Alchemist - Revision history

imported>Administrator: 59 revisions imported

2023-06-17T17:32:43Z

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1d4chan>ThatOneBruvva: /* Pathfinder Second Edition */

2023-01-05T04:10:27Z

Pathfinder Second Edition

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:10, 5 January 2023
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	Second Edition saw the Alchemist promoted to be part of the CRB classes, likely thanks to their popularity. As part of the revamp, they no longer have any access to spells. This means that alchemists are now exclusively crafters of all manner of alchemical items - the same ones you can buy in a shop, but now these items progress like tiered spells (Though it's almost always tiered rather than being an occasional thing). Incidentally, this makes said items more useful for non-Alchemists to buy past level two. Helping them out with this is the limited access to special reagents that allow them to make new items on the fly. This leaves them to suffer in combat, as they are only proficient in light armor, simple weapons, and bombs by default and have these proficiencies progress about as well as a caster's. (This isn't much of an issue, though, as bombs do have splash damage.)		Second Edition saw the Alchemist promoted to be part of the CRB classes, likely thanks to their popularity. As part of the revamp, they no longer have any access to spells. This means that alchemists are now exclusively crafters of all manner of alchemical items - the same ones you can buy in a shop, but now these items progress like tiered spells (Though it's almost always tiered rather than being an occasional thing). Incidentally, this makes said items more useful for non-Alchemists to buy past level two. Helping them out with this is the limited access to special reagents that allow them to make new items on the fly. This leaves them to suffer in combat, as they are only proficient in light armor, simple weapons, and bombs by default and have these proficiencies progress about as well as a caster's. (This isn't much of an issue, though, as bombs do have splash damage.)

	Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses grants you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on ~~targets~~ and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and finally allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually will enable poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the Alchemist isn't able to ~~specialize very~~ well in other fields thanks to these specializations.		Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses grants you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on friendlies and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and finally allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually will enable poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the Alchemist isn't able to craft as well in other fields thanks to these specializations.

	This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not familiar with craftable items list (it doesn't help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). The fact that you're hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus misleads from the fact that this is a flexible utility class, even more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. Also, a GM is more likely to have NPC shop keepers that know alchemy recipes than finding a spellbook). Remember, you're the guy that always well stocked with antivenom, resistance, healing potions, throwing snares, and performance-enhancing drugs, even when taking an extended trip through the [[Abyss]].		This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not familiar with craftable items list (it doesn't help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). The fact that you're hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus misleads from the fact that this is a flexible utility class, even more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. Also, a GM is more likely to have NPC shop keepers that know alchemy recipes than finding a spellbook). Remember, you're the guy that always well stocked with antivenom, resistance, healing potions, throwing snares, and performance-enhancing drugs, even when taking an extended trip through the [[Abyss]].

1d4chan>A Walrus at 20:44, 21 October 2022

2022-10-21T20:44:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:44, 21 October 2022
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	'''Alchemists''' (Al-Khemia from Arabic and Greek, literally "The Chemistry", also Khemeia is Greek word for metal-changing) were proto-chemists who worked in the medieval and early modern periods (and a few even survived into the Age of Enlightenment; Newton in particular is sometimes mocked for believing in alchemy) in Europe and the Islamic World. Like modern chemists, they thought matter followed specific rules and would reliably change at different heats, proportions, etc. ''Unlike'' modern chemists their rules were rather... derpy. They thought, for instance, that examining an object physically would reveal its ''internal'' properties, and spent lots of time in chemically useless pursuits like trying to find [[Spelljammer\|phlogiston]], a hypothetical chemical that was attributed to be responsible for combustion, or, most famously, trying to turn lead into gold. A similarly-derpy tradition in Asia revolved around making various potions, most notably their quest for the legendary elixir of immortality which mostly yielded a plethora of potions of mortality, since they thought the primary ingredient was the highly-toxic element mercury, and ended up making gunpowder-grade phosphorus when urine got boiled. Alchemy was basically an attempt at outright magic before it got distilled into modern day chemistry when better measuring methods were developed. Nonetheless they did stumble upon a few useful ideas, like [[firearm\|gunpowder]] (from boiling [[Magical Realm\|PISS]], of all things), colorful dyes to sell to the wealthy and various other useful processes which helped pay the bills.		'''Alchemists''' (Al-Khemia from Arabic and Greek, literally "The Chemistry", also Khemeia is Greek word for metal-changing) were proto-chemists who worked in the medieval and early modern periods (and a few even survived into the Age of Enlightenment; Newton in particular is sometimes mocked for believing in alchemy) in Europe and the Islamic World. Like modern chemists, they thought matter followed specific rules and would reliably change at different heats, proportions, etc. ''Unlike'' modern chemists their rules were rather... derpy. They thought, for instance, that examining an object physically would reveal its ''internal'' properties, and spent lots of time in chemically useless pursuits like trying to find [[Spelljammer\|phlogiston]], a hypothetical chemical that was attributed to be responsible for combustion, or, most famously, trying to turn lead into gold. A similarly-derpy tradition in Asia revolved around making various potions, most notably their quest for the legendary elixir of immortality which mostly yielded a plethora of potions of mortality, since they thought the primary ingredient was the highly-toxic element mercury, and ended up making gunpowder-grade phosphorus when urine got boiled. Alchemy was basically an attempt at outright magic before it got distilled into modern day chemistry when better measuring methods were developed. Nonetheless they did stumble upon a few useful ideas, like [[firearm\|gunpowder]] (from boiling [[Magical Realm\|PISS]], of all things), colorful dyes to sell to the wealthy, distilled spirits and various other useful processes which helped pay the bills.

