Fastasy Core RPG: The Alchemist

FANTASY CORE RPG
(c) Jerry Harris, 2012
Published here as Open Game Content.
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The Alchemist

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save
1st	+0	+0	+0	+2
2nd	+1	+0	+0	+3
3rd	+1	+1	+1	+3
4th	+2	+1	+1	+4
5th	+2	+1	+1	+4

Description: The Medieval scientist.  Unlike Wizards, the Alchemist's powers may theoretically be duplicable by anyone, which is why they jealously guard their secrets and discoveries.  Lacking a really firm grasp of physics however, their concoctions success tend to be a bit iffy.  The most reliable of their kind work for kings and rulers.  The rest tend to be quacks and con men.  Alchemists may go up to 5th level.  Those who continue in the profession too long tend to end up either getting lynched for failed products or blowing themselves up.

● These people do not adventure, but may sell goods to those who do or contract out others to gather materials.  What most Alchemists are searching to create or find is the Philosopher's Stone, a semi-mystical item that would allow the creation of flawless concoctions.

Hit Die: d6.

Prime Abilities: Int.

Subprime Abilities: Str, Wis, and Con.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Alchemists are proficient with daggers and light crossbows. They are proficient with leather armor, but not with shields.  Realistically they will only ever be a liability in combat, which is why they try to avoid it, but sometimes they are required to be on site to activate their mixtures or to gather materials.

Standard Starting Gear: 5+1d10 GP, pack, 3 days rations, waterskin, 2 useful items, Coded book of Concoctions, parchment, quill and ink, dagger.

Create Alchemical Concoctions

● An Alchemist's Concoctions will work at a rate of Int bonus + ½ level, DC 12 for minor concoctions, DC 18 for more potent ones.  Failed Concoctions may work initially only to suddenly go out or have ill effects shortly thereafter.

● Can typically create 1 Concoction per hour.  Generally Int bonus + ½ level Concoctions per day.  They will last no longer than a week.

● Their book of Concoction formulas is usually coded.  Understanding any of their formulas spells would require a DC 18 Int check and an hour per formula.  If the Alchemist’s cipher method is known, DC 12.  A Comprehend Language spell could also interpret it, but a DC 12 Int will still be required to understand it.  See Alchemist Lab entry below. 

Sample Alchemist Wares