Half-races, do they count as those races for archetype perquisites?

[partyrico]

In other words, does a race such as a half-elf count as a human and elf for archetypes that require those races (so that a half-elf could take the imperial bloodline for wild blooded sorcerers for example)

[Avianfoo]

No. They are effectively their own race with their own racial archetypes.

PRD wrote:

Elf Blood: Half-elves count as both elves and humans for any effect related to race.

Not for "prerequisites" only "effects".

[Icyshadow]

I'd rule that they do, but that's just how I roll as DM.

[Dragonamedrake]

In the Races book....

Quote:

An archetype usually features a thematic link to the race, granting it class features that complement the abilities and the background of the race.

Now considering how most Half races are raised by one of their respective communities... I dont see why they couldn't take one of their archetypes... if they work it into their background.

[calagnar]

This is going to be a DM call. If it's for PFSP it will be a no.
Most of the time I don't have a problem with this my self. How ever in the advanced races guide it dose list the archetypes for each race. So crossing them lessens the unique feel of that ability/archetype for that race. So I would say no based on that Half Elf has there special 3 archetypes. No reason for them to have access to the 3 human and 3 elven.

[BillyGoat]

Since this is the Rules board, I'll add my weight to the "probably not" column.

The relevant text, that also give's GMs an out if they want it:

Quote:

Typically, only members of the section's race can take the listed archetype, bloodline, or order, though such options rarely interact with the racial traits or alternate racial traits of that race.

At my table, if you have a backstory that explains it, I'd allow it.

[GM Arkwright]

There was a specific FAQ ruling answering this in the negative.

[Icyshadow]

The Advanced Race Guide does say in the start that the racial restrictions can be removed if the DM wants to.

[Talonhawke]

GM Arkwright wrote:

There was a specific FAQ ruling answering this in the negative.

Which itself doesn't fit with the ruling regarding the human feat that allows you to count as another race.

[blackbloodtroll]

The Racial Heritage feat does need some rewording.

Still, it has been noted that the Elf-Blood and Orc-Blood racial abilities do not allow you to count as said race for prerequisites.

[partyrico]

So if I want to count as a human and elf for class prerequisites, I can just be a human with the racial heritage (elf) feat?

[VRMH]

If need be, you can balance this boon by making the setting racist versus "mongrels". "You want the benefits from being two races? You'll pay the price for being two races."

[blackbloodtroll]

partyrico wrote:

So if I want to count as a human and elf for class prerequisites, I can just be a human with the racial heritage (elf) feat?

Yes.

[Icyshadow]

The base assumption in most settings is that both half-elves and half-orcs are discriminated, you know.

[cartmanbeck]

This has been brought up a TON of times, and I still contend that the FAQ (which was for PFS only, BTW) saying that you don't count as the race for feat and archetype prerequisites is completely inconsistent with the actual rules. Here is the relevant rule, in my opinion:

Advanced Race Guide wrote:

Under Humanoid type in the Race Builder section:
If a humanoid has a racial subtype,
it is considered a member of that race in the case of race
prerequisites. A humanoid race has the following features.

This, to me, is the definitive answer to the question as far as RULES AS WRITTEN go. PFS can do whatever they want to balance things, and that's cool, but in home games I really believe this is the correct interpretation.

[blackbloodtroll]

Everyone brings up the optional Race Builder rules.

I still find those about as relevant as Piecemeal Armor rules in a discussion on AC.

You know, being optional.