Can PCs qualify for, and take, "Monster" feats?
Yes, but the GM is perfectly entitled to disallow them, and many GMs do. Most monster feats don't benefit PCs very much, tough.
The ones I'm specifically looking at are Improved Natural Attack and Flyby Attack.
I know I can take INA through ranger combat style, but I wasn't sure about FA.
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Monster Feats
Most of the following feats apply specifically to monsters,
although some player characters might qualify for them
(particularly Craft Construct).
Basically, some of the feats will never be available to PCs, because they require things that most PCs will never have, like three hands, or being permanently Huge size.
Otherwise, they are free to take them.
Some DMs will houserule otherwise though.
Flyby Attack has a prerequisite of "fly speed". Normally, if you "lose" a prerequisite for a feat, you don't lose the feat, you just lose its benefit (which in the case of a fly speed wouldn't matter anyways if you can't fly).
The question becomes whether having a wizard who can cast Fly on you counts as meeting the prerequisite. I'd rule that it does if you have reliable access to flying, but you should probably check with the GM.
I probably should've been more clear, I'm a Sorceror, whose draconic bloodline gives him wings.
That should definitely qualify, right?
Flyby Attack has a prerequisite of "fly speed". Normally, if you "lose" a prerequisite for a feat, you don't lose the feat, you just lose its benefit (which in the case of a fly speed wouldn't matter anyways if you can't fly).
The question becomes whether having a wizard who can cast Fly on you counts as meeting the prerequisite. I'd rule that it does if you have reliable access to flying, but you should probably check with the GM.I probably should've been more clear, I'm a Sorceror, whose draconic bloodline gives him wings.
That should definitely qualify, right?
Does your character have a Fly Speed? Then yes you qualify.
I probably should've been more clear, I'm a Sorceror, whose draconic bloodline gives him wings.
That should definitely qualify, right?
Well, it's still a GM's discretion about whether or not to allow access to monster feats, but it's certainly unquestionable that you have a fly speed.
Monster feats aren't permitted in PFS organized play, and I feel that this has caused a rumor that PCs aren't allowed to take them or DMs "should" exercise special discretion regarding them.
While it is true that it is "up to the DM" whether you can take a monster feat that's also true of Weapon Focus or Power Attack. Barring PFS rules of DM intervention, monster feats are expressly allowed for animal companions and Rangers with the Natural Weapon combat style and should be available to any PC who qualifies for them. I don't see any reason why there should be a prejudice against these feats.
That said, INA probably isn't that great for a Sorcerer's 1d4 claws. Arcane Strike might be better unless you have a lot of plans for your swift actions.
Monster feats aren't permitted in PFS organized play, and I feel that this has caused a rumor that PCs aren't allowed to take them or DMs "should" exercise special discretion regarding them.
While it is true that it is "up to the DM" whether you can take a monster feat that's also true of Weapon Focus or Power Attack. Barring PFS rules of DM intervention, monster feats are expressly allowed for animal companions and Rangers with the Natural Weapon combat style and should be available to any PC who qualifies for them. I don't see any reason why there should be a prejudice against these feats.
That said, INA probably isn't that great for a Sorcerer's 1d4 claws. Arcane Strike might be better unless you have a lot of plans for your swift actions.
1. I'm a gnome, so they're 1d3.
2. I'm taking two levels of ranger, for permanent claws from Aspect of the Beast.3. Arcane strike is also a choice, but it's not a monster, that's why I didn't mention it.
I know this plan (Ranger 1, arcane strike-5th; Ranger 2, aspect of the beast-6th; Dragon Disciple 1, improved natural attack-7th) isn't optimal, but I'm not an optimizer.
My gnome character hates undead (now) and would love the bonus from favored enemy, and the claws-all-the-time is 50% flavor, 50% "what would happen if....".
Ok, I get it. I sometimes play wacky suboptimal PCs myself. It can lead to great satisfaction when your weirdo build comes together and really starts to shine.
Ok, I get it. I sometimes play wacky suboptimal PCs myself. It can lead to great satisfaction when your weirdo build comes together and really starts to shine.
I see great things for Abresh, the Gnome Sorceror.
His strength is only 9 now, but one day, with ability increases, "dragon's strength", and dragon disciple bonuses, he WILL show off his true potential.
bigrig107 - I had a Str7 gnome Alchemist who used to drub giants in melee using Weapon Finesse and a holy amulet of giant bane. Gnomes are tough little guys and lots of fun. Good luck!
kortzen - It looks like your post got deleted, but I'll say, "Yes"
bigrig107 - I had a Str7 gnome Alchemist who used to drub giants in melee using Weapon Finesse and a holy amulet of giant bane. Gnomes are tough little guys and lots of fun. Good luck!
kortzen - It looks like your post got deleted, but I'll say, "Yes"
Thanks! We're in an expanded Godsmouth Ossuary, and I used a wand of command undead to capture a bloody skeleton for protection. Should be fun!
Don't look at me, I didn't delete it.