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I don't know how well it would work mechanically, but it sounds like a really sweet idea.
I think I'd make Geralt be 2/3 Alchemist levels, 1/3 either Fighter or Ranger (with the Two-Handed Weapon combat style) levels, in order to keep his Alchemist progression strong, and of course, focus heavily on Mutagens over bombs. As a monster hunter, he would have monster knowledge not unlike the favored enemy class feature, most likely in Magical Beast or Aberration.
I would assume most other Witchers would follow this pattern as well. Alchemist/Ranger sounds like a Witcher to me.
I disagree with the fighter alchemist build for a couple of reasons. I think only 1/3 the alchemist's abilities apply to Geralt. I know he was "mutated" using potions and the like, but I think that is a little different then how the mutagens in the game work. From playing the game and reading a couple of the books I don't recall Geralt ever really hulking out like I visualize with the alchemist mutagens. Bombs don't fit either. In fusions do fit. Then there is the magic aspect of Geralt. Alchemist doesn't really cover that aspect either. I think ranger (for favored enemy flavor) and sorcerer combination would cover a witcher. Even better I think a 1-20 base class fighter/mage would be the best because then spell progression is built in. I don't know when you are going to play your witcher but see what the magus has to offer when the play test comes out. If it is too focused on magic take a couple of levels of ranger or fighter.
To add potions to the class take the brew potion feat and work it from that angle. You could even do the barbarian/sorcerer combo so you can take levels in the archetype that lets you drink a potion faster.
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I was thinking I could use the alchemist and fighter classes to emulate a witcher from Andrzej Sapkowski's book series. How feasible does that sound?
Since "The Witcher" is actually one of the main inspirations for the alchemist (along with Dr. Jekyll and mad scientists of all sorts)... using an alchemist as a Witcher should work more or less perfectly. If you want to make him full-on into a Witcher, you might only need to give the alchemist a full BAB and d10 hit dice and access to all martial weapons. Not very balanced when it comes to the other classes... but then again, the Witcher isn't supposed to be "balanced." It's more or less the best choice in that world... kind of like how Jedi are the best choice in Star Wars.
Bonus points if it's the spell-less variant from Kobold Quarterly.
Then you are doing it wrong.
I was thinking I could use the alchemist and fighter classes to emulate a witcher from Andrzej Sapkowski's book series. How feasible does that sound?Since "The Witcher" is actually one of the main inspirations for the alchemist (along with Dr. Jekyll and mad scientists of all sorts)... using an alchemist as a Witcher should work more or less perfectly.
I apparently need to read more into the book series because from what I know now, that doesn't make even the remotest amount of sense.
Then you are doing it wrong.
Bonus points if it's the spell-less variant from Kobold Quarterly.
I prefer the spell less version
That does make sense. The reason I thought to use the alchemist was because they could make a lot of potions easily and the mutagens. I read more about the mutagen and they don't really fit. I'll take a look at a sorcerer / ranger build.
Where can I find more about this magus class?
The Magus class is a fighter/mage base class that is going to be released in the forthcoming Ultimate Magic book. The book is going to be released next April, but the paizo staff has said their will be a play test for the class in the near future. At this time there aren't many details about the class, although Mr. Jacobs has said it is likely to be d8 3/4 BAB with 3/4 spell progression, built on the framework of the bard, summoner, and inquisitor.
I hate to disagree with Mr. Jacobs, and Geralt being inspiration for the alchemist class aside full alchemist seems incongruous with Geralt and witchers. If you were home brewing the class I would take a ranger and remove his animal companion and replace it with infusions and then I would alter the spell list to be more arcane. How much of each is a delicate question of balance, but I think that would be the closest representation. If you are following RAW. Ranger/sorcerer with a dip into alchemist for infusions or just the craft potion feat.
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I'd agree with the "prevailing wisdom" in here that ranger/alchemist seems the way to go. I don't have the book in front of me at the moment, but I wonder if maybe a few levels of psychic warrior wouldn't also be a good choice - the effects of the magic Geralt uses could be replicated that way, I'd think.
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I can only speak from the view of the Witcher PC games, but in regards to that, here I go:
One, I agree with James, the Witcher IS the BEST choice within that world. But then we get to the real issue: choice.
Witcher's don't get one. Witchers aren't born, they are made. If anything, it would be combo of a template and the alchemist class.
+2 to all physical scores, maybe even +2 to all mentals (Geralt in the game seemed to be just an overall superior specimen, but perhaps that is who he was before becoming a witcher).
Immunity to disease. Sterile. Distinctive physical change that shows others you are a witcher.
After that, from playing the game, I think alchemist does line up perfectly.
Uses alchemical mixtures to buff, heal, and utility.
Uses bombs offensively, on occasion.
Uses a mutagen to gain advantages in combat.
Is a competent fighter.
In the game, there were plenty of better fighters than Geralt, and it was his alchemical advantages that carried the day.
A big thing to visualize when trying to stat existing characters and concepts is how they relate to the human commoner, aka, the benchmark for normal. Poor base attack, d6 hp (average 3, maybe 4 with a good con), poor saves, 2 skill points.
Conversely, an alchemist with average base attack, d8 hp, a good save, and so on, is markedly superior. In a world where PC classes are rare (in the game there were a couple of fighters, sorcerors, maybe a rogue, but most were warriors or even experts, in my mind).
Remember, average base attack is NOT "average". Its the base attack of backstabbing, street-fighting rogues, clerics crusading in their diety's name, druids fighting with the savagery of nature, and monks finding enlightenment through physical, spiritual, and martial discipline. Average base attack characters are good fighters. Full base attack characters are GREAT fighters, because that is basically all that they do.
Only know the basics about The Witcher, but you might want to consider ranger as an option to go with alchemist as well, namely for the favored enemy perks.
Bonus points if it's the spell-less variant from Kobold Quarterly.
But Geralt casts spells, that doesn't make any sense. O.o
I'm believing Alchemist/Magus/Ranger 1 is the way to go. One level ranger to get favored enemy and then probably enough Magus to get access to 3rd level spells, then all alchemist after that. The magic is a backup while the potions and bombs supplement Witcher abilities much better.