Hi, so I was reviewing the Artificer subclasses with one of my players and I realized something about one of the abilities associated to the Armorer's Guardian armor style, specifically the Thunder Gauntlets feature.
The feature's weapon function is classified as a 'simple melee weapon' so a monk would be proficient with them as is, but considering that it effectively is a set of magic gloves, my question is whether or not a monk-artificer would be able to count an attack with them as an unarmed strike(punches,etc) and take advantage of the damage and other effects of the gauntlets in the use of monk class features. I understand that RAW, they would not, but I feel that there is a level of technical justification to allowing such.
I'm more hoping for clarity for the 'official' answer, which I would take into account for my own home ruling in the case my player decided to pursue this trail of leveling.
Not because Thunder Gauntlets aren't gloves (though they very much are not - there is a world of difference between a sturdily built armored gauntlet and anything we might reasonably call a 'glove'), but because Martial Arts - i.e. the monk ability that lets monks do Monk Things - doesn't work while you're wearing armor, and the Armorer Artificer's stuff explicitly requires you to be wearing armor. If you want to waive the issue for what is clearly an extremely hinky character combination that would work sketchily at best in even the most favorable circumstances? Sure. You're the DM, you do you. But since this was ruthlessly moved to R&GM where the RAW is LAW? There is no possible way to interpret RAW in a manner that allows you to use Arcane Armor and Martial Arts at the same time.
I know this is years later, but think about it this way. If a fighter or paladin in full plate armor wants to punch an enemy in the face, what would that attack be considered?
I feel the classification of it being a “simple weapon” is so that you can use it with spells like smite or booming blade where it calls for a “weapon” to activate.
side note: if a monk uses armor/shield it only effects the features that specifically say “you gain benefits while you are unarmed or using only monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield.”
things like Ki/focus features still work. Deflect and slow fall still work…etc.
I know this is years later, but think about it this way. If a fighter or paladin in full plate armor wants to punch an enemy in the face, what would that attack be considered?
I feel the classification of it being a “simple weapon” is so that you can use it with spells like smite or booming blade where it calls for a “weapon” to activate.
Technically, RAW, you can't. They don't have a listed monetary value. Though a lot of DMs will allow it anyway (me included). The monetary value change was to stop the use of component pouches or foci to use the attacks, plenty of DMs will allow any weapon that actually is a weapon instead.
[...] side note: if a monk uses armor/shield it only effects the features that specifically say “you gain benefits while you are unarmed or using only monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield.”
things like Ki/focus features still work. Deflect and slow fall still work…etc.
I know this is years later, but think about it this way. If a fighter or paladin in full plate armor wants to punch an enemy in the face, what would that attack be considered?
I feel the classification of it being a “simple weapon” is so that you can use it with spells like smite or booming blade where it calls for a “weapon” to activate.
side note: if a monk uses armor/shield it only effects the features that specifically say “you gain benefits while you are unarmed or using only monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield.”
things like Ki/focus features still work. Deflect and slow fall still work…etc.
Its considered an Unarmed Strike... which is base damage of your strength modifier. You can argue improvised weapon if you have something Tavern Brawler.
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Hi, so I was reviewing the Artificer subclasses with one of my players and I realized something about one of the abilities associated to the Armorer's Guardian armor style, specifically the Thunder Gauntlets feature.
The feature's weapon function is classified as a 'simple melee weapon' so a monk would be proficient with them as is, but considering that it effectively is a set of magic gloves, my question is whether or not a monk-artificer would be able to count an attack with them as an unarmed strike(punches,etc) and take advantage of the damage and other effects of the gauntlets in the use of monk class features. I understand that RAW, they would not, but I feel that there is a level of technical justification to allowing such.
I'm more hoping for clarity for the 'official' answer, which I would take into account for my own home ruling in the case my player decided to pursue this trail of leveling.
Doesn't work.
Not because Thunder Gauntlets aren't gloves (though they very much are not - there is a world of difference between a sturdily built armored gauntlet and anything we might reasonably call a 'glove'), but because Martial Arts - i.e. the monk ability that lets monks do Monk Things - doesn't work while you're wearing armor, and the Armorer Artificer's stuff explicitly requires you to be wearing armor. If you want to waive the issue for what is clearly an extremely hinky character combination that would work sketchily at best in even the most favorable circumstances? Sure. You're the DM, you do you. But since this was ruthlessly moved to R&GM where the RAW is LAW? There is no possible way to interpret RAW in a manner that allows you to use Arcane Armor and Martial Arts at the same time.
Sorry.
Please do not contact or message me.
Yeah, it doesn't work because it would be considered armored
I know this is years later, but think about it this way. If a fighter or paladin in full plate armor wants to punch an enemy in the face, what would that attack be considered?
I feel the classification of it being a “simple weapon” is so that you can use it with spells like smite or booming blade where it calls for a “weapon” to activate.
side note: if a monk uses armor/shield it only effects the features that specifically say “you gain benefits while you are unarmed or using only monk weapons and you aren’t wearing armor or wielding a shield.”
things like Ki/focus features still work. Deflect and slow fall still work…etc.
Technically, RAW, you can't. They don't have a listed monetary value. Though a lot of DMs will allow it anyway (me included). The monetary value change was to stop the use of component pouches or foci to use the attacks, plenty of DMs will allow any weapon that actually is a weapon instead.
I'd say this is correct.
Its considered an Unarmed Strike... which is base damage of your strength modifier. You can argue improvised weapon if you have something Tavern Brawler.