Cestus and Unarmed Strike

[Jonathan Haley]

Because Cestus and Brass Knuckles are on the Weapons list as light weapons, not unarmed like gauntlets, does this mean that a Monk would actually do less damage (1d4 medium creature) with them than with a completely unarmed strike (1d6 medium creature) at first level? Relatedly, does it impair ones ability to use a Stunning Fist because it's not considered unarmed? (reason for question - Cestus's 19-20 crit range)

[David Hernandez]

Stunning fist is for UNARMED only. It triggers only when the target is "damaged by an unarmed strike" No weapons allowed except unarmed strike and Guantlet(which acts as though it were a lethal version of an unarmed strike)

Yes. A monks unarmed strike damage is stronger than most weapons. the only real way to keep up is to use a two handed weapon and use your legs to kick while flurrying. And that's only if you need the weapon for something specific like reach or a vague feat synergy that requires a weapon.

[Jonathan Haley]

Doesn't that seem sort of counter-intuitive though? That Brass Knuckles would actually soften a Monk's punches?

[Joeri Timmerman]

For special attacks it is not a question of piling on weight and damage augmentation. To stun creatures you either use some palm technique, or a nerve ending technique, which is usually performed by prodding with fingers on the correct spot. Cestus and brass knuckles don't provide leverage on that.

[Jonathan Haley]

Wouldn't that make his unarmed strike one of precision damage instead of bludgeoning then?

[Joeri Timmerman]

There's a whole plethora of options between precision sniping and blind bludgeoning IMHO. It is like a combat maneuver, except it is made into a class feature with other mechanice because it was that way in the original D&D 3.0.

Doing more damage really isn't like precision damage in D&D at all; which is totally separate from skill in this system.

Monks are now pretty much up to date. They could rock, as opposed to 3.5, where they really were nerved. I don't think they need more help.

[NikosBlu]

You have trained to utilize the full potential of your body, not the weapons you're wielding. The only reason to use a weapon is for special weapon abilities or for slashing/piercing, since the Unarmed strike is bludgeoning only.
Ii think the "hold weapon and kick for Unarmed" is the best option.