Author Topic: Pathfinder Alchemist  (Read 4054 times)

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daken201

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Pathfinder Alchemist
« on: February 23, 2011, 06:17:42 PM »
Hey everyone, long time no post for me here. but i have a bit of a question and i don't know anywhere else that specializes in this sort of thing lol
I am playing an alchemist from pathfinder in the next game starting at level 1 and going to 20. I need to find ways to optimize alchemy.
I only have access to pathfinder books. but that includes third party pathfinder splat.
My idea is to focus on the alchemy aspect of the alchemist. Not the bombs or the mutigens. Extracts, poison, potions, and actual alchemy only. Once i get some ideas on how to go about this i will post a build

Please grant me the power of your knowledge to turn this jack of all trades into a specialist.

DMM4ever

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Re: Pathfinder Alchemist
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2011, 06:34:27 PM »
In B4 Sunic Flames Rage!!!

Anyhow, I would find it difficult to make an Alchemist without using any bombs at all.  Not utilizing a class feature of a class is a strange idea to me.  That said, you can do buffing pretty well if at second you pick up the Infusion discovery.

Keep in mind that you DON'T have to prepare your spells all at the beginning of the day and it might be a good idea to leave a few slots open to prepare your utility "spells" on the fly.

Really, though, I can't see an alchemist in PF who doesn't use bombs, mainly because about half of the discoveries augment them and it is really designed to be geared that way.  Keep in mind your role (Primary Buffer) and stay the hell out of combat and you might be fine, but you are choosing to remove the two best class features of an already underpowered class.  You might struggle to keep up with a well optimized party.

Bester

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Re: Pathfinder Alchemist
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2011, 06:39:19 PM »
From experience:

Alchemists don't tank very well.  Our Alchemist almost died by going to the front line (1s were rolled, was accidental)

Alchemists need to use bombs.  If they don't they are just a healer/buffer who sucks more compared to a cleric/transmuter.

Bombs are your friends.  Learn to love them.

daken201

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Re: Pathfinder Alchemist
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2011, 08:53:07 PM »
I can see the use of the bombs. Dispelling, smoke, poison, that sort of thing i can deal with. but the damage aspect is a little odd for me. an alchemist is a supporter. No one ever heard of an alchemist in history going to the front lines, making things for the front line? Sure! Up there himself? Not so much....


IthroZada

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Re: Pathfinder Alchemist
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2011, 08:59:59 PM »
I can see the use of the bombs. Dispelling, smoke, poison, that sort of thing i can deal with. but the damage aspect is a little odd for me. an alchemist is a supporter. No one ever heard of an alchemist in history going to the front lines, making things for the front line? Sure! Up there himself? Not so much....



They do it in 300. The alchemists tossing bombs at the Spartans. So it's not entirely unprecedented.

veekie

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Re: Pathfinder Alchemist
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2011, 09:09:38 PM »
Poison can work if you use sticky poison and craft your own, then go for multiple hits, but as alchemists are rather squishy and their better melee buffs are natural weapons, you might have a problem there.
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