Are you an ally of yourself?

[Ki_Ryn]

When a power affects "all allies" around the caster, does it also affect the caster?

Specificaly, we ran into this with the Paladin "Aura of Justice" ability. While noting that the Bard has an ability that specifically suggests the Bard is an ally, that's not definitve proof either way.

Is it spelled out clearly anywhere?

Quote:

Aura of Justice (Su)

At 11th level, a paladin can expend two uses of her smite evil ability to grant the ability to smite evil to all allies within 10 feet, using her bonuses. ...

Quote:

Inspire Courage (Su)

A 1st level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities.
...

[BltzKrg242]

Yes. If it doesn't have the (including himself) then allies does not include himself.

[Fozbek]

It's not stated anywhere in Pathfinder, but the base rules havn't changed at all from 3.5, and the rule there was "you are not your own ally".

This makes logical sense, because "ally" is defined as a relationship between two entities. Unless you've got multiple personalities, you're only a single entity.

[FarmerBob]

Ki_Ryn wrote:

When a power affects "all allies" around the caster, does it also affect the caster?

Yes. FAQ

[Fozbek]

<facepalm>

[Lord Fyre]

[segue way]The title of this thread is also a thought provoking philosophical question that has meaning in real life.

"Are you an ally of yourself?"
... or ...
"Do you act in a way that promotes your own welfare?"[/segue way]

[Sizik]

Lord Fyre wrote:

[segue way]

That would be pronounced "seg-way-way".

[Starglim]

Yes, unless it is otherwise stated or would make no sense or be impossible to do so. The Protection domain's Resistant Touch, for example, grants an ally the cleric's resistance bonus from the same domain, which the cleric loses while the domain power is active. It would make no sense for the cleric to use this power on himself, as he would get exactly the same bonus as before while consuming a usage of the domain power.

[Muser]

This piece of FAQqetry makes the Menacing weapon enchantment actually a nice investment for rogues.

[Ki_Ryn]

FarmerBob wrote:

Yes. FAQ

Thanks for the pointer! It's nice to see a definitive answer.