Alchemist formulae level up

[KevKels26]

All right, so I just started playing as an Alchemist, and I'm confused. It says when I gain a level I get "one new formula of any level [my character] can create"... Does that mean I only gain one formula per level?

Also, I'm wondering how the bonus spells (extracts) per day based on my INT modifier works when I'm determining how many formulae I know at level 1. My INT mod is +3, so I start with 5 total formulae based on the Alchemist rules. Normally they would all have to be level 1 spells, because that's all I can prepare at level 1, but my INT modifier gives me a bonus 2nd and 3rd level spell per day... so does that mean at 1st level I could be able to create and cast a 3rd-level extract right off the bat?

[MurphysParadox]

You get one free spell (called formula by Alchemists) a level. You can still gain others by copying them from scrolls and spellbooks (assuming they are on your spell list).

Bonus spells from high stats unlock when you gain access to those spell levels. So even though you get an additional level 2 spell from your 16-17 INT score, you won't be able to use it until you unlock 2nd level spells (level 3). Likewise with you bonus 3rd level spell.

[Akerlof]

KevKels26 wrote:

All right, so I just started playing as an Alchemist, and I'm confused. It says when I gain a level I get "one new formula of any level [my character] can create"... Does that mean I only gain one formula per level?

You only gain 1 formula for free at each level. You can, however, scribe new formula into your formula book from scrolls as well as wizard, magus and other alchemists' spellbooks by paying the prices and passing the checks the same way Wizards do, described in the section Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook in the Magic chapter of the CRB.

Quote:

Also, I'm wondering how the bonus spells (extracts) per day based on my INT modifier works when I'm determining how many formulae I know at level 1. My INT mod is +3, so I start with 5 total formulae based on the Alchemist rules. Normally they would all have to be level 1 spells, because that's all I can prepare at level 1, but my INT modifier gives me a bonus 2nd and 3rd level spell per day... so does that mean at 1st level I could be able to create and cast a 3rd-level extract right off the bat?

You only get bonus spells for levels of spells that you can cast. Basically, if your table of spells per day has a number in it, you can get bonus spells for that level (even if it's a 0, like on the Ranger and Paladin tables.) But if it has a -- on it, you do not get bonus spells because you are not powerful enough to cast those yet. The same is true for extracts. See the Table: Abilities and Spellcasters. That's what they mean by the line "...a spellcaster must be of a high enough class level to be able to cast spells of a given spell level."

[KevKels26]

Alright, that makes more sense... I'm assuming I can only copy spells into my formula book that appear on the Alchemist spell lists in the Advanced Player's Guide, Ultimate Magic, etc.?

[LazarX]

correct.

[wisepeppy]

At L1,an Alchemist gets 2 Formulae, plus his Int mod. If an Alchemist's Intelligence score increases later on, such that his modifier inceases, does he gain retroactive bonus formulae? If so, do they need to be L1 formulae, or can they be of any level he has access to at the time of the ability score increase?