A player in my group is currently running a cleric with the artificer domain. He plans to take a level of rogue at some point in the near future. My question deals with the rules for the sneak attack damage. With the Artificers Touch ability, you can do damage to objects and constructs with a touch attack. If the conditions allowed for the extra sneak damage on an attack (ie. the target was flanked), and the player chose to touch the weapon or armor, would the attack do the extra damage to the object for the sneak? Would it do the 1d6 for the ability plus the addition 1d6 for the sneak from a 1st level rogue?
Short answer? No, but it wouldn't be an unreasonable houserule.
Long answer? Constructs are immune to precision damage. If the Cleric/Rogue were to use the touch attack on a flat-footed construct, sneak attack would sort of apply, as it's a damage-dealing touch attack, but it would be immediately negated by constructs' blanket immunity to precision damage.
Now, if he were facing some sort of construct that wasn't immune to sneak attacks, like Warforged, it would work (though that light fortification still applies), and if he were to dig up a way to bypass constructs' immunity to sneak attacks (there are a few), then again, the damage would go through.
I thought Pathfinder did away with that rule. Reading through the construct traits in the bestiary does not mention an immunity to precision damage.
*Checks forum.*
Oi, I really need to keep that straight... Alright, if constructs are still immune to sneak attacks (check the individual monsters, mind), then it doesn't work. If they aren't immune, then it does work. Sneak attack still applies to damaging touch attacks, but does not bypass any immunities that may be in place.
Isn't there a spell in the Spell Compendium or a Feat in the Complete Adventurer that allows Construct Sneak Attacks? I remember one for Undead, it could be converted/house-ruled for constructs given the character theme.
EDIT: Scarab of Golem Bane (was in 3.5E DMG, check PF CORE)