Hello,
In past thread concerning the Unchained Monk, I've expressed dissatisfaction with the Head-butt style strike, for two main reasons:
1. It says it can only be used with a 'head-butt' attack even though no such attack is listed under the unarmed strike ability (only fists, elbows, knees, and kicks).
2. Using it lets you attempt to stagger a foe. That would be great if monks didn't already get a super version of Stunning Fist; with more times per day and a whole list of possible status effects to inflict (including staggered).
So, I feel that the Head-butt should just incorporate what the Monk already has; maybe like this:
Head-Butt: The monk slams his head into his enemy's head, leaving his foe reeling. If the attack hits, the monk can immediately use one of their Stunning Fist attempts with a +2 DC. Creatures without a discernible head are not affected by this style strike (subject to GM discretion). The monk must attack with their head to use this style strike.
Now, for this to work, you'd have to add 'head' to the list of appendages the monk can attack with under the unarmed strike ability.
The biggest thing I am having trouble with now is what to do if a monk does not have any Stunning Fist attempts, either because they ran out for the day or because they picked an archetype that swapped it for something else.
Thoughts?
It overlaps, but is a no-save, so if you can hit, you can stagger.
Well, it's a CMB check, so it's not an automatic thing.
Also, you can just pick up the Stunning Fist feat normally at level 8.
That's a real good point and makes me feel better about it. Thanks!
The cross-type penalty is a cold, cold move from the developers.
Totally agree here. You'll notice that my version doesn't mention anything about different sized creatures or different creature types!