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As a lover of old kung fu and martial arts flicks, I'm really impressed with Pathfinder martial arts. I was doubtful a company could produce a martial arts system for D&D that was both mechanically viable and conceptually intersting. Pathfinder pulled it off.
I was looking up old martial arts clips on Youtube while reading over the various Combat Style feats. Many of them really fit the flavor of the martial art mechancially and conceptually.
Monkey style is about perfect with the ability to move around while on the ground and climbing and the ability to move into an opponent's space and beat on them, like a monkey climbing all over a person.
Crane style evokes the smooth, fluid defensive movements of that martial arts style. Defend and counter attack, while maintaining extraordinary balance.
Dragon style evokes the power of the dragon. This is a style unique to Pathfinder, but they did a great job making it. You can picture the dragon leaping up over his allies or over difficult terrain and coming down with power on an opponent. And your powerful attacks simulate the claws and bite of a dragon.
Snake style emulates the fangs of a snake launching out at the opponent and puncturing their flesh. And the quick defensive movements of the bobbing and weaving snake head.
Tiger Style emulates the powerful claws of a tiger ripping flesh and pouncing on opponents if they try to get away.
Almost every style has something interesting. I can't wait to see more.
I really want to if the game designers can make a cool Scorpion, Toad, Centipede, and Iron Skin style of martial arts. I still remember watching an old movie called The Five Deadly Venoms. The new Combat Styles give you the feel of the five poisonous creature martial arts of that movie and so many other movies out of Hong Kong in my youth.
Now that Pathfinder has built a really intersting martial arts system, I could see them leveraging into the modern market. Now you could make a cool modern adventure game with martial arts incorporated into the system.
I have to give the designers big props. You guys pulled off a damn cool martial arts systems within the framework of D&D. Which is not easy to do. Most of the best martial arts systems use looeser frameworks such as those found in GURPS and Hero System. Though those two martial art systems are still amongst the best in gaming, the Pathfinder Combat Styles still did a great job of integrating a staple of the fantasy combat into a game that no one had done well before. Very attractive and mechancially interesting and balanced martial arts system.
You even upgraded grappling in a very cool manner. The Tetori Monk along with all the new grappling feats like Choke Hold and Necksnapper finally give us martial arts lovers what we have been waiting for in a grappling system.
Big kudos from a happy Pathfinder customer. I just specced out a lvl 8 monk (master of many styles)/lvl 12 fighter (weaponmaster) with Dragon, Snake, and Crane Combat Styles and he's going to be awesome. I'm even coming up with new names for his maneuvers like Dragon Fang (for Snake Fang) and Dragon Wing (for Crane Wing). I'm imagining the style switches with a dubbed voiceover where my character is fighting saying things like "So, you've defended against my Crane Style, now let's see if you can defend against my Dragon Wing".
Big fun.
Though I did have to house rule monks being able to buy style feats with their bonus feats. I didn't get that one. They are the martial artists of Pathfinder. They gotta be able to buy style feats with their bonus feats. That's their schtick.
The monks are able to pick the feats earlier than other classes by virtue of having monk levels, also there are archetypes that focus on styles giving bonus feats and benefits. with the number of feats they get I do not really see much issue with them not getting it as monk bonus feats, the bonus feats are good for meeting any prerequiste feats however.
I like monks getting bonus style feats. I noticed they get access to the feats earlier, but I still think they should get them as bonus feats. It just fits. They are the ultimate unarmed combatants, yet they don't get bonus style feats? And the fighter does? Seemed strange to me, so I house ruled it to what I like.
There is only one archetype that focuses on styles. He gives up Flurry of Blows to do it. Which was another odd choice. I sort of understand it as martial arts can be powerful. But you lose 4 attacks and 3 points of attack bonus to gain multiple martial art styles in use at one time.
I haven't tested it yet. But I'm doubtful that multiple martial arts styles useable at once will make up for the loss of four attacks and +3 points of attack bonus combined with a single style. And making it so the lvl 20 ability is five active martial arts styles and the removal of Perfect Self makes the archetype incompatible with several other archetypes. If they had not added that level 20 ability, it might have made it more attractive as a way to combine Master of Many Styles with other archetypes like the Martial Artist.
