Occasions will arise in the game where a character is without normal
weapons, whether this deficiency is caused by magic (such as the effect
of a fumble spell), or by physical attacks (such as with a whip). In
time of need, a character may attack using weaponless combat, two
systems for which are offered below. The first is a very simplified system
that can be used quickly in “emergency” situations. The second
system is an outgrowth of the first, and has greater detail and is the
more powerful of the two.

SYSTEM I

This system can only be used by humans, demi-humans, and humanoids against other humans, demi-humans, and humanoids.
Any creature attacked using this system cannot be more than 125% of the attacker’s height
(a four-foot-tall creature could not use this system against creatures of more than five feet in height,
while a six-foot-tall being could only affect those 7% feet or shorter in height).
This system has three steps:

    1) Attacker chooses action to be attempted, either:
        a) Pummeling (hitting),
        b) Grappling (grabbing), or
        c) Overbearing (knocking down)
    2) Attacker makes roll “to hit”
    3) If attack hit, DM administers result of chosen action

The roll “to hit” is based on the standard chance of the character striking the opponent according to class, modified only for strength (if applicable).
The defending character or creature gains any benefits for armor, dexterity, and magical protection that may apply.

Pummeling: A successful pummeling attack delays the opponent’s action for 1 segment, successfully distracting concentration and negating spell casting.
Damage is 1-2 points, with a STR bonus added only if the attacker is using a weapon such as mailed glove.
There is no further DELAY for multiple successful pummels in the same round.

Grappling: A successful grappling attack inflicts no damage but holds the opponent
for 1 round. While held, the grappled character is + 2 to be hit
and -2 to hit. A grapple is automatically broken at the start of the next
round.

Q. Can an opponent be killed by being
strangled?
A. Yes, strangulation holds can be found
in DMG p73, under the grappling
roolz. The coffer corpse attacks by
this method.  The attack of the meazel
and some types of assassination can
be seen as strangulation --
after all, the exact method used by an
assassin is never specified.
<check garotte>
(Imagine #11)

Overbearing: A successful overbearing attack will inflict no damage but will knock
the opponent to a prone position. Opponents in a prone position are
+ 4 to be hit until they regain their feet.

A character attempting weaponless combat makes initiative rolls at a
penalty of -2. If a character suffers any damage before making a
weaponless combat attack, the attack is spoiled and cannot be made.

Q: Why can't a dwarf pummel a human
using Weaponless Combat System I
(page 106, Unearthed Arcana)?
Likewise, why can't a dwarf grapple
a human or overbear that same
person?

A: System I is the streamlined, simplified
method, and it does not allow short characters
to pummel larger opponents at all.
The reason is simple -- the system was
designed to be quick and easy. If you want
more detail, used System II. In that system,
any creature can pummel any prone opponent.
Overbearing attacks can be used by
a smaller attacker to bring down a larger
opponent. So, you dwarf has to knock his
human opponent down first, then he can
pummel and grapple.
(118.69)

SYSTEM II
 

Pummeling

Grappling

Overbearing

Back to Top

Pummeling:

Pummeling is a tactic available to any character or creature with a
strength score, or one described as having a strength equivalent to a
certain score or range of scores. PCs, incl. most humans, giants, and
vampires may all pummel, while most other undead, dragons,
and non-humanoid creatures may not.

The target of a pummeling attack must be a non-undead,
non-vegetable, native of the PMP. Shambling mounds,
elementals, all demons (though not semi-demons), slimes
and fungus creatures cannot be pummeled. An opponent
must be of the same ora smaller size class as the attacker.
A size L giant can pummel opponents of size L, M, and S, while a
halfling fighter could only pummel another size S creature.
Creatures may pummel a creature of any size if the TARGET is prone (see overbearing, below).

A character making a pummeling attack does so at a penalty of -4 on
initiative rolls, in addition to any modifiers for dexterity. However, this
penalty does not apply to pummeling attacks made with the advantage of surprise,
or pummeling attacks made from behind -- and all such attacks of either sort are at +2 to hit.

