Can Alchemists Use Scrolls in Pathfinder? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: Yes, but with a significant limitation. An alchemist in Pathfinder can utilize spell-trigger items, and spell-trigger items include scrolls, if the spell on the scroll appears on their formula list. However, they cannot use spell-completion items (which also include scrolls!) unless they possess and successfully use the Use Magic Device skill. This seemingly contradictory answer hinges on the nuances of item activation types and the alchemist’s unique relationship with spellcasting. Let’s delve into the specifics to fully understand the alchemist’s scroll usage.

Understanding Spell-Trigger vs. Spell-Completion

The core of the issue lies in the distinction between spell-trigger and spell-completion items. A scroll is technically classified as both, based on how it is being used.

• Spell-Trigger: This activation method involves using a pre-prepared effect imbued within the item, like a wand or staff. To use a spell-trigger item, the user essentially “triggers” the already present magic.

• Spell-Completion: This method requires the user to complete the spell as part of the activation process. Reading a scroll and intoning the words is considered spell-completion, as the user is essentially providing the final piece needed to manifest the spell.

Alchemists are explicitly stated to be able to use spell-trigger items whose effects appear on the formula list. But, because scrolls require spell-completion, this creates a problem. They are not explicitly allowed to use spell-completion items.

The Formula List: The Alchemist’s “Spellbook”

An alchemist doesn’t cast spells in the traditional sense. Instead, they prepare extracts from their formula list, which functions similarly to a wizard’s spellbook. This list dictates which alchemical concoctions they can create each day. If a spell on a scroll is equivalent to a formula they know, they can use a spell-trigger to activate a scroll (but not spell-completion!).

Use Magic Device: Bypassing Restrictions

The Use Magic Device (UMD) skill allows characters to emulate abilities and bypass class restrictions. An alchemist with a high enough UMD skill can attempt to use scrolls that contain spells not on their formula list, essentially tricking the item into thinking they are a qualified spellcaster. This requires a successful skill check, with the difficulty determined by the item’s caster level and any specific requirements for its use. Without UMD, using scrolls outside their formula list is impossible.

Why This Matters

This distinction profoundly impacts how an alchemist can interact with magic items. It means an alchemist can reliably use scrolls containing spells they know through their formulae. But, anything outside of that requires a reliance on the UMD skill. It also influences gear choices and character build strategies. A UMD-focused alchemist can access a wider range of magical effects. However, one who focuses more on their alchemical abilities will be limited to their formula list.

FAQs: Alchemists and Scrolls in Pathfinder

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the use of scrolls by alchemists in the Pathfinder system:

1. Can an alchemist learn spells from scrolls?

Alchemists cannot directly learn from scrolls in the same way a wizard learns from a spellbook. However, an alchemist can study a wizard’s spellbook to learn any formula that is equivalent to a spell the spellbook contains.

2. Do scrolls provoke attacks of opportunity?

Yes, activating a scroll provokes attacks of opportunity in the same manner as casting a spell, unless the character has a feat or ability that negates this.

3. Are alchemists considered spellcasters?

No, alchemists are not considered spellcasters in the traditional sense. While they have a formula list that dictates the extracts they can create, they do not cast spells in the same way as wizards or clerics.

4. Can an alchemist use divine scrolls?

Alchemists are not arcane spellcasters, nor are they divine. Therefore, without the Use Magic Device skill, they are limited to scrolls containing spells equivalent to the formula list, regardless of the spell’s original source.

5. Can a non-spellcaster use scrolls?

Non-spellcasters can use “other” scrolls, but spell scrolls can only be used by a class that has that spell in their class’s spell list (for Tricksters and Eldritch Knights, they can use wizard scrolls).

6. Can an alchemist use metamagic with scrolls?

The rules as written (RAW) indicate that metamagic cannot be applied to extracts, and extracts are not potions. Therefore, metamagic cannot be used in conjunction with scrolls via alchemical abilities.

7. Does an alchemist need to decipher scrolls before using them?

No, alchemists do not need to decipher arcane writings before copying them into their formula books from a wizard’s spellbook. The same likely applies to deciphering for scroll usage, but this is less explicit.

8. What is the best race for an alchemist?

Ideal races for alchemists often include Human and Half-Elf. These races gain racial bonuses that enhance important ability scores like Constitution, Dexterity, and Intelligence.

9. Can an alchemist craft magic items?

Alchemists can craft certain magic items, particularly if they take the construct rider archetype and focus on crafting constructs.

10. Can an alchemist learn spells like Mage Armor?

Since Alchemists don’t inherently learn mage armor as a class feature. And they cannot craft it using any method outside of normal craft rules.

11. How many spells can an alchemist prepare?

They don’t take up any slots, always prepared spells don’t count towards your prepared spell limit. So if you can prepare 5 spells and also have 3 spells always prepared, that means you can have a total of 8 spells prepared at any given time.

12. What ability scores are important for an alchemist?

Important ability scores for an alchemist are Constitution, Dexterity, and Intelligence. Constitution is crucial for health, Dexterity for avoiding attacks and Intelligence for crafting and formula knowledge.

13. Are alchemists arcane in Pathfinder?

Alchemists use abilities derived from arcane spells, but they are not considered arcane casters. They operate under a different magical framework specific to alchemy.

14. How does alchemy work in Pathfinder?

Alchemists focus on creating powerful concoctions like infusions, potions, and bombs. They can buff allies, heal injuries, and deal damage using their alchemical creations.

15. What is the Use Magic Device skill used for?

Use Magic Device allows characters to use magic items that they normally wouldn’t be able to, by emulating the necessary class features or alignments. It’s essential for alchemists to utilize scrolls outside their formula list effectively.

Conclusion

While the rules surrounding alchemists and scrolls in Pathfinder can seem a bit convoluted, understanding the nuances of spell-trigger versus spell-completion and the importance of the Use Magic Device skill provides clarity. Alchemists can indeed use scrolls, but their approach is unique compared to traditional spellcasters. By strategically utilizing their formula list and perhaps investing in UMD, alchemists can tap into the power of scrolls to enhance their alchemical arsenal.

Want to learn more about game mechanics and educational opportunities within the gaming world? Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable resources and insights into the intersection of gaming and learning.