	In the modern age, they're generally thought of as bumbling primitives at best and devious charlatans at worst, but they played an important role in keeping science alive in an age where research wasn't much of a thing and providing by accident some useful information for chemists when that discipline emerged in the [[Age of Enlightenment]]. Also many of their experiments can be considered metaphorical, and the close attention they paid to exotic chemical reactions were often guided meditations which were intended to have lasting psychological effects on the observer. Like astrologers, they were often conmen, but some of them were highly skilled, intelligent, and poetic.		In the modern age, they're generally thought of as bumbling primitives at best and devious charlatans at worst, but they played an important role in keeping science alive in an age where research wasn't much of a thing and providing by accident some useful information for chemists when that discipline emerged in the [[Age of Enlightenment]]. Also many of their experiments can be considered metaphorical, and the close attention they paid to exotic chemical reactions were often guided meditations which were intended to have lasting psychological effects on the observer. Like astrologers, they were often conmen, but some of them were highly skilled, intelligent, and poetic.

1d4chan>GloriousGidofter: /* Pathfinder Second Edition */

2022-06-07T05:55:27Z

Pathfinder Second Edition

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:55, 7 June 2022
Line 156:		Line 156:
	Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses grants you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on targets and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and finally allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually will enable poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the Alchemist isn't able to specialize very well in other fields thanks to these specializations.		Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses grants you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on targets and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and finally allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually will enable poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the Alchemist isn't able to specialize very well in other fields thanks to these specializations.

	This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not familiar with craftable items list (~~don~~'t help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). The fact that ~~your~~ hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus misleads from the fact that this is a flexible utility class~~. Being~~ more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. Also, a GM is more likely to have ~~NPCs~~ shop ~~keeper~~ that ~~knows~~ alchemy recipes than finding a spellbook). Remember, you're the guy that always well stocked with ~~Antivenom~~, resistance, ~~and~~ healing potions, throwing snares, and performance-enhancing drugs even when taking an extended trip through the [[Abyss]].		This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not familiar with craftable items list (it doesn't help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). The fact that you're hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus misleads from the fact that this is a flexible utility class, even more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. Also, a GM is more likely to have NPC shop keepers that know alchemy recipes than finding a spellbook). Remember, you're the guy that always well stocked with antivenom, resistance, healing potions, throwing snares, and performance-enhancing drugs, even when taking an extended trip through the [[Abyss]].

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

1d4chan>GloriousGidofter: /* Pathfinder Second Edition */

2022-06-07T05:53:11Z

Pathfinder Second Edition

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:53, 7 June 2022
Line 156:		Line 156:
	Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses grants you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on targets and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and finally allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually will enable poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the Alchemist isn't able to specialize very well in other fields thanks to these specializations.		Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses grants you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on targets and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and finally allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually will enable poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the Alchemist isn't able to specialize very well in other fields thanks to these specializations.

