I'm re-reading the rules.
In chapter 9 Combat, page 195 PHB (pg.73 basic rules pdf)- Melee Attacks are thoroughly described. I get it.
How ever, I know that else where the term "melee weapon attack" is used and I can't remember the difference or nuance to why that term was chosen when "melee attack" described in the combat chapter includes handheld weapons and unarmed strikes.
I have the full PHB if any one remembers the page that clears this up. Thanks!
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[–] Metal_Bison ago
Well that is quite strange.
[–] sinsaint ago
It's important to note that psionics ALSO consider unarmed attacks to be using a weapon. This is probably because they want to separate physical attacks with non-physical ones. A good example? Inflict Wounds. It's considered a "Melee spell attack", so it cannot be confused as a "Melee weapon attack". Just like how there are "Ranged spell" and "Ranged weapon" attacks. We can probably assume that "Spell" and "Weapon" are supposed to be exact opposites, that all attacks fall into one category or the other, and that it's assumed that attacks that aren't specified (Melee attack) are considered weapon attacks.
[–] 6kNNRQ [S] ago
Welcome to my rabbit hole.