RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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So I'm playing in a Planescape styled game and am thinking of creating an elven alchemist. The thing though is, what are alchemists for? They seem like sort of a hybrid fighter/caster/skill guy to me, but how does that work in application?
Alchemists set up us the bomb.
The typical alchemist is like the typical 3.5E warlock -- he makes ranged touch attacks and has some self-buffing ability. As a bonus, the alchemist can also use mutagens to be a fighter-type of some sort as well (as you note above).
An alchemist is a very versatile class. A lot of that versatility depends on their build though.
1) Ranged Spell blasting. They make melee touch attacks to throw bombs and do a fair bit of damage. They can compete fairly well with blaster wizards, especially after level 8 when they can throw multiple bombs in a round.
2) Self buffing fighter: AN alchemist has access to most of the good self buffs. With a little time they can make themselves a decent melee or archery combatant. They also get mutagen, which stacks with pretty much anything.
3) Party buffer (with the right discovery) - An alchemist with the infusion discovery can buff the party with his spells, including with buffs that are normally self only, like true-strike and expeditious retreat.
4) melee multi attacker: Not a default alchemist, but you can build your alchemist to use teeth and claws in combat.
5) Spontaneous caster- its not often that a single spell changes the way a class works, but mention has to go to alchemical allocation. If you carry around (or make) a potion for any occasion, you can drink the potion, drink the alchemical allocation elixir... and then vomit the potion back up and use it again.
6) Debuffer: With the right discoveries you can leave an opponent staggered, confused, on fire, and bathed in acid... on the same round.