Do Natural Weapons Have Proficiency? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of proficiency with natural weapons often arises in tabletop role-playing games, particularly when discussing races with innate physical attacks like claws, horns, or bites. The short, definitive answer is: yes, creatures are generally assumed to be proficient with their natural weapons. This means that when a creature makes a melee attack using its natural weaponry, it adds its proficiency bonus to the attack roll, assuming they are proficient in attacking. Unlike standard weapons that might require specific training or feats to achieve proficiency, natural weapons are considered an inherent part of the creature’s being and combat capability.

However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances surrounding natural weapons, as their mechanics aren’t always as straightforward as they initially appear. Let’s dive deeper into the subject and address some common questions to give you a better understanding.

Natural Weapons: The Basics

What Are Natural Weapons?

Natural weapons are defined as weapons that are physically a part of a creature. This includes claws, teeth, horns, tails used for striking, and other inherent appendages used for attack purposes. It’s vital to distinguish them from unarmed strikes, which are actions you do with an unarmed part of your body, not a physical weapon. Therefore, while an elbow strike is an unarmed strike, a bite from sharp teeth is a natural weapon.

Proficient by Default

Creatures are inherently assumed to be proficient with their natural weapons, and there aren’t any alternate proficiency rules that subset the application of natural weapon proficiency. There aren’t different proficiency levels of natural weapon use either. This built-in proficiency means a creature does not suffer the disadvantage on attack rolls that someone would when using weapons they’re not proficient in. This also means that a creature making a melee attack with a natural weapon is considered armed and, as such, does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

Are Natural Weapons Considered Weapons?

Yes, absolutely. Natural weapons are considered weapons as designated by the rules. They are distinct from unarmed strikes but share certain mechanical properties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Natural Weapons

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that further explain the intricacies of natural weapons, providing a clear understanding for players and Game Masters alike:

1. Do you add proficiency to natural weapons?

   • Yes, as a general rule, creatures are proficient with their natural weapons. They add their proficiency bonus to attack rolls when using these natural weapons, provided they are proficient in attacking.

2. Are natural weapons considered weapons?

   • Yes, things designated as weapons by the rules, including natural weapons, are indeed weapons. This contrasts with unarmed strikes, which are not categorized as weapons.

3. Are natural weapons unarmed?

   • Yes and no. Claws, horns, and other natural weapons are melee weapon attacks, and they also count as unarmed strikes. This makes them versatile because they can function as both. For example, they can work with both Divine Smite, as a melee weapon attack, and as the bonus attack for Martial Arts for the monk, due to being an unarmed strike.

4. Can you take weapon focus for natural weapons?

   • Yes, you are able to take Weapon Focus for a specific natural attack type (bite, claw, tail, etc.). When you take the feat, you get it for that kind of attack. The Bestiaries have several examples of creatures with Weapon Focus(natural attack).

5. Can natural weapons be finesse?

   • No, not by default. You would need to create two versions of the attack, one using Strength and the other using Dexterity. The character then needs to pick the correct version when attacking.

6. Do natural weapons count as simple or martial weapons?

   • Natural weapons are neither simple nor martial weapons. They are in their own category. The proficiencies gained through class, race, or feats for weapons is only applied to simple and martial weapons.

7. Why do humans have no natural weapons?

   • Humans didn’t evolve to rely on natural weapons. Instead, they became proficient through cooperation, communication, and the development of tools, using their opposable thumbs to create weapons.

8. Is everyone proficient in unarmed strikes?

   • Yes, everyone is proficient in unarmed strikes. This means that for the attack roll, you would add your proficiency bonus to a d20 roll plus your strength modifier.

9. Can you use natural weapons as a monk?

• A monk can not use natural weapons as part of a flurry of blows, nor can he make natural attacks in addition to his flurry of blows attacks. Although, some unchained monk variants may change this.

1. Can you sunder natural weapons?

   • No, you cannot sunder a natural weapon. This is because they’re considered an inherent part of the creature’s body.

2. Can you do two weapon fighting with natural weapons?

   • No, you can not do two-weapon fighting with natural weapons. Natural weapons are not light, and the rules for two-weapon fighting state that to do so, you need weapons that are light.

3. Are all weapons either simple or martial?

   • No, not all weapons are either simple or martial. That rule is specifically regarding what you can get proficiency in by your race, class or feats. Natural weapons are not considered either category.

4. Is weapon proficiency a skill?

   • A weapon proficiency is a skill that determines how well a character can handle certain types of weapons. Depending on the skill level, it may add penalties or bonuses to their attack and damage.

5. What happens if you don’t have proficiency in heavy armor?

   • If you wear armor that you lack proficiency with, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can’t cast spells.

6. Is 2d6 better than 1d12?

   • When using 2d6 you will end up with more consistent damage. With the 1d12, you have a higher chance of getting lower numbers, but also a higher chance of getting the max value. If you prefer reliable damage, go with 2d6. If you’re willing to risk lower numbers for a higher chance of high numbers, go with 1d12.

Conclusion

Understanding the rules surrounding natural weapons is essential for players and Game Masters to run a fair and exciting campaign. While the core concept of inherent proficiency is straightforward, the nuances and interactions with other game mechanics, like those listed in the FAQs, are essential for a full grasp of their functionality. By understanding that natural weapons are, indeed, weapons that can be used with inherent proficiency, you will have a much easier time managing creatures with natural weapons in your games. This deep dive into natural weapons should leave you well equipped to handle any claw, horn, or bite attack thrown your way, both in and out of combat.