If it only does 1D6 as per the chart at 1st level then does that mean you can't critical with bomb ever but you can with Alchemist fire? That's seems kind of odd to me.I think what they mean here is that the initial or base damage of 1d6+Int can be treated as a critical just like everything else, but the extra d6's you gain from levels in the class don't. Like sneak attack, if you're using a short sword, that 1d6+Str would apply to crits, but the +2d6 or however much wouldn't.But the argument is there is no base damage. It's just bomb bonus damage which says it can't apply to a critical or vital strike.
I think the term "base damage" is a little misleading. From the way I interpret it, the "base damage" can be multiplied like a normal weapon or what have you. The incremental damage bonuses from levels gained do not count as multiplied by crits. Just as a rogue's rapier would have its damage multiplied, but not the crit damage. The argument is still whether or not the "base damage" is 1d6 or 2d6.
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ME!!!!!!
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rofl at GCG
I can appreciate the inquiry, but if I asked my DM for Carrion Crown if I could chunk 2d6+Int modifier at 1st level and 3d6+Int mod at 2nd level (for gnome alchemist) I think I would have the table turned over on my head. Just saying.
Also, I realize text trumps tables, but if you look in the table it says bomb 1d6, bomb 2d6, etc. If you look under the rogue it says sneak attack +1d6, sneak attack +2d6, etc. /salute!
rofl at GCG
I can appreciate the inquiry, but if I asked my DM for Carrion Crown if I could chunk 2d6+Int modifier at 1st level and 3d6+Int mod at 2nd level (for gnome alchemist) I think I would have the table turned over on my head. Just saying.Also, I realize text trumps tables, but if you look in the table it says bomb 1d6, bomb 2d6, etc. If you look under the rogue it says sneak attack +1d6, sneak attack +2d6, etc. /salute!
Yes! Perfectly stated. Simple yet concise.
/salute
I agree both ends of the debate are sensable however for my games until something changes ill stick with the NPC stats which is 2d6 at level 4
From the PRD
On a direct hit, an alchemist's bomb inflicts 1d6 points of fire damage + additional damage equal to the alchemist's Intelligence modifier. The damage of an alchemist's bomb increases by 1d6 points at every odd-numbered alchemist level (this bonus damage is not multiplied on a critical hit or by using feats such as Vital Strike).
I do not believe this is the RAI but the RAW seems to be that a first level Alchemist would do a base of 1d6 damage plus another 1d6 from first level being an odd numbered level. Similar progressions such as the rogues sneak attack are worded differently and make it clear that at first level the damage is 1d6.
One thing I have learned from GMing Pathfinder games is that you should never attempt to feed a troll; especially not with Alchemist Bombs. In the long run, despite all of your hard work crafting the perfect bomb to combat its monstrous logic, it'll just end up regenerating like you said or did nothing.
Unless, of course, you managed to take the discovery that allows your bombs to deal acid damage or fire damage (depending on the troll in question, of course).
From the PRD
On a direct hit, an alchemist's bomb inflicts 1d6 points of fire damage + additional damage equal to the alchemist's Intelligence modifier. The damage of an alchemist's bomb increases by 1d6 points at every odd-numbered alchemist level (this bonus damage is not multiplied on a critical hit or by using feats such as Vital Strike).
I do not believe this is the RAI but the RAW seems to be that a first level Alchemist would do a base of 1d6 damage plus another 1d6 from first level being an odd numbered level. Similar progressions such as the rogues sneak attack are worded differently and make it clear that at first level the damage is 1d6.
One thing I have learned from GMing Pathfinder games is that you should never attempt to feed a troll; especially not with Alchemist Bombs. In the long run, despite all of your hard work crafting the perfect bomb to combat its monstrous logic, it'll just end up regenerating like you said or did nothing.
Unless, of course, you managed to take the discovery that allows your bombs to deal acid damage or fire damage (depending on the troll in question, of course).
bombs are fire damage.
You know what? How about this. I get 1d6 + int damage at 1st level. Then, because it's an odd numbered level, I get another 1d6. Then, I stop, look around, notice I'm still level 1, and get another 1d6! The RAW don't say you only gain an additional 1d6 once per level! Damage infinityD6 at 1st level! YAY!