I settled on a Construct Eidolon for a game. In short, the GM isn't allowing me to veer away from the suggested attack damage types and for the construct, it's sadly just bludgeoning. I at least want two different damage types, you know?
He feels like it's an intentional balance decision with the construct's inherent customizability, so he just doesn't want to break away from that mold right now. He does admit his it's his first time GMing for a Summoner so I can see why he's particularly cautious. It's also our first time in a game together (friend of a friend) so I'm minimizing crazy requests. Just going through all the other rule 0 housekeeping, it does seem like a huge RAW type of guy for and I want to respect that.
All that considered, are there any other appropriate approaches I could try to convince him to change his mind? I tried using the rules but it hysterically backfired because it puts the onus on the GM for this exact situation.
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No, they should just be suggestions.
All that considered, are there any other appropriate approaches I could try to convince him to change his mind? I tried using the rules but it hysterically backfired because it puts the onus on the GM for this exact situation.
First, quote the right rules.
Your eidolon starts with two unarmed attacks. Each eidolon entry suggests some forms the eidolon's attacks might take, but since eidolons can have a variety of body shapes, you decide the specific form of the unarmed attacks (claw, jaws, horn, fist, and so on) when you choose your eidolon. Some eidolons' unarmed attacks might look like swords, clubs, or other weapons, even though they are extensions of the eidolon's form. Your choice of unarmed attack determines its damage type— bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing, as appropriate. Some of the suggested attacks list a typical damage type in parentheses, but you can work with your GM to choose a damage type that is right for your eidolon.
Second, you are correct that you will need to work with your GM to determine the damage type. So unless it is a hill you want to die on, it will take some negotiation.
No, there really isn't any balance reason for one type over the other two for physical damage types. I have heard that Bludgeoning is just slightly ahead of the other two because of the spread of creatures not being resistant to it as much - or something like that. But they are pretty interchangeable for the most part.
I don't think he limited the form of attacks I could pick, fists in the construct's case. Or at least, god, I hope not. I'm pretty sure it was just the damage type, so I think that's a good angle for me to take. Thanks for pointing out that line.
I think this is only a construct eidolon problem, oddly enough. I'm pretty sure all the others have multiple suggested attacks.
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I can increment that the part about "you can work with your GM to choose a damage type that is right for your eidolon" is more about a discussion of the image you have of your own eidolon to help the GM understand it better.
For example, if your Eidolon is some kind of anime Unbreakable Machine-Doll based blunt like attacks similar to punches and kicks you have to explain it to your GM to allow it to understand how it works but if you want it have a secondary attack from blade sharpened like claws that do slash damage you need to talk to your GM that your eidolon have such secondary attack.
This way your GM will have an image of how your eidolon is and how its works and will know that if you want to change its damage type you will probably need some downtime doing modifications.
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I just wanted to say thanks and update that it ended up working out. Re-emphasizing this line really did help and made it go over smoothly with my GM.
Each eidolon entry suggests some forms the eidolon's attacks might take, but since eidolons can have a variety of body shapes, you decide the specific form of the unarmed attacks (claw, jaws, horn, fist, and so on) when you choose your eidolon.
I just had to further establish and lock-in the image of my eidolon. Then, I reassured him that he didn't really have to handwave or homebrew any rules in the process.
Cool. Glad to help, and glad that everyone at your table is happy with the results.