In this episode, Rob talks about one of the more overlooked but fascinating aspects of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2e: non-lethal combat. Pulled straight from the Player’s Handbook (pages 128–130), we’re breaking down the four distinct forms of subduing your foes without leaving a pile of bodies in your wake: punching, wrestling, overbearing, and using the flat of your blade.
Here’s a taste of what we’ll cover:
Punching: Fists, gauntlets, and brass knuckles take the stage. Learn how a solid strike can lead to damage—or even a knockout—based on the attack roll. We’ll explain the unique mechanics that combine raw strength and strategy, including the infamous haymaker roll.
Wrestling: Grapples, holds, and counters come into play here. Whether it’s a leg twist or a crushing bear hug, this section highlights how strength modifiers, armor penalties, and persistence can turn a single hold into a devastating sequence.
Overbearing: Size matters! We’ll unpack the rules for overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers or brute force, from knocking them prone to the ongoing battle of pins and counters. And of course, we’ll tweak the book’s mechanics to add some practical logic (because really, does a pixie in the mix matter when there’s an ogre on top of you?).
Weapons for Subduing: Bladed weapons can still play a role in non-lethal combat if you’re careful—or cunning. We’ll cover how to flip that blade, deal calculated damage, and leave your enemies stunned instead of slain.
We’ll also touch on the quirks, fixes, and homebrew tweaks to streamline these mechanics and make them flow better at your table. Whether you’re looking to add more depth to combat or just want to throw in a bar fight without a body count, this episode has you covered.
Ready to take your AD&D combat game to a whole new level? Listen in and learn how to punch, grapple, and pin your way to victory—all without drawing blood (well, not too much, anyway).
Got questions or thoughts to share?
Roll initiative and let’s get into it!