From poisons to healing potions and even strange mutagens, the Pathfinder Alchemist is mixing up all sorts of trouble.
From Pathfinder Player Core 2, the Alchemist prefers science to magic. They may throw something that explodes at a foe, but it will be a mixture of chemicals over a summoned fireball or from a mortar. If your ideal kind of character will drop smoke bombs, mix up noxious gases, and have a reputation for bringing a bit of mad science to the camp, an Alchemist may be the next adventurer you bring to the table.
The Pathfinder Alchemist Basics
Mixing up all kinds of potions, Artificers are a class based heavily in Intelligence and take their additional boost to this attribute at character creation. To start, they have Expert level training in the Fortitude and Reflex training throws. And they also start with training in Perception, Will, Crafting, simple weapons, alchemical bombs, unarmed attacks, light armor, medium armor, unarmored defense, and a number of additional skills equal to their Intelligence modifier plus three.
During combat scenarios, Alchemists are likely seen throwing bombs at their enemies and assisting their friends with custom-cooked-up potions and elixirs. They may even make a mutagen to change their own body into a powerful and resilient weapon.
Between battles, Pathfinder Alchemists are deep wells of information… At least, about the topics they’re interested in. If a conversation starts up about a potion, disease, or a science or research technique, they will likely have many things to say. They will always have an eye open for any ingredients they may need for their next elixir, and will spend their downtime brewing up everything from healing potions to powerful bombs in their lab.
Alchemy
Pathfinder Alchemists have a deep understanding of the reactions between all manner of reagents. They can mix up all sorts of chemistry potions depending on their need or whim. Alchemists can even craft specialty chemicals that will allow them to make things quickly and at no cost.
As Alchemists level up, they gain the ability to make more and more alchemical items, and to make those mixtures more and more powerful. These gains in scientific knowledge are kept as meticulous notes in their formula book. New formulas can be found or purchased from other alchemists, but most will be chosen as the character levels up.
Some alchemical items can be used slowly over the course of the day and retain their potency. Others are more of a one-and-done use. Similarly, some vials can be pre-prepared to contain fast-acting chemicals that can be used quickly as bombs. And sometimes, an Alchemist can learn to mix quickly, making whatever chemical they may need on the fly.
Research Field
Alchemists can choose a Research Field at level one. They may have gotten a degree from a scientific institute, or gained knowledge through individual study. But they will likely have a core focus for their research. This Research Field will provide the Alchemist with specific formulas, vials, and benefits. They will also receive specialized and powerful abilities as levels five, eleven, and thirteen.
Bomber: Alchemists who chose this Research Field are specialists in all things explosive. They learn the formulas for two first-level alchemical bombs, and can throw these alchemical bombs in such a way that the splash’s effects only reach the primary target and not the usual splash area. Their versatile vials can deal cold, electric, or fire damage instead of just acid.
Chirurgeon: These Alchemists focus their mixtures on healing others. They start their adventure with two first-level healing elixirs, and have an easier time than others crafting anything that may require a rank in medicine. Their versatile vials can be used to heal a creature a number of hit points equal to the vial’s initial damage.
Mutagenist: Alchemists with a Mutagenist focus have learned to transform creatures by sacrificing one of their aspects to strengthen another. They receive two first-level alchemical mutagens. When they use a mutagen gain temporary hit points equal to their Intelligence modifier plus half of their level. Mutagenist Alchemists can drink the contents of one of their versatile vials to temporarily suppress the drawbacks of their mutagens.
Toxicologist: These Alchemists specialize in toxins and venoms. They learn any two first-level alchemical poisons, and can add poison to a weapon they are wielding. Their versatile vials have the poison trait and deal poison damage instead of acid.
Multiclassing a Pathfinder Alchemist
An adventurer who enjoys tinkering and science may start mixing up a few potions of their own. If you have a character who’s ready to begin crafting their own healing potions and drinking mutagens, they can multiclass as an Alchemist. For a Rogue, specialty poisons would be a welcome addition to their toolkit. But a Barbarian may enjoy the effect of mutagens mixed in with their already ferocious rage.
Adventurers who multiclass as Alchemists gain access to the feats Alchemist Dedication, Advanced Alchemy, Basic and Advanced Concoction, Voluminous Vials, and Alchemical Power.
How to Play a Pathfinder Alchemist
A Pathfinder Alchemist can wear many hats and do almost anything. Which can make them a little intimidating to start out with. Will yours be a healer? An offensive bomb-thrower? An absolute wild-card with some mutagens? Maybe a little bit of a mixture? Who knows! They may not neatly fit into any one role within the party. But that can make them one of the most fun characters at the table.
In reality, these characters will be able to support the party with buffs and healing and deal a fair amount of damage. And this balancing act shouldn’t be too hard to find once you get the hang of your Alchemist.
As you play, be sure to remember your Quick Alchemy, Advanced Alchemy, and Versatile Vials. It can be easy to focus solely on whatever basic offense and defense formulas you’ve mixed up. But mixing on the fly, and more specialized moves can make-or-break a good fight. If you’re the kind of player to forget about aspects of your character sheet until well after game night, maybe highlight the ones you think will be most useful.
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Mixing Up Some Fun
There are many, many ways to use your formulas and vials in battle. But some of them can be endlessly helpful outside of combat, too. And while I know the Fighter may not always share their sword, there are definitely times when your potions, vials, or mutagens can and should be shared. Things may get a little chaotic sometimes. But everyone will have an opportunity to get a little chaotic together, as team.
Happy adventuring!
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