Noob Question on Attacks

[RZ-Talon]

If a character encounters a bane and has no way to attack, IE. no weapon, or spell, are they still able to attack a bane with just there base check?

[Malcolm_Reynolds]

Yes, you can always use Strength or Melee for a combat check if you don't have or don't want to use a weapon or spell. Note that if you don't have the Melee skill listed on your character card you would be limited to a d4, so most often would be better off with Strength.

[Frencois]

And since you fight with you bare hands, it really can only be Strength or Melee. You cannot just use your Arcane or Intelligence if you are a wizard for example. Making impressive gestures without actually casting a spell never fooled a goblin.

[jones314]

Frencois wrote:

And since you fight with you bare hands, it really can only be Strength or Melee. You cannot just use your Arcane or Intelligence if you are a wizard for example. Making impressive gestures without actually casting a spell never fooled a goblin.

This is basically true but some characters, like monks and sorcerers, have specific abilities to use other skills. If you don't have that, and no weapon, spell or special wand, then yeah, you use Strength or Melee.

[Martin Kauffman 530]

If a character melee attacks without a weapon (assuming the character does not have a special ability or class ability or spell or granted power which would enable the character to do lethal damage as if using a weapon), the character does non lethal damage and will be subject to an opportunity by the intended target.

[zeroth_hour]

Martin, your answer relates to the Pathfinder RPG. This is the Pathfinder ACG forum.

[zayzayem]

Note they can also use blessings and other cards that affect the relevant kind of check (strength, melee, 'any').

So you can still beat some banes quite well unarmed but for a blessing (or two from friends).