| VarisianViscount |
Do they stack? Specifically, I'm referring to archetypes that alter/replace spirit magic, hexes gained via level up, or spirit abilities (there isn't one yet that does the latter, I'm just future-proofing my question). I could see the argument go either way, depending on which class we use as precedent: cleric/druid or sorcerer.
1) A cleric/druid with an archetype that alters the domain/nature bond class feature (such as replacing a domain power, or disallowing an animal companion) still can take subdomains, as long as the archetype does not provide an alternative list from which must be chosen. In that vein, spirit specializations are to shaman spirits as subdomains are to domains, and thus can still be taken even with an archetype that alters spirit magic spells, for example.
2) A wildblooded sorcerer alters/replaces certain bloodline powers and thus can only take archetypes that don't alter/replace these powers. In that vein, spirit specializations alter spirit magic spells, the respective spirit ability, and spirit hexes, which opens a can of worms: do you count spirit hexes as a subset of the spirit class feature (it's what grants access in the first place), the hex class feature (they are added as options in addition to the generic hexes after all), and if the latter, do you include the wandering hex class feature or not? Or would you even consider all of them a parent class feature for spirit hexes?
Interpretation 1 is easy and causes the least trouble, but interpretation 2 probably has its adherents as well (even though it might limit spirit specializations to vanilla shamans in the worst case).
What are your thoughts?