The Cad Fighter archetype gets its bonus to attack and damage after having been on the receiving end of an attack. Aside from the obvious natural and weapon attacks, what counts as an attack?
Would a trip attempt or other combat maneuver count as an attack?
If I have the opponent in question grappled, would their attempts to break free (using CMB) or become the controlling grappler count as attacks?
Would a spell aimed at me count as an attack and would that be different if it was an area effect vs a ray of some sort?
If I provoke an attack of opportunity during my turn and have not been hit otherwise, would that count?
And overall, does the attack need to hit?
Thank you.
At 5th level, a cad gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls against any creature that has attacked the cad since the beginning of his last turn. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels beyond 5th (to a maximum of +4 at 17th level). This ability replaces weapon training 1, 3, and 4.
Would a trip attempt or other combat maneuver count as an attack?
Yes.
When you attempt to perform a combat maneuver, make an attack roll and add your CMB in place of your normal attack bonus. Add any bonuses you currently have on attack rolls due to spells, feats, and other effects. These bonuses must be applicable to the weapon or attack used to perform the maneuver. The DC of this maneuver is your target's Combat Maneuver Defense. Combat maneuvers are attack rolls, so you must roll for concealment and take any other penalties that would normally apply to an attack roll.
Emphasis mine.
If I have the opponent in question grappled, would their attempts to break free (using CMB) or become the controlling grappler count as attacks?
Yes; see above.
Would a spell aimed at me count as an attack and would that be different if it was an area effect vs a ray of some sort?
Invisibility treats any hostile spell aimed a foe as an attack, by attack roll (in the case of scorching ray), targeting (such as magic missile), or by being included in the area of effect (such as fireball). The same logic should be applied in this case.
If I provoke an attack of opportunity during my turn and have not been hit otherwise, would that count?
Yes.
And overall, does the attack need to hit?
No. The cad needs merely his foe to attack him.
Thank you very much! A comprehensive answer.