Would an extra Domain be too much? - Balance Advice.

[Andre Roy]

As indicated, if, at character creation, a character could take, via a Feat or a Trait, a Domain would this be too powerful or not?

- It would be limited at character creation for a Specific Race;
- It would be limited to the Domain (and maybe Subdomain) of a Specific Deity only (a Demigoddess);
- It would grant 1 Domain to class without Domain and an additionnal Domain to class with a Domain.

Kind of related to the same idea:
1) Would it be more appropriate as a Racial Feat or a Racial Trait?
2) If it would be too powerful: How could this idea be balanced (and yes I am aware of the trait Believer's Boon)?

Thank you.

[River of Sticks]

This is restrictive enough that you would be better served treating it as GM fiat, rather than balance advice; in which case, the question becomes: is your campaign better served for having this added?

In general for the rules as currently written, balancing a full domain would require several feats - I would say at least 3. One for first level access to the first domain, the second for that domain at full character level, and the third for the second domain power. Pre-requisites would be ranks of Knowledge: Religion.

[Andre Roy]

At this point, there are no campaign per we, It's just brainstorming a couple ideas.

More specifically, I'm trying to figure out some kind of boon that could be granted to the mortal descendant of a Demigoddess (from her children prior to Ascension). Both in the what that boon could be and the mean it could be granted (ether via a Racial Feat, a Racial Trait or an Alternate Racial Trait).

Your feedback does help gauge the power level of this idea. So I may need to find something else.

[LordKailas]

Consider that believer's boon is a single feat that allows you to once per day use the 1st level power of a domain. It carries with it not only a stat requirement but an alignment requirement as well, stating that the power is revoked if you ever violate the code of conduct set forth by your diety.

Getting the full benefits of a domain, as was stated is probably 3 feats. Now, that being said, believer's boon its self may be the sort of thing you're looking for. Alternatively, you could let the character qualify for the aasimar feats, and maybe even get one of those for free. They are quite nice and could fit well thematically with what you're going for.

[Andre Roy]

I'll check tonight in regards to the Aasimar Feat (Or that table of 100 alternate Traits) as they could be a possibility.

Maybe something that would swap the Spell-like ability or that would help with social interaction/Charisma.

Thank you

[Reksew_Trebla]

Domains are basically the divine version of Bloodlines, so look at the Eldritch Heritage feats.

[Andre Roy]

Reksew_Trebla wrote:

Domains are basically the divine version of Bloodlines, so look at the Eldritch Heritage feats.

That is an excellent point. I'll look into those tonight.

Thank you

[the David]

Variant Multiclassing would allow you to get the first domain power at level 3 and the second domain power at level 15. I'd say a cleric domain would be worth less than a sorcerer's bloodline, but 2 feats for domain powers would be about right.

[Java Man]

A druid can choose between an animal companion and a domain. There is a feat chain to get a full power animal companion. So as many feats as that takes would be my ballpark starting point.

[LordKailas]

Java Man wrote:

A druid can choose between an animal companion and a domain. There is a feat chain to get a full power animal companion. So as many feats as that takes would be my ballpark starting point.

FYI it takes 2-3 feats.

the feat Nature Soul is a pre-req for the feat animal ally. Animal ally gives you an animal companion but at character level -3. If you want the animal companion at full power you also have to take the feat boon companion which gives you +4 up to your character level. Granted, nature's soul is it's self on par with feats like skill focus. So depending on how you want to look at it, the animal companion is worth 2-3 feats, since paizo felt the need to put a feat and level tax on animal ally.

Interestingly, the chivalry inquisition which is effectively a weaker version of the animal domain (since it doesn't grant bonus spells), gives you a mount at your level.

[Andre Roy]

Alright so it looks like that whichever option I look at, I'm looking at a 2 or 3 feats chain...which could work.

I was also considering possible other option, namely:

1) For example an Alternate Racial Trait that swap his Spell-Like Ability (A 0 and a 1st level spell) selection for the 1st level spell of 2 of the 4 available Domain.

2) A feat that offers a Charisma bonus with members of his race (would +4 be reasonable).

3) A feat that grants 1 or 2 (0 or 1st level) Divine spell once a day as a Spell-Like Ability.

4) A feat that grants a +1 to the effective Caster Level for all Spell-like ability (and Domain spell if applicable).

Would that be fairly balanced? And if you have other options, I'm open to suggestion (see post 3 for the concept idea ).

[Andre Roy]

So how about this for a Racial Feat instead?

Scion of the [Goddess]

You can trace your linkage up to the Demigoddess herself through the children she had before her Ascension. Although not Divine you are Graced by her.

Prerequisite: [Race], must be taken at 1st level.
Benefits: you gain a +2 circumstances bonus (?or racial bonus?) On all Charisma-based verbal skill check when dealing with members of your own race or members of [Goddess] Church. You are also proficient in the Goddess favored weapon.

Does that seem good? Or is it too little or too much?

[Andre Roy]

Moving this to Homebrew forum as the focus is shifting.

Thank you all for your help.