Alchemist

Prime Requisite: Intelligence.

Experience Bonus: 5% for Intelligence 13-
15, 10% for Intelligence 16-18.
Hit Dice: 1d4 per level up to 9th level.
Starting with 10th level, +2 hit points per level,
and Constitution adjustments no longer
apply.
Maximum Level: 36th
Saving Throws: As Magic-User of equal level.
THACO: As Magic-User of equal level.
Alignment: Any.
Armor: Leather armor only; shields not
permitted.
Weapons: Blowgun, club, dagger, net, sling,
staff, and whip.
Special Abilities: Basic Formulae and Potion
Craft; at 6th level Potion Batch; at 7th level
Advanced Formulae; at 12th level Mixology; at
14th level Master Formulae.
Weapon Mastery: Two weapon choices at 1st
level, then an additional choice at levels 3, 6,
9, 11, 15, 23, 30, and 36. One additional
choice earned for each 300,000 XP earned
after 36th level.
Skills: Alchemy and Craft (Brewing) required
at 1st level. Recommended Appraisal, Fire-
Building, Healing, Nature Lore, Profession
(Alchemist) or Sciences.

Whether secreted away in a smoky

basement laboratory or gleefully
experimenting in a well-respected school of
magic, the alchemist is often regarded as
being just as unstable, unpredictable, and
dangerous as the concoctions he brews. While
some creators of alchemical items content
themselves with sedentary lives as
merchants, providing potions and
smokesticks, the true alchemist answers a
deeper calling. The alchemist captures his
own potential within liquids and extracts he
creates, infusing his chemicals with virulent
power to grant him impressive skill with
acids, poisons, healing, and all manner of
magical brews.
Class Details
Prime Requisite: An alchemist’s prime
requisite is Intelligence. If an alchemist has an
Intelligence score of 13-15, the character
gains a 5% bonus to experience points earned
in every adventure; if his Intelligence is 16-
18, he earns a 10% bonus to experience
points.
Hit Dice: An alchemist starts with 1d4 (1-
4) hit points (plus Constitution adjustments,
if any) and gains 1d4 more hit points (plus
adjustments) with each level of experience.
Two additional hit points are gained for each
level after 9th level.
Armor: An alchemist may wear leather
armor only, and cannot use a shield.
Weapons: An alchemist may use the club,
dagger, staff, blowgun, net, sling, and whip as
weapons.
Special Abilities
Potion Craft
Alchemists of 1st level may create magical
potions. The expense is great, however, and
the time and cost required usually limits the
number of potions a low-level alchemist can
create. Note that an alchemist has a chance to
create any magical potion regardless of the
fact that he does not cast spells. See Tome of
Spells, Volume I for details on creating magical
potions.
Potion Batch
At 6th level, alchemists become more
efficient when creating magical potions. With
the time and money normally required for
one dose, they actually create 1d4+1 (2-5)
identical potions.
Mixology
At 12th level, alchemists gain the
extraordinary ability to create a new magical
potion of their choice by mixing two other
magic potions. It not only requires their
extraordinary competence in alchemy, but
also infusing of their own magical power, so
they can do this no more than 3 times per
day. This requires 1d6+2 (3-8) rounds,
various mundane substances (salts, ashes,
acid, etc.) and two magical potions. Then, if
the alchemist succeeds an Alchemy skill
check, he creates a single new potion of his
choice. The new potion must be a common
magical potion type, and not something
unique or unknown. The Alchemy skill check
suffers a penalty equal to the equivalent spell
level of the potion attempted. The DM should
roll this skill check in secret. If this skill check
fails, roll percentile dice and consult the table
below.
Mixology Accidents
01-10 A potion of poison is created instead (GM
decides type)
11-30 A foul and useless liquid is created, both
potions wasted
31-40 The two poti ons don't mix, but also don't
lose their magic
41-60 Small explosion deals 1d6 of dmg to
alchemist (no save)
61-75 Explosion for 2d6 of dmg in a 10' radius
(save vs. dragon breath for half)
76-80 Explosion for 4d6 of dmg in 15' radius (save
vs. dragon breath for half)
81-95 Noxious fumes in a 10' radius (as per
stinking cloud spell)
96-00 Toxic fumes in a 10' radius (save vs. death
or die)
This ability is more art than science and
because potions can be brewed in a variety of
ways for the same effects, alchemists must
roll a skill check every time they use this
ability. Combining two potions of healing
successfully into a potion of heroism does not
mean the alchemist will get the same result
every time.
