This pdf is 4 pages long, 1 page front cover, 1 page SRD, leaving 2 pages of content, so let's check this out!
A total of 4 different new archetypes are presented, with the first, the alchemical apothecary providing only a minor modification to the base-class: For lessened damage and the obligation to take the smoke bomb discovery, they get the power to create bitter medicines (replacing throw anything and poison immunity) that neutralize poisons, but stagger and sicken those cured via them. The smoke of the apothecaries bombs grants fast healing 1, making for an interesting tactical option that can benefit the PCs, but also backfire. A good idea, per se, but I think the medicines should also allow the apothecary to cure diseases in order to make up for the loss of poison immunity, throw anything and the lessened bomb damage.
The Black Powder Alchemist is an archetype I've been waiting for: His black-powder bombs, while not supernatural and limited in the ways in which they can be modified, are mundane and yes, they can be modified with select discoveries, but due to their mundane nature, not be dispelled. Better yet, they replace a large array of different abilities for access to gunslinger-related feats like Exotic Weapon Proficiency /Firearms), Amateur Gunslingers or grit feats, making this a kind of alchemist/gunslinger crossover-class that might be a great way of depicting saboteurs and sappers like in e.g. the Malazan Book of the Fallen Saga.
The Brewmeister on the other hand, is a rather jolly class that enables you to essentially re-create drunken master-like effects. While not able to create bombs, they can belch forth bomb-like effects as breath weapons. Characters subjected to his extracts gain temporary HP when under the influence and he's even better off when using mutagens. Finally, he can fall prone while thusly influenced and make an attack in the meanwhile. Neat idea!
The final new archetype is the Herbalist, whose bombs deal acid damage, get cognatogen and the option to enhance wisdom by smoking certain herbs, making this the stoner-counterpart of the brewmeister.
Conclusion:
Editing and formatting are very good, I noticed no significant glitches. Layout adheres to AA's no-frills, two-column standard and the pdf has no bookmarks, but needs none at this length. The archetypes herein are solid additions to one's game, with the blackpowder alchemist being my favorite. The Brewmeister and the Herbalist have a quirky edge and if you like that, you'll find them good executions of their respective niches. the Apothecary, though, is a disappointment, gaining not enough distinct powers to set himself apart - more space devoted to additional abilities would have greatly helped that one. Seeing the low price and the generally well-made content, I'll in the end settle on a final verdict of 4 stars for a good selection of archetypes.
Endzeitgeist out.
