Bonded Archetype. Basically, free archetype idea I had.

[Reksew_Trebla]

So I don't remember if I posted it here, on r/Pathfinder_RPG, or if I never got around to posting it, but an idea I had was Gestalt, but both sides are the same class but different archetypes. You can multiclass, but both sides have to multiclass into the same class as well, also having different archetypes.

Basically, getting you the ability to combine archetype abilities that aren't normally available at the same time.

But that could in theory get way out of hand. So a different idea I had was Bonded Archetype.

Basically, you choose one archetype of a class, and you get it without replacing the class features it normally replaces, and any class feature that gets altered doesn't prevent you from replacing it or altering it further with a different archetype.

Some things to note: if you've ever played a Sorcerer that was both Crossblooded and Wildblooded, you technically played this in a way, as they can't stack under RAW, due to both altering Bloodline.

If the BA (Bonded Archetype since I'm not typing that out anymore) alters a class feature by replacing part of it but not all of it, you get the lost parts back, but if it alters it by placing a restriction on it, such as limiting which Witch Patrons you can take, you still have to follow that limitation, even if you choose a normal archetype that also limits it.

For example, you could play with Seasonal Witch as your BA, and then take Winter Witch as an archetype. You would have to follow the Patron restrictions of both archetypes, which means you would have to choose the Winter Patron, as it is the only option both archetypes share.

If Seasonal Witch did not have Winter as an option, then you would not be able to combine it with Winter Witch, as you would not be able to satisfy the Patron restrictions of both archetypes.

The Prestige Class Archetypes should be considered by the GMs if they should be allowed to be a BA, as thematically, you will want to get your BA at level 1, and since you can't take a prestige class at level 1, they may not be appropriate choices for your game. Further considerations are whether or not this is given for free, or if you have to take a feat for a BA.

Anyways, let me know what you think of this.

[Derklord]

Questions:
If two things make mutually exclusive alterations, which one wins? Like proficiency changes.
What happens to optional replacements, e.g. Invested Regent Monk? If replacements don't happen for the BA, "This replaces the bonus feat the invested regent gives up for the vested power." also shouldn't happen, right?

Thoughts:
This certainly allows for some super strong combinations. Archetypes that grant spellcasting in exchange for replacing class features very strong: Cabalist, Magical Child, Warlock, and Zealot Vigilante (and you can even be an Avenger, so full BAB, pounce, etc.) and Child of Acavna and Amaznen Fighter (but not Eldritch Scoundrel Rogue). On the other side of the same coin, the Metamorph Alchemist gets the crazy powerful polymorph ability without having to give up Alchemy, including Bombs, and could even add in Beastmorph or Vivisectionist. Similar, albeit at lower impact, are the Paladin, Ranger, and Bloodrager archetypes that replace spellcasting, most notably Virtuous Bravo Paladin (poor Swashbuckler, lol!).

Also insanely strong are Questioner, Jinyiwei, and Psychic Detective Investigator, as they now grant 6/9 casting in addition to Alchemy (or two sets of 6/9 casting if you take two of them).

[Reksew_Trebla]

Derklord wrote:

Questions:
If two things make mutually exclusive alterations, which one wins? Like proficiency changes.
What happens to optional replacements, e.g. Invested Regent Monk? If replacements don't happen for the BA, "This replaces the bonus feat the invested regent gives up for the vested power." also shouldn't happen, right?

The best I can give on the mutually exclusive alterations is that it is a case by case situation, where you try to find the middle ground. But if there is no middle ground, then it wouldn't be allowed even with this.

Optional replacements for the BA can be replaced while still keeping them for the rest of the class.

You know what, I'm starting to not like this idea as much anymore. I'm getting a bad feeling of too many corner cases.

Idea is canceled everyone. Unless you think you can fix it yourself, then feel free to try. Best I can offer on my way out is the Gestalt version I originally thought up of, but with a Session 0 rule to try not to abuse combinations.