Dragon Disciple Wanting to Specialize in Claw / Nat Attacks. Advice?

[Discomancer]

Basically what the title says: I'm theory-crafting a possible future character that will be a Small-template Aasimar with Divine Hunter Paladin 2/Sorcerer 3, followed by the PrC Dragon Disciple. And this guy wants to wreck people with his claws.

My issue, however, are the limited rounds I get with my claws power (3 + CHA mod). I figure that if I go Cross-blooded with Dragon/Abyssal, this could help a bit by effectively doubling my uses per day, but that's still only 14 rounds per day (with an assumed 18 in CHA).

Essentially, what would you suggest to either give me more uses of claws per day or make such effects permanent? I have thought of just grabbing IUS to use when I am not clawing eyes out (since I'll have an AoMF anyhow), but maybe you've all seen something I haven't.

Also: in before recommendation of WF/Agile. I'm planning on using those bonuses to STR (mainly for the hilarity of being a super built small dude).

[Marthian]

a 2 level dip in ranger may help. Specifically, the Natural Weapons Combat Style.

You pick the Aspect of the Beast feat (Claws of the Beast) and you get constant claws. They are no d6 (they do d4), but you always have them. Can be boosted by Improved Natural Attack as far as I know as well.

Rending Claws is nice as well (1d6 extra damage on a second claw attack that hits)

[Psion-Psycho]

http://paizo.com/forums/dmtz4r2r&page=1?The-Dragon-Style-Vivisectionist -Beastmorph-Feral

is a different aproach of being able to do some serious dpr with claws. Sadly i cant help u out on the whole DD bit since i only use the class to help me up my str a tad or give me more nat aromor.

[blackbloodtroll]

Scion of Humanity Aasimar, then take Racial Heritage(Catfolk), and then the Catfolk Exemplar to gain Claws, and qualify for the Aspect of the Beast feat.

Claws all the time, and you can use Claw Blades.

No dips needed.

[Bbeau22]

I would think perhaps have a beastshape spell learned and use it as a back-up once you run out of your own claws.

You could always work with the DM and create a feat that doubles the duration of the claws. A good way to do it might be to have instead of a skill point or hit point you can take one extra round of claw attacks.

[blackbloodtroll]

Sorry, Small sized Scion of Humanity Angel-Blooded Aasimar.

Racial Heritage(Catfolk), Catfolk Exemplar, Aspect of the Beast.

If you don't want to use Claw Blades, then grab the Eldritch Claws feat.

[Cheapy]

It's important to remember that claws are for your hands only, so unless you get extra hands, you'll be stuck at 2 claws.

[blackbloodtroll]

Claw Blades will allow you to attack with them like two weapons.

Still do claw damage, and count as claws for feats like Weapon Focus and Improved Natural Attack.

Also, you can make them of special materials.

[Discomancer]

I like the idea of the Ranger, but, unfortunately, I can't really take the 2 level dip hit. I'll probably go with BBT's advice on the Racial Heritage/Cat Exemplar combo. Many thanks, guys!

EDIT: And two claws are fine by me, but thanks for the note, Cheapy. I'm not looking to optimize too much as the campaign that this character may join is not one that needs such things (more of a fun, make-something-interesting campaign).

[blackbloodtroll]

Much later, you can nab a Rending Claw Blades, and qualify for the Rending Fury feat.

[ubiquitous]

Out of curiousity, why are you taking Divine Hunter if you're wanting to wreck with claws?

[Hawktitan]

I wouldn't go crossblooded. The loss of spells really hurt. Go with the Eldritch Hertitage feat chain, get claws and strength bonouses.

I also think Arcane Strike is better then Eldritch Claws. Your attacks are considered magic and you get additional damage.

[Discomancer]

@BBT: With all this claw action, I just might take the small template and just go Catfolk (considering I'm quickly running out of feats!).

@ubiquitous: Mainly to get something out of the Heavy Armor Prof I won't be using. Though I have considered switch-hitting with a sword-and-board tactic by utilizing the Sacred Shield archetype.

