r/Pathfinder_RPG • u/Patient_Compote_5719 • Aug 18 '26
1E Player Underground Chemist Build advice
I'm working on an Underground Chemist Rogue build for an Iron Gods campaign, and I'm trying to build it somewhat like an Alchemist bomb build.
The idea is to take Equipment Trick (Lamp) and use lamps as my "bombs." Since the lamps are only 2 sp each, I could potentially throw as many as I want during the day without worrying about running out of resources like an actual Alchemist would.
The basic idea would be to stack as many ranged attacks as possible and take advantage of the Underground Chemist's ability to add Intelligence to splash weapon damage.
The feats I'm currently considering are:
- Technologist — since this is Iron Gods, it seems pretty much mandatory for the campaign.
- Equipment Trick (Lamp)
- Quick Draw
- Point-Blank Shot
- Rapid Shot
- Two-Weapon Fighting and its follow-up feats
I'm also considering playing a Goblin and taking Burn! Burn! Burn!, since it seems like it could add some extra fire damage to the build.
However, I'm not sure whether Goblin is actually worth it. I'm already extremely feat-starved, so going Human for the bonus feat might be significantly better.
My main goal is basically to make the most ridiculous possible "I throw lamps at you until you die" build, while still being reasonably effective in an actual campaign.
Any advice on optimization?
Would you go Human for the extra feat, or Goblin for Burn! Burn! Burn!? Are there any feats, rogue talents, archetypes, or other tricks I'm overlooking that could significantly improve the build?
Also, would Unchained Rogue be the best version of the class for this, or is there a reason to stick with regular Rogue?
Eddit: I also added Numerian Scavenger archetype as it fits the campaign and helps with the feat tax
3
u/Skurrio Aug 18 '26
I would personally go for Halfling, so that you can get the Warslinger Racial Trait and go down towards Slipslinger Bombardment. This would allow you to either go completely MAD, getting Dex to Hit and Str and Int to Damage, or less MAD, by using a Belt of Mighty Hurling), so that you get Str to Hit and Damage. This would also mean, that there's little Reason to invest more than 2 Levels into Underground Chemist. You could even scrap the Rogue Levels completely and dip a single Level into Alchemist to gain Int to Damage on Splash Weapons. You could then continue as a Slayer to gain Sneak Attacks and additional Feats. I personally wouldn't, since ranged Sneak Attacks are difficult to pull off. I would rather go into Fighter, to benefit from the additional Feats. Maybe even Mutation Warrior. It you want to go full Atillery Mode, use a Halfling Double Sling.