After some research and deep thought, I've come to possibly figure out what in the world the text of the Alchemist Explosive Bombs discovery means. For reference, here is the exact text of the discovery:
Quote:
The alchemist’s bombs now have a splash radius of 10 feet rather than 5 feet. Creatures that take a direct hit from an explosive bomb catch fire, taking 1d6 points of fire damage each round until the fire is extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a Reflex save. Rolling on the ground provides the target with a +2 to the save. Dousing the target with at least 2 gallons of water automatically extinguishes the flames.
What people keep fighting about is the first sentence, specifically, what does "bombs" mean. I believe that what this means is the alchemist's bombs. Some people would refer to these as fire bombs but they would be wrong; nowhere does the rules refer to fire bombs. In short, the term bomb refers to only the type of bomb that the alchemist starts with -- the bomb. Let me see if I can illustrate this:
Quote:
Before Taking Explosive Bombs
Bomb
Damage Type: Fire
Splash Radius: 5 ft
Explosive Bomb
Alchemist can't throw these
After Taking Explosive Bombs
Bomb
Damage Type: Fire
Splash Radius: 10 ft
Explosive Bomb
Damage Type: Fire
Splash Radius: 10 ft
Special: The single creature target catches fire per the description.
So, the way I'm now reading it, unless you don't want the creature targeted on fire (for some strange reason), there's no reason to throw a Bomb rather than an Explosive Bomb.
What do you think?
