The rule book says I can learn formulae from a wizard's spell book:
"An alchemist begins play with two 1stlevel formulae of his choice, plus a number of additional forumlae equal to his Intelligence modifier. At each new alchemist level, he gains one new formula of any level that he can create. An alchemist can also add formulae to his book just like a wizard adds spells to his spellbook, using the same costs and time requirements. An alchemist can study a wizard’s spellbook to learn any formula that is equivalent to a spell the spellbook contains. A wizard, however, cannot learn spells from a formula book. An alchemist does not need to decipher arcane writings before copying them."
1) I assume this means only extract formulae listed on the alchemist extract formulae list?
2) If so, how can I learn to create a Mage Armor potion?
3) In pathfinder society play, I assume it costs gold to create your own potions on the order of:
"Potions Base price = spell level × caster level × 50 gp." Correct?3) All of you Alchemists out there: seems like creating potions are expensive, but there are some great discoveries that make them dang useful for Alchemists. Gold is limited. What potions are you regularly creating for use? How do you balance potions vs. Extracts?
4) I assume the various "extend potion", etc. discoveries ONLY apply to potions and not to extracts, correct?
Thanks for the help.
1) Correct
2) you can't as an alchemist unless you take a level of sorc or wiz3) haven't really looked at PFS play but I believe there is no crafting just the ability to buy X aount of stuff before an adventure
4) Correct
in ref to 4 have a look at alchemical allocation for using poition on a daily basis without expending them.
My alchmist runs with Heroism, Barkskin and Greater magic fang potions extended and alchemically allocated at 7th level.
2) you can't as an alchemist unless you take a level of sorc or wiz
2.5) ...unless your GM believes that knowing the spell in question is one of the prerequisites that can be skipped in exchange for increasing the potion's crafting DC by +5. So ask your GM.
You can create a mage armor potion 3 ways. Taking a level in wizard or sorceror, as mentioned, having a caster handy who knows mage armor, or increasing the spellcraft or alchemy DC by 5 for not having one of the prerequisites for crafting an item (not sure if the last one specifically works, don't have my books on my at the moment, but I know it applies for wonderous items)
I've got an alchemist up to level 8 in the game I'm in tonight, and thus far I find myself making a lot of cure light and mod, expeditious retreat, and lesser restoration for the group, and bombers eye and poisons for myself.
Ant haul is also a great potion to have a few of. You can make several during a single day of downtime, they're cheap, and not only come in handy for hauling loads of treasure from a dungeon, but are excellent when the sorceror, alchemist, and halfling rogue have to carry the dead paladin and cavalier out of the aforementioned dungeon.
2) you can't as an alchemist unless you take a level of sorc or wiz2.5) ...unless your GM believes that knowing the spell in question is one of the prerequisites that can be skipped in exchange for increasing the potion's crafting DC by +5. So ask your GM.
true potions arn't acutally spell trigger items that would prohibit that option but if your GM allow that he's basically allowed you to craft any spell of 3rd or lower from any spell list into a potion, which for an achemist who can alchemically allocate potions and not expend them gives them a significant boost.
consider that this lets the alchemist use any 3rd level spell that can be made into a potion from any class list by using a 2nd level slot. all for the bargain price of 1 (free) feat and a one time craft cost.
consider that this lets the alchemist use any 3rd level spell that can be made into a potion from any class list by using a 2nd level slot. all for the bargain price of 1 (free) feat and a one time craft cost.How different would this be if the Alchemist just bought the potion in question rather than crafted it? It would still only need to be purchased once and he could still use it over and over for the cost of a 2nd level extract. Basically all this does is cut the cost by 50%. It does allow him to aquire them without finding an external source but really how many DMs out there would make it that difficult to buy a Potion of Goodhope or whatever?
well thats the point it takes the choice out of the GM's hands as to what poitions are available
1) I assume this means only extract formulae listed on the alchemist extract formulae list?
-correct. You can get it out of a wizards spellbook IF its on your formula list. This means as you level, you should look on the formula list for spells you want that aren't 1) wizard spells 2)aren't cleric spells and especially 3) are alchemist only.
2) If so, how can I learn to create a Mage Armor potion?
-This is a contentious point in the rules. The crafting rules are more than a little unclear if you can do this or not. You'd have to ask your DM how they're reading it.
3) In pathfinder society play, I assume it costs gold to create your own potions on the order of:
"Potions Base price = spell level × caster level × 50 gp." Correct?
-I don't think PFSP lets you make magic items, or any items.
3) All of you Alchemists out there: seems like creating potions are expensive, but there are some great discoveries that make them dang useful for Alchemists. Gold is limited. What potions are you regularly creating for use? How do you balance potions vs. Extracts?
-Extracts are insanely useful. They are not limited by the normal rules for potions, so i can hand the two handed fighter a potion of true strike and one of shield.
-Potions are for emergencies. For regular use, you want a wand (usually clw, its the most cost efficient out of combat healing) Usually you want situational potions on hand, like spiderclimb, tounges,lesser restoration.
Alchemical allocation lets you spontaneously cast any potion you're carrying around as a spell. Alchemists should acquire potions of Lesser restoration, neutralize poison, cure disease, and remove curse to keep on hand and "recycled" with alchemical allocation at need.
4) I assume the various "extend potion", etc. discoveries ONLY apply to potions and not to extracts, correct?
-yup. they work like potions but are not actually potions. Doesn't stop a dishonest alchemist from SELLING them as such..