So, I'm wanting to make an alchemist that hinges very specifically one just crafting plenty of potions for rise of the runelords and being a bit interested in poisons, actually.
Any suggestions? I'd like advice on what stats to go with, but I don't want to be a bomb thrower or a Dr.Hyde type. Help?
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Okay...basing any character around crafting consumables is problematic. It's certainly a thing you can do and do well, but it's not something you can do in combat. There you need another specialty,
So, what do you want to do in combat? You can definitely avoid bombing, if you like. And likewise Feral Mutagen. If avoiding both, your best bet is likely to go Vivisectionist and either get TWF, or, for more fun, some large two-handed weapon and use them in conjunction with Sneak Attack.
If doing the two-handed weapon thing, stats should be something like this:
Str 16 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 15 Wis 12 Cha 7
With your 4th level point going to Int and future ones into Str.
But that's just one build...what do you want to do when a fight breaks out?
I wouldn't mind mixing one handed weapon attacks with potion drinking. Though as a preference, my character will likely apply potions through injection, giving him that horrendous charisma score.
I just want to hit pretty hard and supply my party with a healthy number of potions and buffs, as well as be able to supply them with my own extracts in the future.
I want to be somewhat cloistered away from others during downtime, toiling away and making no small amount of potions.
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I wouldn't mind mixing one handed weapon attacks with potion drinking. Though as a preference, my character will likely apply potions through injection, giving him that horrendous charisma score.
You can do that with a two-handed weapon, since you can hold it in one hand, only needing two to actually attack with it.
And you can have more Cha than that fairly readily if you like, the character just won't be as optimized.
I just want to hit pretty hard and supply my party with a healthy number of potions and buffs, as well as be able to supply them with my own extracts in the future.
I want to be somewhat cloistered away from others during downtime, toiling away and making no small amount of potions.
The build idea above should be just what you're looking for then. Go Half Orc or Half Elf w/ Ancestral Arms for a good weapon, or just Human for the extra Feat, add your racial bonus to Str, pick up Medium Armor Proficiency, Infusion at 2nd level, Power Attack at 3rd, and you're good to go.
See, I'm actually considering going Human, and doing this:
Str: 15, Dex: 14, Con: 14, Int: 18, Wis: 12, Cha: 7
Although I have to ask, how many extracts would I start with with that Intelligence score? And what can I do with an intelligence score that high on an Alchemist? I mean I've got 10 skill points, so that's nice.
I've also chosen the Accelerated Drinker Trait so I can drink a potion as a move action, rather than a standard.
I could choose Skill Focus: Alchemy as well, but I think doing it now is a bit early, along with the fact I already have a +8 in it.
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See, I'm actually considering going Human, and doing this:
Str: 15, Dex: 14, Con: 14, Int: 18, Wis: 12, Cha: 7
Although I have to ask, how many extracts would I start with with that Intelligence score?
The same number as the Int 15 guy (okay, you know two more, but your uses per day are the same...and the knowing two more costs a grand total of 30 gp to make up). So...2 per day. You know 2 + Int mod to start with, but as noted, it's only 15 gp per additional one.
And what can I do with an intelligence score that high on an Alchemist? I mean I've got 10 skill points, so that's nice.
Not much. As a non-bomber Alchemist you don't use Int for damage bonus or Save DC making it useful for skill points and, eventually, a bonus low level spell at very high levels (since the Int 15 guy winds up at 16 and only two lower and both get the Headband of Int if they like). That's it.
There's a reason I recommended Strength. If you want, Str 17, Int 16 is a little less powerful, but more skilled for the first three levels, but still identical long run. I wouldn't take Int higher than that, you just don't get nearly as much out of it.
I've also chosen the Accelerated Drinker Trait so I can drink a potion as a move action, rather than a standard.
This is extremely useful. But it does not apply to Extracts, just for the record.
I could choose Skill Focus: Alchemy as well, but I think doing it now is a bit early, along with the fact I already have a +8 in it.
Yeah...I'm not sure that's ever necessary. You get to add your level to most Alchemy checks already...that's plenty.
But if you want it eventually, sure. As noted, beyond 3rd level your Feats are fairly open.
Hmm... Okay, so, I've cove to terms with all that, but now I'm looking at being a vivisectionist that doesn't use Feral Mutagen. I've never been one to severely optimize and I know having all those lovely high-rate attacks is nice and all, but I just don't think my character would like the "Lack of Precision"
Essentially I want a N that's looking towards NE kind of character that vigorously studies the human body in search of physical perfection. All the while he provides potions and that sort of thing. Would I really need anything about a 16 int?
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Hmm... Okay, so, I've cove to terms with all that, but now I'm looking at being a vivisectionist that doesn't use Feral Mutagen. I've never been one to severely optimize and I know having all those lovely high-rate attacks is nice and all, but I just don't think my character would like the "Lack of Precision"
Fighting with a two-handed weapon and Power Attack is pretty much always a solid choice in Pathfinder. You're right, it's probably not as optimal as Feral Mutagen, but it's still solid.
Essentially I want a N that's looking towards NE kind of character that vigorously studies the human body in search of physical perfection. All the while he provides potions and that sort of thing.
Should work fine for that.
Would I really need anything about a 16 int?
Not really, no. I threw the points in there to make it a 15 because it's thematic and a 16 by 4th level can be quite handy, not because it's required.
But the question is what about feats? Alchemists have similar attack progression to rogues and the like, right? So at level, what, 8? I'll have 2 attacks in a full attack action?
What can I look for in weapons, actually? Barring the Feral Mutagens, which I'll not be taking.
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But the question is what about feats?
Well, a weapon proficiency is a good idea (see below), Medium Armor Proficiency verges on being a must-have to keep your AC competitive, and Power Attack is a must at 3rd level. Beyond that? Eh, take what you like, though Furious Focus is very solid and Iron Will helps you not fail all your Will Saves forever.
Alchemists have similar attack progression to rogues and the like, right? So at level, what, 8? I'll have 2 attacks in a full attack action?
Yep. Though with Mutagen and other buffs (which you have a lot of, if you choose to) your accuracy blows Rogues out of the water. And do very solid damage with them, even without Sneak Attack. 1d8 or 1d12+17 is not a bad amount of damage at 6th level, and adding +3d6 on top of it only makes it better.
What can I look for in weapons, actually? Barring the Feral Mutagens, which I'll not be taking.
Well, if you go Half Orc, Greataxe and Falchion are available. Or Heavy Flail with an alternate Racial Trait.
Half Elves can use Ancestral Arms to get any weapon they like.
As a Human, you're likely gonna need to spend a Feat if you want something really good, though you can make do with a Spear if you feel you have to.