So I was making a Mad-Bomber style Alchemist when I noticed something. Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot don't have a Dex requirement. So I was thinking, since bombs are touch attacks, how viable would a low Dex character (I'm talking a Dex of 10, so really a middling Dex, not a low Dex) be?
I was thinking of four levels of Fighter (Weapon Master) for extra feats and Weapon Training (Bombs). That combined with weapon focus, weapon specialization, and Gloves of Dueling would give you +4 att/+5 dmg at the cost of 2d6 bomb dmg and 2 discoveries.
Eight levels of Alchemist (Grenadier), with Explosive Bombs and Strafe Bombs (plus Force Bombs for anything that doesn't burn).
This would give a BAB of +10, a +4 from Fighter (mentioned above), +1 from Throw Anything and another +1 from PBS when applicable. Is a +15/+16 good enough for a touch attack at level twelve?
Would Fast Bombs be worth a feat if I didn't have Rapid Shot or Two-Weapon Fighting? I would still have two attacks from BAB. I was thinking without Fast Bombs I wouldn't have to worry as much about running out of bombs but I do like the idea of firing two 40 ft lines of fire!
Any ideas or suggestions greatly appreciated, even if just to tell me I'm crazy!
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Sure, lower Dex can theoretically work...but why?
I mean, bomber Alchemists need Int and nothing else except middling Dex and Con (Say 12-14 each). What stat do you gain by dropping Dex lower than that? Why bother doing so when Dex is one of the best stats in the game? Especially given that you sacrifice Rapid Shot, which is one of the things that makes 8th level or higher Alchemists so dangerous.
As for the build as a whole...bombs are not a listed weapon category and thus inapplicable for Fighter Weapon Training, officially speaking.
Sure, lower Dex can theoretically work...but why?
I mean, bomber Alchemists need Int and nothing else except middling Dex and Con (Say 12-14 each). What stat do you gain by dropping Dex lower than that? Why bother doing so when Dex is one of the best stats in the game? Especially given that you sacrifice Rapid Shot, which is one of the things that makes 8th level or higher Alchemists so dangerous.
As for the build as a whole...bombs are not a listed weapon category and thus inapplicable for Fighter Weapon Training, officially speaking.
It's kind of a re-work of an already existing character that is Str based and I'm trying to change his focus without changing the character as much as possible. He is also locked into an Adamantine Folding Plate so his Dex doesn't affect his AC really.
Weapon Master Fighters do not choose a weapon group. Their weapon training simply applies to their chosen weapon.|
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It's kind of a re-work of an already existing character that is Str based and I'm trying to change his focus without changing the character as much as possible. He is also locked into an Adamantine Folding Plate so his Dex doesn't affect his AC really.
Weapon Master Fighters do not choose a weapon group. Their weapon training simply applies to their chosen weapon.
Well...as a Str based character, why go Bomber at all? Melee Alchemists are quite frightening, after all.
You can even do that and switch-hit via bombs with literally no investment beyond class levels, if you like.
It's kind of a re-work of an already existing character that is Str based and I'm trying to change his focus without changing the character as much as possible. He is also locked into an Adamantine Folding Plate so his Dex doesn't affect his AC really.
Weapon Master Fighters do not choose a weapon group. Their weapon training simply applies to their chosen weapon.Well...as a Str based character, why go Bomber at all? Melee Alchemists are quite frightening, after all.
You can even do that and switch-hit via bombs with literally no investment beyond class levels, if you like.
Yeah he actually was a pretty brutal Melee alchemist! He was originally built with vital strike and devastating strike. I'm changing him (with DM permission of course!) because after our first game I found out our fighter/rogue character also had a vital strike build. I build a lot of characters so changing mine was the easiest route. Since we've already played one session so I want to keep it as close as possible to the original character.
Stats are Str 14, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 8. Locked in gear is Adamantine Folding Plate, +3 Keen Falchion, and Cloak of Resistance (+5). Character was a scholarly type in an isolated city, joined the army when war broke out, was "retired" and then called in for one last mission. I do plan on switch hitting some (I only have 13 bombs!). Half-Orc, might should have mentioned that. My group are casual gamers so I don't need an uber build, just looking to have fun. One character is the aforementioned fighter/rogue. The other player missed last session so I don't know what he will have (but most likely a TWF ranger). We also have a NPC gunslinger with us but I'm not too concerned with stepping on her toes!