Overall, I'm still very happy with the system. So I can't complain too much. Very flavorful and interesting system.
I like monks getting bonus style feats. I noticed they get access to the feats earlier, but I still think they should get them as bonus feats. It just fits. They are the ultimate unarmed combatants, yet they don't get bonus style feats? And the fighter does? Seemed strange to me, so I house ruled it to what I like.
There is only one archetype that focuses on styles. He gives up Flurry of Blows to do it. Which was another odd choice. I sort of understand it as martial arts can be powerful. But you lose 4 attacks and 3 points of attack bonus to gain multiple martial art styles in use at one time.
I haven't tested it yet. But I'm doubtful that multiple martial arts styles useable at once will make up for the loss of four attacks and +3 points of attack bonus combined with a single style. And making it so the lvl 20 ability is five active martial arts styles and the removal of Perfect Self makes the archetype incompatible with several other archetypes. If they had not added that level 20 ability, it might have made it more attractive as a way to combine Master of Many Styles with other archetypes like the Martial Artist.
Overall, I'm still very happy with the system. So I can't complain too much. Very flavorful and interesting system.
Master of Many Styles 2 is a superb dip for a martial arts oriented Fighter. It can give you Crane Wing ridiculously quickly (level 2 compared to level 5 for straight Monk or straight Fighter) as well as a great boon to saves, Evasion, etc. I'm planning it for my currently-1st-level PFS character. It's going to be awesome!
For the record, Snake style focuses on qi strikes to the meridian points.
Yes, they did an excellent job on the monk, giving it the flavor I had been pushing for since Alpha. (look up Xaaon's Monk, for reference) The Styles are great! Not we need more Swordsman styles ala 7th Sea.
i checked the pathfinder srd page, but i cannot find these feats.
Which book are they in?
Ultimate Combat.
Great book. Lots of flavor and fun in it.
Master of Many Styles 2 is a superb dip for a martial arts oriented Fighter. It can give you Crane Wing ridiculously quickly (level 2 compared to level 5 for straight Monk or straight Fighter) as well as a great boon to saves, Evasion, etc. I'm planning it for my currently-1st-level PFS character. It's going to be awesome!I like monks getting bonus style feats. I noticed they get access to the feats earlier, but I still think they should get them as bonus feats. It just fits. They are the ultimate unarmed combatants, yet they don't get bonus style feats? And the fighter does? Seemed strange to me, so I house ruled it to what I like.
There is only one archetype that focuses on styles. He gives up Flurry of Blows to do it. Which was another odd choice. I sort of understand it as martial arts can be powerful. But you lose 4 attacks and 3 points of attack bonus to gain multiple martial art styles in use at one time.
I haven't tested it yet. But I'm doubtful that multiple martial arts styles useable at once will make up for the loss of four attacks and +3 points of attack bonus combined with a single style. And making it so the lvl 20 ability is five active martial arts styles and the removal of Perfect Self makes the archetype incompatible with several other archetypes. If they had not added that level 20 ability, it might have made it more attractive as a way to combine Master of Many Styles with other archetypes like the Martial Artist.
Overall, I'm still very happy with the system. So I can't complain too much. Very flavorful and interesting system.
I'm psyched for my Snake/Crane/Dragon style monk too.
My friend gave his monk Janni Style since he's a trip specialist.
So many different ways to build a cool martial arts fighter. I love it.
My personal favourite is still the Drunken Monk of Many Styles, staggering drunkenly around enemies, provoking easily dodged AoO's and counterattacking viciously, then finishing it off with Crane Style defensive fighting.
I really like the master of Many Styles, but I'm uncertain whether I would be brave enough to play one (if I ever play a monk); losing flurry of blows would hurt very badly.
