Was thinking about the alchemist and other than limiting the batches per day, is there any reason that alchemist couldn’t have a variable Key Ability?
Their uniqueness is in their adaptability and versatility why not have them able to focus the class ability on what they want to master. Throwing crumpled parchment of failed formulas into the trash can, stronger from constant use of bestial mutagens, tougher from tasting or spilling the poisons, smarter from late night study sessions, wiser from learning from their assurance fatal mistakes, more charming from spoking the coffee with cool juice.
Appreciate the thoughts and feedback from every odd reply.
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Was thinking about the alchemist and other than limiting the batches per day, is there any reason that alchemist couldn’t have a variable Key Ability?
I think in this instance, the Alchemist was released like that because timing. It was a CRB class, which means that the Devs weren't as good as they are now at creating classes. They have a much better grasp on balance and how to merge flavor with mechanics.
I think if Alchemists were released today, it would have flexible casting similar to the Rogues' rackets. Bomber would have Dex, Mutagenist would have Str, Chirurgeon would be Int. Assuming no major changes to the current design, of course.
Allowing other Key Stats, but keeping Int as the Class DC stat would be in line with other classes like Champions and Magi.
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Was thinking about the alchemist and other than limiting the batches per day, is there any reason that alchemist couldn’t have a variable Key Ability?I think in this instance, the Alchemist was released like that because timing. It was a CRB class, which means that the Devs weren't as good as they are now at creating classes. They have a much better grasp on balance and how to merge flavor with mechanics.
I think if Alchemists were released today, it would have flexible casting similar to the Rogues' rackets. Bomber would have Dex, Mutagenist would have Str, Chirurgeon would be Int. Assuming no major changes to the current design, of course.
Allowing other Key Stats, but keeping Int as the Class DC stat would be in line with other classes like Champions and Magi.
I dunno, they didn't take that approach with the Inventor or Thaumaturge. I'd sort of rather they get more to do with intelligence or proficiency improvements myself.
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Honestly, if any player requested to change their key ability for their class to anything else I'd probably allow it. In most cases the listed key ability is the most critical stat for the class, but if a player wanted to change it it's most likely going to make them weaker and as long as I felt confident they understood the impact I'd allow it.
Edit: I wasn't thinking about, and someone else has pointed out the issue of class DC. For balance class DC would probably need to remain on the published stat.
Because a magi having their DC be dex or int based would be stronger than int.
It would definitely be a power boost. Alchemist would go from 8 levels of -1, 5 levels of par, 4 levels of -2 and 3 levels of +1 to 10 levels of -1, 8 levels of +1, and 2 levels of par.
It would definitely be a power boost. Alchemist would go from 8 levels of -1, 5 levels of par, 4 levels of -2 and 3 levels of +1 to 10 levels of -1, 8 levels of +1, and 2 levels of par.
Only if you let them boost their DC off the same stat.
Otherwise they'd get better at throwing bombs, or melee, but would suffer in other areas due to reduced DC.
And as the alchemist is already in a...let say not good place, it wouldn't upset the overall game balance despite being a net positive for certain play styles of alchemist.
It's not necessarily "gimped" to have an alchemist start with 14 Int. Granted, you won't have an 18 in whatever "most important" stat you choose to emphasize and your alchemist class DCs will be "below par;" however, if you aren't relying on those class DCs you might not see much impact most of the time (at least immediately). A 16 Str alchemist with the Mauler archetype and bombs for a backup/ranged option can be decent for the first 10 levels or so.
The biggest issue with a non-standard alchemist is the class advancement makes them a poor martial (top out at Expert weapon proficiency) at higher levels. You could go multiclass dedication/archetype in a caster, but at some point you'll ask why you didn't go with a caster taking a multiclass Alchemist Dedication/archetype.