Is Alekenstar Alchemist Background worth it?

[truedragon5374]

I'm planning on playing an Alchemist for my next run. The obvious background for my character is the Alkenstar Alchemist. But the bonus just says +1 damage with bombs. But is that just a flat +1 damage? Or is it +1 damager per damage dice? If its the latter then that will be huge eventually, but if its the former I'd rather take a background that gives me more class skills.

[generalluxun]

Just the +1, not really exciting.

[truedragon5374]

Originally posted by generalluxun:

Just the +1, not really exciting.

just a flat +1? that sucks. Well thanks for the info

[Janthis]

Most of the backgrounds are just a little bit of flavor and a small bonus, nothing major.

[pete3great]

Originally posted by Johnny_B_80:

Most of the backgrounds are just a little bit of flavor and a small bonus, nothing major.

some of them are worthwhile. pickpocket is the standard because who doesn't want an initiative bonus. there's another that makes wisdom lore skills into int skills--good for a skill monkey.

[Razer]

Originally posted by pete3great:

Originally posted by Johnny_B_80:

Most of the backgrounds are just a little bit of flavor and a small bonus, nothing major.

some of them are worthwhile. pickpocket is the standard because who doesn't want an initiative bonus. there's another that makes wisdom lore skills into int skills--good for a skill monkey.

Acolyte is a similar one that can really make a difference.

[jonnin]

the backgrounds worth having give you a feat (which doubles up with proficiency to grant an extra + 1 to some weapon types, eg a fighter with noble leader gets an extra +1 to greatswords because he already knew how to use them as a fighter) or do something really significant (key skills, eg persuasion or trickery on your main character) and some of the skill ones change what stat (eg persuasion using wisdom or whatever they are -- I haven't memorized it) is used. And then there are the useless ones, which are a mix of useless weapon feats (does anyone really go for that miner background to become a master of the pick weapons?!) or as noted +1 to bombs isn't much.

One of the backgrounds adds the two skills rogues are not proficient with, allowing an eldrich rogue to have all the skills like an inquisitor. Dunno if its worth it, as even a human only gets 6 or 7 points per level and won't max everything.

[Draken]

Originally posted by jonnin:

the backgrounds worth having give you a feat (which doubles up with proficiency to grant an extra + 1 to some weapon types, eg a fighter with noble leader gets an extra +1 to greatswords because he already knew how to use them as a fighter) or do something really significant (key skills, eg persuasion or trickery on your main character) and some of the skill ones change what stat (eg persuasion using wisdom or whatever they are -- I haven't memorized it) is used. And then there are the useless ones, which are a mix of useless weapon feats (does anyone really go for that miner background to become a master of the pick weapons?!) or as noted +1 to bombs isn't much.

One of the backgrounds adds the two skills rogues are not proficient with, allowing an eldrich rogue to have all the skills like an inquisitor. Dunno if its worth it, as even a human only gets 6 or 7 points per level and won't max everything.

Do note that all the +1 to weapons and armor do not stack with either masterwork or enchantment boni, so they are generally only useful for the first few levels.

Which is honestly not that different from the bomb damage. +1 damage is nice for the first few levels.

[jonnin]

Originally posted by Draken:

Originally posted by jonnin:

the backgrounds worth having give you a feat (which doubles up with proficiency to grant an extra + 1 to some weapon types, eg a fighter with noble leader gets an extra +1 to greatswords because he already knew how to use them as a fighter) or do something really significant (key skills, eg persuasion or trickery on your main character) and some of the skill ones change what stat (eg persuasion using wisdom or whatever they are -- I haven't memorized it) is used. And then there are the useless ones, which are a mix of useless weapon feats (does anyone really go for that miner background to become a master of the pick weapons?!) or as noted +1 to bombs isn't much.

One of the backgrounds adds the two skills rogues are not proficient with, allowing an eldrich rogue to have all the skills like an inquisitor. Dunno if its worth it, as even a human only gets 6 or 7 points per level and won't max everything.

Do note that all the +1 to weapons and armor do not stack with either masterwork or enchantment boni, so they are generally only useful for the first few levels.

Which is honestly not that different from the bomb damage. +1 damage is nice for the first few levels.

ah, no, I thought it was forever :(
So those are less useful too... ah well. Really limits the usefulness of these down to just skill access, then?

[Draken]

Originally posted by jonnin:

Originally posted by Draken:

Do note that all the +1 to weapons and armor do not stack with either masterwork or enchantment boni, so they are generally only useful for the first few levels.

Which is honestly not that different from the bomb damage. +1 damage is nice for the first few levels.

ah, no, I thought it was forever :(
So those are less useful too... ah well. Really limits the usefulness of these down to just skill access, then?

I wouldn't say that. Remember that a class skill also only gives +3 to the skill value. You can find items in act 1 that give you more than that.

So none of the background options really give you a big effect. Which is pretty much the intention.

As far as I see it, the background has the following effects:

1. Saving you a not too strong feat (Brew, Scribe, Unarmed, weapon/shield proficiency).
2. Giving you class skill options for an extra +3 bonus to a skill.
3. Giving you a small but noticable bonus in the early game.

The earliest levels are usually the hardest as your characters operate with very few of their tools and low hp. Getting a temporary +1 AB or AC can be a nice help until you level up a few times and find better equipment. I would count the +1 damage for Bombs in here as well.

[Leloulino]

I want to start an alchemist run too but currently the bombs damage is bugged since 2.3.0 , hopefully they fix them.