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My personal favourite is still the Drunken Monk of Many Styles, staggering drunkenly around enemies, provoking easily dodged AoO's and counterattacking viciously, then finishing it off with Crane Style defensive fighting.I really like the master of Many Styles, but I'm uncertain whether I would be brave enough to play one (if I ever play a monk); losing flurry of blows would hurt very badly.
Consider that it might focus the Monk a bit more on his other strength, which is mobility. Flurry of Blows means a monk HAS to stand still or they're being played sub-optimally. A master of many styles has a more mobile set of options.
Crane Style looks awesome too. I was watching Crane Style videos on youtube. Fighting Science has an interesting test of balance and agility showing how a Crane Style fighter can dodge attacks while standing on a smal circular platform a good 10 feet off the ground. Pretty cool.
Consider that it might focus the Monk a bit more on his other strength, which is mobility. Flurry of Blows means a monk HAS to stand still or they're being played sub-optimally. A master of many styles has a more mobile set of options.My personal favourite is still the Drunken Monk of Many Styles, staggering drunkenly around enemies, provoking easily dodged AoO's and counterattacking viciously, then finishing it off with Crane Style defensive fighting.I really like the master of Many Styles, but I'm uncertain whether I would be brave enough to play one (if I ever play a monk); losing flurry of blows would hurt very badly.
True. Although without flurry, the monk will be doing next to nothing, damage-wise.
True. Although without flurry, the monk will be doing next to nothing, damage-wise.
I don't know, the Monk can do 2x Str with 1st unarmed each round and 1.5 Str with rest. Assuming Dragomn Style.
True. Although without flurry, the monk will be doing next to nothing, damage-wise.
While working out a Manuever Master monk I realized I could do three manuevers and three AoO's to two opponents on one attack action.
A
X
B
-------------------
So Player X trips Opponent A (Improved Trip)
Taking a provoked AoO (Greater Trip)
Player X slams Opponent A into Opponent B with a Bull Rush (Improved Ki Thow)
Opponent B is knocked prone adjacent to Player X (thanks to the wall behind him) provoking another AoO (Combat Reflexes and Viscious Stomp)
Opponent A lands prone in Opponent B's old square provoking another AoO (Combat Reflexes and Viscious Stomp)
Player X then locks in a grapple on Opponent A (Binding Throw)
Best of all the monk could've moved into that position to perform those attacks, so all that after a move. If you're performing a flurry of maneuvers you could then use your remaining maneuvers to grapple damage A and then let go ready to continue fighting both targets (who will provoke again if they stand up).
I agree with the Op, the martial arts really does feel like real martial arts.
It's not just about punching guys in the fact any more. That's why I'm more than comfortable with giving up Flurry of Blows.
True. Although without flurry, the monk will be doing next to nothing, damage-wise.
I don't know, the Monk can do 2x Str with 1st unarmed each round and 1.5 Str with rest. Assuming Dragomn Style.
Now add in Efreeti Style and elemental fist, and your first attack can do double strength plus elemental fist and wisdom mod bonus elemental damage.
I've got a buddy looking at a Dragon/Efreeti MoMS, and Dragon Roar plus Efreeti looks to be a pretty nasty little cone he can set up.
Personally I think the way to go with the master of many styles is a dragon/tiger combo.
The second feat in the dragon style chain (Dragon Ferocity) grants you bonus damage to all unarmed attacks equal to half your strength bonus. Combine this with the second tiger style feat (tiger claws) for a massive attack that takes a full-round action (a viable replacement for flurry).
Then add the third feat in the tiger style chain (Tiger Pounce) allows you to penalize AC rather than attack rolls when power attacking and lets you move half your speed each round as a swift action.
I'm thinking we might have something similar to than one scene form Ricky O: the story of Ricky. You know the one. the headsplosion one.
Awesome.
True. Although without flurry, the monk will be doing next to nothing, damage-wise.
I don't know, the Monk can do 2x Str with 1st unarmed each round and 1.5 Str with rest. Assuming Dragomn Style.
Now add in Efreeti Style and elemental fist, and your first attack can do double strength plus elemental fist and wisdom mod bonus elemental damage.