If a character making a pummeling attack takes damage from the attacked
creature before the pummeling attack is made, the pummeling
attack is spoiled and may not be made. The pummeling character is
considered to be driven back, unable to get in a swing on that particular
attempt.

A pummeling attack is resolved as follows:
    1) Determine the type of item being used to pummel
    2) Determine the vulnerability of the opponent
    3) Make a "to hit" roll against the opponent's effective AC
    4) If a hit is made, check the Pummeling Table for chance of stunning

The 4 different types of objects used in pummeling are:
    Small, relatively soft objects (bare fist or foot)
    Small, hard objects (mailed fist or sword pommel)
    Large, soft objects (an unconscious character)
    Large, hard objects (such as a table or chair)

Note that large objects must generally be picked up (taking a round)
before being wielded in combat.

Targets have varying degrees of vulnerability, depending on attire and
natural AC. If a character or creature qualifiesfor more than
one of the given categories, consider the TARGET to be of the more vulnerable
sort.
 

An exposed TARGET is one:
    with bare head or face
    wearing ordinary cap or clothing
    in leather or padded armor
    with a natural AC of 7 or worse

A semi-exposed TARGET is one:
    wearing standard armor between ring and plate mail in protective value
    with a natural AC between 7 and 2 <>

An unexposed TARGET is one:
    wearing full or field plate armor
    with a natural AC of 2 or better

Shields and bonuses from magic armor are not taken into account in
determining the vulnerability of the target.

In figuring the effective AC of an opponent when pummeling,
ignore any bonus for the defender from a shield, unless that shield is a
buckler or some item that is easily wielded. The defender
does receive any magic & dexterity bonuses that apply.
If AC adjustments are used, consider all pummeling attacks to be as
with "fist or open hand."

Pummeling Table (Chance of Stunning)
                                                                                    Type of Object Used to Strike:

Target's Status	Small & Soft	Small & Hard  or Large & Soft	Large & Hard
Unexposed	No Effect	1% per Str pt.,  20% at 18/01	2% per Str pt.,  40% at 18/01
Semi-Exposed	1% per Str pt.,  20% at 18/01	2% per Str pt.,  40% at 18/01	4% per Str pt.,  75% at 18/01
Exposed	2% per Str pt.,  40% at 18/01	4% per Str pt.,  75% at 18/01	5% per Str pt.,  95% at 18/01

The given percentage is the chance per point of STR of stunning
the opponent. Creatures with a strength of 18/01 or higher are considered 18/01 for purposes of stunning.

Example: A fighter with a STR of 15 attacks a man wearing padded
armor. If the fighter strikes with bare fists (small, soft object),
there is a 30% chance of successfully stunning the opponent if the
fighter hits. If the attacker was using dagger pommel (small hard object),
the chance of stunning would be increased to 60%, and should
the fighter USE a nearby chiar, the chance of stunning his opponent
rises to 75%. <note the discrepancy between the example and the table>

A stunned opponent will be so affected for 1-10 segments, during
which time no actions may be taken. Any spells in process of being
cast are lost. If an opponent that is already stunned is stunned by
a later attack, the opponent must save versus death magic to avoid
being knocked unconscious for 1-4 rounds. A stunned opponent defends
without benefit of dexterity or shield, and is +4 to be hit.

Small, soft objects inflict 1-2 points of damage;
small, hard objects inflict 1-3 points;
and all large objects inflict 1-4 points of damage on any
hit (whether or not a stun occurs). Weapons used to pummel are not
wielded in their conventional manner, and as such inflict the
damage listed above as opposed to their normal damage.

Special notes for certain character classes: Monks do not suffer
any initiative penalty when pummeling, and may make either pummeling
or open-hand attacks.
Thieves (incl. thief-actobats and assassins) gain +4 to hit from behind when pummeling.
Thief-acrobats may add their Tumbling Attack Percentage to their own chance to stun
while pummeling, up to a max. pummeling chance of 95%
chance of stunning. Thief-acrobats may subtract their Tumbling Defense
Percentage from attacker's chance to stun while they are tumbling.
Cavaliers (incl. paladins) suffer a -2 penalty to hit if
pummeling with their bare hands, since they are unaccustomed to
such crude pursuits.

