I was looking through PFSRD and came upon this archetype for clerics..
Apols if it sounds stupid but how does it work? I get the general picture but how does it work specifically with for example, Animal Domain?
Forbidden Rites
Granted powers from the cleric’s second domain function as if the cleric’s level, Wisdom, and Charisma were 2 lower than normal (minimum level 1) in terms of effect, DC, and uses per day. This also means the separatist doesn’t gain the domain’s higher-level ability until 2 levels later than normal. If the second domain grants additional class skills, the separatist gains these as normal.
Animal domain
Animal Companion (Ex): At 4th level, you gain the service of an animal companion. Your effective druid level for this animal companion is equal to your cleric level – 3. (Druids who take this ability through their nature bond class feature use their druid level – 3 to determine the abilities of their animal companions).
Now I know that you wouldn't get the animal companion until 6th level due to the archetype, but does it also mean that your effective cleric level is -5 as well? I didn't think it did because it says 'Your effective druid level.....'... but then I wasnt sure?
yes, your effective cleric level for that is -2 and so your druid level is -3 from that. The feat though gets you 4 of those 5 levels.
By "the feat", I assume you mean Boon Companion, right?