	This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not familiar with craftable items list (don't help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). The fact that your hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus misleads from the fact that this is a flexible utility class. Being more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. Also, a GM is more likely to have NPCs shop keeper that knows alchemy recipes than finding a spellbook). Remember, ~~Your~~ the guy that always well stocked with Antivenom, resistance, and healing potions, throwing ~~snairs~~, and performance-enhancing drugs even when taking an extended trip through the [[Abyss]].		This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not familiar with craftable items list (don't help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). The fact that your hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus misleads from the fact that this is a flexible utility class. Being more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. Also, a GM is more likely to have NPCs shop keeper that knows alchemy recipes than finding a spellbook). Remember, you're the guy that always well stocked with Antivenom, resistance, and healing potions, throwing snares, and performance-enhancing drugs even when taking an extended trip through the [[Abyss]].

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

1d4chan>Stephenlucas600: /* Pathfinder Second Edition */

2022-01-04T02:22:59Z

Pathfinder Second Edition

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:22, 4 January 2022
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	===Pathfinder Second Edition===		===Pathfinder Second Edition===
	[[File:Alchemist PF 2e.png\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Fumbus, Pathfinder 2e's iconic Alchemist]]		[[File:Alchemist PF 2e.png\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Fumbus, Pathfinder 2e's iconic Alchemist]]
	Second Edition saw the Alchemist promoted to ~~being~~ part of the CRB classes, likely thanks to ~~how popular they were~~. As part of the revamp, they no longer have any access to spells. This means that alchemists are now exclusively crafters of all manner of alchemical items - the same ones you can buy in a shop, but now these items progress like tiered spells (Though it's almost always tiered rather than being an occasional thing). Incidentally, this makes said items more useful for non-Alchemists to buy past level two. Helping them out with this is the limited access to special reagents that allow them to make new items on the fly. This leaves them to suffer in combat, as they are only proficient in light armor, simple weapons, and bombs by default and have these proficiencies progress about as well as a caster's. (This isn't ~~really~~ much of an issue though, as bombs do have splash damage.)		Second Edition saw the Alchemist promoted to be part of the CRB classes, likely thanks to their popularity. As part of the revamp, they no longer have any access to spells. This means that alchemists are now exclusively crafters of all manner of alchemical items - the same ones you can buy in a shop, but now these items progress like tiered spells (Though it's almost always tiered rather than being an occasional thing). Incidentally, this makes said items more useful for non-Alchemists to buy past level two. Helping them out with this is the limited access to special reagents that allow them to make new items on the fly. This leaves them to suffer in combat, as they are only proficient in light armor, simple weapons, and bombs by default and have these proficiencies progress about as well as a caster's. (This isn't much of an issue, though, as bombs do have splash damage.)

	Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses ~~grant~~ you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on targets and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and ~~eventually~~ allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually ~~allows~~ poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the ~~alchemist~~ isn't able to specialize very well in other fields thanks to these specializations.		Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses grants you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on targets and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and finally allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually will enable poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the Alchemist isn't able to specialize very well in other fields thanks to these specializations.

	This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not ~~fililiater~~ with craftable items list (don't help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). ~~the~~ fact that your hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus ~~does~~ misleads that this is a flexible utility class. Being more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. ~~also~~ a GM is more likely to have NPCs shop keeper that knows ~~alchamy~~ recipes ~~then~~ finding a ~~spell book~~). Remember, Your the guy that always well ~~stock~~ with Antivenom, resistance and healing potions, throwing snairs, and performance-enhancing drugs even ~~then~~ taking a extended trip to the [[Abyss]].		This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not familiar with craftable items list (don't help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). The fact that your hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus misleads from the fact that this is a flexible utility class. Being more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. Also, a GM is more likely to have NPCs shop keeper that knows alchemy recipes than finding a spellbook). Remember, Your the guy that always well stocked with Antivenom, resistance, and healing potions, throwing snairs, and performance-enhancing drugs even when taking an extended trip through the [[Abyss]].

