Archetypes / Variant features

[Qalyar]

It is clearly written that variant class features work like archetypes for stacking. If you alter a feature with one, you cannot alter or remove it with another. Does that suggest that variant class features are "archetypes" that change only one feature?

Specifically, are the Haunted Heroes Handbook variant Paladin Divine Bond options legal for sanctioned play? The AR approves all archetypes in the book, but without page references.

I am inclined to think that they are not, but have a player who finds the argument compelling that they are essentially archetypes, and so clarification seems prudent.

[claudekennilol]

What specific page are you talking about? I'm not seeing any variant divine bond options in Haunted Heroes Handbook. I do see that there are variant domain abilities in the book which the Additional Resources do call out as legal.

But no, your player is wrong. Variant abilities are not archetypes.

[Rysky]

Yep, just checked. HH, not HHH :3

In there it specifically calls out that you can not take the variants if you have an Archetype that modifies or replaces Divine Bond.

[QuidEst]

Healer's Handbook.

[Rysky]

.... weird, was trying to make a new post, not edit my old one. But QuidEst had it correct first, the variant bonds are in Healer's Handbook (HH), not Haunted Heroes Handbook (HHH)

[Rysky]

Also checking it seems Healer's Handbook has not been added to Additional Resources yet.