@Hawktitan: I'm not too worried about not having enough spells known. Arcane Strike isn't bad idea, though, and with two claws that could add up quickly. Do you know if the enchancement from Arcane Strike stacks with magical enhancements already on weapons?

[Gignere]

Discomancer wrote:

@BBT: With all this claw action, I just might take the small template and just go Catfolk (considering I'm quickly running out of feats!).

@ubiquitous: Mainly to get something out of the Heavy Armor Prof I won't be using. Though I have considered switch-hitting with a sword-and-board tactic by utilizing the Sacred Shield archetype.

@Hawktitan: I'm not too worried about not having enough spells known. Arcane Strike isn't bad idea, though, and with two claws that could add up quickly. Do you know if the enchancement from Arcane Strike stacks with magical enhancements already on weapons?

Arcane strike and enhancement bonuses to weapons stack.

[Discomancer]

Gignere wrote:

Arcane strike and enhancement bonuses to weapons stack.

Awesome. Many thanks!

[blackbloodtroll]

You really only need the Racial Heritage and Catfolk Exemplar for claws.

Scion of Humanity Angel-Blooded Aasimar will give you +2 Strength, and +2 Charisma, and the Alter Self ability.

The combo will allow you to count as Human, Aasimar, and Catfolk, for meeting the prerequisites for feats, class archetypes, as well as spells and effects.

You can do this all small, without changing stats.

[Tom S 820]

Hawktitan wrote:

I wouldn't go crossblooded. The loss of spells really hurt. Go with the Eldritch Hertitage feat chain, get claws and strength bonouses.

I also think Arcane Strike is better then Eldritch Claws. Your attacks are considered magic and you get additional damage.

+1 on this idea

[Tandriniel]

I am playing a DD crossblodded orc/draconic. I am using the polymorph spells to ensure I have enough attack rounds with claws and the likes.

At level 10 I am using Monstrous Physique II, with the many-armed Gargoyle. Roleplaywise I am telling it like I am a half-dragon, but I use the game stats of the gargoyle (a set of arms attacking are "wings", the gore attack is "tail", etc.

I have levels in Sorcerer, and four levels of DD. I have Robes of Arcane Heritage.

My strength is 35 fully buffed, and with Blood Rage I can hit 45 STR If damaged.

Hasted I have 7 attacks in a round, all primary (hasted).

Strong Jaw is a must, of course ;-).

I am building a number of feats towards the spell Dragon's Breath, with spell perfection at lvl 15 I will be able to quickcast an intensified selective empowered breath every round, well until I run out, at least. I have ekstra traits, wayang spell hunter, magical lineage, etc, all towards Dragon's Breath.

And I have Hero Lab to keep track :-)...

He is in no way invincible nor a real melee (I am pretty sure the party barbarians can beat him) but for roleplaying purposes he is great!

[AndIMustMask]

Tandriniel wrote:

I am playing a DD crossblodded orc/draconic. I am using the polymorph spells to ensure I have enough attack rounds with claws and the likes.

At level 10 I am using Monstrous Physique II, with the many-armed Gargoyle. Roleplaywise I am telling it like I am a half-dragon, but I use the game stats of the gargoyle (a set of arms attacking are "wings", the gore attack is "tail", etc.

I have levels in Sorcerer, and four levels of DD. I have Robes of Arcane Heritage.

My strength is 35 fully buffed, and with Blood Rage I can hit 45 STR If damaged.

Hasted I have 7 attacks in a round, all primary (hasted).

Strong Jaw is a must, of course ;-).

I am building a number of feats towards the spell Dragon's Breath, with spell perfection at lvl 15 I will be able to quickcast an intensified selective empowered breath every round, well until I run out, at least. I have ekstra traits, wayang spell hunter, magical lineage, etc, all towards Dragon's Breath.

And I have Hero Lab to keep track :-)...

He is in no way invincible nor a real melee (I am pretty sure the party barbarians can beat him) but for roleplaying purposes he is great!

sounds neat with caustic bite (if youve got an acid breath weapon)

[Tandriniel]

Noxious bite, yes I have it :-)