Hulking Alchemist (Alchemist Archetype)

by Tim Wallace

Here is a new archetype I created at the bequest of one of my players.

Hulking Alchemist (Alchemist Archetype)

Hulking alchemists have learned how to use their mutagens to unlock the size and abilities of giants.

Jotungrip: At 2nd level, whenever a hulking alchemist creates a mutagen that improves his Strength, he may choose to wield a two-handed weapon in one hand with a –2 penalty on attack rolls while doing so. The weapon must be appropriately sized for him, and it is treated as one-handed when determining the effect of Power Attack, Strength bonus to damage, and the like. This ability replaces poison use.

Jotunform Mutagen: At 3rd level, a hulking alchemist’s mutagen grants him low-light vision causes him to increase in size. This increase changes the creature's size category to the next larger one, which persists as long as the mutagen. A hulking alchemist whose size increases to Large has a space of 10 feet and a natural reach of 10 feet. 

Illustration by Yama Orce and used under the Creative Commons Attribution-
Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. (original image)

All equipment worn or carried by the hulking alchemist is similarly enlarged by the mutagen. Melee weapons affected by the mutagen deal more damage (see Table: Tiny and Large Weapon Damage). Other magical properties are not affected by this spell. Any enlarged item that leaves the hulking alchemist's possession (including a projectile or thrown weapon) instantly returns to its normal size. This means that thrown and projectile weapons deal their normal damage. Magical properties of enlarged items are not increased by this spell.

This ability does not stack with other magical effects that increase size, such as enlarge person. This ability replaces swift alchemy.

Massive Weapons: At 6th level, a hulking alchemist becomes skilled in the use of massive weapons looted from his titanic foes. He can use two-handed weapons meant for creatures one size category larger, but the penalty for doing so is increased by 3. However, the attack roll penalty for using weapons too large for his size is reduced by 1, and this reduction increases by 1 for every three levels beyond 6th (to a minimum of 0). This ability replaces swift poisoning.

Greater Jotunform Mutagen: At 10th level, a hulking alchemist’s mutagen grants him three abilities listed in the giant form I spell, which persist as long as the mutagen. He may select three different abilities each time he creates a mutagen. This ability replaces poison resistance +2, +4, and +6, as well as poison immunity.

Grand Jotunform Mutagen: At 14th level, a hulking alchemist’s mutagen grants him four abilities listed in the giant form II spell, which persist as long as the mutagen. He may select four different abilities each time he creates a mutagen. This ability replaces persistent mutagen.

Illustration by Yuikami and used under the Creative Commons Attribution-
Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. (original image)

Discoveries: The following discoveries complement the hulking alchemist: feral mutagen, grand mutagen, greater mutagen, infuse mutagen, preserve organs.