Underground Chemist + Alchemist VMC

[Sly Sylph]

Hi folks, I'm interested in trying to make a character that specialises in utilising alchemical items and bombs. I'd prefer to keep things as non-magical as possible, and stumbled across this idea when I starting searching.
The basic idea is in the title; take the underground chemist rogue archetype and the alchemist vmc to get 1 1/2 level to craft: alchemy checks and the ability to add intelligence to standard flasks, with proper alchemist bombs for when things get really hairy.

25 point buy, core races only, starting at level 3. I was wondering if anyone has played a similar build before, and has any advice on feats/items I'll need to get my hands on, or any really useful alchemical items. I also noticed that flasks of acid etc. aren't exactly cheap, any tricks to reducing the cost?

Rough idea so far is:

Human
Strength 10
Dexterity 16
Constitution 14
Intelligence 18 (+2 bonus)
Wisdom 10
Charisma 10

Feats:
1: Quick Draw
HB: Skill Focus: Craft Alchemy
3: Concentrated Splash (does this apply to sneak attack?)

Any input would be welcome :)

[claudekennilol]

I'd consider Half Elf instead of human. You lose 1 skill point per level (no Skilled) but since you're already taking Skill Focus, you get that for free.

So basically you lose 1 skill point per level in exchange for: Low-Light Vision, +2 Perception, Immune to magic sleep, +2 saves vs enchantments, an extra language (elven), Weapon Familiarity (Elven)--not that this one matters, and a caster level/spellcraft bonus that doesn't matter. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Alternately, if you really want to keep that +1 skill point per level and remain, you should swap out Bonus Feat for Focused Study. Focused Study gives you a Skill Focus feat at 1, 8 and 16. Since you're already doing that with your first bonus feat, that's definitely a no brainer to swap that one out.

Quote:

3: Concentrated Splash (does this apply to sneak attack?)

It doesn't say it doesn't so it should. But run it by your GM first. Also for Concentrated Splash you have to have Throw Anything or Precise Shot + Point-Blank Shot first.

[Sly Sylph]

Wow I'm dumb. I thought that between the VMC and underground chemist I got access to throw anything. D'oh.
I was considering taking focused study, and heart of the fields. With that I'd end up getting 2xlevel on craft alchemy checks (which all stack) so by level 3 I'd be rocking a craft score that could actually be useful.

[Shinoskay]

sure, with a craft alchemy focus that high I am pretty sure Acid flasks will become cheep... about half price... for you... plus there are a few traits that lower the cost of crafting even more... plus plus you can probably also use blood money or some other spells to replace crafting material to make splash items free... but why would you when you could just do bombs and other explody items/spells(formuls)/things that are already free.

[Enchanter Tim]

I have a character like this. You really don't need the VMC Alchemist, but it's cool to sneak attack with bombs for huge damage.

Take the Scout archetype on the URogue along with Underground Chemist. Then take Charging Hurler. At 4th level you can do a short charge and throw acid or alchemist's fire at anyone and gain sneak attack. The drawback is that you'll only ever get a single sneak attack each round unless you're in surprise. But it's pretty reliable, and you're not in melee combat where the rogue's low AC hurts. Plus, who cares about 3/4 BAB when you're using touch attacks? If you use URogue, then you also get to inflict Debilitating Injury with your ranged sneak attack.

Additionally, you need the feat Master Alchemist (at 5th level) and the trait Alchemical Adept. That should give you about a +23 bonus to your Craft Alchemy roll (depending on your Int) at level 5. You pay 3.3sp per flask of acid and can create nearly 50 each week on average, with nearly no chance to waste materials. Unless you're just grinding through fight after fight, that's probably close to keeping up with how many you use. And you only get better each level.