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

1d4chan>Anonymoose: /* Pathfinder */

2022-01-03T23:20:58Z

Pathfinder

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:20, 3 January 2022
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	Alchemists are solidly tier 3, capable of doing a few things very good (damage, skill monkey) and still contributing when those things aren't useful through their wide variety of extracts. One pair of discoveries gives Alchemists access to the Simulacrum spell, which is broken enough on its own (making a clone of a high level beat stick that follows your commands is the least creative way to break it) that they become tier 1 if taken.		Alchemists are solidly tier 3, capable of doing a few things very good (damage, skill monkey) and still contributing when those things aren't useful through their wide variety of extracts. One pair of discoveries gives Alchemists access to the Simulacrum spell, which is broken enough on its own (making a clone of a high level beat stick that follows your commands is the least creative way to break it) that they become tier 1 if taken.

	Mechanically, Alchemists get three tricks. The first are alchemical bombs, which are essentially splash weapons that they can prepare a certain number of per day like spells. The second are extracts, which are bottles of magic that are prepared like Wizard spells but drunk like potions. The third is mutagen, which is basically Mr. Hyde juice; mechanically, it buffs one of your physical stats and natural armor at the expense of your mental stat. Complementing these is the pick of "discoveries", additional alchemical tricks such as changing your bombs to do different types of damage, growing a familiar out of your own flesh, or making your body poisonous, at every even level, many of which are really good. Alchemist builds are put into two categories. The first is the "Jekyll" build, which focuses on party support while using bombs to kill things and control the battlefield. The second is the "Hyde" build, which focuses on using its alchemy to buff up and smash enemies, with most taking the Vivisectionist archetype to trade their bombs for sneak attack.		Mechanically, Alchemists get three tricks. The first are alchemical bombs, which are essentially splash weapons that they can prepare a certain number of per day like spells. The second are extracts, which are bottles of magic that are prepared like Wizard spells but drunk like potions. The third is mutagen, which is basically Mr. Hyde juice; mechanically, it buffs one of your physical stats and natural armor at the expense of your mental stat. Complementing these is the pick of "discoveries", additional alchemical tricks such as changing your bombs to do different types of damage, growing a familiar out of your own flesh, or making your body poisonous, at every even level, many of which are really good. Alchemist builds are put into two categories. The first is the "Jekyll" build, which focuses on party support while using bombs to kill things and control the battlefield, probably with the Mindchemist archetype since they won't be poisoning anyone and don't care about buffing their muscles. The second is the "Hyde" build, which focuses on using its alchemy to buff up and smash enemies, with most taking the Vivisectionist archetype to trade their bombs for sneak attack.

	Alchemists are a lot of fun, since they get ''throw anything'' as a power and have lots of unique bombs they can make, and actually make "incredible discoveries!" as they level up, ranging from growing new limbs and tumors that fall off and act as familiars to learning how to cheat and bottle spells they shouldn't theoretically have. There's nothing else in the game quite like them, and it makes them unique and interesting. Unfortunately, all those powers aren't terribly focused, which is a downer. If you want to build a decent alchemist, pick one or two of their mechanics and leave the third by the wayside. Oh, and everyone will hate you if you don't take the discovery which lets other people use your extracts, which you should do anyway, because what else are you going to do with that ''enlarge person'' potion? Wade into melee? My 30+ AC, 3 Nat attacks a round, and +12 to Hit suggest that that is a good idea as long as the mutagen holds.		Alchemists are a lot of fun, since they get ''throw anything'' as a power and have lots of unique bombs they can make, and actually make "incredible discoveries!" as they level up, ranging from growing new limbs and tumors that fall off and act as familiars to learning how to cheat and bottle spells they shouldn't theoretically have. There's nothing else in the game quite like them, and it makes them unique and interesting. Unfortunately, all those powers aren't terribly focused, which is a downer. If you want to build a decent alchemist, pick one or two of their mechanics and leave the third by the wayside. Oh, and everyone will hate you if you don't take the discovery which lets other people use your extracts, which you should do anyway, because what else are you going to do with that ''enlarge person'' potion? Wade into melee? My 30+ AC, 3 Nat attacks a round, and +12 to Hit suggest that that is a good idea as long as the mutagen holds.

84.250.181.122: /* Pathfinder */ This thing is a mess, lots of information repeated or just false. Could only be arsed to fix some cases.

