So a friend and I were talking the other night about a catfolk barbarian he wants to play. The idea is to take the Cat's Claws alternate racial trait then go Lesser Beast Totem at second level and get four primary claw attacks. He says there's nothing in the rules that says he can't do it but it really REALLY makes me raise an eyebrow.
To review, here's the wording on Lesser Beast Totem: "Benefit: While raging, the barbarian gains two claw attacks. These attacks are considered primary attacks and are made at the barbarian’s full base attack bonus. The claws deal 1d6 points of slashing damage (1d4 if Small) plus the barbarian’s Strength modifier."
And here's Cats Claws: Some catfolk have stronger and more developed claws than other members of their race, and can use them to make attacks. catfolk with this racial trait have a pair of claws they can use as natural weapons. These claws are primary attacks that deal 1d4 points of damage. This racial trait replaces natural hunter.
Can't seem to find a specific rule that says you can't pull that one off but it just seems so... off.
1 Claw per hand (obviously)
For bipedal creatures, talons go on the feet, not claws.
He can have two claws.
I think the issue is that because the rules don't state that the barbarian's hands become claws, it could be argued that the barbarian actually gains two claw attacks in addition to his normal attacks. I don't agree, but I think that's where the player is coming from.
1 Claw per hand (obviously)
For bipedal creatures, talons go on the feet, not claws.
He can have two claws.
Unless you are an edilion :)
I have reason to believe that the catfolk barbarian isn't an eidolon ;) But yea, the eidolon breaks all sorts of universal monster rules.
See I figured it was one natural attack per appendage, I just can't find the rule where it specifically states that. Given, if it doesn't specifically state that it's an official house rule for ever.
I am also curious to see these claw blades.
Now if he had a couple levels in alchemist...
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Claw blades
Source: Advanced Race Guide
Statistics:
Cost: 305 gp Weight: 2 lbs.
Damage — (small), — (medium); Critical —; Range —; Type S; Special catfolk only, see description
Description:
These subtle blades can only be used by catfolk with the cat's claws racial trait. Bought in a set of five, they fit over the wearer's claws on one hand. The blades grant the wearer a +1 enhancement bonus on claw attack rolls with that hand and change the weapon type from a natural weapon to a light slashing weapon. Catfolk with the cat's claws racial trait are proficient with this weapon. The claw blades can be enhanced like a masterwork weapon for the normal costs. The listed cost of the item is for one set of five claws for one hand.
I'm fairly content with a dev saying so, especially one who has been responsible for a very large bestiary :)
What do the claw blades have to do with the 4 claw attacks though? Other than being claw related.
Well, I suppose. I was thinking at 2nd level though.
If you are wanting to deny it, here's the text you can use for leverage.
Natural Attacks: Attacks made with natural weapons, such as claws and bites, are melee attacks that can be made against any creature within your reach (usually 5 feet). These attacks are made using your full attack bonus and deal an amount of damage that depends on their type (plus your Strength modifier, as normal). You do not receive additional natural attacks for a high base attack bonus. Instead, you receive additional attack rolls for multiple limb and body parts capable of making the attack (as noted by the race or ability that grants the attacks). If you possess only one natural attack (such as a bite—two claw attacks do not qualify), you add 1–1/2 times your Strength bonus on damage rolls made with that attack.
Emphasis added. The new claw attacks granted by the Totem have a different damage profile from the default catfolk claws, so they are new attacks you can use- they are separate from your default claws (Totem is 1d6 vs. 1d4, according to your original post).
The ability does not grant you new limbs, though, and neither entry overrides this sentence. The player has to explain what new limbs or useable body part get which claw attack. Otherwise, you may have four potential attacks "available" to you, but only enough limbs for two. If the player has a cool explanation that you feel like allowing, great. (Maybe it involves levels in Monk.) If not, you don't need that to be a house rule.