Adopted trait [I misunderstood this; move along, nothing to see here]

[sgriobhadair]

EDIT: I misread this as I was reading the APG traits section for the first time. Cleared up already underneath. Move along, nothing to see here.

How widely are traits used?

I see an issue with the "Adopted trait":

Quote:

Adopted: You were adopted and raised by someone not of your actual race, and raised in a society not your own. As a result, you picked up a race trait from your adoptive parents and society, and may immediately select a race trait from your adoptive parents' race.

Any trait from the parents' race? You've somehow learnt to pick up, say, Darkvision? That doesn't feel right to me. It gets worse though.

The problem with it, is partly that there is also a "Magical Talent" trait:

Quote:

Magical Talent: Either from inborn talent, the whimsy of the gods, or obsessive study of strange tomes, you have mastered the use of a cantrip. Choose a 0-level spell. You may cast that spell once per day as a spell-like ability. This spell-like ability is cast at your highest caster level gained; if you have no caster level, it functions at CL 1st. The spell-like ability's save DC is Charisma-based.

Now, if our adopted character can take one race trait, how about if they were adopted by gnomes, who get this:

Quote:

Gnome Magic: Gnomes add +1 to the DC of any saving throws against illusion spells that they cast. Gnomes with a Charisma of 11 or higher also gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day—dancing lights, ghost sound, prestidigitation, and speak with animals. The caster level for these effects is equal to the gnome's level. The DC for these spells is equal to 10 + the spell's level + the gnome's Charisma modifier.

As written, that "Gnome Magic" is one trait, and therefore can be taken under the "Adopted" trait. But it lets them get TWO cantrips 1/day whereas another trait only gives them one. AND a level 1 druid spell 1/day. AND improved resistance to illusions. Am I missing something?

It's also stated that a trait is worth about half a feat, but both half-elves and humans have a bonus feat listed under their racial traits:

Quote:

Adaptability: Half-elves receive Skill Focus as a bonus feat at 1st level.

Quote:

Bonus Feat: Humans select one extra feat at 1st level.

So, another species adopted by humans or half-elves could use that trait to get a feat.

Obviously the GM could rule to disallow these, but it looks like that Adopted trait has the potential to be way overpowered.

[RainyDayNinja]

You're confusing "racial traits" (like darkvision, the bonus feat, etc.) with "race traits" (like Warrior of Old, or Rapscallion).

[sgriobhadair]

Aha ... that makes sense. I'm just reading the Traits in the APG for the first time, and hadn't read down as far as the Race traits yet. [feels a little stupid]

[simon hacker]

I did wonder the same as the OP AND I missed the racail and race part too.
Very helpful and a quick clear answer, thank Rainydayninja :)

[Lifat]

I too fell into this trap originally. I even made houserules about people not being able to use this trait to get racial bonuses to stats. The houserules stayed untill a friendly player from another group showed me how it was actually supposed to work. Boy did I feel silly.