2021-11-25T06:58:00Z

Pathfinder: This thing is a mess, lots of information repeated or just false. Could only be arsed to fix some cases.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:58, 25 November 2021
Line 140:		Line 140:
	Pathfinder alchemists are basically a mad scientist character class. They cackle, they drink mutagen and turn into the Hulk, they make construct-soldiers out of dead bodies, they cast spells by chugging potions, you get the idea.		Pathfinder alchemists are basically a mad scientist character class. They cackle, they drink mutagen and turn into the Hulk, they make construct-soldiers out of dead bodies, they cast spells by chugging potions, you get the idea.

	Alchemists are solidly tier 3, capable of doing a few things very good (damage, skill monkey) and still contributing when those things aren't useful through their wide variety of extracts. One pair of discoveries gives Alchemists access to the Simulacrum spell, which is broken enough on its own (~~Making~~ a clone of a high level beat stick that follows your commands is the least creative way to break it.) they become tier 1 if taken.		Alchemists are solidly tier 3, capable of doing a few things very good (damage, skill monkey) and still contributing when those things aren't useful through their wide variety of extracts. One pair of discoveries gives Alchemists access to the Simulacrum spell, which is broken enough on its own (making a clone of a high level beat stick that follows your commands is the least creative way to break it) that they become tier 1 if taken.

	Mechanically, Alchemists get three tricks. The first are alchemical bombs, which are essentially splash weapons that they can prepare a certain number of per day like spells. The second are ~~infusions~~, which are bottles of magic that are prepared like Wizard spells but drunk like potions. The third is mutagen, which is basically Mr. Hyde juice; mechanically, it buffs one of your physical stats at the expense of your mental stat~~, and too much stat damage will cause sudden reversion~~. ~~Complimenting~~ these is the pick of "discoveries", additional alchemical tricks such as changing your bombs to do different types of damage, growing a familiar out of your own flesh, or making your body poisonous, at every even level, many of which are really good. Alchemist builds are put into two categories. The first is the "Jekyll" build, which focuses on party support while using bombs to kill things and control the battlefield. The ~~alternative~~ is the "Hyde" build, which focuses on using its alchemy to buff up and smash enemies, with most taking the Vivisectionist archetype to trade their bombs for sneak attack.		Mechanically, Alchemists get three tricks. The first are alchemical bombs, which are essentially splash weapons that they can prepare a certain number of per day like spells. The second are extracts, which are bottles of magic that are prepared like Wizard spells but drunk like potions. The third is mutagen, which is basically Mr. Hyde juice; mechanically, it buffs one of your physical stats and natural armor at the expense of your mental stat. Complementing these is the pick of "discoveries", additional alchemical tricks such as changing your bombs to do different types of damage, growing a familiar out of your own flesh, or making your body poisonous, at every even level, many of which are really good. Alchemist builds are put into two categories. The first is the "Jekyll" build, which focuses on party support while using bombs to kill things and control the battlefield. The second is the "Hyde" build, which focuses on using its alchemy to buff up and smash enemies, with most taking the Vivisectionist archetype to trade their bombs for sneak attack.

	Alchemists are a lot of fun, since they get ''throw anything'' as a power and have lots of unique bombs they can make, and actually make "incredible discoveries!" as they level up, ranging from growing new limbs and tumors that fall off and act as familiars to learning how to cheat and bottle spells they shouldn't theoretically have. There's nothing else in the game quite like them, and it makes them unique and interesting. Unfortunately, all those powers aren't terribly focused, which is a downer. If you want to build a decent alchemist, pick one or two of their mechanics and leave the third by the wayside. Oh, and everyone will hate you if you don't take the discovery which lets other people use your ~~infusions~~, which you should do anyway, because what else are you going to do with that ''enlarge person'' potion? Wade into melee? My 30+ AC, 3 Nat attacks a round, and +12 to Hit suggest that that is a good idea as long as the mutagen holds.		Alchemists are a lot of fun, since they get ''throw anything'' as a power and have lots of unique bombs they can make, and actually make "incredible discoveries!" as they level up, ranging from growing new limbs and tumors that fall off and act as familiars to learning how to cheat and bottle spells they shouldn't theoretically have. There's nothing else in the game quite like them, and it makes them unique and interesting. Unfortunately, all those powers aren't terribly focused, which is a downer. If you want to build a decent alchemist, pick one or two of their mechanics and leave the third by the wayside. Oh, and everyone will hate you if you don't take the discovery which lets other people use your extracts, which you should do anyway, because what else are you going to do with that ''enlarge person'' potion? Wade into melee? My 30+ AC, 3 Nat attacks a round, and +12 to Hit suggest that that is a good idea as long as the mutagen holds.

