Decoding the Claws and Fangs: Understanding the Rules for Natural Weapons

Understanding the intricacies of natural weapons in tabletop role-playing games like Pathfinder and Dungeons & Dragons can be tricky. So, what are the rules for natural weapons? Simply put, they are melee weapons that are a natural, integral part of a creature’s body. Think claws, fangs, horns, pincers, stingers, and tentacles. These aren’t manufactured items; they are biologically inherent to the creature using them. They generally function as weapons but interact with game rules differently than manufactured weapons and even unarmed strikes. It’s important to clarify that while they are considered weapons, they sometimes operate as unarmed strikes simultaneously, which can lead to some fascinating but sometimes confusing mechanics. The following sections will explore their functions and address common misunderstandings.

The Dual Nature of Natural Weapons: Weapon and Unarmed Strike

One of the primary sources of confusion regarding natural weapons is their dual nature. While they function as weapons, they often share characteristics with unarmed strikes.

Natural Weapons as Weapons

• Attack Rolls: Natural weapons are used to make melee weapon attacks, using the creature’s Strength modifier, unless a specific rule overrides this.
• Weapon Proficiency: Usually, creatures are considered proficient with their natural weapons, so no proficiency penalties are incurred.
• Magic and Enhancement: Natural weapons are subject to enhancement by spells and magic items, just like manufactured weapons. They can benefit from spells like Magic Weapon, which grants a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
• Damage: They deal a specific type and amount of damage, as determined by the creature’s description or racial abilities.
• Not Simple Weapons: The general rule is that natural weapons are not simple weapons, though there can be racial exceptions that specifically state that they are (e.g., the Dhampir’s bite).

Natural Weapons as Unarmed Strikes

• Unarmed Strike Mechanics: Because they are an extension of the creature’s body, many rules treat natural weapons as unarmed strikes in certain situations.
• Monk Abilities: They can often be used with monk abilities like Martial Arts, allowing for a bonus attack using an unarmed strike.
• Divine Smite: Divine Smite and similar features that activate with weapon attacks can be used with natural weapons.
• Interactions: This means they often interact with rules that enhance or interact with unarmed strikes, despite being classified as weapons.

Exceptions and Specific Rules

It’s crucial to note that specific rules always override general rules. This means that some races or abilities might have unique characteristics that affect the use and interaction of their natural weapons. For instance, a race may state that its bite attack is a simple weapon, even though most natural weapons are not.

Interactions with Feats and Combat Styles

How natural weapons interact with feats and combat styles is another key area of concern.

Two-Weapon Fighting (TWF)

• Not Compatible: Generally, the Two-Weapon Fighting rules and feats don’t apply to natural weapons. You can’t use them as if they were a light off-hand weapon. Instead, you use them at full Base Attack Bonus (BAB).
• Limited Attacks: Typically, a creature can make one attack with each natural weapon it possesses per action, at full BAB. They cannot add normal weapon attacks to these natural weapon attacks.
• No Additional Attacks: The intent is that the creature’s claws or fangs do not grant additional attacks beyond those normally available with their natural abilities.

Weapon Finesse

• Applicable: Weapon Finesse works with natural weapons, allowing them to use Dexterity for attack rolls if it’s higher than their Strength. This is an important distinction since some sources might conflate this with normal weapon usage.

Stacking

• No Stacking: Natural weapons from different sources generally don’t stack. You can’t gain multiple claw attacks from a bloodline, for instance, on top of the claw attacks granted by a class feature like a beast totem.

FAQ: Natural Weapons in Detail

To further clarify the specifics of natural weapons, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Are natural weapons considered weapons? Yes, they are indeed considered weapons as defined by the rules. This is key in determining how they interact with various abilities.

2. Are natural weapons considered unarmed strikes? Yes, they also often count as unarmed strikes simultaneously, allowing for synergistic interactions with features that require those.

3. Do natural weapons count as simple weapons? Generally, no, they are not considered simple weapons. However, specific racial or class rules might override this general rule (e.g., the Dhampir’s bite).

4. Can you use a natural weapon as a monk weapon? Typically no, but there can be exceptions based on specific class or race abilities that explicitly say it can.

5. Can you use natural weapons for Two-Weapon Fighting? No, the rules for Two-Weapon Fighting generally do not apply to natural weapons. They do not function like a light off-hand weapon.

6. Does a bite attack count as an unarmed strike? In most contexts, yes. A bite is usually a natural weapon that also functions as an unarmed strike.

7. What is the difference between unarmed strike and natural weapons? Unarmed strikes are the basic attacks a character makes without a weapon, using a fist, foot, elbow, etc. Natural weapons are biological weapons integral to a creature’s body, such as claws, bites, horns, that are also counted as melee weapons.

8. Can you use magic weapon on natural weapons? Absolutely. Spells like Magic Weapon can be applied to natural weapons, adding a bonus to hit and damage.

9. What races commonly have natural weapons? Races like Aarakocra, Centaurs, Dhampirs, Leonins, Lizardfolk, Minotaurs, Satyrs, Simic Hybrids, Tabaxis, and Tortles frequently have natural weapons.

10. Can an unarmed strike do zero damage? Yes, without any modifiers it is possible to do zero damage, this is often the case with many monsters that have natural weapon attack damage types that are not effective against certain target’s resistances.

11. Can you use an unarmed strike while holding a weapon? Yes, unarmed strikes can be made with any body part, even if hands are occupied with a weapon.

12. Are claws a melee weapon? Yes, claws are melee weapons and are often considered natural weapons, making them usable in spell combat.

13. Does Hunter’s Mark apply to unarmed strikes and natural weapons? Yes, it can, as long as you are making weapon attacks with an unarmed strike or natural weapon, it is eligible for Hunter’s Mark.

14. Do fists count as weapons? Fists (or unarmed strikes) only count as weapon attacks when an attack is made, but they are not considered a weapon for the purpose of spells, features, or traits that specifically state weapons must be used.

15. Does biting count as a weapon? A bite attack using natural teeth, claws, or jaws of an animal count as a natural weapon and usually also as an unarmed strike.

Conclusion

Natural weapons are an intriguing and sometimes complicated aspect of character creation and combat. They function as both weapons and sometimes also as unarmed strikes, making them versatile yet sometimes tricky to navigate. By understanding the core rules, the distinctions between unarmed strikes and natural weapons, and the exceptions that may apply, players can fully utilize the unique combat styles offered by characters wielding these innate armaments. Remember, always consult the specific rules for your game and any racial or class features that might alter these mechanics. With a solid understanding of the principles explained above, you will be well-equipped to wield those claws, fangs, and pincers effectively in your adventures!