Scout / Attacks of Opportunity

[Dustin Knight]

Question 1: The Scout Archetype for the Rogue says "At 4th level, whenever a scout makes a charge, her attack deals sneak attack damage as if the target were flat-footed". My character is getting the "Snake Fang" feat, allowing him to parry and riposte a failed a +ttack. So if my character is attacked during a charge by someone other than the initial target of the charge, and the attack misses, would I be able to deal sneak attack damage (on a successful hit) to the target who attempted to hit me?

The confusion comes in the wording of the Scout Archetype. It says "as if the target were flat-footed", but doesn't specify what the noun "target" refers to: the target of the charge, or the target of the attack. I understand that by RAW it assumes its the same target, given its very rare you'll get to attack anyone but the target of your charge during a charge. But the rules for charge in the SRD do not use the term "target", whereas the rules for an attack do.

I also understand I would get a single sneak attack with Skirmisher at level 8, but this character will probably never see the 8th level of Rogue (depending on your answer here).

Question 2: When taking an attack of opportunity during a charge I understand you'll have -2 AC. Will this apply to your AC replacement effect via Snake Style (using your sense motive in place of your AC)?

Question 3: When performing an attack of opportunity during a charge, do I get the +2 to hit?

[Trekkie90909]

Q1: Using some simple english grammar we see that "target" is the direct object modified by the verb charge, and so the ability only applies to the target of the charge, it would not affect attacks against any other 'targets.'

Q2: Snake style allows you to use your sense motive check as your AC against one attack, since charging does not lower your sense motive modifier, it would not reduce your AC in this instance.

Q3: No, you gain the +2 on your first attack at the end of the charge against the target of your charge.