Does Sword of Heaven Work on Unarmed Strikes? A Definitive Guide
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The short answer is yes, Sword of Heaven does apply to natural attacks. In fact, it applies to any weapon attack.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why this is the case, drawing from D&D 5e rules and Pathfinder, where applicable. The key lies in understanding the distinction between a weapon and a weapon attack. While an unarmed strike isn’t itself considered a weapon in the traditional sense, it is a melee weapon attack.
This crucial difference is what opens the door for features like Sword of Heaven (assuming it works similarly to D&D features that buff attacks) to interact with unarmed strikes. The ability likely specifies “when you make a weapon attack,” not “when you attack with a weapon.” This wording includes unarmed strikes because they are a type of weapon attack.
To further clarify, let’s delve into common misconceptions and related rules:
Unarmed Strikes: Beyond Fists and Feet
What Exactly Is an Unarmed Strike?
An unarmed strike is simply a melee attack made without using a weapon. Think of it as a punch, kick, head-butt, or any similar forceful blow. Importantly, the rules explicitly state that these blows themselves don’t count as weapons.
The “Weapon” vs. “Weapon Attack” Dichotomy
The phrase “weapon attack” can be a little confusing. It refers to any attack that uses the attack roll and damage rules associated with weapons, regardless of whether an actual weapon is involved. This is where unarmed strikes fit in.
Why This Matters: Class Features and Feats
Many class features, feats, and spells refer to “weapon attacks.” If unarmed strikes didn’t qualify, monks, for example, would be severely limited in their effectiveness. Imagine a monk unable to use Stunning Strike with their fists! That would be absurd, right? Thankfully, they can because Stunning Strike requires a “melee weapon attack,” and unarmed strikes fulfill that requirement.
Pathfinder and Natural Weapons
In Pathfinder (and earlier editions of D&D), things get a little more nuanced when we talk about natural weapons (claws, bites, etc.). Generally, natural weapon attacks do not count as unarmed strikes unless specifically stated otherwise. However, features that target weapon attacks would still apply to them since natural weapons are weapons, and attacks made with them are weapon attacks.
Finessing the Issue: Are Fists Finesse Weapons?
Absolutely not. Unarmed strikes are not finesse weapons. They don’t gain the properties of finesse weapons, meaning you can’t use your Dexterity modifier for attack rolls unless a specific class feature allows it.
Implications for Monks
Monks are a special case. Their Martial Arts feature allows them to use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls with their unarmed strikes and monk weapons. This is an exception to the general rule, not a confirmation that unarmed strikes inherently possess the finesse property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unarmed Strikes
1. Can I use Two-Weapon Fighting with unarmed strikes?
No. Two-Weapon Fighting requires using weapons with the light property. Since unarmed strikes aren’t weapons, they don’t qualify. Unless the rules specifically allow it.
2. Do unarmed strikes count as weapons for the purpose of drawing a weapon?
Generally, no. Since unarmed strikes aren’t weapons, you don’t need to “draw” them. They are always readily available.
3. Does Rage affect unarmed strikes?
Yes! While Raging, you gain your Rage bonus to damage on unarmed strikes, even if you use Dexterity for the attack. Furthermore, certain Barbarian subclasses might enhance your unarmed strike damage dice.
4. Can I use maneuvers with unarmed strikes (Battle Master Fighter)?
Yes, most maneuvers can be used with unarmed strikes. The key is that unarmed strikes are melee weapon attacks. The only exceptions are maneuvers that explicitly require a weapon, such as Brace.
5. Do unarmed strikes work with the Dueling Fighting Style?
No. The Dueling Fighting Style requires wielding a melee weapon in one hand. Since unarmed strikes aren’t weapons, they don’t benefit from this style.
6. Can a Rogue use Sneak Attack with unarmed strikes?
This is tricky. By default, no. Sneak Attack requires using a finesse or ranged weapon. However, if the rogue multiclasses into monk and uses a monk weapon that is also a finesse weapon (like a shortsword), they could use Sneak Attack.
7. Can I use Hunter’s Mark with unarmed strikes?
Yes, you can apply Hunter’s Mark to unarmed strike weapon attacks.
8. Can I use my pact weapon as an unarmed strike?
No, generally not. You summon your pact weapon to your hand. You could drop it for an unarmed strike.
9. What happens if I’m disarmed? Can I still attack?
Absolutely! Being disarmed only means you lose your weapon. You can always make an unarmed strike, since it doesn’t rely on a weapon at all.
10. Are natural weapons considered weapons?
Yes! Things designated as weapons by the rules, including natural weapons, are indeed weapons. Thus weapon related effects, such as damage or enchantments, can effect the usage of natural weapons.
11. Can you Flurry of Blows with a monk weapon?
Yes, as long as the monk has the Monastic Weaponry class feat, they can use Flurry of Blows with melee monk weapons.
12. Do monks add dex to unarmed strikes?
Yes. Whether as part of their normal bonus attack when unarmed or wielding a monk weapon or as part of a ‘flurry of blows’, monks apply their ability modifier (Strength or Dexterity) to their damage rolls.
13. Do thunder gauntlets count as unarmed strikes?
The Lightning Gauntlets are simple melee weapons, thus unarmed strikes and two-weapon fighting do not apply.
14. What is the strongest unarmed strike 5e?
For a regular PC, the highest possible Unarmed strike damage, unaltered by damage buffs, spells, etc, is 11. That would require a STR score of 30, the hard cap for D&D 5e.
15. Can unarmed strike be 0?
The rule doesn’t say “(minimum of 1 damage)”, so rules as written, you can absolutely do 0 damage with an unarmed strike or any other weapon.
Conclusion: Embracing the Power of the Unarmed
Understanding the distinction between “weapons” and “weapon attacks” is crucial for navigating the rules of D&D and Pathfinder. While an unarmed strike might not be a weapon per se, it is undoubtedly a potent form of attack, particularly for classes like monks. Embrace the power of the unarmed strike, and remember that your fists (or feet, or head!) can be just as deadly as any sword or spell. Remember too, that understanding the mechanics of games helps us use them for learning. The Games Learning Society explores these intersections between games and education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about game-based learning and research.