I was mostly under the impression that the feat's distinction of strength being used for dmg mod wasn't overwritten by the martial arts feature of the monk. After elaboration from above and rereading some things I see why this conversation exists.
What is the potential of a paladin utilizing Fist Fighting?
This was originally a point of interest to myself when I saw that paladins receive this optional fighting style.
Smiting with their fists...applying spell-based smites...their innate saving throw boosts...ultimately gaining Improved Smites for each individual hit...
An Oath of Glory paladin actually does quite well with this...their Channel Divinity even helps with grapple checks...plus movement speed boosts.
My biggest concern was that their unarmed fighting wasn’t magical at higher levels...but the radiant damage they do, coupled with their Strength & AC...seems to be a good “fit”.
Another beautiful thing is that the paladin could still wield a great weapon on their back...saving it for the “nasty” or “worthy” opponents (Great Weapon Mastery can still be selected as a feat).
A recent sage advice address Paladins smiting with their fists. I found it very encouraging.
Divine Smite does work with a melee weapon attack, and an unarmed strike can be used to make such an attack. But the text of Divine Smite also refers to the “weapon’s damage,” and an unarmed strike isn’t a weapon. If a DM decides to override this rule, no imbalance is created. Tying Divine Smite to weapons was a thematic choice on our part—paladins being traditionally associated with weapons. It was not a game balance choice.
You can get the 1d8 when grappling if you go Loxodon because you can use your trunk so that would make both hands free. May not be the best for the build. But if you're going for something more interesting and not just an optimize build, could be fun.
I was mostly under the impression that the feat's distinction of strength being used for dmg mod wasn't overwritten by the martial arts feature of the monk. After elaboration from above and rereading some things I see why this conversation exists.
What is the potential of a paladin utilizing Fist Fighting?
This was originally a point of interest to myself when I saw that paladins receive this optional fighting style.
Smiting with their fists...applying spell-based smites...their innate saving throw boosts...ultimately gaining Improved Smites for each individual hit...
An Oath of Glory paladin actually does quite well with this...their Channel Divinity even helps with grapple checks...plus movement speed boosts.
My biggest concern was that their unarmed fighting wasn’t magical at higher levels...but the radiant damage they do, coupled with their Strength & AC...seems to be a good “fit”.
Another beautiful thing is that the paladin could still wield a great weapon on their back...saving it for the “nasty” or “worthy” opponents (Great Weapon Mastery can still be selected as a feat).
A recent sage advice address Paladins smiting with their fists. I found it very encouraging.
Not really, they get to 1d8 damage and eventually higher on their own if you specialize into Monk, no use wasting levels on a temporary buff
.You can however take the dual wielder feat to bypass the light weapon requirement. In addition you gain the plus one to your armor class.
You can get the 1d8 when grappling if you go Loxodon because you can use your trunk so that would make both hands free. May not be the best for the build. But if you're going for something more interesting and not just an optimize build, could be fun.
Is this thread the reason I can't use Unarmed Fighting?
Doubtful…?!?
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