Basic Formulae
At 1st level the alchemist has gained
working familiarity with basic chemistry and
can create one of the following substances:
acids, poisons, medicines or explosives.
Formulae can only be prepared under proper
conditions.
At low levels this means in a laboratory,
typically only found in towns or cities, though
the character might come across a usable
laboratory anywhere during his adventures.
At 7th level and above the alchemist is
skilled enough to create formulae anywhere
as long as he has access to fire and a pot to
brew his creation in.
Brewing formulae takes 1 hour plus 1
turn per dose the character wishes to create.
It requires special components that can either
be purchased (costs are detailed below) or
scrounged. Scrounging components can be
done anywhere, as alchemists are notoriously
resourceful and inventive, but it requires a
good deal of time, typically about 10 hours for
one formulae’s components.
At 1st level the alchemist chooses which
branch of formulae he wishes to know (acids,
poisons, medicines or explosives). At 3 rd level
and 6th level the alchemist learns his choice of
a new branch of formulae, which means he
will eventually only know how to create three
of the four types.
Created formulae are usually stored in
vials that may be used in melee or thrown in
combat at a range of 10’/30’/50’ (generally
acids and explosives only).
Acids
Acids cost 10 gp per vial to prepare and
come in three varieties: flesh-eating, metal-
eating and stone-eating. Each of these acids is
described below.
Flesh-Eating: A single dose of flesh-eating
acid can damage leather armor, worsening its
armor class by 1 until the armor is repaired
(requires an armorer). The armor gets a
saving throw to avoid suffering damage.
Alternately, it can damage a living target,
inflicting 1d6 points of damage +1 point per
level of the alchemist. The alchemist must
choose either of these effects before making
the attack roll.
Outside of combat, a dose of flesh-eating
acid can dissolve one inch of organic matter
per round for a number of rounds equal to
the acid’s maximum damage potential (so 7
rounds at 1st level, and so on.)
Magical armor is immune to the effects of
this acid.
Metal-Eating: A single dose of metal-
eating acid can damage metal armor,
worsening its armor class by 1 until the
armor is repaired (requires an armorer). The
armor gets a saving throw to avoid suffering
damage. Against a creature composed
primarily of metal this acid can inflict 1d6
points of damage +1 point per level of the
alchemist.
Outside of combat a dose of metal-eating
acid can dissolve ½ inch of metallic matter
per round for a number of rounds equal to
the acid’s maximum damage potential (so 7
rounds at 1st level and so on).
Magical armor is immune to the effects of
this acid.
Stone-Eating: Against a creature
composed primarily of stone this acid can
inflict 1d6 points of damage +1 point per level
of the alchemist.
A single dose of stone-eating acid can
dissolve ½ inch of stone per round for a
number of rounds equal to the acid’s
maximum damage potential (so 7 rounds at
1st level and so on).
Poisons
Poisons cost 250 gp per vial to prepare.
There are two types of poisons: ingested and
injected. Ingested points inflict more damage,
but over time, whereas injected poisons tend
to affect the target immediately.
The use of poison is generally considered
a Chaotic act, so the DM should discuss the
views of poison with the player before his
character begins practicing this branch of
alchemy.
Ingested Poisons: The victim of ingested
poison must make a saving throw vs. poison
or suffer severe cramps and muscle pain for
1d4 hours. The victim can take no actions
during this time and suffers damage equal to
the alchemist’s level each hour.
If the saving throw is successful, the
victim suffers damage once during a 10-
minute bout of nausea, but recovers
afterwards.
Injected Poisons: Poison to be injected
must be applied to a bladed or piercing
weapon (such as an arrow). On a successful
attack roll the target must make a saving
throw vs. poison or suffer an additional 1d6
points of damage +1 point per level of the
alchemist who made the poison. A poisoned
weapon will remain poisoned until either 24
hours has passed or until the wielder makes a
successful attack roll, delivering the poison.
