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I'm a bit confused, because the FAQ referenced over at D20PFSRD says that alchemists are not casters as written, but in the Alchemy ability, it says
In effect, an alchemist prepares his spells by mixing ingredients into a number of extracts, and then "casts" his spells by drinking the extract.
I understand that casts is in quotes, however, it says the alchemist has spells which are prepared and utilized the same game mechanics as casting when the extract is drank.
Yep. Alchemists are pretty much only considered casters when it screws them. They have no caster level, so don't qualify for Craft Feats, and their Extracts aren't affected by Metamagic, and other such things.
Kalindlara: No, they don't have to worry about those things, which is probably the mechanical reason to have them not count, because they're immune to many of the downsides casters worry about. I'm actually unsure about spell failure chance, but even if it mattered when they were making extracts, just put on your armor after, most characters don't sleep in their armor anyway.
Rynjin: That's kinda the view I was understanding, just was hoping it would make logical sense. I understand it's most likely a game balance thing, but I get annoyed at any rulebook that uses game terms and forgets that they're game terms. ^_^
There's pros and cons to them not being casters.
Pros:
-No spell failure.
-No Concentration checks needed for vigorous motion, Grappling, etc.
-No AoOs for not Casting Defensively.
Cons:
-No caster level, and all the benefits that come with that.
-Extracts can be Sundered.
-You can't (by default) use them on your allies.
-Extracts of spells that target multiple people, such as Haste, now only affect the drinker.
-Mixing them requires a much heavier version of the Spell Component Pouch.
There's probably more, but those are the big ones.
I was recently surprised to learn that Alchemists cannot activate scrolls without UMD, even if it is on their extract list.
I was recently surprised to learn that Alchemists cannot activate scrolls without UMD, even if it is on their extract list.
At least they can use spell-trigger items using their formulae list. Investigators can't.
I wonder if a case can be made, that since Alchemists, syphon off a bit of their personal, magic "aura" to create their extracts, that after OA hits, you could consider them "psychic" based, instead of "arcane"? They use a similar method as the Occultist. Kinda, sorta... I dunno...
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At least they can use spell-trigger items using their formulae list. Investigators can't.I was recently surprised to learn that Alchemists cannot activate scrolls without UMD, even if it is on their extract list.
All the tables I go to allow investigators to use wands as the alchemist can, and those are PFS tables.
That. Or they should ad the ability to throw and break it on an ally to ahave it work, or an enemy in the case of the.. what.. 2? offensive ones.
(I'd rather have the ability to do this than some of thebomb stuf.. but Final Fantasy Tactics chemist solidified my personal mental image)
You DO realize that Infusion exists, right?
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You DO realize that Infusion exists, right?That. Or they should ad the ability to throw and break it on an ally to ahave it work, or an enemy in the case of the.. what.. 2? offensive ones.
(I'd rather have the ability to do this than some of thebomb stuf.. but Final Fantasy Tactics chemist solidified my personal mental image)
They still have to drink it. You can't just break the bottle over their heads. :)
I'm a bit confused, because the FAQ referenced over at D20PFSRD says that alchemists are not casters as written, but in the Alchemy ability, it saysIn effect, an alchemist prepares his spells by mixing ingredients into a number of extracts, and then "casts" his spells by drinking the extract.I understand that casts is in quotes, however, it says the alchemist has spells which are prepared and utilized the same game mechanics as casting when the extract is drank.
Whether or not they are right over at d20pfsrd doesn't matter, they aren't Paizo affiliated. I wouldn't expect rulings made using quotes from their FAQ to stick.
However... the Alchemist isn't really a caster.
My previous statement still remains valid.
FAQs over HERE on Paizo, of course, carry some weight.
Why bother referring to D20PFSRD if it just pointed back here anyway?
Sorry I didn't catch that. I'll try to read a bit more closely in the future, it's early here...
My previous statement still remains valid.
FAQs over HERE on Paizo, of course, carry some weight.Why bother referring to D20PFSRD if it just pointed back here anyway?
Sorry I didn't catch that. I'll try to read a bit more closely in the future, it's early here...
Typically because they have class pages and those have relevant FAQs on them with Paizo its by books so for a class sure i check the book it came with. But if its an odd archetype or feat or spell an FAQ would be easier to find over their if i don't know which book to look at.