Dragon Bloodline

[Dingo333]

So I was looking at the sorcerer and saw that it gained claws at first level in the dragon bloodline.

At level 9, I have a base attack bonus of +4, does this mean I can take the Improved Natural Attack (Claws) feat from the beastiary? If so, does this also apply when I use beast shape or form of the dragon to increase how much damage the claws I gain in that do?

If I went Dragon Disciple prestige class, could I do the same for the bite attack?

it seems like a good way to increase a sorcerer's damage output once spells are almost out or vs high SR enemies. thoughts appreciated, thanks

 

[jefgorbach]

yes, once the feat becomes available once you meet the prereq just like any other (in this case, +4 bab and some form of natural attack) and once taken would apply to any instance you use that attack form ... so taking INA(Claws) would apply to your bloodline claws, those via dragon form, and any beast-form having claws.

If this is going to be your primary melee attack form, you might consider dipping a level or two in Monk for the capability to enchant your natural attack(s), using weapon focus/magic fang/etc to reduce the attack penalty of double-striking via flurry of blows.

RAW states INA() may only be taken once per attack form, however ignoring limitation that hasn't been much of an issue IMC.

 

[pawsplay]

So I was looking at the sorcerer and saw that it gained claws at first level in the dragon bloodline.

At level 9, I have a base attack bonus of +4, does this mean I can take the Improved Natural Attack (Claws) feat from the beastiary?

It's iffy. The ability is permanent but the claws themelves aren't. It's probably OK but I would check with the GM.

If so, does this also apply when I use beast shape or form of the dragon to increase how much damage the claws I gain in that do?

Yes.

 

[Dingo333]

Slight Hijack of this thread, but it is my thread and it is along the same lines

Unarmed strikes are natural attacks, yes or no? if yes, can I select them with the above feat and would it then stack with monk unarmed strikes.

On another note, what differs a slam from an unarmed strike, and couldn't all creatures have a slam. I am aware most animals wouldn't slam if they had claws or bites or whatever, I am wondering more for a druid, taking INA(slam) then doing more damage in wild shapes with a slam attack (elementals, trees...)

 

[pawsplay]

Slight Hijack of this thread, but it is my thread and it is along the same lines

Unarmed strikes are natural attacks, yes or no?

No, not at all.

if yes, can I select them with the above feat and would it then stack with monk unarmed strikes.

A monk's unarmed strike is an unarmed strike, but also simultaneously counts as a natural weapon or a manufactured weapon for the purposes of "spells and effects." The feat is definitely an "effect." I've heard the argument that they don't qualify, as their unarmed strike is not treated as a natural weapon for the purposes of prerequisites, but I don't think that is correct. I think the language "for the purposes of" has to be interpreted pretty inclusively.

That said, it is a "monster feat" and it's up to the DM whether to allow it.

On another note, what differs a slam from an unarmed strike, and couldn't all creatures have a slam. I am aware most animals wouldn't slam if they had claws or bites or whatever, I am wondering more for a druid, taking INA(slam) then doing more damage in wild shapes with a slam attack (elementals, trees...)

A slam is a natural weapon. An unarmed strike is an attack without a weapon. Improved Unarmed Strike is a special case.

INA isn't legal for a druid because having a natural attack is not a permanent effect for them.