Immunity to crits /= immunity to sneak attack?

[Kerrick]

I was looking over the various creature types, and I noticed something: the construct type states that they are "Not subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, or energy drain." Undead, likewise, are "Not subject to critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability drain, or energy drain. Immune to damage to its physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution), as well as to fatigue and exhaustion effects." Pretty straightforward... but it doesn't mention sneak attacks.

Oozes and plants are "Not subject to critical hits or flanking." That's a little clearer - one of the criteria for making a sneak attack is flanking the target, and I would rule that you couldn't really catch a formless creature (or a plant) flat-footed.

Constructs and undead, however, are usually humanoid in form and can be flanked or caught flat-footed. There are certain undead who would be pretty well immune to sneaks anyway (skeletal creatures), but for things like zombies, vampires, ghouls, et al, it's quite conceivable that a sneak attack could do a reduced amount of damage (maybe half). Constructs, too - they're unliving beings, but they do have weak points.

I know it's pretty well assumed that immunity to crits = immunity to sneak attacks, but I can't find anywhere that specifically states this. Is it really true?

 

[skelso]

A rogue can sneak attack only living creatures with discernible anatomies—undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures lack vital areas to attack. Any creature that is immune to critical hits is not vulnerable to sneak attacks. 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. A rogue cannot sneak attack while striking a creature with concealment or striking the limbs of a creature whose vitals are beyond reach.

Bolding added by me.

 

[Kerrick]

Aha, thanks.

 

[akbearfoot]

Even though you can't flank an ooze, you can still catch them flat footed....

Being flanked does not make you flat footed. The way you typed your message you seemed to impy that it was the same thing. Just wanted to clarify.