While I'm here posting...
I make a catfolk barbarian, take Cat's Claws as an alternate racial trait. If I take the Beast Totem (I think it's Lesser...) that grants d4 claws when raging, how would you work that? Seems kinda pointless to get decreased damage while raging...
Well, this is kind of moot. Since catfolk aren't small sized, the claws use d6 for damage. It says so in the rage power's description
This does bring up a question though. Should it be interpreted as just plain d6, or that it has two effects: 1.)it gives you claws and 2.) it improves the size of your claws. One could argue for this interpretation since the rage power gives you a claw size that is normally for large creatures. Would it be fair to allow them to 'stack' with preexisting claws (making your usual 1d6 catfolk exemplar claws into 1d8). Because otherwise it would just end up being a feat tax for the beast totem powers.
My point exactly. As per usual, this is easily a 'ask your GM' thing, but I would like more feedback on it. I fully agree, and if I'm the GM, I'd do the 'upstep'.
Taken at purest RAW value, you would get 1d6 claws.....which would replace your 1d6 claws.
The reason it is "ask your GM" is because the 'upstep' is a particular interpretation of the rules that your GM may or may not allow. I mean, even if lesser beast totem was simply a feat tax, you would still probably take it simply because it was the first power in the tree of one of the most valuable rage powers. Some would ask why they should change the rules just so it is even more powerful (especially since you would be an improved nautral attack or enlarge person away from doing 2d6 damage starting from level 2. That would akin to two great sword blows)
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Some points for consideration:
Beast Totem, Lesser(Su)
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.
Nowhere in the description does it state where you grow your claws. Many beasts in the real world and the Bestiary have claws on limbs other than their forelimbs. It does not restrict you growing claws on your feet, for instance. This is further supported by how Eidolons are structured in purchasing limbs/claws as separate features and not being restricted to merely claws on purchases of Limbs(Arms). Even turtles have claws on their hind legs.
Since conventional thinking assumes claws are going on your hands your mileage may vary at any given table. Also, remember that your claw attacks are natural weapons and follow all the advantages and penalties of natural weapons. This would include -5 to attack rolls and 1/2 Str on damage if you use them in conjunction with a manufactured weapon.
However, you could go Claw/Claw/Claw/Claw for full damage bonus and full BAB which, at low levels, is pretty amazing.
Some points for consideration:
Beast Totem, Lesser(Su)
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.
Nowhere in the description does it state where you grow your claws. Many beasts in the real world and the Bestiary have claws on limbs other than their forelimbs. It does not restrict you growing claws on your feet, for instance. This is further supported by how Eidolons are structured in purchasing limbs/claws as separate features and not being restricted to merely claws on purchases of Limbs(Arms). Even turtles have claws on their hind legs.
Since conventional thinking assumes claws are going on your hands your mileage may vary at any given table. Also, remember that your claw attacks are natural weapons and follow all the advantages and penalties of natural weapons. This would include -5 to attack rolls and 1/2 Str on damage if you use them in conjunction with a manufactured weapon.
However, you could go Claw/Claw/Claw/Claw for full damage bonus and full BAB which, at low levels, is pretty amazing.
Yes, eidolons can get claws on their feat, but I would rather not get into this argument since it is the same one that always comes up. And it is always barbarian catfolk for some strange reason. Really, just look up catfolk barbarian in a search in this area of the forum and you will see the arguments against it in a dozen different threads. It generally boils down to the idea that for bipeds, the developers wanted talons on the feet (or a rake attack, but that takes a bit more interpretation I think, plus far less relevant usually). This is generally meant to show how awkward it would would be to attack with your feet for most PC's.