One of my players wanted to create an eidolon using an huge hammer.
So he asked me if he can take the slam attack to simulate the hammer using the normal rules for the natural attacks (and taking the improved attack evolution too to maximize the damage). I thinked that was better the use of the weapon evolutiuon. But eventually i begin to find the idea interesting, expecially because in this way he can summon the ediolon with the hammmer wqitout equipping him (and without using house rules).
what did you think of this? Can a summoner visualize the form of the eidolon in this way simulating the hammer with the slam attack?
Well, I know that there are various types of golems that can, for flavor, look like a person wielding a sword/spear/ whatever, but their attacks still count as slam attacks. This likely comes from the fact that they are not actually wielding weapons, but instead just extensions of their stony/clay forms.
Another option would come in the form of giving it a hammer hand type deal (as in they lack a hard, and instead have a large piece of metal or stone tied to their arm in its place).
Just rememeber: if they only have one natural attack, it gets 1.5 strength and power attack damage, and a level 10 eidolon can get an iterative attack through the multiattack ability if they have a single natural attack. Not that either of these are particularly problematic, it just helps close the gaps with those dozen hand monsters you usually see.
Also, for enhancements, they might want to look into the bodywrap of mighty strikes. This item costs less than AoMF (it only costs 1.5 times normal price of a similarly enhanced weapon), and it takes up a less important item slot. Just be aware that it only enhances the attacks a number of times per round equal to your iterative attack sequence (once at BAB 0-4, twice for 5-9, etc). Not a problem for this build I think there is also an amulet that makes all attacks with hands count as cold iron while giving frost property. Frost Fist Amulet or something. Just some nice little suggestions.
That's a neat idea... getting a lot of inspiration for eidolons with weaponized limbs!
Another thing to consider: the giant mantis primarily attacks with its 'claw' attacks. So claws do not necessarily have to look like the typical mammalian/reptilian manner. 'Claw' is more of a game term to describe type of appendage with a certain style of attack.
So maybe an eidolon with a stony, statue like appearance that has a dozen arms each baring 'sickles'.
Yes ^^. So he can imagine the eidolon like a giant with a huge warhammer, but hte warhammer is phisically linked(fused?) with his hand giving him a natural attack.