I've got a buddy looking at a Dragon/Efreeti MoMS, and Dragon Roar plus Efreeti looks to be a pretty nasty little cone he can set up.
I made a build for exactly this concept. Dragon Style feats + any of the genie styles is pretty awesome, especially if you're a fan of The Last Airbender. If your friend wants to, they can also take a dip into Sorcerer levels with the Fire Elemental bloodline and take the Sorcerous Strike feat. That way they could also unleash a fire ray as a swift action when successfully making an unarmed attack (with previously mentioned str x2, elemental fist damage, and bonus Wis damage).
I made a build for exactly this concept. Dragon Ferocity + any of the genie styles is pretty awesome, especially if you're a fan of The Last Airbender. If your friend wants to, they can also take a dip into Sorcerer levels with the Fire Elemental bloodline and take the Sorcerous Strike feat. That way they could also unleash a free fire ray attack when successfully making an unarmed attack (with previously mentioned str x2, elemental fist damage, and bonus Wis damage).
I will point him at this very thing. Thanks for the idea ;)
I wonder if I could make a really cool Monk 2 (Master of Many Styles)/Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 18 with Tiger/Dragon Style and totally focus on strength. Then pick up that new rage power that lets you do extra damage equal to your con on your attacks.
Toss in Monastic Legacy, since I'll have still mind with 2 levels of monk. Then make a harsh raging monk giving up the lawful alignment after lvl 2 to focus on the insane raging power of the barbarian.
That might be kind of cool. I'd call it something like Raging Dragon Claw Style. Do really harsh hand to hand damage and heavily invulnerable. Maybe even pick up dragon totem, but I'd probably stick with Beast Totem.
If you are human you can get crane wing at level 1 - dodge as level 1 feat, crane style as human bonus feat and crane wing as the master of many styles bonus feat.Master of Many Styles 2 is a superb dip for a martial arts oriented Fighter. It can give you Crane Wing ridiculously quickly (level 2 compared to level 5 for straight Monk or straight Fighter) as well as a great boon to saves, Evasion, etc. I'm planning it for my currently-1st-level PFS character. It's going to be awesome!I like monks getting bonus style feats. I noticed they get access to the feats earlier, but I still think they should get them as bonus feats. It just fits. They are the ultimate unarmed combatants, yet they don't get bonus style feats? And the fighter does? Seemed strange to me, so I house ruled it to what I like.
There is only one archetype that focuses on styles. He gives up Flurry of Blows to do it. Which was another odd choice. I sort of understand it as martial arts can be powerful. But you lose 4 attacks and 3 points of attack bonus to gain multiple martial art styles in use at one time.
I haven't tested it yet. But I'm doubtful that multiple martial arts styles useable at once will make up for the loss of four attacks and +3 points of attack bonus combined with a single style. And making it so the lvl 20 ability is five active martial arts styles and the removal of Perfect Self makes the archetype incompatible with several other archetypes. If they had not added that level 20 ability, it might have made it more attractive as a way to combine Master of Many Styles with other archetypes like the Martial Artist.
Overall, I'm still very happy with the system. So I can't complain too much. Very flavorful and interesting system.
True, but that does force you to take Dodge, and you have to take Monk first level. Still, it allows Crane Riposte at level 2, which is pretty darn impressive! (and 1st-level Crane Wing is nothing to sneeze at--you'd be all-but-invincible at that level)
My character fights with a one-handed blade that he switches to two hands occasionally for the extra damage, so I wanted him to take Fighter first. My desire for Crane Riposte isn't that strong, so he'll grab Crane Wing at level 3 and then go back to Fighter.
I wonder if I could make a really cool Monk 2 (Master of Many Styles)/Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 18 with Tiger/Dragon Style and totally focus on strength. Then pick up that new rage power that lets you do extra damage equal to your con on your attacks.
Toss in Monastic Legacy, since I'll have still mind with 2 levels of monk. Then make a harsh raging monk giving up the lawful alignment after lvl 2 to focus on the insane raging power of the barbarian.
