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A rogue gets blinded. He throws on his spare Swordsmaster's Blindfold, which grants blindsight. Note that blindsight specifically mentions that it doesn't use visual senses.
Finally, said rogue attacks a flat footed enemy. Does he get to apply sneak attack damage, even though sneak attack specifically says "The rogue must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot." Or am I being way too nitpicky?
Here are the relevant quotes:
Blindsight (Ex) This ability is similar to blindsense, but is far more discerning. Using nonvisual senses, such as sensitivity to vibrations, keen smell, acute hearing, or echolocation, a creature with blindsight maneuvers and fights as well as a sighted creature. Invisibility, darkness, and most kinds of concealment are irrelevant, though the creature must have line of effect to a creature or object to discern that creature or object. The ability’s range is specified in the creature’s descriptive text. The creature usually does not need to make Perception checks to notice creatures within range of its blindsight ability. Unless noted otherwise, blindsight is continuous, and the creature need do nothing to use it. Some forms of blindsight, however, must be triggered as a free action. If so, this is noted in the creature’s description. If a creature must trigger its blindsight ability, the creature gains the benefits of blindsight only during its turn.
Format: blindsight 60 ft.; Location: Senses.
(Relevant section bolded.) This is for creatures who have a specific line that states it must be triggered.
This black band of silk grants its wearer spectacular senses within a limited range. Some believe these items were made to grant lesser swordmasters the illusion of skill. When the wearer places the blindfold over her eyes, she becomes blinded, but gains blindsight (Bestiary 298) within the reach of her melee weapon, or 5 feet if the wearer is not wielding a melee weapon. Furthermore, the wearer is under the effect of a constant locate weakness (Ultimate Combat 236) spell, but only when making melee attacks.
No mention of a free action being required nor a trigger being required.
Edit: It is also interesting to note that I was unable to find one single creature in any of the 4 bestiaries that had Blindsight that took a free action to trigger. I was only able to find one creature that activated it's blindsight at all and that was not via a free action trigger.
Of course, it was via a quick PDF keyword search so I might have missed one.
A Swordmaster’s Blindfold at 80,000 gp is too expensive for me.
/cevah
