I'm struggling with a build for an alchemist character concept. I want to create a gnome alchemist who is primarily a bomber/buffer/controller. However, the use of mutagen doesn't work with the concept--I like the mutagen feature for other builds/concepts, but not this one. So I'm looking for an archetype that changes or alters mutagen.
Using cognatogen is the obvious choice, but I don't really like that concept either (I can only be smarter if I'm weaker?). Yes, I know I'm being picky.
I was looking at the engineer or the toxicant, but would like some other ideas. I also thought it would be interesting to have a mutagen that did something different than alter stats . . . like add movement speed and/or a dodge effect.
I'm also looking for a back-up weapon when I'm low on bombs or when they're not practical. As a low-strength (STR 7 or 8) small creature, a bow doesn't make sense. I like the idea of using a crossbow or a firearm, but it's so difficult to make them good in an alchemist build. Thoughts? Thanks.
The Alchemical Sapper archetype from Ultimate Intrigue might be a good fit for what you have in mind.
How about combining the Gunslinger and Alchemist? Is that something you'd look into?
Take the Experimental Gunsmith (gnome-only) and the Mysterious Stranger archetypes for your one (or possibly five) Gunslinger level(s). The Experimental Gunsmith is actually optional, but man is it awesome for flavor. Mysterious Stranger is almost non-optional, as getting to use your racial bonus to Charisma for grit is a good thing, and the Cha to firearm damage option isn't to be overlooked.
Now, for the Alchemist side, the Saboteur archetype, a gnome-only option that replaces mutagen with a Stealth boost and a climb speed, makes for a good mutagen replacer, as it's not very powerful compared to normal mutagen, but is just useful enough so as to be reasonable to take for the flavor. The Grenadier replaces all that pesky poison stuff your gear gnome doesn't want with a lot of cool abilities, including the ability to add alchemical weapons (although not your bombs) to your gun, having them affect the next target you shoot.
I'd say Gunslinger 1/Alchemist X would be enough if you keep pumping your Charisma enough to keep your grit full and the Charisma to firearm damage option useful.
Now, this will require a bit of stretching with your point buy/ability placing spread, as you need Dex to hit, Cha for grit, and Int for alchemist stuff. However, you have a bonus to Con, and can dump Strength a bit, as none of your damage is Strength based.
Not exactly sure this is what you wanted, but it seems as if it'd certainly get the job done!
The Gnome Saboteur changes the mutagen to a stealth mutagen. It still takes down your strength, but might end up being more useful to you. Alternately you could just stick with a standard mutagen, but plan on using it to enhance your dex (bonus to hit w/minus to wisdom) or con (minus to chr) instead of increasing your strength.
The Grenadier archetype is also a good choice for this type of build. As well as getting some nice control debuffs on your bombs, it lets you use bombs or alchemist items with a ranged weapon, increasing your range and giving you a pretty decent alternate attack (especially if you also get a hybridization funnel.)
I believe Saboteur and Grenadier will stack.
If you could play a goblin, the combination of the fire bomber and winged marauder archetypes looks like a lot of fun.
Fiery death flies on silent wings. :)
If you're stuck with gnome ... I'll get back to you.
Don't forget the Explosive Missile discovery that lets you shoot bombs through your firearm.
Natural weapons would be a good back up if youre out of bombs. Feral Mutagen discovery gives you some and the loss of mental scores wont hurt you that bad if you are out of bombs and extracts anyway.
Thanks for the input. It's given me a lot of ideas to work with.
I liked the idea of a one-level dip into Gunslinger, but the more I read about the firearms system the less I like it. It seems not that much better than a crossbow, but far more expensive (over 10 gold per shot?).
I guess my struggle is that while I don't like the use of mutagen for this particular character, it is such a strong, class-defining ability that I feel like if I'm going to sacrifice it I should get something really good in return.
I like the toxicant archetype. Has anyone played one, and is it considered to be balanced? I think it might be cool to use a crossbow and poison the bolts (by spitting on them) as a back-up weapon.
I haven't ever played an alchemist, but my feeling is that bombs can only go so far since they are likely to run out.
I guess I could use UMD and use wands as a back-up.
Any other ideas?
If you want to go the roll of a venom/poison type character, you can always play Twitch from Leage of Legends. Plague Bringer Alchemist archetype replaces your Mutagen with a Plague Phile which you can drink to make yourself diseased. Any creature attacking you in melee has to make a Fort Save or become sicked. Additionly, you can poison your weapons like that too. Gunslinger Bolt Ace would work for proficiency and bonuses. Two levels for grit, +1 Initiative.
Ratfolk with the Unarural racial trait, +2 Int and +2 Dex is perfect for an Alchemist. Works with a.special bullet bomb build. Can use crossbows when bombs are gone, thanks to ranged weapon fighting sharing combat feats. Replaces Mutagen for a nice Debuff.
Only problem is, it isn't gnome.