Many of the feats that benefit an alchemist seem to be feats that would also benefit many of the ranged classes ( Ranged Ranger, Archer Bard, etc. ).
Is it advisable to take Martial Weapon Proficiency (Longbow) as my human bonus feat in order to have a backup plan? Aside from the Extra Bombs and Extra Discovery feats, here's the path I'm planning at the moment:
- Point Blank Shot
-- Precise Shot
--- Focused Shot
--- Improved Precise Shot
-- Rapid Shot
- Deadly Aim
Can anyone please convince me that Martial Weapon Proficiency is a bad idea? The only other option I see here is Rapid Reload, and for some reason I'm just not a fan of using a light crossbow when a longbow is available for the same price.
By the way, elves aren't allowed in this campaign, so I can't use that instead.
The Grenadier archetype gets this:
Martial Weapon Proficiency
At 1st level, a grenadier picks one martial weapon to become proficient in the use of.
This ability replaces Brew Potion.
Might be worth looking at.
Also, you might give this a read: Ogre's Alchemists Guide
...uhm...Half elf! They aren't elves :D
Jarl, he's referring to that guide in the title. Hence the Strangelob.
Oh hey look at that. <Derp>
I play an elven alchemist currently, and yeah, the bow is pretty good backup weapon. Don't know if its worth a feat though, is there simple ranged weapons that would work instead, can't remember other weapons alchemists get.
Also, why no elves? Human only or something?
Would not the Grenadier Archetype be more suitable for this build. It gains Martial Weapon Proficiency for free at first level.(composite long bows being a better choise).
I'm too lazy to look it up but I thought that I recalled a way to attach their bombs to their arrows?...
You want a high INT for bomb DC and bomb damage, you want a high DEX for your range attacks, you need some CON for sure (especially when you take the Gnome or Half-Orc favorit class bonus)... with a comp. Longbow you want some STR thats a bit much for a "backup plan".
Take a Heavy Crossbow instead:
- Does not need a STR bonus
- Does not need a feat for prof.
- Can be loaded AND fired as a std. action with Explosive Missile discovery (so works as main plan and as backup)
Feats:
1st: Point-Blank Shot
3rd: Precise Shot
5th: Bullseye Shot
7th: Deadly Aim
If you not take fast bomb discovery and if you play smart you will not run out of bombs that often.
Breiti
If you're going to spend a feat on proficiency anyway, I'd go with Heavy Repeating Crossbow unless you have 14 or more Str anyway.
I wouldn't. With the bow, you don't have to spend a full-round action to reload after the 2nd round of combat.
If you're going to spend a feat on proficiency anyway, I'd go with Heavy Repeating Crossbow unless you have 14 or more Str anyway.
Heavy repeating crossbows are exotic weapons and require the exotic weapon proficiency feat (prerq: +1 BAB), he would not be able acquire this at first level with an average BAB class.