Hello all, first time poster and very formal.
The title is as accurate as it is long.
Alternative racial favored class bonuses applies to class features of a given favored class.
Archetypes or alternate class features replaces class features of a class.
So can an alternate class feature 'double' as the class feature it replaces with respect to alternative racial favored class bonuses?
That is of course if there are mechanics to allow such a substitution, for example that a class feature is replaced by an alternate class feature with a similar numerical progression.
Example: Human barbarian level 6 with the superstitious archetype.
Normally this class would be able to "add a +1/2 bonus to trap sense". But since this class feature is replaced by mechanically similar Sixth Sense alternate class feature. He would instead "add a +1/2 bonus on initiative and a +1/2 insight bonus to AC during surprise rounds". So in this case the barbarian would add +3 to his initiative and +3 to AC during surprise rounds.
I haven't encountered anything that specifically deals with this issue. In the FAQ there is a general question, that might support the above given example, yet it is also somewhat vague:
Archetype: If an archetype replaces a class ability with a more specific version of that ability (or one that works similarly to the replaced ability), does the archetype's ability count as the original ability for the purpose of rules that improve the original ability?
It depends on how the archetype's ability is worded. If the archetype ability says it works like the standard ability, it counts as that ability. If the archetype's ability requires you to make a specific choice for the standard ability, it counts as that ability. Otherwise, the archetype ability doesn't count as the standard ability. (It doesn't matter if the archetype's ability name is different than the standard class ability it is replacing; it is the description and game mechanics of the archetype ability that matter.)
Relevant links:
Barbarian alternative favored class bonusesBarbarian Superstitious Archetype
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'Trap Sense' and 'Sixth Sense' are two different abilities. Sixth Sense replaces Trap Sense in case of the superstitious archetype. RAW has this rule for your question:
A character who takes an alternate class feature does not count as having the class feature that was replaced when meeting any requirements or prerequisites.
So the answer is 'No'. Additionally using common sense will let you to the conclusion that Sixth Sense is more powerful than Trap Sense. +1/2 barbarian level to initiative is a nice bonus for every fight. An AC and REF bonus against traps is very situational.
Hello Eridan and thank you for reply. It makes sense as RAW.
Obviously I wanted to ignore common sense because trap sense - even in a trap-filled environment - is very situational unless the group is all out of rogues. I was simply hoping it (along with others) could be subbed into a winning class feature.
But as I was looking for RAW, it seems I have found my answer. Thank you.
The short answer is no. The favored class bonus only applies to what it says it applies to. If you replace that feature with something from an archetype, you no longer have that feature and would receive no bonus from that FCB if you selected.
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trap sense - even in a trap-filled environment - is very situational unless the group is all out of rogues
I only highlight this portion of your comment because I wanted to make sure you understood the Trap Sense ability. It does not aid the character in finding or disabling traps, it only adds to the character's AC and Reflex saves versus traps.
trap sense - even in a trap-filled environment - is very situational unless the group is all out of roguesI only highlight this portion of your comment because I wanted to make sure you understood the Trap Sense ability. It does not aid the character in finding or disabling traps, it only adds to the character's AC and Reflex saves versus traps.
Well that is exactly my point. If one would ever have need for trap sense, it is mostly do to the lack of honest rogue labor.