This is a very useful spec. However, I was curious as to how it works technically. Is there any sort of compensation in the code for the loss of +hit/dam you get from weapons? What about weapon averages? Where do hands fall into this?

My assumption is that you don't get any compensation for the lack of + hit/dam. I have no idea about averages. But, I think I did read somewhere that you Imms aren't willing to consider implementing different damage types from gauntlets. That doesn't seem right to me. I mean if I'm wearing mithril gauntlets it should hurt a drow more! What's up with that?

Basically, what I'm asking is where is the upside of hand to hand? The skills are nice, and so is the fact that you can't be disarmed, but, that doesn't seem beneficial enough to me. You can solve those problems with other specs by way of legacies, cursed weapons and comparable skill sets. So?

HtH specs always give you trouble, I don't care who you are. Chances are they are going to nail you with a lot of attacks that you just can't seem to defend against. Toss in the annoying as a paper-cut on your balls stun and that alone makes it work taking, imho. But no, that's the tip of the iceberg. Crushing blow and pummel are going to lag most people and open them up to a couple more rounds of handy (hah) assbeating.

It's a very solid spec as-is.

After my last character with it (Dungard) who was probably my 4th h2h guy I swore I wouldn't take it again... at least not as my first spec.