What's the point of knocking out people to prevent them from dying?

sersafir

You'll get exp only from kills, the one time it seems to be useful is when you need to protect your reputation when the soldiers in baldurs gate begin fighting you.

alceryes

You can knock them out and break into that chest/desk/drawer without them reporting the thieving to the Fists. Though they (and others) will still aggro on you for knocking them out and, depending on where you are, you have the real potential of starting a full bar brawl.

jackjack

The sap from (I think) the Rogue Rebalancing mod makes this activity much easier. Cheap purchase, to boot.

Permidion_Stark

I usually play as a paladin but I hate the Flaming Fist so I really enjoy it when they come after me and I can put down my weapons and punch then unconscious on the streets of Baldur's Gate.

There's no tangible reward but it makes me happy.

"Who's the law now, you Flaming Fister!"