Pummeling is a rule introduced on MA111. It follows Defensive Grip and precedes Reversed Grip.
It allows a C-range crushing attack with any reach C or reach 1 weapon. Instead of using normal weapon skills, it uses DX or Brawling or Karate based skill roll.
It does not appear to allow attacks like this with longer weapons such as reach 2, however two exceptions should be noted:
- a reach 2 weapon used with a Reversed Grip functions as "reach 1 for all purposes", so RG should allow reach 2 (but not reach 3+) weapons to use a Pummel attack.
- Defensive Grip gives an option (swords only, of ANY kind) which reduces reach to C ("place a hand just behind the tip") which may also allow pummeling for swords of 2+ reach.
"Strike with the butt" is mentioned as a Reversed Grip option on MA112's 2nd paragraph. This is mentioned as being equal to Pummeling for weapons with an EFFECTIVE reach of C, implying this means after applying the -1 modifier for frontal attacks.
EFFECTIVE range of 1 (meaning reach 2 minus 1 frontal attacks) does not use the Pummeling rules (so no DX/Brawl/Karate) but instead does use the weapon skill.
This is the usual (FULL) damage for crushing weapons, or thrust MINUS one for non-crushing weapons.
Butt strikes do not get the +1 thrusting damage for Reversed Grip.
This is is similar to using a fist load for punches. It often involves hitting with the pommel of a weapon, but not necessarily.