| EkstraLangeDruer |
I've been struggling trying to find out how I need to be carrying my Alchemist's Tools in order to use them for Quick Alchemy. The ability requires that: "You have alchemist’s tools (page 287), the formula for the alchemical item you’re creating, and a free hand."
I've wondered what it means to "have" a tool kit. Then I read the description for the bandolier: "A bandolier can be dedicated to a full set of tools, such as healer’s tools, allowing you to draw the tools as part of the action that requires them."
This clearly implies that you need to draw a toolkit and thus be holding it in your hands in order to use it. But then the Alchemist would need two hands for the tools, one hand for the formula, and a fourth, free hand in order to use Quick Alchemy. This makes no sense.
I've also noted that all of the toolkits state that: "When you carry the tools from place to place, you keep many of the components handy on your person, in pockets or bandoliers." This text is super vague and confusing... Is it just a hint that carrying a toolkit in a bandolier is a good idea?
| Rholand |
I think the three things you expect to use hands for is actually what the free hand is for; You read the formula first, draw the tools as you need them from the bandolier, and finally have the potion in the free hand. It does NOT say that you have to be "Wielding" or "Holding" the Alchemist's Tools, just that you need to have them.
The description of the bandolier implies the opposite of what you are reading; It specifically says that you can draw the tools as part of the action that requires them; In this case, the Quick Alchemy Action.
| EkstraLangeDruer |
It does NOT say that you have to be "Wielding" or "Holding" the Alchemist's Tools, just that you need to have them.
So, by this logic, I can use first aid or treat poison on a creature without having any free hands? (since those actions require me to have healer's tools, but does not require any free hands) It seems counterintuitive that I can heal someone while holding a sword in each hand.
| Rholand |
I do believe that is the intention of the ability and even of Medicine, yes. Pg 272 describes the difference between abilities requiring you to be "Having" vs "Wielding";
"Other abilities might require you to merely carry or have an item. These apply as long as you have the item on your person; you don’t
have to wield it."
Edit: I do believe that is how my group has generally been using Healer's Tools as well, the few times they have used them. I don't remember them ever drawing the Healer's Tools before using the First Aid Action. It has been presumed that drawing them was part of the activity.