Kicking: A character may make a pummeling attack by kicking, either
with bare feet (small, soft objects) or metal-shod boots (small, hard objects).
For the defender in a kicking attack, only the armor from the waist down
is considered for creatures of the same size class, but
overall armor is considered (using the most vulnerable) if the TARGET is
of a smaller size class than the attacker. Characters who can jump
(monks, thief-acrobats, barbarians) can effectively kick any portion of
a target of the same size class, and an attacker at a higher elevation
may kick any portion of the defender's body.

Throwing: Objects may be thrown with the purpose of pummeling. A
small object can be hurled 30 feet, a large one no more than 10 feet.
All "to hit" determinations are made as for a missile attack at long
range (-5 modifier), and the thrower's attempt is also modified for
strength, if applicable. Thrown objects that miss are considered as
grenade-like missiles for determination of scatter effects.

Grappling:

Grappling is a tactic available to any intelligent creature who can conceivably restrain an opponent.
Non-corporeal creatures, those who exist in the Astral && Ethereal Planes, and non-intelligent slimes and jellies cannot grapple;
neither could a beholder, for instance, or an orc that is bound hand and foot.

Grappling is used to restrain someone or something, either to prevent
an upcoming action or to restrain an opponent and make it more vulnerable
to other attacks. In general, creatures that can be physically
restrained are subject to the effects of a grappling attack. Creatures
of a larger size class than the attacker cannot be grappled unless they
are prone.

A grappling attack takes place as a normal attack in the combat
round, with a penalty of -1 to the initiative roll. If the attacker takes any
damage earlier in a round before a grappling attack was to take place,
then that attempt at grappling is ruined.

Grappling attacks are resolved as follows:
    1) Determine the defender’s effective armor class
    2) Make a roll “to hit”

An opponent’s AC ignores shield and bonuses gained by
magical armor, since a grappling attack is usually directed at the arms
and legs as opposed to the regions protected by thick armor. Bonuses
from magical rings, protection devices, bracers, and magical plate armor
are considered.

A successful grappling attack inflicts no damage. It does, however,
prevent any further action in that round by the victim of the attack. A
grappled target is -2 to hit opponents, and + 2 to be hit in attacks in
the same round that may follow the successful grappling attack. Any
dexterity bonus of the grappled target is negated as long as the target
is held.

A hold lasts until it is broken. The hold resulting from a successful
grapple can be broken in a number of ways:

    1) The attacker releases the opponent.
    2) The opponent attacks and inflicts damage on the attacker. Any
        such attacks are at -2 to hit, and the attacker (in the grappling
        attack) retains the benefit of magic and dexterity bonuses
        that may apply.
    3) The opponent makes a successful grappling attack in a round
        following the one in which he was grappled. Such attacks
        are made at no penalty for the opponent’s status, but the
        original attacker receives magical and dexterity bonuses
        to his or her armor class, as well as a bonus to armor class
        equal to the character’s bonus “to hit” due to superior
        strength. (A character with 17 strength has an effective armor
        class one step better than usual for this determination.)
        A successful “counter-grapple” by the opponent will
        free the opponent but inflict no damage upon the attacker.
    4) The opponent makes a successful “bend bars” roll.
    5) If the opponent is a thief-acrobat, the thief-acrobat may tumble
        out of the hold, using his or her Evasion percentage as
        the chance to escape.

A character that is grappled may be used as a large, soft object in a
pummeling attack (see above) if the character can lift the grappled figure
normally.

Grappling a Creature With Multiple Attacks: If an attempt is made to
grapple an opponent that makes multiple, separate attacks, the grappler
can prevent and neutralize only one of those attacks. A human
fighter grappling a giant scorpion (M-sized creature) could prevent attacks
with either of the creature’s claws, or the sting. The other claws
(or sting) are not affected by the grappling attempt. A creature that
makes multiple attacks with the same weapon (like a high-level cavalier)
can be neutralized by a single grappling attack.

