How can I incorporate pressure point attacks?

Question

I am wondering if there are any classes, alternatives, or anything else than roleplay to incorporate pressure point techniques in D&D 3.5. The monk's stunning fist (or the feat) could be roleplayed that way, but after that feats like Freezing the lifeblood, while can be an answer to my question, have ridiculous (in my opinion) prerequisites.

Are there any other options to represent pressure point techniques?

Answer 1

I'd address you to the wide array of feats for which Improved Unarmed Strike is a prerequisite in Pathfinder (search for "Improved Unarmed Strike" in this page^D20PFSRD).

Many of them may be seamlessly converted to D&D3.5 and easily re-skinned in order to meet your campaign's flavor.

Answer 2

Generally when my players want to do pressure point attacks I treat them as called shots. One thing to keep in mind is that pressure point attacks are generally there to cause pain and therefore distract the opponent, so if it's successful I will make the victim make a Body/Fortitude/Stamina check, and if it fails, apply a rule like distracted, or dazed, or blind, etc. to fit the attack.

Answer 3

I wouldn't go monk for that personally, not exclusively. The many rogue feats in Complete Scoundrel (I think they call them ambush feats) look promising. Something I like in particular, you may be able to use or twist some of the mechanics from Pathfinder's Butcher prestige class.

Basically, you look at others' discernable anatomy as pieces of meat and are more efficient in your handling of weapons regarding them. But again, roguey in nature. I'd say this is about as close as I've been able to project a character, I was once going to play a dwarf dual-wielding fighter rogue with it. It looks fun to say the least.

Dazing Slice (Ex)

A butcher knows everything about the way a body works, including where the nerves are. Beginning at 7th level, whenever a butcher successfully severs a limb, his target is dazed for 1 round (Will save DC 10 + ½ butcher’s class level + butcher’s Int modifier to resist).

Stunning Sever (Ex)

The nerve damage a butcher causes freezes his target in place. Beginning at 10th level, whenever a butcher successfully severs a limb, his target is stunned for 1 round.