Does a swift action ranged attack provoke AoO?

[Texas Snyper]

Casting a spell triggers an AoO but a swift spell does not, presumably because it is cast quick enough that it a reaction is not possible. But what about a swift cast spell that causes a ranged touch attack (e.g. Scorching Ray)? Does a swift action ranged attack trigger an AoO or does it get the same treatment as a swift action spell?

For example, an EK attacks and gets a critical hit. He triggers his spell critical and casts a swift action scorching ray at his target. Does this trigger an AoO? If it does, should it?

[Brain in a Jar]

Cast a Quickened Spell:

You can cast a quickened spell (see the Quicken Spell feat), or any spell whose casting time is designated as a free or swift action, as a swift action. Only one such spell can be cast in any round, and such spells don't count toward your normal limit of one spell per round. Casting a spell as a swift action doesn't incur an attack of opportunity.

Cast a Spell:

Ranged Touch Spells in Combat: Some spells allow you to make a ranged touch attack as part of the casting of the spell. These attacks are made as part of the spell and do not require a separate action. Ranged touch attacks provoke an attack of opportunity, even if the spell that causes the attacks was cast defensively. Unless otherwise noted, ranged touch attacks cannot be held until a later turn.

As far as i can tell using a Swift Action to cast a spell wouldn't provoke. But using a Ranged attack still does.

[Drahliana Moonrunner]

Texas Snyper wrote:

Casting a spell triggers an AoO but a swift spell does not, presumably because it is cast quick enough that it a reaction is not possible. But what about a swift cast spell that causes a ranged touch attack (e.g. Scorching Ray)? Does a swift action ranged attack trigger an AoO or does it get the same treatment as a swift action spell?

For example, an EK attacks and gets a critical hit. He triggers his spell critical and casts a swift action scorching ray at his target. Does this trigger an AoO? If it does, should it?

No it shouldn't, because it's essentially a hyped up version of spellstrike.

A standard swift action casting spell wouldn't provoke, but making the ranged to hit roll itself would.

[Texas Snyper]

That seems silly to me. "I'm going to cast a spell which would normally let you hit me but I'm going to do it so fast you won't be able to react to my actions but because the spell requires a ranged attack you still get to hit me."

[Drahliana Moonrunner]

Texas Snyper wrote:

That seems silly to me. "I'm going to cast a spell which would normally let you hit me but I'm going to do it so fast you won't be able to react to my actions but because the spell requires a ranged attack you still get to hit me."

No it isn't. There are plenty of swift action spells that don't involve making a ranged attack roll, which is a separate issue than casting the spell itself. Raven's Flight is one example. One can cast the spell, and then use it's movement to withdraw without provoking.

Ranged attacks that involve making a roll to hit provoke unless special mechanics are involved... that's the rule. Whether it's firing arrows or scorching rays, the same principle applies.