Medicines
Medicines cost 10 gp per dose to prepare
and come in three varieties: balm, ipecac, and
poultice.
 Balms: Balms are curative oils or butters
specifically tailored to help against specific
ailments. For example, an alchemist might
make a soothing balm to aid burns for victims
of fire damage.
Balms require a full round to apply,
usually by rubbing onto any exposed skin
surfaces.
If applied before a type of damage is
suffered, a balm will remain effective for 1
hour. If the victim suffers the appropriate
type of damage during that hour, he gains a
+2 bonus to any saving throw to resist and
has damage reduced by one-quarter if the
save is successful. If the save fails the victim
still only suffers half damage.
If applied after the appropriate type of
damage is suffered, the victim is healed 1d6
hit points +1 point per level of the alchemist
who created it.
Ipecac: Ipecac are a special concoction
designed to aid against ingested poisons or to
remove the effects of an unwanted potion. If a
character has ingested something harmful, he
can down an ipecac and trade 1d4 minutes of
nausea for whatever effects the ingested
substance would normally cause. Note that
the ipecac does nothing to heal past damage
caused by an ingested substance, nor can it
help if a companion falls over dead as a result
of poison; it’s too late for an ipecac to do any
good.
Poultice: A poultice might be best
described as a medicated bandage. Applied to
an injured comrade, it can help him recover
much faster than normal.
A poultice is applied before a character
plans to rest for 1 day or more. If the
character rests undisturbed for one full day,
he is healed 1d6 hit points + 1 hit point per
level of the alchemist. If the character is only
able to rest for 8 hours, he is healed only 1d6
hit points. If a character’s rest is interrupted
less than an hour after applying a poultice,
the character heals only 1 hit point of
damage.
Explosives
Alchemists are adept at swiftly mixing
various volatile chemicals to create powerful
explosives, or bombs, that they can hurl at
their enemies. An alchemist can use a number
of bombs each day equal to his level
(maximum of 20 at 20th level). Bombs are
unstable, and if not used in the round they are
created, they degrade and become inert –
their method of creation prevents large
volumes of explosive material from being
created and stored. In order to create a bomb,
the alchemist must use a small vial containing
an ounce of liquid catalyst – the alchemist can
create this liquid catalyst from small amounts
of chemicals from an alchemy lab. Most
alchemist create a number of catalyst vials at
the start of the day equal to the total number
of bombs they can create in that day – once
created, a catalyst vial remains useable by the
alchemist for years. The cost to create a
catalyst vial is 10 gold pieces.
Drawing the components of, creating, and
throwing a bomb requires a full round during
which the alchemist always loses initiative.
The alchemist must have both hands free in
order to create the bomb. Thrown bombs
have a range of 10’/30’/50’. On a direct hit, an
alchemist’s bomb inflicts 1d6 points of fire
damage per level of the alchemist divided by
two (rounded down). For example, the bomb
of a 5th level alchemist does 2d6 points of fire
damage. Maximum damage is 10d6 at 20 th
level. Targets struck by a bomb are allowed a
saving throw vs. dragon breath; success
reduces the damage by half.
Advanced Formulae
At 7th level, the alchemist learns advance
formulae of one of the basic varieties he
mastered during his lower levels. At 9 th and
12th level the alchemist learns his choice of
another advanced formulae from his
remaining basic varieties.
Advanced Acids: Inflicts an additional 1d6
points of damage (i.e. 2d6 damage + 1 per
alchemist level). Advanced acids can also
reduce the armor class of +1 magical armor.
Advanced Poisons: Can inflict instant
death on a target of lower level (or fewer Hit
Dice) than the alchemist on a failed saving
throw vs. poison.
 Advanced Medicines: Heal an additional
1d6 hit points of damage (i.e. 2d6 hit points
+1 hit point per alchemist level).
Advanced Explosives: The alchemist can
create an explosive bomb that has a radius of
10’. All creatures within the blast radius take
normal damage. Creatures that suffer a direct
hit by the explosive bomb catch fire, taking an
additional 1d4 of fire damage each round
until the fire is extinguished. Extinguishing
the flames oneself takes one full round that
requires a successful Dexterity ability check.
