is the direction of the line set by the alchemist regardless of whether or not he misses?
Hmmm, not sure if this should work as precedent. Directed Bomb discovery
Quote:
If the attack misses, roll an additional 1d8 to determine the direction of the blast from where the bomb lands.
The inclusion of additional suggests to me that the bombs still follow the standard miss rules in this case, but that you also lose control of the area.
The 2 abilities you mention happen to also include a part about "starts at the alchemist" that muddles the possibilities somewhat.
1) If you miss with these abilities, standard rules apply. You no longer alter the shape of the blast, and you cannot choose who is affected.
2) The blast keeps its shape, but moves to accommodate the miss. (Most likely, however, you should lose the ability to designate the direction/area of the cone for Directed Blast.)
1 is the most straightforward, and least fuss.
2 might be more "realistic", but it also raises some questions regarding bombs that land outside of the normal range for these abilities.
2a) Misses only affect squares that would be in range of a hit (and probably the square in which it lands).
2b) Misses effect the normal amount of squares, always extending back toward the valid range. (ie. toward the alchemist)
2a creates a strange scenario where a bomb can potentially affect a discrete set of squares. (It's a Su ability, why not?)
2b let's you break the rules of these particular abilities. (ie. start at the alchemist)
RAW and RAI, I think the answer is 1, these abilities turn off if you miss.
That being said, I'd probably allow Directed Blast, to use the rule for Directed Bomb, if the player also had that discovery. (But not preferentially, the decision would be made when you took the discovery.)
If he misses the creature would the line remain in place and a new spot be the full damage square (perhaps in or out of the line)?
Would miss be determined normally and a new line be drawn through it as a 40' line?
Assuming you want to go with option 2...
When you miss, there is no "full damage square". Full damage happens only when you successfully hit a creature. Misses are treated as targeting a square, all you get is splash damage.
There's no reason to think this attack has any special properties that cause a thrown splash weapon to become more laterally stable, such that splash damage to your intended target is automatic. My opinion is that the square hit by the miss would be determined normally and that the line should adjust to go directly between the alchemist and the square that was hit (yes, still keeping 40ft length).
