So...Alchemy?

[King_Of_The_Crossroads]

Having recently saved the life of a Master Alchemist in a homebrew came I'm playing in, said alchemist has offered, as a way of reward, to train us in the alchemical arts- basically, the DM has offered give one of us a free Master Alchemist feat. We certainly aren't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it does bring up an important question:

Are alchemy items of any use at the higher levels. If not, is there any way to augment their potency? We've just hit 10th level, and haven't really used anything beyond a, acid flask since level 4.

[meeko]

I believe the feat was primarily designed to make poison crafting cost/time efficient. So if you feel some of the higher power poisons can be effective in your game, then yes.

[Ilja]

Depeds on if you can circumvent the action cost to use them. Tanglefoot bags and smokesticks are useful effects at any level and easy to apply, but at levels above say 7 or so its rare that you dont have.better things to do. A familiar or follower however can still use them to great effect.

[Eridan]

Poisons, Antitoxin, Antiplague, Bladeguard, Grenades,.. there are some items that are still usefull at higher levels. Sure you dont need them and with spells, magic items etc. you can do everything or better.

Such items can save other ressources or are nice in some situations. As example equip NPCs with AOE weapons (grenades, fireworks,Tstones) or you need a special type of damage to beat DR.

[Captain Zoom]

They can also be useful if you have low level followers or other NPCs. For example, if you're playing Kingmaker and you've got NPC soldiers to guard your throne room, you might want to equip them all with Tanglefoot bags as that's probably the most efficient way for a low level L1-5 NPC Warrior to slow down an assassin.

[Zwordsman]

Tons of weapon additives or protectants. cheap lil resistances to variosu thigns if you wanna savea spell or two. various explosives sand splash weapons.
tangleburn bags are a lovely thing

[King_Of_The_Crossroads]

You had me at tanglefoot bags; I love those things, and I can't believe I forgot them. Is there an index anywhere that lists all the various alchemy items and their source books?

Also, what are some good tactical uses for some of them?

[Imbicatus]

Tanglefoot bags + winged fliers = splat
Smokesticks negate any ranged attacks and can let you make a stealth check.

[Some Random Dood]

Ultimate equipment has a section that lists all the alchemical remedies, tools and weapons.

[Kalvit]

Never underestimate the ability of the Fighter to whip out a Liquid Blade stowed in his boot. That alone will tell you the value of Alchemy at all levels. Oozes pretty much fall to Alkeli Flasks, regardless of level.

Actually, the non-magical classes and alchemist make the best use of alchemical items. Blades, weapon blanches, splash weapons to handle different creatures, etc. can make the difference when your hammer/sword/whatever doesn't normally work.

[Rerednaw]

Kalvit wrote:

Never underestimate the ability of the Fighter to whip out a Liquid Blade stowed in his boot. That alone will tell you the value of Alchemy at all levels. Oozes pretty much fall to Alkeli Flasks, regardless of level.

Actually, the non-magical classes and alchemist make the best use of alchemical items. Blades, weapon blanches, splash weapons to handle different creatures, etc. can make the difference when your hammer/sword/whatever doesn't normally work.

^This.

Ghost salt, alchemical silver and cold iron blanch. Works best with ranged weapons (10 ammo per blanch).

Of course I've always been a big fan of anti-toxin and anti-plague, especially in low-magic campaigns where you cannot bribe the local priest for a cure. Er I mean a tithe for the faith. :)

Air crystals if you suddenly find yourself underwater.
Potion sponges if your GM doesn't allow drinking potions while underwater.

I don't know if everyone *needs* alchemy. But at one time or another everyone can probably make use of it.

[King_Of_The_Crossroads]

Kalvit wrote:

Never underestimate the ability of the Fighter to whip out a Liquid Blade stowed in his boot. That alone will tell you the value of Alchemy at all levels. Oozes pretty much fall to Alkeli Flasks, regardless of level.

Actually, the non-magical classes and alchemist make the best use of alchemical items. Blades, weapon blanches, splash weapons to handle different creatures, etc. can make the difference when your hammer/sword/whatever doesn't normally work.

Those weapon blanches are handy, but damn. You spend a lot of gold for a single attack.

Good call on the alkeli flasks; I'll definitely remember those.