How does Pugelism work? First level: -84.2% damage

I know it works on bare hands, do bare hands have like a -90% damage rating or something to start with?

Is this a bug?

 

There could be better player messaging on this. Fists were designed to have much reduced damage by default than using a weapon, which is why the initial levels appear as "-X%". As you level, that damage reduction is reduced until level 40 where there's no damage reduction at all, and then any level further will start to provide damage bonuses. At level 1, players will still see an increases in damage (despite the messaging) from what's been typical for using one's fists.

 

All the base weapon skills start with negative damage modifier until you're around (I think) skill level 40.

 

Ah, you're right! had a brain lapse!

 

Weapons have individual skill trees that augment the weapon's damage and/or functionality. Are we to expect Pugelism to deal more bonus damage to compensate? If not, what's the point of the skill in the first place?

Am I missing something?

 

It's a good start, but at the moment isn't viable. My friend just leveled it to 70 and its at 4-9 dam and crit at around 17.

So the whole original thought was get players a way to make a Monk class (he requested it last telethon, they put in the skill this one, thanks guys!)

But it's going to need a little more oomph in some manner to be viable. Fist weapons? More damage? Stun effects?

 

Its a start. I'd love to see a whole barefisted skill line, myself, with monk-like abilities such as you mention.

 

Do ice/fire/earth fist work with pugilism via combos? How about ignite weapon?

 

Ooooh that would be what takes this over the top! @Chris here's you're answer!