Rolling on the ground provides the target
with a +2 bonus to the DEX check. Dousing
the target with at least two gallons of water
automatically extinguishes the flames.
Targets struck or in the blast radius of a
bomb get a saving throw vs. dragon breath;
successful saves reduces the damage by half,
and allows the victim directly struck to avoid
catching fire.
Master Formulae
At 14th level, the alchemist learns to
master of one of the advanced variety
formulae he learned during his mid-levels. At
16th and 19th level the alchemist gains a choice
to master another formulae from his
remaining advanced varieties.
Master Acids: Inflicts an additional 1d6
points of damage over advanced acids (i.e.
3d6 damage +1 per alchemist level). Master
acids can also reduce the armor class of +3
magical armor (on a failed item saving
throw).
Master Poisons: Can inflict instant death
on any target that fails a saving throw vs.
poison.
Master Medicines: Heal an additional 1d6
hit points of damage over advanced
medicines (i.e. 3d6 hit points +1 hit point per
alchemist level).
Master Explosives: The alchemist can
create a delayed bomb, which he can set to
explode a number of rounds after the
alchemist ceases contact with the bomb. The
delay can be any number of rounds as chosen
by the alchemist, up to a number of rounds
equal to his experience level. If at any point
the alchemist reclaims possession of the
delayed bomb, he can end the timer and
prevent the bomb’s detonation. A delayed
bomb detonates immediately if any other
creature attempts to touch or move it, or if
the bomb’s contents are removed from the
vial (such as if the vial breaks). The bomb
deals damage as either a normal bomb or
explosive bomb, as chosen by the alchemist
before placing it. An alchemist cannot have
more than one delayed bomb at one time. If
he creates another delayed bomb, the
previous bomb becomes inert.
Other Details
General Skills
The Alchemy and Craft (Brewing) skills
are required at 1st level. Recommended skill
choices for alchemists include Appraisal, Fire-
Building, Healing, Nature Lore, Profession
(Alchemist) or Sciences.
High Experience Levels and Formulae
Bonus
The maximum bonus an alchemist can
add from his level to formulae damage (acid
and poison) and healing (medicine) is +20 at
20th level. Alchemist of 21st to 36th level do not
increase this bonus any further.
Magic Items
Alchemists may use any magic item not
restricted to another specific class.
Higher Experience Levels
At Name (9th) level or greater, an
alchemist is called a master alchemist
(whether male or female).
Land-Owning Alchemists
Upon reaching Name level, an alchemist
may build a tower (if he can afford to). An
alchemist who constructs a tower will usually
attract 1d6 (1-6) 1st level alchemists who seek
to learn from an accomplished master of their
craft.
 Alternatively, a wealthy noble may offer
the alchemist a position in his castle as a
court alchemist, complete with a fully stocked
laboratory for the alchemist’s use. This
position will usually come with a minimum
amount of time the alchemist is expected to
make himself available to his patron, crafting
potions according to his specifications.
Standard payment is a minimum of 3,000
gold pieces per month, with alchemists above
15th level commanding higher payment.

Alchemist Experience Table

Level XP Special
1 0 Basic Formulae, Potion Craft
2 1,300
3 2,600 Basic Formulae Choice
4 5,400
5 11,000
6 22,000 Basic Formulae Choice, Potion Batch
7 55,000 Advanced Formulae
8 110,000
9 220,000 Advanced Formulae Choice
10 350,000
11 480,000
12 610,000 Advanced Formulae Choice, Mixology
13 740,000
14 870,000 Master Formulae
15 1,000,000
16 1,130,000 Master Formulae Choice
17 1,260,000
18 1,390,000
19 1,520,000 Master Formulae Choice
20 1,650,000
21 1,780,000
22 1,910,000
23 2,040,000
24 2,170,000
25 2,300,000
26 2,430,000
27 2,560,000
28 2,690,000
29 2,820,000
30 2,950,000
31 3,080,000
32 3,210,000
33 3,340,000
34 3,470,000
35 3,600,000
36 3,730,000