Unarmed-Based Combat

#means #dexterity #strength
Unarmed-Based combat is about control and economy. The unarmed fighter doesn't let his opponents take advantage of their blades or bludgeons — they close their opponents' ability to even swing a weapon. While he cannot hit as hard — 1 damage instead of 2 — this is compensated by access to states no weapon tree can impose. Grappled and Pinned are unique to the unarmed fighter.

Level 1 — Martial Training Entry node. Unarmed strikes deal 1 damage. Declare Strength or Dexterity per action to govern the roll.

Level 2 — Clinch (Strength) On a clean hit: damage + Grappled. You've secured a controlling hold. Target must succeed on an Attack action to Break Free.

Level 2 — Precision Strike (Dexterity) On a clean hit against an Off-Balance target: damage + Wounded on a limb of your choice. Economy of motion targets vulnerability rather than applying force.

Level 3 — Takedown (requires Clinch) On a clean hit against a Grappled target: damage + Pinned. You drive them down and maintain control.

Level 3 — Throw (requires Clinch) On a clean hit against a Grappled target: damage + Prone. You use their weight against them and release, remaining on your feet. Different from Takedown — you stay standing, they go down alone.

Level 3 — Disarm (requires Precision Strike) On a clean hit against a target with a Wounded arm: Disarmed. You've isolated the weapon hand through joint control.

Level 3 — Trip (requires Precision Strikes) On a clean hit against an Off-Balance target: damage + Prone. You redirect their instability into a fall.

Level 4 — Pin and Control (requires Takedown) While target is Pinned, spend 1 action without rolling: target becomes Exposed. Total physical control collapses all guard.

Level 5 — Choke (requires Pin and Control) While target is Pinned, spend 1 action without rolling: deal damage directly to core Health clock, bypassing Con buffer entirely. You're past the point where resilience matters.

Level 5 — Advanced Martial Training (requires Martial Training) Unarmed strikes now deal 2 damage.