Does the Swift Poisoning Ability of the Alchemist provoke attacks of opportunity if done in combat?
I know that normally applying a poison or oil provokes, however the Swift Poisoning ability is an exceptional ability.
Exceptional Abilities don't usually provoke attacks of opportunity.
I'm a little confused because the rules seem to contradict each other. I appreciate any insight.
Applying an oil does provoke an AoO, but I don't see anything in poisons that say they do. Only that it requires a standard action. Also no mention of that in the AoO section. Given that it is not mentioned, that swift poison is an Extraordinary Ability, and that nearly all other swift actions are AoO free; I would say it does not cause one.
Applying an oil does provoke an AoO, but I don't see anything in poisons that say they do. Only that it requires a standard action. Also no mention of that in the AoO section. Given that it is not mentioned, that swift poison is an Extraordinary Ability, and that nearly all other swift actions are AoO free; I would say it does not cause one.
So the act of applying an oil, and the act of applying a poison are completely different acts because of the substance involved? That seems a little strange.
It's never said how the oil or poison are applied so how are we to know they are similar actions? Even if it did specifically say "Action: Applying poison to a weapon or single piece of ammunition is a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity." instead of "Action: Applying poison to a weapon or single piece of ammunition is a standard action." I think that it being an Extraordinary Ability, and a swift action at that would trump the AoO.
Poisons are so weak compared to their cost that they are already pretty gimped without needing for it to be difficult to apply them.
It's never said how the oil or poison are applied so how are we to know they are similar actions? Even if it did specifically say "Action: Applying poison to a weapon or single piece of ammunition is a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity." instead of "Action: Applying poison to a weapon or single piece of ammunition is a standard action." I think that it being an Extraordinary Ability, and a swift action at that would trump the AoO.
This point is both excellent and valid.
Poisons are so weak compared to their cost that they are already pretty gimped without needing for it to be difficult to apply them.
You sort of lose me a bit here, though. I do not agree with allowing abilities to work without questioning the rules because said abilities are 'gimped' or less than optimal.
That said, I think I will allow the poison use because it's a swift action. The fact that it's an extraordinary ability factors in, but in and of itself that wouldn't normally be enough.