I realize this is probably a rather silly question arising out of my inability to understand a rather simple and fundamental aspect of the rules, but here goes.
I understand that bonuses of the same type generally don't stack, but what is the case with more vaguely worded bonuses?
For example, I am creating a character that is Sandman Bard 7/Master Spy 10. Now, it says that a Master Spy adds her class level to all her Bluff checks, while a Sandman gains a bonus equal to half his class level on Bluff checks. Do these two bonuses then stack, or is it just a general rule that no bonuses (even without a specific type to identify them) stack unless this is explicitly stated? Furthermore, one of the prerequisites for the Master Spy prestige class is the feat Deceitful. Does the +2 bonus this grants to Bluff (+4 if you've invested 10 or more ranks in the skill) stack with the class' adding of its class level as a bonus to all Bluff Checks, or is the feat essentially rendered void once you've passed your fourth level of Master Spy?
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Untyped bonuses stack with all other bonuses, including other untyped bonuses, unless called out as not stacking.
With the exception of dodge bonuses, most circumstance bonuses, and racial bonuses, only the better bonus of a given type works. Bonuses without a type always stack, unless they are from the same source.
Deceitful
You are skilled at deceiving others, both with the spoken word and with physical disguises.
Benefit: You get a +2 bonus on all Bluff and Disguise skill checks. If you have 10 or more ranks in one of these skills, the bonus increases to +4 for that skill.
From the Sandman Bard:
Master of Deception (Ex)
A sandman gains a bonus equal to half his level on Bluff, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth checks. He may also disarm magical traps with Disable Device as a rogue’s trapfinding ability.
This ability replaces bardic knowledge.
From the Master Spy:
Art of Deception (Ex)
A master spy adds her class level to all Bluff, Disguise, and Sense Motive checks.
There is no question whatsoever that the bonus from Deceitful stacks with anything. It is completely untyped. It is arguable whether the Master of Deception and Art of Deception bonuses stack. Some would claim they are both level bonuses and thus do not. However, neither is identified as such, and I would say that they do, at least until and unless they are errataed otherwise.
