Craft (Alchemy) Questions

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

With a DC25, you'd need 13 ranks of Craft (alchemy) and a 500GP lab to have a 50% success rate. In other words, each Thunderstone takes on average over a week's labor* from a very highly trained specialist (9th level Expert?). You'd think that this would raise the prices of the Thunderstone and the Sunrod a bit.

Not quite true.

All you really need is a +15 modifier - attainable through an alchemist's lab (+2), a decent Intelligence modifier (+3), and some skill ranks (+10). This achievable at 7th-level for any class. For every point your Int modifier improves, you can reach this one level earlier.

At that point, you can Take 10 without risk, and make two thunderstones a week without risk.

 

[Telas]

At that point, you can Take 10 without risk, and make two thunderstones a week without risk.

Excellent point. I keep forgetting about the "take 10" rule.... I blame my 1st edition background.... :\

So a seveth level Expert could gross 100GP a week, netting about 66GP - rent, lab upkeep, etc. I guess I can live with that, especially as a fifth level Expert can do it with a decent apprentice (who can Assist).

Thanks, now it all fits into the game (well, as well as anything fits into the game).

Telas

 

[Stalker0]

Although considering that it pretty much takes a 7th level character to make thunderstones with any consistent success, they seem pretty crappy

I'll just enjoy my tanglefoot bags, imo its the only phb alchemical item that's worth a damn past third level (except maybe sunrods)

 

[Saeviomagy]

Excellent point. I keep forgetting about the "take 10" rule.... I blame my 1st edition background.... :\

So a seveth level Expert could gross 100GP a week, netting about 66GP - rent, lab upkeep, etc. I guess I can live with that, especially as a fifth level Expert can do it with a decent apprentice (who can Assist).

Thanks, now it all fits into the game (well, as well as anything fits into the game).

Telas

Actually the expert can't. He has to be able (now) to cast arcane spells to use alchemy.

It sucks.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

Actually the expert can't. He has to be able (now) to cast arcane spells to use alchemy.

It sucks.

...

I'm afraid to ask because I'm guessing the answer is "yes"...but...you have a cite for that?

I have a new player who will be going into that area...as a Favored Soul. Guess I'll need another House Rule. And some thoughts to make Craft (Alchemy) more useful, as well...

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

...

I'm afraid to ask because I'm guessing the answer is "yes"...but...you have a cite for that?

Saev is mostly correct. It is not required that you be an Arcane spellcaster in order to use Craft (Alchemy). It is required that you be some form of spellcaster.

To make an item using Craft (alchemy), you must have alchemical equipment and be a spellcaster. If you are working in a city, you can buy what you need as part of the raw materials cost to make the item, but alchemical equipment is difficult or impossible to come by in some places. Purchasing and maintaining an alchemist’s lab grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Craft (alchemy) checks because you have the perfect tools for the job, but it does not affect the cost of any items made using the skill.

This particular restriction is on the House Rule chopping-block whenever I DM.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

Saev is mostly correct. It is not required that you be an Arcane spellcaster in order to use Craft (Alchemy). It is required that you be some form of spellcaster.

Well, this bails me out. I never bother with adding House Rules just for NPCs so I'll probably just leave it.

It does strike me as an odd rule, though. I'd always thought of Alchemy as a means of "non-magical miracles." Making it require spellcasting brings it more in line with Brew Potion as far as flavor is concerned...

 

[Saeviomagy]

Saev is mostly correct. It is not required that you be an Arcane spellcaster in order to use Craft (Alchemy). It is required that you be some form of spellcaster.

Whups, my mistake

This particular restriction is on the House Rule chopping-block whenever I DM.

Damn straight. It was a stupid rule to introduce, especially as they did it at the same time as removing all the exclusive skill restrictions.