That might be kind of cool. I'd call it something like Raging Dragon Claw Style. Do really harsh hand to hand damage and heavily invulnerable. Maybe even pick up dragon totem, but I'd probably stick with Beast Totem.
You can have both if you are Totem Warrior Archetype Barbarian (it says in UC that you have have more than one if you have that archetype: Dragon and another Totem type, the example said Dragon and Beast)
You can have both if you are Totem Warrior Archetype Barbarian (it says in UC that you have have more than one if you have that archetype: Dragon and another Totem type, the example said Dragon and Beast)
UC makes an offhand reference to that; its probably intended, but lacking errata to its entry in the APG, Totem Warrior still does nothing. I posted a rules forum post about it last week, but its fallen into the archives. Hopefully it will get FAQed.
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I wonder if I could make a really cool Monk 2 (Master of Many Styles)/Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 18 with Tiger/Dragon Style and totally focus on strength. Then pick up that new rage power that lets you do extra damage equal to your con on your attacks.
Toss in Monastic Legacy, since I'll have still mind with 2 levels of monk. Then make a harsh raging monk giving up the lawful alignment after lvl 2 to focus on the insane raging power of the barbarian.
That might be kind of cool. I'd call it something like Raging Dragon Claw Style. Do really harsh hand to hand damage and heavily invulnerable. Maybe even pick up dragon totem, but I'd probably stick with Beast Totem.
Sounds good, but three levels for Still Mind.
I really don't see the problem with giving up Flurry of Blows with the Master of Many Styles. Panther+Snake+Crane is amazing for getting extra attacks. Even at a low level you can easily have up to 8 or 10 attacks each round provided there are multiple enemies. Dragon and Vital Strike gives you the ability to deal with single targets.
As a GM I used a Master of Many Styles solo against my players last session. One level higher than the group, so he should have been quite easy. Except that he wasn't. He went directly for the poor wizard. Sure it provoked attacks of opportunity from everyone else, but against the high AC due to fighting defensively as crane, having mobility and using the swift ki action to increase AC, they missed on 90% of their rolls. And when they finally did hit, it was deflected by Crane and a counter was delivered. It wasn't until the two handed fighter hit, which was deflected and the Ranger followed up with a critical hit with his battle axe, all in the same round. In the end the party ended up using a LOT of resources against the dervish of destruction that the Master of Many Styles can become, unlike the normal monk, who might have been able to deliver a few attacks (since the wizard always fled out of combat), but wouldn't have the insane mobility and defenses of the MoMS has.
That's awesome! I bet the players were surprised that it was so difficult to take down a monk. I'm definitely liking the style feats; now monks can actually do monk stuff, rather than repetitive punches.
Still, even with the bonus feats, how many styles can a master of Many Forms reasonabley master?
Sounds good, but three levels for Still Mind.I wonder if I could make a really cool Monk 2 (Master of Many Styles)/Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 18 with Tiger/Dragon Style and totally focus on strength. Then pick up that new rage power that lets you do extra damage equal to your con on your attacks.
Toss in Monastic Legacy, since I'll have still mind with 2 levels of monk. Then make a harsh raging monk giving up the lawful alignment after lvl 2 to focus on the insane raging power of the barbarian.
That might be kind of cool. I'd call it something like Raging Dragon Claw Style. Do really harsh hand to hand damage and heavily invulnerable. Maybe even pick up dragon totem, but I'd probably stick with Beast Totem.
Thanks for the heads up.
I really don't see the problem with giving up Flurry of Blows with the Master of Many Styles. Panther+Snake+Crane is amazing for getting extra attacks. Even at a low level you can easily have up to 8 or 10 attacks each round provided there are multiple enemies. Dragon and Vital Strike gives you the ability to deal with single targets.