	Also, they're very selfish casters that need to take a discovery just to let other people imbibe their spell-potions, and without cantrips they can only identify potions without spending spell slots. As a result, they aren't the best solo-casters in a party full of melee beatsticks.		Also, they're very selfish casters that need to take a discovery just to let other people imbibe their spell-potions, and without cantrips they can only identify potions without spending spell slots. As a result, they aren't the best solo-casters in a party full of melee beatsticks.

1d4chan>A Walrus at 03:59, 21 October 2021

2021-10-21T03:59:16Z

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	'''Alchemists''' (Al-Khemia from Arabic and Greek, literally "The Chemistry", also Khemeia is Greek word for metal-changing) were proto-chemists who worked in the medieval and early modern periods (and a few even survived into the Age of Enlightenment; Newton in particular is sometimes mocked for believing in alchemy) in Europe and the Islamic World. Like modern chemists, they thought matter followed specific rules and would reliably change at different heats, proportions, etc. ''Unlike'' modern chemists their rules were rather... derpy. They thought, for instance, that examining an object physically would reveal its ''internal'' properties, and spent lots of time in chemically useless pursuits like trying to find [[Spelljammer\|phlogiston]], a hypothetical chemical that was attributed to be responsible for combustion, or, most famously, trying to turn lead into gold. A similarly-derpy tradition in Asia revolved around making various potions, most notably their quest for the legendary elixir of immortality which mostly yielded a plethora of potions of mortality, since they thought the primary ingredient was the highly-toxic element mercury, and ended up making gunpowder-grade phosphorus when urine got boiled. Alchemy was basically an attempt at outright magic before it got distilled into modern day chemistry when better measuring methods were developed. Nonetheless they did stumble upon a few useful ideas, like [[firearm\|gunpowder]] (from boiling [[Magical Realm\|PISS]], of all things), colorful dyes to sell to the wealthy and various other useful processes which helped pay the bills.		'''Alchemists''' (Al-Khemia from Arabic and Greek, literally "The Chemistry", also Khemeia is Greek word for metal-changing) were proto-chemists who worked in the medieval and early modern periods (and a few even survived into the Age of Enlightenment; Newton in particular is sometimes mocked for believing in alchemy) in Europe and the Islamic World. Like modern chemists, they thought matter followed specific rules and would reliably change at different heats, proportions, etc. ''Unlike'' modern chemists their rules were rather... derpy. They thought, for instance, that examining an object physically would reveal its ''internal'' properties, and spent lots of time in chemically useless pursuits like trying to find [[Spelljammer\|phlogiston]], a hypothetical chemical that was attributed to be responsible for combustion, or, most famously, trying to turn lead into gold. A similarly-derpy tradition in Asia revolved around making various potions, most notably their quest for the legendary elixir of immortality which mostly yielded a plethora of potions of mortality, since they thought the primary ingredient was the highly-toxic element mercury, and ended up making gunpowder-grade phosphorus when urine got boiled. Alchemy was basically an attempt at outright magic before it got distilled into modern day chemistry when better measuring methods were developed. Nonetheless they did stumble upon a few useful ideas, like [[firearm\|gunpowder]] (from boiling [[Magical Realm\|PISS]], of all things), colorful dyes to sell to the wealthy and various other useful processes which helped pay the bills.

	In the modern age, they're generally thought of as bumbling primitives at best and devious charlatans at worst, but they played an important role in keeping science alive in an age where research wasn't much of a thing and providing by accident some useful information for chemists. Also many of their experiments can be considered metaphorical, and the close attention they paid to exotic chemical reactions were often guided meditations which were intended to have lasting psychological effects on the observer. Like astrologers, they were often conmen, but some of them were highly skilled, intelligent, and poetic.		In the modern age, they're generally thought of as bumbling primitives at best and devious charlatans at worst, but they played an important role in keeping science alive in an age where research wasn't much of a thing and providing by accident some useful information for chemists when that discipline emerged in the [[Age of Enlightenment]]. Also many of their experiments can be considered metaphorical, and the close attention they paid to exotic chemical reactions were often guided meditations which were intended to have lasting psychological effects on the observer. Like astrologers, they were often conmen, but some of them were highly skilled, intelligent, and poetic.

