There is a reason that police traditionally carry billyclubs and nightsticks: They are effective weapons that still allow the use of force without busting in a skull.
Now, I'm not saying that a club should be the same as a sap: A sap is specifically built to avoid actually breaking anything. On the other hand, I think it should be easier to pummel someone unconcious with a blunt, wooden instrument like a club or a quarterstaff than with a bladed weapon like a sword, or a metal-tipped skull cracker like a mace.
I suggest the clubs and quarterstaves be given a special rule where they can be used to deal non-lethal damage at a -2 penalty, instead of -4.
There is a reason that police traditionally carry billyclubs and nightsticks: They are effective weapons that still allow the use of force without busting in a skull.
Now, I'm not saying that a club should be the same as a sap: A sap is specifically built to avoid actually breaking anything. On the other hand, I think it should be easier to pummel someone unconcious with a blunt, wooden instrument like a club or a quarterstaff than with a bladed weapon like a sword, or a metal-tipped skull cracker like a mace.
I suggest the clubs and quarterstaves be given a special rule where they can be used to deal non-lethal damage at a -2 penalty, instead of -4.
Not to mention you can use clubs and quarterstaves to pin someone. Say, to lock an arm and control their movement or brace against their throat on the ground. That extra mechanical advantage may make the difference in a grapple contest.
