Alchemist turned tank (Carrion Crown)

[LogantheBard]

When I first rolled up this alchemist, I was going for the typical Dr. Jeckyl//Mr. Hyde style alchemist, focusing on melee damage, and wanting to be a secondary buffer/healer. As the party has settled in on their roles and players are getting comfortable, it's safe to say that I'm going to be filling the tank role. We just levelled to three, and I'm looking for advice to help my survivability.

Here's what I've got so far:

Nester, Half-Orc Alchemist 2
Vivisectionist, Internal Alchemist

Str 17
Dex 13
Con 14
Int 14
Wis 12
Cha 8

Feat: Iron Will
Traits: Bully (+1 intimidate, class skill), Chance Savior (+2 initiative)
Alternate Racials: Bestial (+2 perception), Weapon Familiarity Greataxe
Discovery: Feral Mutagen


Here's my plan for the next several levels:

Level 3: Feat: Shield Proficiency
Level 4: Discovery: Tentacle (to hold said shield), +1 Strength
Level 5: Feat: Dodge
Level 6: Discovery: Tumor Familiar (Hedgehog)
Level 7: Feat: ???
Level 8: (Master Chemyst 1): +1 Dex
Level 9: (MC 2): Feat: ??? Advanced Mutagen: Evasion
Level 10: (MC 3)


What are your thoughts for level 7 and 9 feats? I don't have power attack yet, so I could go that route. I don't want to invest in a heavier armor proficiency, because I'd rather have the faster movement. Maybe weapon focus and tower shield proficiency? I also need to pick up improved natural attack at some point.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Is it too late to undo the MC levels? Regular alchemist is better, IMO. And is Ultimate Combat available for feats?

Don't take Tower Shield Proficiency. I'd undo the Shield Proficiency feat, if possible, too. You can use a masterwork or better Buckler or Light Shield without penalty despite non-proficiency -- the penalty is based on armor check penalty and masterwork bucklers and light shields have none. Any reason you chose tentacle to hold the shield over a vestigial arm?

I'd recommend the Improved Familiar feat to get a tumorous Silvanshee or something. It's mechanically powerful, and how awesome is it to have a tumor that heals people?

 

[Systole]

...how awesome is it to have a tumor that heals people?

Wow ... that's all kinds of tentacle porn.