So, I've been working on a Rogue(Thug)/Inquisitor build and, while I normally hate multi-classing medium BAB classes, in this case the entire point is to make a really intimidating character: Half-Orc, Intimidating Prowess, Conversion Inquisition etc.
But I have some questions about Enforcer. Almost every thug build I've seen takes it, but usually in conjunction with sap master or bludgeoner. Improved unarmed strike works too, from what I've read.
But what about regular unarmed strikes?
Obviously, they are nonlethal, so no problem there. But I don't quite understand about unarmed strikes provoking AOOs. And whether you can (as a non-monk) actually use kicks, headbutts etc.
The rules seem inconclusive on whether I can say, hold a greatsword but, rather than attack with it, instead perform an unarmed strike via kick, shoulder-slam or what have you. No? What about a one-handed weapon? And if you're actually holding a weapon are you still unarmed and hence, do you still provoke?
That seem strange, plus punching or kicking an opponent during a sword fight seems really iconic.
P.S. I'm not looking for cheese, I'm just legitimately confused -- unarmed strikes don't tend to come up in our games much.
You can use an unarmed strike if you have a weapon in hand, and nothing says it has to be with a fist. It would still provoke unless you had IUS.
If you're multiclassing, you're probably not going for sap master/adept (I'd suggest not...you won't have much sneak attack to enhance with it), so you don't need specifically bludgeoning damage. Grab the Blade of Mercy trait and you can just do nonlethal with slashing weapons.
Grab the Blade of Mercy trait and you can just do nonlethal with slashing weapons.
Oddly enough, your sneak attack will still be lethal (I think).
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With a weapon that deals nonlethal damage (like a sap, whip, or an unarmed strike), a rogue can make a sneak attack that deals nonlethal damage instead of lethal damage. She cannot use a weapon that deals lethal damage to deal nonlethal damage in a sneak attack, not even with the usual –4 penalty.
I'm pretty sure the trait makes the weapon deal non-lethal, so the sneak attack is now non lethal.
iirc, this was one of those "strict RAW is stupid" moments where SA does not become nonlethal because you're not using a "nonlethal weapon." MPL pointed that out to me recently. It's really silly.
In any home game, this shouldn't be an issue.