This message is inspired by the touch spell & sneak attacks threads, but addresses a much larger question. What is the canonical status of rules taken from the class books (e.g. tome and blood, sword and fist, etc.)? I know that some is definitely canon, to wit the polymorph spell updates; and that some is definitely optional (all the prestige classes, new weapon, equipment, and spells). However, I have noticed that the books sometimes engage in explaning the rules, and I wondered if folks considers these interpretations official, or just one author's opinion.
The example that brought about this question is, of course, the sneak attack and touch spells discusion. I know that Tome and Blood pretty clearly states that any spell that rolls to hit is eligible for sneak attack damage, if the caster has sneak attack. Is this interpretation anywhere is the PHB, DMG, or SRD? If not, does its appearane in Tome and Blood make it an official rule, or an optional one?
The example that brought about this question is, of course, the sneak attack and touch spells discusion. I know that Tome and Blood pretty clearly states that any spell that rolls to hit is eligible for sneak attack damage, if the caster has sneak attack. Is this interpretation anywhere is the PHB, DMG, or SRD? If not, does its appearane in Tome and Blood make it an official rule, or an optional one?
