In regards to simply dropping a weapon in combat and pick up another (or simply use one's fists), there are a few other things to take into consideration.
The Pugilist and the Monk, both have the ability to move quickly and evade, etc.. That would not be possible for someone who just a second ago was a Paladin/Warrior in full armour. Your punches and kicks, should they connect, might hit harder.. But they wouldn't be as quick, and evasion would be harder.
On the other hand, dropping your staff/wand and picking up a sword and shield, would require you to really make good use of the shield, as now you have nothing but some linen cloth between yourself and some nasty critters claws/another character's weapon.
The Pugilist and the Monk, both have the ability to move quickly and evade, etc.. That would not be possible for someone who just a second ago was a Paladin/Warrior in full armour. Your punches and kicks, should they connect, might hit harder.. But they wouldn't be as quick, and evasion would be harder.
On the other hand, dropping your staff/wand and picking up a sword and shield, would require you to really make good use of the shield, as now you have nothing but some linen cloth between yourself and some nasty critters claws/another character's weapon.
There is perhaps no phenomenon which contains so much destructive feeling as moral indignation, which permits envy or to be acted out under the guise of virtue. - Erich Fromm
