Alchemist Questions

[Oldest One]

The Alchemist class confuses and frightens me. Perhaps some of you nice people can answer my questions:

1. Is using an extract the same as casting a spell? For example, if you provoke an attack of opportunity while using an extract do you have to make a concentration check? Can you use an extract "defensively" to avoid provoking?

2. What kind of action is it for another character to use one of your infusions? Can a character (who isn't an alchemist) draw and drink an infusion as a standard action?

[Matthew Downie]

Using an infusion is like drinking a potion - it's a standard action if it's in your hand.

Using an extract is like drinking a potion, except you can do it as a standard action without starting the round with it in your hand. No concentration check or 'drinking defensively' applies.

[Gjorbjond]

I'm pretty sure drinking an extract still provokes, just like drinking a potion.

[Oldest One]

Thank you, so using extracts follow the rules for drinking potions, not for spell casting. I was very confused.

[Deadmanwalking]

Oldest One wrote:

Thank you, so using extracts follow the rules for drinking potions, not for spell casting. I was very confused.

Actually...that's incorrect. For the Alchemist anyway. To quote:

Alchemist Class wrote:

An alchemist can draw and drink an extract as a standard action.

For other people lacking that class feature they're pretty much Potions, yeah.