Making the conversion isn't that difficult; coming up with powers is. Here's what I've been able to come up with for the Alchemical Philosopher so far:
Alchemical Philosopher
Role: You manipulate the very nature of mundane objects, transforming their base nature into their pure, “golden” potential.
Power Source: Alchemical – your craft is neither science nor magic, but an amalgamation of both. Unlike the arcane, your art does not carry a particular resonance; it is merely the transformation of the mundane into the pure through the careful manipulation of key elements.
Key abilities: Intelligence, Wisdom, Dexterity
Armor Proficiencies: Cloth
Weapon Proficiencies: Dagger, quarterstaff, syringe
Implements: Tinctures, Salves, Injections
Bonus to Defense: +2 Will
Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + Constitution score
Hit Points per Level Gained: 4
Healing surges per day: 6 + Con modifier
Trained skills: Alchemy. From the skill list below, choose three more at first level: Arcana (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), History (Int), Heal, Insight (Wis), Nature (Wis), Religion (Int)
Build Options: Path of the Philosopher’s Stone, Path of the Golden Self
Class Features: Alchemical Mastery, Brew Potion, Alchemist’s Lab
Creating an Alchemical Philosopher
Alchemical Philosophers have two paths in which they focus their craft: the Path of the Philosopher’s Stone, and the Path of the Golden Self. Alchemical Philosophers rely on intelligence and wisdom to properly craft their alchemical formulae, and on dexterity for when their experiments produce “unexpected” results.
Path of the Philosopher’s Stone
This path leads philosophers down the road of trying to perfect the mundane, effectively turning lead into gold. This aim is less about physically transforming one substance into another, and more about bringing out the inner potential of a substance as a whole. Using this path, Alchemical Philosophers can take ordinary, mundane substances and bring forth their innermost, purest forms.
Suggested feat: Skill focus (alchemy)
Suggested skills: Alchemy, Insight, Nature
Suggested At-Will Powers:
Suggested Encounter Power:
Suggested Daily Power:
Path of the Golden Self
This path of the Alchemical Philosopher strives to achieve the innermost potential of the self. Rather than spending long periods of time experimenting on mundane objects, these philosophers undergo intense conditioning to the effects of poisons, physical damage, and effects of the mind. A philosopher on the Path of the Golden Self is visibly scarred from his efforts, and may even suffer from dementia as a result of his mental conditioning. Those that survive, however, are a force to be reckoned with.
Suggested feat: Iron Will or Great Fortitude
Suggested skills: Heal, Insight, Nature
Suggested At-Will Powers:
Suggested Encounter Power:
Suggested Daily Power:
Alchemical Implements
The Alchemical Philosopher becomes specialized in certain implements through the course of his experiments. Mastery in one of these implements grants the following benefits:
Salve – once per day, you may use a salve on yourself or another to heal damage equivalent to a healing surge.
Tincture – once per day, you may use a tincture to overcome a hindrance. (Target makes a saving throw with a bonus equal to your intelligence modifier)
Injection – once per day, you may inject yourself or an another with a substance that grants enhanced abilities. (Target gains a temporary +1 bonus to an ability score of the philosopher’s choice; the effect lasts for 30 minutes/Alchemical Philosopher level)
Alchemical Mastery
The Alchemical Philosopher can make simple alchemical substances at a fraction of the time it takes someone not of the philosopher class. Craft time for basic alchemy is 1/4th its original rate, and the craft DC is cut in half.
Brew Potion
The Alchemical Philosopher can brew potions, provided he has access to his alchemist’s lab and has the proper material components. Brewing a potion requires a craft check with a DC equal to the potion’s level x2.
Alchemist’s Lab
Much like the Wizard needs his spell book to cast his spells, the Alchemical Philosopher requires an alchemist’s lab in order to perform his craft.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Converting Ravenloft Classes to 4th Ed.
True. But seeing as alchemy is really closer to modern day chemistry than anything in typical D&D, the means by which alchemists perform their craft are pretty different than the arcane. The essence of alchemy (as I understand it) is refinement until purity is achieved, which is different than typical spellcraft.
In other words, an alchemical philosopher isn't necessarily trying to control anything -- he's trying to distill elements until they reach their purest form.
In other words, an alchemical philosopher isn't necessarily trying to control anything -- he's trying to distill elements until they reach their purest form.
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Nikolas of the Mists
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