[RPG] Help calculating witch attack with prehensile hair

natural-weaponpathfinder-1ewitch

Level 8
BAB 4
STR 7 (-2)
INT 26 (+8)

Hex: Prehensile hair

Even though it is listed as a secondary natural attack, I would just use the hair to attack as a standard action. How would I apply the STR mod as it’s only form of natural attack? Is this how I would calculate the attack modifier and damage?

Attack: +12 (BAB 4 + INT 8)
Damage: 1d3+12 (INT 8*1.5)

This wording from the universal monster rules might be relevant:

If a creature has only one natural attack, it is always made using the
creature’s full base attack bonus and adds 1-1/2 times the creature’s
Strength bonus on damage rolls. This increase does not apply if the
creature has multiple attacks but only takes one. If a creature has
only one type of attack, but has multiple attacks per round, that
attack is treated as a primary attack, regardless of its type.

Best Answer

You can use your Prehensile Hair as a Primary Natural attack if its your only Natural attack.

While its true that Prehensile Hair references that it's a Secondary Natural Attack, this is a formality not an overwrite. It's only indicating that because it falls under 'Other' on the Natural Attack table, it is typically a Secondary natural attack. This only applies if you have other Natural attacks such as Claws or a Bite, or when using manufactured weapons as well (in which case all Natural attacks become Secondary).

The Universal Monster Rule is the more specific rule in this instance, and does allow you to make a BAB attack for STRx1.5 (INTx1.5 in this case) attack if you don't posses Claws, Bite, etc (as well as do not attack with manufactured weapons).

Note In a strange caveat, even possessing another Natural attack negates this benefit, whether or not you're using them.

The nail in the coffin is that Prehensile Hair does not say that it can only be a Secondary Natural attack. It only says what it is. As with the many creatures that have Secondary Natural attacks that fall under the referenced UMR, the UMR alters that 'normal' state. Additionally, if you're forgoing the ability to cast a spell, attack with a weapon, and any other Natural attacks, it's fair to allow you to deal 1d3+INTx1.5.