As smoke clears from a candle-lit laboratory, a gnome wipes the soot from his goggles. In front of him lies a glowing mixture that fumes offensively after the sudden, but anticipated, reaction. His excitement overcomes a curse the concoction seems to be casting on his senses, as he rushes to seal the now shaking flask with cork. Holding the vibrating flask in-hand, he smiles as he drips a layer of resin over the cork, proudly preparing his bottle of bad day for the trip ahead.
Often found cooped-up with their experiments or scavenging the wilds for ingredients, the alchemist is a student of the metaphysical essence of things, and is as curious as they are resourceful. They may be dedicated to the research of medicinal applications, demolitionists fascinated with the kinetic potential of violent reactions, or researchers of the hidden weakness of monsters that plague the land.
Alchemy and Magic
The chemical creations of an alchemist can often blur the line between the natural and supernatural. Considering spells often draw on power through material components, it's entirely reasonable to believe an alchemist exists somewhere in this blur, but unless the creation specifically makes mention of a spell, the item and its effects are not themselves magical. Alchemists are a great fit for low-magic campaigns, where spellcasting may be extremely rare for the standard adventurer.
Playing an Alchemist
This class grants you features intended for a particular playstyle. The alchemist is a low defense, high damage and utility martial blaster. It's highly recommended that, in combat, you stay a safe distance away from the enemies to use your alchemical items on them, but as far back as is safe.
- from the publisher's blurb