As the title states, I have a question about how archetypes and prestige classes can interact.
Say that I start as an Alchemist and decide to take the Vivisectionist Archetype.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/archetypes/paizo---a lchemist-archetypes/vivisectionist
The main shtick about this archetype is that it replaces Alchemist's bombs with the Sneak Attack feature.
Later, I take the Shadowdancer prestige class.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/core-rulebook/shadowdancer
At level 3, it grants a Rogue Talent.
1. RAW, is it possible for me to take the bomber talent? http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/rogue/rogue-talents/paizo---ro gue-talents/bomber-su
(RAI, I'm thinking probably not)
2. Were I able, would I use the Sneak Attack dice from my Vivisectionist Alchemist as damage for the bombs granted by that talent?
Yes, that is perfectly fine, why wouldn't it be?
1. Yes
2. Less clear, possible table variation; the very strictest interpretation of RAW is no (you have no rogue class SA dice) while the loosest is yes (the rogue as in the character taking the talent's SA dice).
Owner - D20 Hobbies
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1) Yes
2) Do you have any other source of Sneak Attack dice? I don't see it. So yes it would use the Viv SA dice in my view.
Keep in mind it does say "Rogue's Sneak Attack" and since all classes are written with single class in mind, when they include the class name they usually intend to limit it to the class that gained the feature. In this case that is "Shadowdancer's Sneak Attack" and the SD doesn't get SA.
An example of this type of limitation is the Cleric's Spontaneous Casting ability. It references Cleric, and a FAQ makes it clear it is limited to Cleric spell slots.
An example of an ability not limited is the Sorcerer Bloodlines like Orc Blooded +1 damage. It doesn't say "A Sorcerer's Spells" it just says "Spells you cast".
also, all sneak attacks stack to a giant pool of sneak attack.
This is the issue, they use this wording, but it's not clear what it means. Like it it just doing all your sneak attack, aka, lv2 rogue lv1 sneak attack brawler you have 2d6 sneak attack. Does your bomb only care about your rogue sneak attack or your total sneak attack.
Similar issue to the skald's vigor feat, it give fast healing equal to the str bonus your song provides. So is that just shorthand for what a skald that level is giving out, or is it the total str bonus your song is causing for you?
The rules are generally written in plain English to be easily understood. The developers don't want players to have to track different numbers for different sources of abilities, or what level various feats were gained, for example.