non lethal damage with Vanguard?


Vanguard


Hi, I'm a bit confused on how non lethal works in Starfinder Generally but it seems like to do non lethal Entropic strike you need to take a -4 penalty on attack rolls?

A nice part of unarmed combat in Pathfinder is the ability to easily switch between non lethal and lethal damage with no penalty. It would be great if Vanguard could have a similar ability with Entropic Strike either baked into the class or as an easy option to take. I'd prefer the first option as it gives some nice added in combat utility.


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Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

I believe you are correct that you would normally need to take a -4 penalty to attack nonlethal with ES, unarmed. I could see a merciful option being a pretty reasonable thing to offer as a discipline.

However, there is an easily available option, as ES can also be delivered through a weapon with the nonlethal property, like a taclash, or anything with a merciful fusoon, and inherit the weapon’s properties, as long as it is not too far below your vanguard level.

On the one hand, this requires you to buy a weapon every few levels. On the other hand, gaining access to fusions and weapon properties can definitely be worth the price of doing that, anyway.


Ah I see, Entropic strike through a weapon with the non lethal property. That works actually, but it's still more thematic to knock someone out with a kick upside the head. :)


That said, its probably not a rare house rule to go "Any attack that can plausibly be nonlethal imposes no penalty. Its only when you try to KO someone with a shotgun blast or a lightsaber that you need to take the penalty".

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