Instead of using a weapon to make a melee attack, you can use a punch, kick, headbutt, or similar forceful blow. In game terms, this is an Unarmed Strike—a melee attack that involves you using your body to damage, grapple, or shove a target within 5 feet of you."
This is really bad writing. It states what unarmed strike is, then says it is more. This is causing a bunch of Dms to think you grapple by rolling to hit. A better wording would be:
"Unarmed Strike
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee attack, you can either use a punch, kick, headbutt, or similar forceful blow to do damage, or a DC contest to control your opponent. In game terms, this is an Unarmed Strike—a melee attack that involves you using your body to damage, grapple, or shove a target within 5 feet of you."
Though realistically I would just rewrite the whole thing. It doesn't make sense as it is written currently. Not sure if this is the place for this post, but link wear it should go if you know better.
That would be redundant. The Unarmed Strike section contains instructions for how to handle damage, grapple, or shove immediately after the part you quoted.
The Unarmed Strike say "Whenever you use your Unarmed Strike, choose one of the following options for its effect." then list the effect of Damage, Grapple or Shove. Some rely on Saving Throw and other on Attack Roll.
I think it's clear enougth but if you believe it need a rewrite for your game feel free to do so.
"Unarmed Strike
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee attack, you can use a punch, kick, headbutt, or similar forceful blow. In game terms, this is an Unarmed Strike—a melee attack that involves you using your body to damage, grapple, or shove a target within 5 feet of you."
This is really bad writing. It states what unarmed strike is, then says it is more. This is causing a bunch of Dms to think you grapple by rolling to hit. A better wording would be:
"Unarmed Strike
Instead of using a weapon to make a melee attack, you can either use a punch, kick, headbutt, or similar forceful blow to do damage, or a DC contest to control your opponent. In game terms, this is an Unarmed Strike—a melee attack that involves you using your body to damage, grapple, or shove a target within 5 feet of you."
Though realistically I would just rewrite the whole thing. It doesn't make sense as it is written currently. Not sure if this is the place for this post, but link wear it should go if you know better.
That would be redundant. The Unarmed Strike section contains instructions for how to handle damage, grapple, or shove immediately after the part you quoted.
The Unarmed Strike say "Whenever you use your Unarmed Strike, choose one of the following options for its effect." then list the effect of Damage, Grapple or Shove. Some rely on Saving Throw and other on Attack Roll.
I think it's clear enougth but if you believe it need a rewrite for your game feel free to do so.
I really don't see why that's necessary, and mixing flavor text and references to game mechanics in the same sentence like that feels really weird.
For what matters i find 4E Powers had neat way to distinguish them but i disgress;