So I have an idea for a character that wants to do the whole figment familiar imaginary friend thing.
But the only way that character can realistically get a familiar is through familiar bond and its improved brother.
Familiar bond does not allow access to a tone of features, so I don't think they can traded away for the figment archetype. meaning it can't be a figment until I get improved bond.
How would you logic a butterfly that is real, becoming a figment all of a sudden?
The familiar dies but you refuse to accept its death.
Expanding on Mysterious Stranger's idea - A butterfly lives a very short time normally. When it reaches the end of that life (you get improved familiar bond) it transcends the limits of its body and becomes a creature of pure spirit, still bonded to you out of love (or hate, if you're an evil bastard with no redeeming features).
The above beats my ideas, but:
Retrain into both at the same time and fluff it as nothing happens until both are done. You could also take the feat, but not bond with a familiar until you have both (mechanically lame though).
Your familiar abandons you and your denial is strong enough to conjure a figment of it.
Ooo you guys are awesome!
Thanks you so much. I love the death of the butterfly idea!