So, a Cleric with Animal Domain and his Companion. I just want to clarify:
1. How many Skill Ranks does the Companion get per level? Is it tied to the Cleric's number?
2. Assume it is a leopard. When Hasted, does it get two bites (and two trip attempts if they hit) and four claw attacks? I would think so as they are all a one round natural attack.
3. Weapon Finesse. Does the bonus from Dex apply to both the bite/trip and claw attacks? Or must you choose one of them when the animal takes the Feat?
Thanks for your input.
1)Animal companions have a specific number of skill ranks as shown on the table in the Druid class description. (As a cleric with the animal domain, your effective druid level is 3 less then your cleric level).
2)Haste will only ever give 1 additional attack. A hasted leopard would then have 2 bite attacks and 2 claw attacks, or 1 bite attack and 3 claw attacks.
3)You don't have to pick a specific weapon/attack with weapon finesse.
1) The chart here has a column listing total skill ranks.
2) No, Haste gives a single attack. Two bites and two class or one bite and two claws. I'd recommend the two bites.
3) Weapon Finesse does not require that you choose a specific weapon--it works simultaneously on all "Finesseable" weapons. If you came from World of Darkness, this is a very common confusion, as the Fighting Finesse merit there does require that you choose one.
1 Skill point per hit die. Wow, that gets pretty sick at higher levels.
Thanks for the advice everyone. Can we all agree that Leopard/Cheetah is probably the best pick for your Companion?
I'm not sure how you see 1 skill point per hit die as being sick. I mean, its pretty bad, overall.
And the there are different 'best' companions based on what you'd like your companion to do, and how you'd like them to do it.
Thanks for the advice everyone. Can we all agree that Leopard/Cheetah is probably the best pick for your Companion?
I don't think so. I think the big cat is better, as it gets pounce, grab, and rake. Actually, dozens of choices are better. Also, where are you getting this "trip" thing from the Leopard/Cheetah? I'm not seeing that on the list I linked to.
Also, where are you getting this "trip" thing from the Leopard/Cheetah? I'm not seeing that on the list I linked to.
No, its there. Under Cat, Small (Cheetah/Leopard), linked to its bite attack. Though it is missing from the 4th level advancement of the small cat.
(The official Pathfinder SRD also has it, and has it under the 4th level advancement too.)
One more question. Does Weapon Finesse allow you to apply your Dex bonus to your CMB? It would seem not to in the description, but maybe I'm wrong.
Would be nice for a small cat using trip attack......
One more question. Does Weapon Finesse allow you to apply your Dex bonus to your CMB? It would seem not to in the description, but maybe I'm wrong.
Would be nice for a small cat using trip attack......
Tiny or smaller creatures already use their Dexterity in place of Strength. For everyone else, I am going to say that Weapon Finesse does work.
When you attempt to perform a combat maneuver, make an attack roll and add your CMB in place of your normal attack bonus. Add any bonuses you currently have on attack rolls due to spells, feats, and other effects. These bonuses must be applicable to the weapon or attack used to perform the maneuver. The DC of this maneuver is your target's Combat Maneuver Defense. Combat maneuvers are attack rolls, so you must roll for concealment and take any other penalties that would normally apply to an attack roll.
You make an attack roll to use a combat maneuver. Weapon Finesse lets you use your Dexterity instead of Strength on attack rolls.
One more question. Does Weapon Finesse allow you to apply your Dex bonus to your CMB? It would seem not to in the description, but maybe I'm wrong.
Would be nice for a small cat using trip attack......
According to James Jacobs, if you make a combat maneuver using the weapon, then yes, you can apply Dex for it.
There's an updated one somewhere... but I can't find it.