GM Encounter Advice - 2 Alchemist Enemies

[turnip_head]

I want to do an encounter with a group of 6 level 1 players with two first level Alchemist npc's. They will both focus on using a mutagen at the start of battle to enhance their abilities. One being a gnome with a dexterity mutagen and focuses on ranged (throwing bombs and the like) with a bomber's eye extract. The other will be a dwarf alchemist who is high in strength and uses a strength mutagen paired with enlarge person extract and serve as the melee bruiser. Together it is only a CR 1 encounter (I know CR's can be deceptive and unhelpful at times), but with 6 players this would technically be ranked 'easy' since their APL gets +1 due to the number of players.

I want to know what more seasoned GM's and players think about this and whether or not it would be too tough. Thanks!

[XMorsX]

As with any fight at these lvls, bad rolls may dictate it unfavorably for your players. That being said, it is an easy encounter.

[turnip_head]

That's true. I am considering placing them in a long 10x40 hallway with the enlarged dwarf blocking the way to the gnome while the gnome fires past and suffer the cover penalty.

[XMorsX]

turnip_head wrote:

That's true. I am considering placing them in a long 10x40 hallway with the enlarged dwarf blocking the way to the gnome while the gnome fires past and suffer the cover penalty.

As long as your PCs work solidly together and are decently optimised, the encounter will end fast in their favor. A lvl 1 character cannot hold 4 PCs pounding on them more than a round. But it makes for an interesting low-lvl fight.

Now, if your alchemist had cleave, it could make for a dangerous fight, Of course he does nto qualify for it at lvl 1.

[Psion-Psycho]

As some1 that has played an alchemist i would like to note that bombs are only good for burst dpr not sustained since you only have ur lv + in mod uses. Personally i would have the gnome be an elf instead with point blank shot using a long bow with bombs for when they get to close. For the dwarf play off the dwarf's strong point being its con. Use the mutagen for its innate natural armor, since alchemist get shafted on ac, and con for added health or dex for added ac. The enlarge person will take care of the dpr fine enough.

[Chris O'Reilly]

It should be easy. You dont seem to be trying to make them as dangerous as possible (gnome?) and the alchemist's schtick of hitting touch ac isnt super relevant at low levels (also taking -4 for cover and -4 for lack of precise shot). You're better off tossing alchemist fires at that level.
If they lack their own ranged capabilities and/or roll terribly to bring down the dwarf the splash damage could eventually stack up to become a problem. Or if they lack a cleric for easy channels to top off after the fight it could turn into a ticket back to town to rest up.