Alchemist's ability to identify potions

[Anadara]

So if an alchemist can identify a potion could she then replicate it?

The potion in question is not on the Alchemist's list of formulae.

[Cuuniyevo]

No, they cannot replicate any potion they find. They receive Brew Potion as a bonus feat, with conditions. One of the conditions is that they can brew potions of any formulae they know (up to 3rd level), using their alchemist level as their caster level. Actually, without that added line of text, the Brew Potion feat would be completely unusable by Alchemists, as they are not spell-casters and they do not have a real caster level.

[_Ozy_]

There is an alchemist discovery: dilution, that lets you duplicate a potion or elixir for 1/4th the market value.

I believe there also is a magic item that does the same thing, once per day.

Otherwise, the alchemist has to create potions just like anyone else, though they also can use someone else to supply the spell for the potion if its not on their list.

[Claxon]

For what it's worth, literally everyone can identify what a potion is (with the right skill).

Quote:

Identifying Potions: In addition to the standard methods of identification, PCs can sample from each container they find to attempt to determine the nature of the liquid inside with a Perception check. The DC of this check is equal to 15 + the spell level of the potion (although this DC might be higher for rare or unusual potions).

[thejeff]

Claxon wrote:

For what it's worth, literally everyone can identify what a potion is (with the right skill).

Quote:

Identifying Potions: In addition to the standard methods of identification, PCs can sample from each container they find to attempt to determine the nature of the liquid inside with a Perception check. The DC of this check is equal to 15 + the spell level of the potion (although this DC might be higher for rare or unusual potions).

Which is actually easier than the normal way (spell level instead of caster level). And it's Perception, which many people will have maxed.

Back in the day, this approach had consequences, especially if the "potion" you were trying to id was actually poison. Now, I'm not sure why you'd ever do it any other way.

[_Ozy_]

Because it still could be poison with a magical aura on it?