Support for Martial Artists

[lparkh]

So I see that there will be a feat for unarmed combat. Excellent. One problem I've had in past RPGs in playing a martial artists is you have to give up so many cool toys (magic weapons; armor etc). NWN fixed this by having a lot of gloves etc. My question is... will Book II have nice goodies for aspiriing Bruce Lee's? My impression from playing Book I so far is that it does not.
I would love to do a martial artist but won't if I have to have toy envy
Thanks!

[BasiliskWrangler]

So I see that there will be a feat for unarmed combat. Excellent. One problem I've had in past RPGs in playing a martial artists is you have to give up so many cool toys (magic weapons; armor etc). NWN fixed this by having a lot of gloves etc. My question is... will Book II have nice goodies for aspiriing Bruce Lee's? My impression from playing Book I so far is that it does not.
I would love to do a martial artist but won't if I have to have toy envy
Thanks!

Well, there are quite a few pieces of armor, rings, gloves, belts, and amulets that will boost your Strength, Speed, Dexterity and Unarmed Combat skill. It is my opinion that there are a lot of helpful items for characters who specialize in Unarmed Combat.

I should say that we don't really view "Unarmed Combat" as actual "Martial Arts". Martial Arts is generally considered an eastern-influenced combat style with punches, kicks and take-downs. In Eschalon, Unarmed Combat simply implies "brawling" or fisticuffs- defending yourself with your fists. We have discussed doing a true martial arts themed RPG where we could implement a wide range of fighting styles and traditional weapons, but we are not developing such a game at this time.

[CrazyBernie]

Another thing to consider is the fact that the Eschalon games aren't meant to be a great balance of "classes." While you might choose an initial "class," the game is primarily skill based, but not skill balanced. Some "classes" will be much more difficult to cultivate as a result. So while your unarmed fighter might be really kick-ass, there's a good chance that a similarly configured sword-wielder could easily out-class (no pun intended.... honest! 0_o) him/her.

[Randomizer]

Any chance that unarmed combat characters will be able to damage poltergiests?

You can do nice damage by pushing unarmed combat, but that's the only Book 1 creature that won't take damage.

[Necromis]

yeah that is a great question. It would be nice if all fighting styles had a chance to harm all creatures. Allowing for certian gloves, rings, or amulets to offer the unarmed fighter this option would be a balanced idea. After all, the other fighting styles have this ability already.

[BasiliskWrangler]

Any chance that unarmed combat characters will be able to damage poltergiests?

You can do nice damage by pushing unarmed combat, but that's the only Book 1 creature that won't take damage.

Not by unaided fists alone...but with armor, rings or amulets that give you "plus damage", you can hurt ethereal creatures.

[Painted Lady]

Also, don't forget that the Divination spell "Enchanted Weapon" works very well for Unarmed Combat. Of course, if you are going to get that close to a poltergeist, you had better be an Athiest or you will probably be cursed before you can knock the little devil out.

Which brings up another question. I know that Book II will have some new spells (like Nimbus Cloud). I am wondering if all of the familiar ones from Book I will return or will some disappear?

[azraelck]

I should say that we don't really view "Unarmed Combat" as actual "Martial Arts". Martial Arts is generally considered an eastern-influenced combat style with punches, kicks and take-downs.

Here I respectfully disagree. Savate, boxing (not the sport kind you see on TV), die ringen and of course, the reconstruction of various weapon and unarmed skills from the past are all martial arts, and very much alive and 'western' in origin. Just because you can find a dime-a-dozen "karate" school on every other street corner does not mean that the west has never had any martial art or heritage.

This is coming from a student of the Long sword, die ringen, and Quarterstaff.

http://www.thearma.org/

There is a lot of martial arts skills generally ignored, for the media's insistence on everything east being better.

[CrazyBernie]

Here I respectfully disagree. Savate, boxing (not the sport kind you see on TV), die ringen and of course, the reconstruction of various weapon and unarmed skills from the past are all martial arts, and very much alive and 'western' in origin. Just because you can find a dime-a-dozen "karate" school on every other street corner does not mean that the west has never had any martial art or heritage.

He wasn't refuting that... which is why he said "generally." If you ask the general populace, the vast majority are thinking something along the lines of karate/kung fu when you say "Martial Arts." I know the first thing that comes to my mind is Karate Kid's Mr. Miyagi.

[azraelck]

LOL, with me Talhoffer comes to mind, actually. But I am weird.