As a GM I used a Master of Many Styles solo against my players last session. One level higher than the group, so he should have been quite easy. Except that he wasn't. He went directly for the poor wizard. Sure it provoked attacks of opportunity from everyone else, but against the high AC due to fighting defensively as crane, having mobility and using the swift ki action to increase AC, they missed on 90% of their rolls. And when they finally did hit, it was deflected by Crane and a counter was delivered. It wasn't until the two handed fighter hit, which was deflected and the Ranger followed up with a critical hit with his battle axe, all in the same round. In the end the party ended up using a LOT of resources against the dervish of destruction that the Master of Many Styles can become, unlike the normal monk, who might have been able to deliver a few attacks (since the wizard always fled out of combat), but wouldn't have the insane mobility and defenses of the MoMS has.
He could master 5 if he spent every single feat on combat styles. 10 feats for class. 6 monk bonus feats. Not sure that would be the best expenditure of resources, but he could do it.
That's awesome! I bet the players were surprised that it was so difficult to take down a monk. I'm definitely liking the style feats; now monks can actually do monk stuff, rather than repetitive punches.
Still, even with the bonus feats, how many styles can a master of Many Forms reasonabley master?
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At first I was bummed that they didn't keep the martial arts system from Oriental Adventure but after reading through the feats and thinking them over i realized how much cooler this is. It is an expansion of those concepts that adds a lot of flavor to the game. Well done, Paizo!
I'd still like to see some basic things like circle kick, flying kick and sweep (area trip attack) but the again I've only had about an hour to look through UC and I may have missed them.
I'll also second the call for weapon styles for various weapon combos and schools of fencing.
What we need now is a guide to designing our own martial arts styles that are balanced with these.
SM
All the styles are both awesome, and disappointing. What bothers me is every single one requiring Improved Unarmed Strike, even the ones which have nothing to do with fighting unarmed.
The rules need a way to do that without first grabbing a non-weapon feat for no reason.
Styles should not just be for monks!
Hopefully, they will create styles for armed combat at some point.
I'm hoping warriors will get something like the Bo9S Superior Unarmed strike so they can do monk-ish unarmed damage without monk levels, personally. Yes, I know there is monastic legacy (or whatever it was that required still mind), but it's not quite what I was looking for. Plus, Martial Artists lose still mind, and it makes monk multiclasses a bit harder without a "and now I want to change my alignment" trick.
BTW, what is people's opinion of Boar Style? Bleed damage early on sounds nasty, and being able to do another damage type is always fun, but I don't hear anyone commenting on it yet.
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Dragon style evokes the power of the dragon. This is a style unique to Pathfinder, but they did a great job making it.
Not to nitpik, but there IS a Dragon style martial arts. Pathfinder did do a good job of capturing its essence though, as with the other styles.
Agree almost across the bored with peoples points. The styles took a class that saw more "Monks = suxxorz" threads on the forums that almost any other class (we'll forget about the Rogue for a moment) and made alot of people (myself included) excited to play one. Great job.
Dragon style evokes the power of the dragon. This is a style unique to Pathfinder, but they did a great job making it.
Not to nitpik, but there IS a Dragon style martial arts. Pathfinder did do a good job of capturing its essence though, as with the other styles.
Agree almost across the bored with peoples points. The styles took a class that saw more "Monks = suxxorz" threads on the forums that almost any other class (we'll forget about the Rogue for a moment) and made alot of people (myself included) excited to play one. Great job.
I was talking more about how it works.
All the other styles seem to capture moves you can see in the actual martial arts style.
While Dragon Style seems like their own creation. It seems to built around the idea of a dragon leaping up and coming down on his enemies and the general power and strength of a dragon. And the breath weapon. Seems like their own thing.
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BTW, what is people's opinion of Boar Style? Bleed damage early on sounds nasty, and being able to do another damage type is always fun, but I don't hear anyone commenting on it yet.
Boar Style seems pretty fun (and thematically appropriate, for half-orcs, etc.), with the 2d6 bleed after making two attacks, starting at 3rd level. It won't build on itself the way a flat bonus to damage would, but it also will keep going even if you don't land another hit, and switch to a defensive style like Snake or Crane. Adding a free Shaken condition (if the Intimidate check succeeds) and another +1d6 bleed damage by 9th level, with the other two feats, is pretty neat.