Multiple grappling attempts: If multiple creatures of similar characteristics
and abilities (such as a group of goblins) attempt to grapple, the
attack is resolved by a single die roll, with a + 2 bonus “to hit” for
each member of the attacking group beyond the first. The maximum
number of creatures that can attack by grappling is determined by
size of the target and of the grappler:

    If the defender is size S, it can be grappled by as many as three
        size S attackers, one or two of size M, or one of size L
    If the defender is size M, it can be grappled by as many as three
        size M attackers, or one or two of size L
    If the defender is size L, it can be grappled by as many as three
        size L attackers
    Any prone figure may be grappled by as many as eight size S, six size
        M, or four size L creatures.

Overbearing:

Overbearing is a tactic available to any creature against any other,
although only those with a discernible upright position can be affected (it is essentially impossible to overbear a purple worm or gelatinous cube).
A successful overbearing attack knocks the target prone.

An overbearing attack may be made as a normal attack with no modifications
to the initiative die. If the attacker takes any damage the
round of an overbearing attack before the attack is made, the attack is
negated in that round.

The steps of an overbearing attack are as follows:
    1) Determine the effective armor class of the defender
    2) Make a “to hit” roll

A overbearing attack in itself does no damage, though the situation
may inflict damage on the opponent if the overbearing takes place in
a mass of flaming oil or on the edge of a pit. Prone figures are + 4 to
be hit, and strike at -2 until the regain their feet. In addition, prone figures
may be grappled and pummeled, even if the figure is of a larger
size class than the attackers.

All defensive bonuses are considered in determining a creature’s effective
armor class against being overborne. In addition, the defender’s
effective armor class may be modified for relative size of the
combatants and will be affected if the defender has four or more legs.

AC Adjustment for Size:

Defender  Size:	S	M	L
S	0	+2	+4
M	-4	0	+2
L	-8	-4	0

AC Adjustments for Defender's Footing:
    Creature has 4 legs: -6
    Creature has 6 legs: -8
    Creature has more than 6 legs: -10

Multiple Overbearing Attacks: If a number of creatures with similar
abilities (such as goblins) attempt an overbearing attack, a single die
roll in made for all attacks, with + 1 to the die roll for every figure involved
after the first (as with grappling; see above). Should a number
of dissimilar characters make such an attempt, the + 1 bonus is
granted, but the “to hit” number of the weakest creature type is used
to determine if the overbearing is successful.

    If the target is size S, it can be overborne by as many as six
        size S attackers, four of size M, or two of size L
    If the target is size M, it can be overborne by as many as eight
        size S attackers, six of size M, or four of size L
    If the target is size L, it can be overborne by as many as
        twelve size S attackers, eight of size M, or six of size L
 

That isn't in the rules, just the way I ran my game sessions.
Same for PCs being overborn by swarming attackers.
I'd have it automatic if four man-sized attackers succeeded in closing with the character unless OC strength was 18 or better and the attackers weren'y also strong and heavy (seat of the pants DMing there;)

Cheerio,
Gary

Stunnning:

Quote:
Gary, is there a provision I've been missing, all these years, for combatants to be stunned during regular OAD&D melee combat? (As opposed to unarmed combat, spell effects, etc.)

I was struck by this question while reviewing my 'AD&D Combat Notes' -- a tightly packed, double column cheat sheet -- in preparation for running an AD&D game for the first time in a few years...

Thanks!

Joe

I use stunning attacks as if they were normal, bit only 10%of damage is actual, the balance temporary.
when a character gets to 0 HP or below they are out cold for 1 plus as many minutes as they have accumulated negative HPs.

That isn't in the rules, just the way I ran my game sessions.
Same for PCs being overborn by swarming attackers.
I'd have it automatic if four man-sized attackers succeeded in closing with the character unless OC strength was 18 or better and the attackers weren'y also strong and heavy (seat of the pants DMing there;)

Cheerio,
Gary