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1) Would a tattooed holy symbol on your palm make this feat into a straight upgrade to eschew materials? Are there any downsides (ignoring losing your hand and the 100 GP entry cost)?
2) Would you be able to hold something else in the tattoed hand? Or is there something about focus components that would mean you had to have that hand free even if it only had somatic components for the spell?
3) Has someone thought of this before or am I a unique and beautiful snowflake?
I dont think it works. Holy Symbol Tatoo seems to imply that it only functions as a holy symbol of your faith, ergo without the faith its just a tattoo.
As far as holding something it says the item is visible proiding what your holding doesnt prevent visibility. Ie tatooing it on the back of your hand and then holding a shield doesnt work.
Well, it does function as a holy symbol normally - a holy symbol without cleric levels is just a piece of (material).
1. It works. Mostly thanks to this line:
"Thereafter, it functions like an actual holy symbol of your faith, and you may use it as a divine focus for spellcasting, channeling energy, and so on."
Which satisfies this line:
"By using a divine focus as part of casting, you can cast any spell with a material component costing the value of that divine focus (maximum 100 gp) or less without needing that component."
2. Though Mojorat is correct that if the item obscures the symbol it won't work (so get on back or palm depending on what you plan on using that hand for).
3. First I've seen it. Seems good +1.
This is pretty cool; I'm going to remember this for my next arcane caster.
Good combo, but it should be noted that some DM could disallow it by simply ruling that the tatoo is reserved for adepts (i.e. divine casters). Anyway, really good catch, even if personally I'd just carry a bunch of symbols, so you can be of the faith you want when you need it :)
2. Though Mojorat is correct that if the item obscures the symbol it won't work (so get on back or palm depending on what you plan on using that hand for).
That's a shame. Would it have to be on your hand?
3. First I've seen it. Seems good +1.
finally i am a unique and beautiful snowflake
This is why I get my Holy Tattoos on my face. Unless I'm wearing a mask, it's good.
2. Though Mojorat is correct that if the item obscures the symbol it won't work (so get on back or palm depending on what you plan on using that hand for).That's a shame. Would it have to be on your hand?
3. First I've seen it. Seems good +1.finally i am a unique and beautiful snowflake
Nah, I don't see anything saying you have to have it on your hand since it only says *typical* spots are palms, back of hand and forearm. Thus, Zhayne's face suggestion is a good one. Though I'd probably want it a place that could be covered without attracting to much attention just in case. Honestly, my favorite part of this combo is that a Holy Symbol Tattoo costs exactly 100 GP, the maximum allowed by False Focus. It's like they were made for each other. (Maybe they were hrmmm?)
Well, I don't think it would have to be displayed necessarily:
"By using a divine focus as part of casting, you can cast any spell with a material component costing the value of that divine focus (maximum 100 gp) or less without needing that component."
Thus, any condition which allows you to use a focus would be valid, I believe. From the compents rules:
"To cast a spell, you must be able to speak (if the spell has a verbal component), gesture (if it has a somatic component), and manipulate the material components or focus (if any)."
What does "manipulate the material component or focus" mean for something as part of your body? If it's part of your body, you can always manipulate it, assuming no paralysis - so would it have to be displayed?
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The general consensus for folks I've worked with is being able to present it in an active fashion, so anything obscuring a divine focus keeps it from being in effect. Which makes facial tattoos (if you are willing to make it THAT obvious) work well. (This can cause interesting quandaries in some situations... like, say, a tattoo holy symbol of Sarenrae on your face when in Taldor...)
I have a Bloatmage who has this feat - he looks to the Empyreal Lord Korada... he is completely bald, and his tattoo is one of several decorating his head. :) He's a thoughtful fellow. (And pompous - he IS a Taldor noble. But he makes for that by specializing in making other people fabulous (Transmutation specialty)).