Now that I've read up more on the style feats, I've come up with a disturbing revelation: I actually *want* to play a monk. I never thought that would happen. It's very disturbing.
The problem is, I like all of the styles. Having to focus on just two or three is going to be extremely difficult.
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Now that I've read up more on the style feats, I've come up with a disturbing revelation: I actually *want* to play a monk. I never thought that would happen. It's very disturbing.
It's a new thing for me, too. The last time I was excited to play a Monk, the original (1st edition!) Oriental Adventures had come out, with their Hard/Soft style options.
All the styles are both awesome, and disappointing. What bothers me is every single one requiring Improved Unarmed Strike, even the ones which have nothing to do with fighting unarmed.
All of the Style feats in Ultimate Combat are specifically unarmed fighting styles. However, there are also some feat chains (Moonlight Stalker, Net Adept, Twin Thunders, and Whip Mastery) that are specifically "fighting styles" for weapons (or weapons and unarmed). Not to mention feat chains like Deathless Initiate, Dimensional Agility, Final Embrace, and Haunted Gnome that are independent of a particular "fighting style." Add in the various feats from the Core Rulebook and Advanced Player's Guide, and there are already a lot of "fighting style" options for weapons (just because Power Attack is less evocative than "Avalanche Blow" doesn't make it less of a "fighting style").
Could there be more weapon and weapon combination specific options (like the 3.5 Combat Style feats)? Probably, but going too far down that road just makes the "golf bag of weapons" problem that some groups experience even worse.
All the styles are both awesome, and disappointing. What bothers me is every single one requiring Improved Unarmed Strike, even the ones which have nothing to do with fighting unarmed.All of the Style feats in Ultimate Combat are specifically unarmed fighting styles. However, there are also some feat chains (Moonlight Stalker, Net Adept, Twin Thunders, and Whip Mastery) that are specifically "fighting styles" for weapons (or weapons and unarmed). Not to mention feat chains like Deathless Initiate, Dimensional Agility, Final Embrace, and Haunted Gnome that are independent of a particular "fighting style." Add in the various feats from the Core Rulebook and Advanced Player's Guide, and there are already a lot of "fighting style" options for weapons (just because Power Attack is less evocative than "Avalanche Blow" doesn't make it less of a "fighting style").
Could there be more weapon and weapon combination specific options (like the 3.5 Combat Style feats)? Probably, but going too far down that road just makes the "golf bag of weapons" problem that some groups experience even worse.
And lets not forget that just because monks have an easier time getting the styles feats, it doesn't mean other cannot benefit. Fighters easily have enough bonus feats to qualify and master a few styles; the next to time I build a duelist, I think I'll get the crane style feats as well.
A friend of mine noticed Crane Style can be pretty effective for an armed fighter. All you have to do to benefit from Crane is have one hand free. Even the bonus AoO from the style when you deflect an attack allows you to attack back with a weapon.
So you could make a Crane Style weapon user and still benefit from the style.
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A friend of mine noticed Crane Style can be pretty effective for an armed fighter. All you have to do to benefit from Crane is have one hand free. Even the bonus AoO from the style when you deflect an attack allows you to attack back with a weapon.
So you could make a Crane Style weapon user and still benefit from the style.
A Free Hand Fighter with Crane Style. Interesting.
SM
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
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As a lover of old kung fu and martial arts flicks, I'm really impressed with Pathfinder martial arts. I was doubtful a company could produce a martial arts system for D&D that was both mechanically viable and conceptually intersting. Pathfinder pulled it off.
Maddigan, sorry for the late response (hey just three months behind) but it's really great of you to take the time to say what you said. I know the developers worked hard to emulate the feel of old kung fu movies while being true to real life styles, and people recognizing that is a big pay-off for them, I'm sure.
I didn't have time to plow through what everyone else has said so far, but if it hasn't been suggested, tiger/monkey goes really well together, especially since the power attack/a.c. trade of tiger pounce works REALLY well once you've used monkey to get into someone's space. You've minimized the a.c. penalties and have a better chance to deal that sweet sweet extra damage!-J