Favored class option (Retroactive?)

[Aris Kosmopoulos]

Some favored class option like that of the human alchemist cannot be applied in the initial levels:

Alchemist: Add one extract formulae from the
alchemist’s list to the character’s formulae book.
This formulae must be at least one level below the
highest formulae level the alchemist can create.

Are these abilities retroactive in some way or they are just lost in the initial levels? For example a human alchemist that chose to have this ability will benefit from it after the 4th level and will have no benefits for the levels 1, 2 and 3.

[MordredofFairy]

nope, not retroactive. In this case, he can only take the skill-point or hit-point, they don't activate "later" when it would apply.

Unless per DM fiat you'd allow that.

[Shar Tahl]

In general, I don't believe they are retroactive, otherwise they could be saved and all dumped into a level you want. In the cast of alchemist, to make use of it, you would have to wait till 4 to choose that alternate option. For most of the classes, it's only worth taking once you have access to level 2 and can choose level 1. The Hit Point or Skill Point are more valuable that a level 0 spell in my opinion

[MordredofFairy]

Shar Tahl wrote:

In general, I don't believe they are retroactive, otherwise they could be saved and all dumped into a level you want. In the cast of alchemist, to make use of it, you would have to wait till 4 to choose that alternate option. For most of the classes, it's only worth taking once you have access to level 2 and can choose level 1. The Hit Point or Skill Point are more valuable that a level 0 spell in my opinion

but then, you can do level 0 spells all day long.

I know i like ice-skating on a field created with "create ice".
Or casting light on the party minotaur's nose ring.
Ghost sound of an orgy at the bards room.
Arcane mark...everywhere :)

But then THAT should be a thread of it's own ;)

For non-fluff use, its better to take the HP/SP early on.

[FarmerBob]

Aris Kosmopoulos wrote:

Are these abilities retroactive in some way or they are just lost in the initial levels? For example a human alchemist that chose to have this ability will benefit from it after the 4th level and will have no benefits for the levels 1, 2 and 3.

My understanding of the favored class option is that you can choose at each level whether you wish to take the standard benefit (+1 HP or 1 skill point), or take the optional benefit. In the case you listed, I'd assume the player would opt for +1 HP or 1 skill point for levels 1-3, and then could take the alternative version at level 4. I don't think it is an irrevocable choice you have to make at level 1.