity attacks when used to make a melee attack.
9. Do unarmed strikes provoke attacks of opportunity?
Unless specific features state otherwise, unarmed strikes do provoke attacks of opportunity in systems where this mechanic exists.
10. Are bites, claws, and horns considered unarmed strikes?
No, these are natural weapons, not unarmed strikes. They are innate parts of a creature’s biology and have different rules.
11. Do unarmed attacks count as melee attacks?
Yes. Unarmed strikes are always considered to be melee weapon attacks.
12. Can unarmed strikes do 0 damage?
Yes. Rules as written, an unarmed strike can deal 0 damage in situations when modifier or other effects are substracting to the outcome.
13. What are examples of unarmed weapons?
Unarmed weapons are not well defined in most systems, but can refer to enhancing devices like gauntlets or gloves, but not actual body parts.
14. Are claws always natural weapons?
In most games, claws are classified as natural weapons. There are exceptions like the Beast Barbarian Claws from D&D that are not considered unarmed strikes.
15. Are fists considered improvised weapons?
No. Fists are not generally considered improvised weapons and are instead used for unarmed strikes.
Conclusion
In summary, natural weapons and unarmed strikes are distinct types of melee attacks with separate rules. Natural weapons are inherent to a creature, while unarmed strikes are a more generic attack. Understanding these differences is essential for effectively playing any role-playing game and optimizing characters for combat. Always refer to your specific game’s rulebooks for clarification and precise rulings on how these mechanics interact.