Rule Clarification: Monk Unarmed Underwater
With the identification of the Cloak of the Manta Ray, this will become an issue very shortly. Here is the ruling, followed by the rationale:
– Monks only can attempt unarmed strikes underwater, although they will suffer all the other usual underwater combat penalties, including those regarding initiative and weapon restrictions (DMG 56). However, they cannot use their special striking abilities (stun, instant death, etc.).
Rationale: Generally, punches are worthless underwater. Monks, though, tap into uncanny forces when making their unarmed strikes. Above the waves, this translates into stunning and killing blows; underwater, it just means the strikes land and do damage despite the water resistance.
#rules-clarification
All Chuq needs now is a ring of free action….
Yes, that would solve the limitations on his (or anyone else’s) attacks.
Okay john I know I said this week I might be able to return but I can’t now my job’s training instructor got sick and they pushed my shifts and training back so I’ll keep you posted when I’m on grave shift
I would argue :
1. unlike a terrestrial character with free movement underwater, say for example a fighter in leather armor whose move rate is 9″, while wearing a cloak of the manta ray Chuq’s movement is 18″ or the same as a 4th level Monk.
2. With both arms free without sacrificing movement, a Monk’s superior study and knowledge of anatomy (PHB 30) plus the option to strike with a tail, means underwater combat is the same as terrestrial combat less one limb.
Rationale: (sans uncanny forces) Terrestrially the force of unarmed blows come from speed via superior nerve induction along highly trained muscle memory leveraged against the ground or other similar inert objects. While underwater wearing the manta ray cloak, the same speed as a 4th level Monk is easily attained and there is no loss of anatomical knowledge.
Nope.
I guess you don’t believe in the 1 inch punch…
Rahm Benisaeko Only in an atmosphere…. 😉
A couple of points: I read the DMG movement rules as applying to all underwater movement, not just that of terrestrials (I.e., underwater is a dungeon rather than the outdoors). Also, the only reason Chuq’s unarmed strike does any damage is because of the one inch punch trope — otherwise he would be flailing like any non-monk. There is no uncanny force double-dipping to get the other powers.
A couple of points: I read the DMG movement rules as applying to all underwater movement, not just that of terrestrials (I.e., underwater is a dungeon rather than the outdoors). Also, the only reason Chuq’s unarmed strike does any damage is because of the one inch punch trope — otherwise he would be flailing like any non-monk. There is no uncanny force double-dipping to get the other powers.
Next question : how about charging? Since movement is magical, can more than one a turn be attempted?
The magical nature of the movement doesn’t matter and the one charge per turn rule will stand (for PCs and monsters) in underwater combat.
I am tempted, though, to develop a system akin to that for aerial combat with swimming ratings to determine maneuverability and allow for “fly-by” attacks in which both combatants are charging. You will note that such combat is not like regular charging, though, in terms of bonuses, setting, etc.