Fox style and clever wordplay -bluff- interaction, bonus or not?

[Jose Hernandez 622]

Hi,

I could not find an answer for this in the forums or the FAQ. I'm planning a build for PFS that will use Fox style, but I want to know if the bonus to Bluff only applies when, and only when, the CHA modifier is added. If I change the bluff modifier to INT by using " clever wordplay -bluff-", do I still get the bonus?

Fox style wrote:

you gain a +4 bonus on such Bluff checks when adding your Charisma modifier.

As far as a crude RAW the answer would be no, but pathfinder is a game where attributes, modifiers and the like changes frequently, so frequently that it might be just an oversight over a minor thing. I mean, Bluff is usually used with CHA in most situations, it would make sense not to worry about wording it. So, what is it?

Kind regards,

PS: It is for PFS so any experience with this will be appreciated.

[Nitro~Nina]

The fact that it specifically mentions adding your Charisma indicates that both writing and intent were on the same page in writing it. You could make the argument to your GM otherwise, but PFS is very strict because it has to be applicable to every single player worldwide.

Basically, if it couldn't be argued to be RAW, then PFS isn't going to allow it unless a specific exception is made in their rules.

[Jose Hernandez 622]

Thanks :D,

Anyway I found a better solution for that that netted me a plus 2. The thing is I'm pretty new to PF so I don't know how often Paizo use a bit of artistic license in their texts. I mean, from my newbie perspective it seems that this can be the case of artistic license; if we consider these three options:

1. you gain a +4 bonus on such Bluff checks.

2. you gain a +4 bonus on such Bluff checks when adding your Charisma modifier.

3. you gain a +4 bonus on such Bluff checks only when adding your Charisma modifier.

This is, (1) is pretty straightforward, the full stop make it clear. (2) can be read or understood as: when adding your Charisma modifier -as you usually do in bluff checks- implying with a bit of artistic license (1) or it can also be interpreted as (3).

Nevertheless, thanks again.

[Nitro~Nina]

Jose Hernandez 622 wrote:

Thanks :D,

Anyway I found a better solution for that that netted me a plus 2. The thing is I'm pretty new to PF so I don't know how often Paizo use a bit of artistic license in their texts. I mean, from my newbie perspective it seems that this can be the case of artistic license; if we consider these three options:

1. you gain a +4 bonus on such Bluff checks.

2. you gain a +4 bonus on such Bluff checks when adding your Charisma modifier.

3. you gain a +4 bonus on such Bluff checks only when adding your Charisma modifier.

This is, (1) is pretty straightforward, the full stop make it clear. (2) can be read or understood as: when adding your Charisma modifier -as you usually do in bluff checks- implying with a bit of artistic license (1) or it can also be interpreted as (3).

Nevertheless, thanks again.

I do see what you mean! In Pathfinder they're pretty direct with their rules; usually they are very much as-written though, given the sheer volume of content pumped out by Paizo, there are a good few exceptions to look out for. The art is in the interpretation, but Pathfinder Society does away with interpretation entirely in favour of keeping everyone in the Society on the same page.

So, no, you cannot do this unfortunately. I'd imagine that many GMs would allow it, but PFS will not in any way do so.

(Mind you, PFS ain't exactly perfect sometimes. Check out the whole Magical Child Improved Familiar debacle for one example where the rules cause a hell of a lot of confusion all on their own.)

[James Risner]

Jose Hernandez 622 wrote:

If I change the bluff modifier to INT by using " clever wordplay -bluff-", do I still get the bonus?

No, as you are not adding cha then.