So, I've been looking in the bestiary at various animals. Lions, tigers, moose, etc etc. And maybe I'm overlooking it, but is there anywhere that says they can't wield weapons? I'm not talking about apes with obvious hands, I'm talking quadrupeds, or creatures with wings like birds and bats. Is there anywhere that explicitly states a lion can't wield a sword? I know they aren't proficient with it, but can they wield it anyway?
If so, Golarion just became insane.
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Common sense says that a normal lion can not wield a normal sword. You have to use common sense when reading the rules - its simply impossible to include every single little thing in the rules.
Though it should be possible to make certain weapons for animals. I know that in some rooster fights, a razor blade can be attached to its leg to inflict greater injuries on its opponent.
But, you can't find anything that says a lion's pride -can't- use muskets and blunderbusses and cause your party to literally cry at the table?
But, you can't find anything that says a lion's pride -can't- use muskets and blunderbusses and cause your party to literally cry at the table?
No, noting specifically says that. You won't find it because its common sense that they can't use them, because its simply impossible for the rules to cover every situation.
The only thing you will find in the rules is tat animals are proficient with their natural weapons only. However, you don't need proficiency to use a weapon. You just take a -4 penalty with non-proficient weapons.
Proficient with its natural weapons only. A noncombative herbivore treats its natural weapons as secondary attacks. Such attacks are made with a –5 penalty on the creature's attack rolls, and the animal receives only 1/2 its Strength modifier as a damage adjustment.
And maybe I'm overlooking it, but is there anywhere that says they can't wield weapons?
Most animals don't have hands to wield a normal weapon. However, I see no reason an animal couldn't use armor spikes as a weapon.
And maybe I'm overlooking it, but is there anywhere that says they can't wield weapons?Most animals don't have hands to wield a normal weapon. However, I see no reason an animal couldn't use armor spikes as a weapon.
Lack of proficiency would be a hindrance.
I believe the devs have spoken to this on several occasions mainly in threads involving intelligent animals or raising animal intelligence. Animals will always prefer their natural weapons to manufactured ones even if capable of weilding them. Plus most animals simply aren't capable because of a lack of proper anatomy.
Thus even an intelligent ape that could wield a sword will instead opt for its slam attack. In the case of lions and such there in no chance for weapon usage under normal circumstances.
Lack of proficiency would be a hindrance.And maybe I'm overlooking it, but is there anywhere that says they can't wield weapons?Most animals don't have hands to wield a normal weapon. However, I see no reason an animal couldn't use armor spikes as a weapon.
It's a -4, that's all. And if it'd an animal companion, it could always spend a feat on learning how to use it.
A good place to look for what can be used is the Intelligent Animals section of animal archive. It gives examples of animals using weapons. (large mammals using spiked armor, avians using bombs, primates using guns, crossbows and two handed swords, ect)