Trying to keep the two characters similiar. I simply changing his focus from his falchion to his bombs. First version was Fighter (Unbreakable)/ Alchemist (Chirurgeon).
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Hmmm....I'd drop Con to 12 for a 13 Dex if you want a ranged build. That nets you all you need, and may cost an HP per level, but gets you +1 AC and Initiative, so it seems like a solid trade.
I'd probably keep one level of Fighter, for the Diehard and Armor Proficiency, but then go straight Alchemist.
For Feats...I'd grab Power Attack for switch hitting, maybe Extra Bombs because of the 13 bombs you mention, or Extra Discovery because it's usually pretty good, then Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, and Rapid Shot. Discoveries should include Quick Bombs and at least one alternate element. You can stick with Chirugeon if you like.
Or, alternately, stick with your stats, swap out Chirugeon for Beastmorph and stick to melee, ditching only the Vital Strike Feats and grabbing Pounce at the 10th level of Alchemist.
Wasn't thinking of a ranged build per se, just a bomb throwing build (although I like that belt of hurling idea). I like Grenadier for the Directed Blast ability. With Strafe Bombs and regular Bombs that gives me cones, lines, and bursts. I could take Breath Weapon Bomb (I think that's the name) but it doesn't combine with Explosive Bomb like Directed Blast and Strafe Bomb.
I have Force Bombs for anything fire doesn't hurt. Was thinking about Frost Bombs for staggered.
Not sure I could get approval to change his stats (I know it seems arbitrary when I'm changing everything else but my DM can be kind if a stickler).
I do like Beastmorph but I'm really trying to focus on bombs.
Sorry, not trying to slap down all your suggestions. I try not to overshadow the other players who don't spend as much time on this as I do. I guess I could just spend less time on it but where's the fun in that!
More like an extensive retraining of the character. Same stats, same class (although different archetypes), but it's the same character.
Stats are Str 14, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 8. Locked in gear is Adamantine Folding Plate, +3 Keen Falchion, and Cloak of Resistance (+5). Character was a scholarly type in an isolated city, joined the army when war broke out, was "retired" and then called in for one last mission. I do plan on switch hitting some (I only have 13 bombs!). Half-Orc, might should have mentioned that. My group are casual gamers so I don't need an uber build, just looking to have fun. One character is the aforementioned fighter/rogue. The other player missed last session so I don't know what he will have (but most likely a TWF ranger). We also have a NPC gunslinger with us but I'm not too concerned with stepping on her toes!
Trying to keep the two characters similiar. I simply changing his focus from his falchion to his bombs. First version was Fighter (Unbreakable)/ Alchemist (Chirurgeon).
Durgrun I think you should go bomber fighter! Touch ac at lvl 12 trivial for +15/16 attack. You have a strong contrarian build, be original , USE it!
Thanks Calybos1 and Daenar. I think it will work pretty well. I'm looking at +15 attack dealing 4d6+14 damage. Now I'm wondering if I have enough bombs but with Extra Bombs only giving you two extra bombs I'm not sure it's worth a feat. I guess without Fast Bombs I can go for 13 rounds a day and keep my move action for positioning. With my falchion and Alchemical Weapon ability I have a decent backup.
I wonder if Immolation Bomb would be helpful. Fire off one or two immolation bombs and then draw my sword...
I assume Targeted Admixture would work with Immolation, would I get my other bonuses to damage? 1d6+19 for four rounds while I go to town with my falchion might be nice.
Also, can't believe I didn't mention it earlier, I have my mutagen that could boost my Dex if needed. That would give me another +2 to attack and +3 to AC (with the natural armor bonus)
To the last part, EXACTLY. 10 is enough for your base dex the way you have the character set up. 14 with mutagen isn't bad, a stat enhancing item would be helpful any way you slice it.