(PF) Fighter/Alchemist Advice

[Duncan_Ruadrik]

A character concept that i have been interested in for awhile: a Fighter that, trying to become a better melee warrior, turns to alchemy.

I am interested in a build similar to Fighter 1/Alchemist X. I could also be persuaded towards some other martial class, such as Ranger or Barbarian. (though Barbarian seems at odds with what I imagine.)

I have no idea about archetypes.

20 point buy, human

STR 15 (17)
DEX 14
CON 14
INT 14
WIS 12
CHA 7

traits:
Armor Expert
Carefully Hidden

1 Power Attack
1 Weapon Focus
3 Toughness
5 Iron Will
7 Furious Focus
9 Lunge
11 Improved Initiative
13 Extra Discovery: Preserve Organs

Fighter Feat
1 Cleave

Discoveries
2 Infuse Mutagen
4 Extend Potion
6 Spontaneous Healing
8 Lingering Spirit?
10 ???
12 Greater Mutagen

I have no interest in bombs. I would like to focus solely on mutagens, extracts, and potions.

I would prefer to avoid Heavy Armor, and Stick with Medium or Light armor, solely from a skills perspective. In essence, i would still like to remain somewhat stealthy and whatnot.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

[KutuluKultist]

I have no idea about archetypes.
[...]
I have no interest in bombs. I would like to focus solely on mutagens, extracts, and potions.

Vivisectionist is the alchemist archetype for you. It replaces bombs with Sneak Attack.

[Duncan_Ruadrik]

Vivisectionist is the alchemist archetype for you. It replaces bombs with Sneak Attack.

Cool, I will look into it. i initially passed it over, not imagining this character as a sneak attacker... However, i could see it being flavored as having studying anatomy in an attempt to better understand and create strength enhancing mutagens... Sneak Attack just being another application.

Any advice on feats or discoveries? I feel like i may have missed some good ones...

[Larpus]

Depending on your specific intention is, the PrC Master Chymist (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/master-chymist) might be martial enough for your needs. Even a simple couple levels dip is very worthy.

On the overall, it's less powerful than straight Alchemist, but thematically and mechanically fits better and will most probably be more powerful than straight martial options.

As for discoveries, Infuse Mutagen is pretty lame and useless considering the cost involved, while Lingering Spirit is just ok, but if you're really worried about death, Die for Your Master (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/die-for-your-master) (requires Tumor Familiar, which is a great discovery anyway) is better IMHO; sure it will cost some coin, but is way cheaper than a res.

Now for awesome options: Feral Mutagen (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/discoveries/paizo---alchemist-discoveries/feral-mutagen) is awesome (3 natural attacks, which are made at full BAB/Str bonus in PF and Master Chymist further increases their strength, grab Muntiattack if you plan to also use weapons); Infusion (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/discoveries/paizo---alchemist-discoveries/infusion) is pretty good so you can use your extracts on others, but is not super necessary for a melee Alchemist; Wings (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/discoveries/paizo---alchemist-discoveries/wings-ex) negate one of the main martial people's weaknesses; Tumor Familiar (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/discoveries/paizo---alchemist-discoveries/tumor-familiar-ex) as mentioned (either choose a + Initiative familiar or grab Improved Familiar for a flank-buddy); Healing Touch (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/discoveries/paizo---alchemist-discoveries/healing-touch-ex) makes Spontaneous Healing even better (by that I mean how much HP you can heal, the ability to heal others is pretty meh); and Sticky Poison (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/discoveries/paizo---alchemist-discoveries/sticky-poison) is pretty good if you plan to use poisons, even manages to make them worthwhile without Fabricate.

Lastly, if you still got spare slots, an extra hand via either Vestigial Arm (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/discoveries/paizo---alchemist-discoveries/vestigial-arm-ex) or Tentacle (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/discoveries/paizo---alchemist-discoveries/tentacle-ex) is never a bad thing, among other things, allow you to use a 2-handed weapon while keeping a free hand and depending on interpretation, allows you to make weapon attacks and all 3 natural attacks from Feral Mutagen.

Also, it's an awesome idea to mix the Beastmorph (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/archetypes/paizo---alchemist-archetypes/beastmorph) archetype as well, the only truly meaningful thing you lose Persistent Mutagen, but with the increased (and spountaneous!) uses with no 1 hour prep time of Master Chymist, it's hardly an issue.

In exchange for that, you get a lot of sweet stuff for as long as you're under the effects of your mutagen. From the top of my head, darkvision (60ft) at level 3, flight (30ft) at level 6 and pounce at level 10; to name a few.