Insinuator Auras - RAW vs RAI

[bungs]

Hi all, longtime reader, first time poster. Currently I'm playing an Insinuator in Skull & Shackles. Since I couldn't find any information by taking a look around, I asked my DM for interpretation. He and the other players (all DMs... I'm the new one) gave me an answer but suggested I keep searching since they as well couldn’t find. So I turn to the community...

The text for Aura of Ego states:

**At 3rd level, an insinuator radiates an aura that bolsters allies and deters enemies. Each ally within 10 feet gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear effects. Enemies within 10 feet take a –2 penalty on saving throws against fear effects. This ability functions only while the insinuator is conscious, not if he is unconscious or dead.
This ability replaces aura of cowardice.**

The text for Aura of Ambition states:

**At 8th level, enemies within 10 feet of an insinuator take a –1 penalty on all saving throws. All allies within 10 feet gain a +1 bonus on all saving throws.
This penalty does not stack with the penalty from aura of the crusader. This ability functions only while the insinuator is conscious, not if he is unconscious or dead.
This ability replaces aura of despair.**

The Antipaladin class features of Aura of Cowardice and Aura of Despair don’t bolster the Antipaladin, so it might make sense that the Insinuator doesn’t get the bonus. However, the class features of the Insinuator tend to lessen the penalties against the enemy for the sake of some selfish bonus to fit with the theme of the Insinuator. For example, Smite Impudence doesn't add CHA bonus to AC vs smote enemy, which trades for a 'variable' smite. Also, Greeds gives the Insinuator 'personal mercies', rather than inflicting Cruelties on enemies.

So you've read this far. My question: Should Aura of Ego and Aura of Ambition be RAW, with the bonuses and penalties applied to only other characters, or should they be interpreted to include the Insinuator in their bonuses?

My group asserts the Insinuator is an ally of themselves, so the insinuator should get the bonus, but we wanted to leave this to someone who might have a better intuition of the intent of these features, whether they are meant to be interpreted strictly.

Since we’re here, I’m also curious what ‘aura of the crusader’ is, since I can’t find that in pathfinder documentation either. Maybe it’s an old name for a different aura?

Just wanted to give a quick thanks for being an awesome community, I almost always find clear answers to my questions without needing to do much other consulting. I really appreciate y’all.

Thanks for your help!
Bungs

[Xenocrat]

There’s a FAQ that you are your own ally except when it wouldn’t make sense. These auras protect the Insinuator.

[Perfect Tommy]

I second xenocrats source.

Pathfinder uses the term allies imprecisely, which leads to the precise meaning being hotly debated.

Common sources include things like Inspire courage, Inspire Competence, spells such as bless, etc.

faq:

Quote:

Ally: Do you count as your own ally?

You count as your own ally unless otherwise stated or if doing so would make no sense or be impossible. Thus, "your allies" almost always means the same as "you and your allies."

in contrast: dictionary.com defines ally as: "person or organization that cooperates with or helps another in a particular activity."

Which clearly means someone else.

So. I think there are two general cases. One where it means opposing sides: Allies/Enemies. And a second case, where it means people helping you.

An example of the former is the bless spell. The spell effect helps all the people on one side.

An example of the latter is inspire competence. The bard is using his abilities to inspire those around him, and the benefit does not accrue to him.

Prior to SDK's ruling, I would have found it closer to the second case, than the first. I would not have allowed it to benefit the insinuator.

However, with that ruling, the bonus applies, and I think it will be that way in 90%+ of PFS tables.

[bungs]

Ah, found that FAQ(anyone from the future can use the following two links as references). I see that I was asking the wrong question.

I don't know what SDK is, but it sounds like my primary question was answered. Thanks a bunch!

"Ally": http://paizo.com/paizo/faq/v5748nruor1fm#v5748eaic9nda

Another discussion thread on Allies: http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l58r?Do-you-count-as-your-own-ally

Cheers!