	Fiction has found a new niche for Alchemy, however. Their mysticism has expanded into a fusion of Chemistry and Magic, either deriving magic from chemical processes, or infusing their chemistry with magic. After all, ''somebody's'' gotta make those healing potions, right?		Fiction has found a new niche for Alchemy, however. Their mysticism has expanded into a fusion of Chemistry and Magic, either deriving magic from chemical processes, or infusing their chemistry with magic. After all, ''somebody's'' gotta make those healing potions, right?

1d4chan>Stephenlucas600: /* Pathfinder Second Edition */

2021-09-11T20:32:51Z

Pathfinder Second Edition

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	Second Edition saw the Alchemist promoted to being part of the CRB classes, likely thanks to how popular they were. As part of the revamp, they no longer have any access to spells. This means that alchemists are now exclusively crafters of all manner of alchemical items - the same ones you can buy in a shop, but now these items progress like tiered spells (Though it's almost always tiered rather than being an occasional thing). Incidentally, this makes said items more useful for non-Alchemists to buy past level two. Helping them out with this is the limited access to special reagents that allow them to make new items on the fly. This leaves them to suffer in combat, as they are only proficient in light armor, simple weapons, and bombs by default and have these proficiencies progress about as well as a caster's. (This isn't really much of an issue though, as bombs do have splash damage.)		Second Edition saw the Alchemist promoted to being part of the CRB classes, likely thanks to how popular they were. As part of the revamp, they no longer have any access to spells. This means that alchemists are now exclusively crafters of all manner of alchemical items - the same ones you can buy in a shop, but now these items progress like tiered spells (Though it's almost always tiered rather than being an occasional thing). Incidentally, this makes said items more useful for non-Alchemists to buy past level two. Helping them out with this is the limited access to special reagents that allow them to make new items on the fly. This leaves them to suffer in combat, as they are only proficient in light armor, simple weapons, and bombs by default and have these proficiencies progress about as well as a caster's. (This isn't really much of an issue though, as bombs do have splash damage.)

			Alchemist subclasses essentially pick one sort of item to focus on: potions, bombs, mutagens, or (as of the APG) poisons. As you progress, each of these subclasses grant you the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level items from their chosen field. Each also gives minor boosts to their chosen items at level 1 and 13 (bombs don't splash on targets and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let healing potions max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit and eventually allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto a weapon easier and eventually allows poisons to stack on weapons). This does, unfortunately, mean that the alchemist isn't able to specialize very well in other fields thanks to these specializations.

	Alchemist ~~subclasses essentially pick~~ one ~~sort of~~ item to focus ~~on: potions, bombs, mutagens or~~ (~~as of~~ the ~~APG) poisons. As you progress~~, ~~each of these subclasses grant~~ you ~~the ability to effectively create infinite quantities of low-level~~ items from ~~their chosen field~~. ~~Each~~ also ~~gives~~ a ~~minor boosts~~ to ~~their chosen items at level 1~~ and ~~13 (bombs don't splash on targets and eventually expand their splash range; potions let crafting replace medicine for healing checks and eventually let~~ healing potions ~~max out their heals; mutagens allow a single mutagen that was used that day to resurface for a bit~~ and ~~eventually allow mutagens to stack; poison makes applying it onto~~ a ~~weapon easier and eventually allows poisons~~ to ~~stack on weapons). This does unfortunately mean that~~ the ~~alchemist isn't able to specialize very well in other fields thanks to these specializations~~.		This new Alchemist does get a mixed reception, especially from newer players that are not fililiater with craftable items list (don't help that they are tucked into a big book and don't have their own dedicated section like spells). the fact that your hard locked into only one Alchemist item focus does misleads that this is a flexible utility class. Being more flexible than a wizard (the spells they prepare for the day are limited by what they copied into their book, while you can also make items from your book at any moment. also a GM is more likely to have NPCs shop keeper that knows alchamy recipes then finding a spell book). Remember, Your the guy that always well stock with Antivenom, resistance and healing potions, throwing snairs, and performance-enhancing drugs even then taking a extended trip to the [[Abyss]].

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==