While reading this archetype I can't decide if they get the Str and Con boost as normal for a rage or not. I can see it as only granting the bonus to attack rolls. But I also see, and prefer, that they get the bonus to ranged attack rolls instead of the morale bonus but keep the Str and Con bonus. Which is correct?
Focused Rage (Ex): While raging, a primal hunter gains a +2 bonus on attack rolls with ranged weapons. This bonus increases to +3 at 11th level and to +4 at 20th level. While raging, a primal hunter can attempt Stealth checks but doesn’t gain a morale bonus on Will saves. This ability alters rage.
I read Focused Rage as it works just like Rage except for the given notes; as nothing is said about the str and con bonuses, I'd say they stay.
I really don't see this as much of an issue. The bonus to attack rolls parallels the actual gains from strength, but only for those ranged attacks as opposed to all the other nice things it would give if it boosted dexterity. It's very nice if you want to go ranged as it makes Rage more than just a slight damage booster, but it's also not applicable to be boosted via a Courageous weapon and the loss of the Will bonus hurts as even though Superstition is superior, it's also a double edged sword.
Hmm, I suppose it could be seen as a straight upgrade compared to normal barbarian though if you were going to be taking Superstition, plus it does stack with Invulnerable Rager, the other straight barbarian upgrade. Perhaps it is a bit much then.
Bump, I have one response saying it works the same as the other rage. Do people agree?
I have the same question, does anyone else have any input on this?
The rules generally tell you what you get. The ability is called Focused Rage, not Rage. So RAW, it would give you what you are stated to get, nothing more nothing less. The fact that it states it alters Rage could just be there as an indication that you can't use it with archetypes that do anything with the Rage class ability and triggers rage powers.
The exceptional pull only makes sense with an increased strength so I'd guess it gives both, the normal bonuses and the attack bonus.
By combining both you get a bonus to attack and a bonus to damage with bows from raging same as a normal barbarian using a melee weapon.
But a thrown build that uses strength to hit would be nice with this archetype, too. Double bonus to hit.