Plotting a bit for character of a homebrew centaur race (no large size, +2 con, +2 cha, -2 int, so nothing crazy) and I was hoping to focus on using the hooves as her main form of attack. The hooves in question being primary weapons 'cause we figured why not.
But well, as you've guessed, this doesn't really seem terribly viable as I'd rather focus solely on the hooves and not turn myself into eldritch horror McGee with every form of natural attack under the sun. Probably doesn't help that I want some magic for diversity's sake (Played a fighter once, non-caster isn't really for me) and am so far looking mostly at warpriest, ranger or druid... preferably without the wildshaping stuff.
I'm not entirely opposed to picking up a flamberge, but I figured I'd give the advice forum a try before giving up completely on just kicking people around.
As the only natural attack the hooves will be a primary natural attack even by the basic rules. At low levels they're an adequate weapon just as is, but later on a couple of 1d4 attacks with no iterative attacks will be a bit inadequate.
A druid can enhance natural weapons better than a warpriest or a ranger (a hunter could also work). A nature fang druid loses wildshaping for slayer talents (effectively bonus feats for you). You might find the feral combat training feat and some style feat chain useful. It might feel appropriate to aim for the overrun combat maneuver as a centaur.
If there's another PC who might ride you, a centaur makes a scary combat mount. As a medium size centaur that'd work best with a small PC.
If you want a detailed build you better give your ability scores or the point buy, and the character level range over which it needs to be effective.
Elritch Claws lets your natural attacks count as magic and silver for overcoming DR.
Feral Combat Training lets you use Improved Unarmed Strike feats with a natural weapon. Like Stunning Fist and such. You do need the feat Improved Unarmed Strike to qualify, as well as Weapon Focus.
Warpriest is a fairly decent choice, I think. Take Weapon Focus Hoof and you'll do Sacred Weapon Damage with your hoofs. Plus you get bonus feats where you count your level as your BAB and as fighter levels to qualify for those feats. Not to mention having access to 6th level cleric spells, some of which are pretty strong, I'm told.
Honestly level range 1-20 as I'm rather unsure when she'd see use. Most likely in oneshots or side-missions as I already have two primary characters for our big upcoming campaign (not both at once, we're doing a bit of a guild thing where we assemble a party for various missions).
As I'd like her useful for oneshots I can't swear by a specific point buy, but we usually go pretty high, so I reckon I'd be able to get whatever scores I'd be needing, likely with a strength focus. Not exactly looking for a full build on here, just tips on feats or feat lines to keep the hooves relevant if possible.
My only real issue with warpriest is that with two hooves I'd be chewing through the sacred weapon rounds very quickly. Other than that I reckon it'd be quite fun to try for once.
The hooves are counted as a single weapon when it comes to effects, same as claws and wings. So you'd only use one Sacred Weapon use per round. Plus that's an extra enhancement that has no effect on the base Sacred Weapon damage. A level 10 Warpriest's Sacred Weapon is 1d10 even after using up the enhancement ability.
If your ability scores are really high there's a warpriest archetype which gets smite using Cha (divine champion). Since you're going to want Wis & all physical stats too don't worry about this otherwise. Some warpriest/cleric buff spells target weapons specifically, they won't work for you the way magic fang (+greater) would so make sure you have a decent amulet of mighty fists.
From level 3-5 you can have a style started (L1: weapon focus (hooves), improved unarmed strike, L3: feral combat training, and if you're not a divine champion you have a bonus feat then). Dragon style, boar style or panther style (& later in each feat line too) can add damage one way or another. Rending with hooves seems amusing. At some point you're going to want power attack as well of course.
Heather, could you direct me to a source for both hooves counting as one weapon for sacred weapon duration? My DM is not entirely opposed to it, but doesn't think the RAW supports it, and I have to say it seems a bit too when double weapons and TWF seems to eat through double rounds.
Avr, thank you for directing me towards style feats, might just pick up something of what you mentioned, maybe even cramming marid style in there later on... and I realized I'll need to make a character that utilizes dragonfly style at some point. Another character to the ever growing pile!