Multiple attack monsters

[pvandyck]

I think I understand that a character, no matter if they have 2 weapons, or many attacks (because of being a high-level fighter), needs to use the full attack action to get to swing more than once (nevermind things like the extra partial action from haste, for now)

Does a monster like a troll, with a claw-claw-bite routine have the same restriction, even if they have feats like multiattack and multidexterity? Does a troll who moves up to you (more than a 5-foot-step) get only one swing with 1 claw? What about if it wanted to use it's bite (secondary attack form) instead? What about during an attack of oppurtunity?

Thelbar

 

[hong]

Does a monster like a troll, with a claw-claw-bite routine have the same restriction

Yes.

Does a troll who moves up to you (more than a 5-foot-step) get only one swing with 1 claw?

It gets one attack, at its highest attack bonus. The attack can be either a bite or a claw.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

If there's an exception, it will be specifically stated in the monster description. The hydra is an exception to this rule.

 

[Saeviomagy]

In the dragon magazine with the article on saurials, when a creature with a natural attack routine makes only one attack, it can treat that attack as a two-handed weapon. I seem to recall seeing this elsewhere (a sage advice maybe?)

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

See the ant soldier to see this rule in effect, or elemental slams.

 

[Staffan]

In the dragon magazine with the article on saurials, when a creature with a natural attack routine makes only one attack, it can treat that attack as a two-handed weapon. I seem to recall seeing this elsewhere (a sage advice maybe?)

As I recall, that's only when it only *has* one natural weapon to begin with. A bear with its claw/claw/bite attack can't choose to only do a bite and add 1.5 times its Strength bonus to the damage. A snake that only has its bite as an attack in the first place does get the two-hander bonus.