Alchemist targeting intersection with bomb + Precise Bombs discovery

[Stockvillain]

So, I've finally gotten the chance to play an alchemist in a weekly game. Grenadier archetype, 2nd level.
We recently had an encounter in some tight tunnels, and to avoid hitting a party member with his bomb, I decided to target an intersection on the ceiling near the fighter. I used Precise Bombs to exclude his square from the splash damage, and the GM went for it.
Despite the GM giving the okay, I'd still like some reassurance that this was a legitimate tactic.

Question:
Can an alchemist, with the Precise Bombs discovery, target a grid intersection adjacent to an ally and still choose to exclude the ally's square from the splash area?

I know there'll be a few "if everyone's happy with the ruling, just go with it," but I'd like my sneaksy trick verified before I try to take it on the road (perhaps to PFS play or something).

Thanks in advance for help & guidance!

[Claxon]

I can see no reason why you can't choose to exclude your allies square, even if you target the intersection at one of the corners of his square.

However, please note that you're losing damage by targeting an intersection as no one is hit with the direct damage, they only take splash damage.

If you have precise bombs you might as well just hit an enemy and exclude your allies in the blast radius.

[Swordjockey]

Yes that is exactly right. Precise bombs alow you to avoid as many squares up to your int mod, as long as you hit your target's touch AC. For a square on the floor, wall, or ceiling is 5. If you miss then the effect of Precise bombs is ignored and all squares in the intersection it lands take the hit.

[Stockvillain]

Thanks much.
I was forced into the cruddy targeting situation due to placement and tight quarters. Still managed to torch a few zombies with the splash damage, anyway.

[Swordjockey]

Claxon remember later he will be able to get things like the madness bomb so targeting a square and avoiding party members is still useful.

[Selvaxri]

Explosive Bombs discovery increases the blast radius of your bombs to 10ft and can catch items on fire; and that discovery stacks with Strafe Bomb discovery- doubling the line from 40ft to 80th.
BUT Explosive Bombs don't stack with bombs that alter the effects of the bombs- like Madness or Smoke Bombs.

[Swordjockey]

Your right Selvaxri, madness was a poor example. A better one is Tanglefoot Bomb.

[Stockvillain]

Taking note of all suggestions; thanks all around!

[Swordjockey]

Just remember the strength of the alchemist bomb is not there power, but there versatility. For example Tanglefoot Bomb will ruin most casters and flying enemies.

[Selvaxri]

I, too, have a Grenadier alchemist-only lvl 3. my friend keeps telling me to get the Fast Bombs discovery. Since that is an 8th lvl Discovery, you'll have atleast 10 bombs to double-toss every day.

just remember at lvl 6, you get the ability to direct your bomb damage to a 15-ft cone- this ability doesn't stack with Explosive Bombs, but is very flexible with the other bomb types.

What Formulae you have?
Targeted Bomb Admixture is a good one against one last boss.

[Swordjockey]

Actually he can take it at 4th it is the breath weapon bomb. It's best advantage is it does not provoke AOO's, and it stacks with Precise Bombs.

[Joesi]

Will targeting an intersection still be affected by soft cover? I'm quite certain that it wouldn't be reduced by the penalty of targeting an opponent engaged in melee combat with an ally though. It would seemingly still be penalized by soft cover though.

Anyway, the reason why the character would target the intersection instead of an opposing creature would likely be for one or both of those reasons. Between the enemy's touch AC, range increment penalties, and the previously 1–2 mentioned penalties, it might not have been viable to attack the enemy directly, especially considering the possibility to miss and hit an ally (where precise bombs wouldn't-then work)

[Swordjockey]

Soft cover still applies in this case.