Terminalmancer |
There are a number of new spells in Arcane Anthologies which are on the Alchemist's extract list, but which cannot possibly target the alchemist. For example, the Full Pouch spell is listed as Alchemist 2, but the target is 1 object touched. There's at least 3 or 4 others with similar problems.
I've theorycrafted alchemists before but haven't yet played one, so... am I missing something here? I thought alchemist spells could only target the alchemist.
Mark Seifter Designer |
Mark Seifter Designer |
Dave Justus |
Full Pouch seems like a perfect thing for an alchemist to be able to do, which makes removing it not a totally desirable solution.
I happen to think that the weird mechanics of alchemist infusions, when compared to every other 'spell' casting class is more of a problem then the flavor gives it. Having to have 'academical material components' like clerics need a holy symbol would, for me anyway, satisfy the flavor without having to have a whole set of different mechanics and weird consequences (alchemists aren't spell casters so they can't make magic items is one example)
Goth Guru |
When I read the alchemist the first time, I noticed some extracts made little sense. I just decided that the affecting only the alchemist meant no one else could cast the spell, even if they poured it down their throat. In other words, Al Chemist drinks the potion, and seek thoughts treats him as the caster. Then he can affect someone by reading their mind.
Diachronos |
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It makes sense to me, there are plenty of spells that can be made into potions that do absolutely nothing as a potion. Like a potion of grease, or heat metal.
My assumption was always that extracts that the alchemist can't target themselves with are treated the same way as an oil would be. Or, if it's the case where you're using something that affects "X objects/creatures touched", then you "cast" it by drinking it and then delivering the actual effect through physical contact.
Nixitur |
Or, if it's the case where you're using something that affects "X objects/creatures touched", then you "cast" it by drinking it and then delivering the actual effect through physical contact.
That's how I understood it as well.
Although Full Pouch specifically seems to be pretty useless due to the FAQ stating that drinking an extract is always a standard action. So, even though Full Pouch states that casting the spell is a swift action, it's still a standard action for the alchemist, seriously nerfing it. So, you drink it (standard action) and grab the item at the same time (move action) and then you don't even have enough time to use the item, seriously eating into your action economy.Of course, it wouldn't make much sense that drinking some extracts would be a standard action while others would be a swift action. You're just drinking them, regardless of what formula they are. But it still makes this spell, which would be amazing for the alchemist otherwise, nigh-useless.