Related to this question: Can I take a feat at level 1 if I use my skill points to meet the prerequisite skill ranks?, and specifically this rule text:
Some feats have prerequisites. Your character must have the indicated
ability score, class feature, feat, skill, base attack bonus, or other
quality designated in order to select or use that feat. A character
can gain a feat at the same level at which he or she gains the
prerequisite.
We are allowed two flaws; that means we get 3 feats at level 1. Now, if I wanted to take 2 metamagic feats — lets call them X and Y — each with the prerequisite: any other metamagic feat.
Is it legal to take X and Y at first level, without taking any other metamagic feat?
After the character gained the level, both prerequisites are fulfilled. But one could reasonably argue that during the level-up process, they are not.
I say that, because 'A character can gain a feat at the same level at which he or she gains the prerequisite', this is OK.
Am I right or wrong?
Best Answer
No.
The order of how you level matters. You're allowed take a feat the same level you gain the prerequisites only because gaining feats is the last thing you do. If the prerequisite is a skill, spell, or ability, you already have it by the time you take the feat.
Of course, if the prerequisite is another feat, you must already have the prerequisite feat before you can take the desired feat. However, since character advancement is an ordered process, if you gain multiple feats in a level1, you can choose to take the prerequisite feat first. You can now take the desired feat.
In your example, you can take neither feat first since neither feat has its prerequisite met.
1 Class abilities that give bonus feats give them at the time you normally add new feats (after skill points). It's unclear if you choose your standard feat before your bonus feat or vice versa, but I would generally allow players to select feats in any order if it matters.