A player in my game wants to take the valet archetype for his improved familiar. Obviously according to the hard rules this is not allowed. His suggestion is to drop the ability that replaced "speak with animals of its kind" because that is an ability dropped by improved familiar. Not normally how overlapping archetypes works, but I am considering it.
I would like to hear any arguments for or against the solution before making a decision. Thanks.
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We're in the advice forum, right? . . . OK, let's consider if this is a reasonable thing for a GM to change the rules on.
In the particular case of valet, I'd say it depends on his class, what his improved familiar is, and how he intends to use the valet. The "power creep" issues for the valet are:
1) Has all of master's teamwork feats. This is the big one, and the one that can get out of scale. Base familiars aren't very good combatants, but several improved familiars make decent flankers without being super-squishy. Those interactions are what I suggest you really look at before approving this.
2) Aid another while moving/aid another multiple targets. Again, depends on what abilities and equipment the familiar has to boost aid another bonuses.
3) Move before and after delivering harmless touch spells. Since it's harmless spells only, it's not an offensive help. Just a way to keep the familiar safer.
4) Crafting. Eh. This is only a big deal if your campaign has time pressures (impending BBEG plot). If there's no time worries for the PCs, this doesn't really affect the game.
I'd take a hard look at the teamwork aspect, but probably allow it in a home game.
We're in the advice forum, right? . . . OK, let's consider if this is a reasonable thing for a GM to change the rules on.
In the particular case of valet, I'd say it depends on his class, what his improved familiar is, and how he intends to use the valet. The "power creep" issues for the valet are:
1) Has all of master's teamwork feats. This is the big one, and the one that can get out of scale. Base familiars aren't very good combatants, but several improved familiars make decent flankers without being super-squishy. Those interactions are what I suggest you really look at before approving this.
2) Aid another while moving/aid another multiple targets. Again, depends on what abilities and equipment the familiar has to boost aid another bonuses.
3) Move before and after delivering harmless touch spells. Since it's harmless spells only, it's not an offensive help. Just a way to keep the familiar safer.
4) Crafting. Eh. This is only a big deal if your campaign has time pressures (impending BBEG plot). If there's no time worries for the PCs, this doesn't really affect the game.I'd take a hard look at the teamwork aspect, but probably allow it in a home game.
Character is a sorcerer who will be doing magical crafting. This is Kingmaker, so down time is likely to be there. The only teamwork feat I can see him spending a feat on is escape route.
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Character is a sorcerer who will be doing magical crafting. This is Kingmaker, so down time is likely to be there. The only teamwork feat I can see him spending a feat on is escape route.
It's probably fine, then. Though I personally would put a GM approval requirement on any Teamwork feats he wanted to take. Trade Initiative is a great feat for a save-or-lose caster with a valet. Several others can shift power as well.
As for Escape Route; the only limitation I would put on that is "not with a familiar that you can use as a mount." Wasn't intended, but players quickly figured out that a literal reading makes a mounted pair who both have the feat never provoke while moving.