D&D 5E Tabaxi claw attack

[Lanliss]

Thanks for everyone's input!

I would like to know what constitutes a finesse weapon. What characteristic makes a dagger and a rapier finesse?

Also, I respect the opinion that the RAW are confusing on the "natural weapon" designation in Volo's, but it could be argued that the intention that the claw attack *is* to be considered a weapon for that creature as an ability, could it not?

Weapons that have been known historically(Pop-culture historically, not real historically) as weapons that use skill rather than power. Anything that is seen as a weapon for weak people to use against the strong, usually after the strong one insults their "Puny toothpick".

 

[Cap'n Kobold]

Thanks for everyone's input!

I would like to know what constitutes a finesse weapon. What characteristic makes a dagger and a rapier finesse?

They both have "Finesse" in their entries in the weapons table.

In terms of how finesse translates to the actual weapon . . . that is tricky. By the rules a finesse weapon is one in which you can apply your grace and balance rather than athleticism and power. Actually trying to get your head around how that might work in real life, like many of the abstractions in D&D, leads only to madness.
I generally view it as a rules construct that enables players to play characters similar to those in popular media, rather than only those practical in real life. Books, cartoons, films etc all inspire character ideas that people would like to emulate.
If anything in the ruleset becomes too far off for me to envision, then that is what houserules are for. (For example I removed the sneak attack finesse requirement.)

Also, I respect the opinion that the RAW are confusing on the "natural weapon" designation in Volo's, but it could be argued that the intention that the claw attack *is* to be considered a weapon for that creature as an ability, could it not?

Not really by the rules as they've been set out I'm afraid.
I'd suggest talking it out with your DM though. Asking for a houseruling on those lines is probably a better approach than trying to argue a dodgy interpretation of the rules.

 

[fent]

Joined a long running campaign this Saturday that some friends were running (was already in another campaign with them, they just had an opening in this one). Anyway, I rolled a Tabaxi ranger. Character was introduced via jail cells in the bottom of a pirate ship. Ultimately, after the rogue broke us out, we dashed into the sleeping quarters to slay the sleeping pirates. After speaking with the DM, he ruled that each one of my hands was a 1d4+Str slashing "weapon", using the attack action for one hand and bonus action for the other hand.

What I'm getting at is, just talk it out with your DM. Ultimately it is their say, but I'm sure he/she would be more than willing to work with you.

 

[Clancey]

Not really by the rules as they've been set out I'm afraid.
I'd suggest talking it out with your DM though. Asking for a houseruling on those lines is probably a better approach than trying to argue a ***dodgy*** interpretation of the rules.

Ah, I am really pining away for England these days! I'll take it - Brexit and all...

My reason for trying to get the Claw as an off-hand weapon is more for flavor than a game benefit. My Tabaxi Rogue is actually better off using a dagger than using a strength-based weapon, but I just pictured it in my head as being bad-assed. Short sword and Scimitar, here I come.

 

[Cap'n Kobold]

My reason for trying to get the Claw as an off-hand weapon is more for flavor than a game benefit. My Tabaxi Rogue is actually better off using a dagger than using a strength-based weapon, but I just pictured it in my head as being bad-assed. Short sword and Scimitar, here I come.

All the more reason to talk to your DM: they might agree to let it count as a finesse weapon as well.

 

[CydKnight]

I would allow it if pressed but perhaps without the added strength bonus.