[Solved] Alchemist > (Tower) Shield Proficiency ?

[Schutzengel]

Hello all,

Im currently playing as an Alchemist. After finding out that Alchemist spells are not subject to Arcane spell failure, I have made one with Medium / Heavy Armor Proficiency. Alchemists have a bad Will save so I may need to raise this save if needed.

Im at Level 4 to 5 and must decide if I want to take Shield Proficiency also, potentially including Tower Shield Proficiency, or something else. Since Ive decided on 5 out of the 8 remaining Feats, all of which maximize my Bomb effectiveness, only 3 remain, leading to the following possible Feats selections:

- Shield Proficiency, Tower Shield Proficiency, Dodge or Iron Will (using Tower Shields)

- Shield Proficiency, Shield Focus, Missile Shield (using Light / Medium Shields)

- Dodge, Iron Will, Improved Iron Will (if Will saves ARE a problem late-game)

- Dodge, Iron Will, Armor Focus (Heavy Armor) (if Will saves are NOT a problem late-game)

Can someone help me with this decision who knows most of the late-game shields and if they are of use to an Alchemist as well if the low Will save is a problem late-game. Which of the 4 paths is the best for an Alchemist ? If I go Shields, should I go Tower Shields ?

Sincerely.

[Mork]

Overall i think the best option will have been to give him 1 level of fighter and get access to all armor, all shield, one handed range martial weapons and a extra feat.

For the will save, only a few monsters will target will save from range party members. It can be then counter with buff spells like Unbreakable Heart. Only front line need very good saves, back line can live without it.

Almost all alchemist end up with a very high dex because of mutagen, so light armor or robe is enough. They also get the shield spell that give you 4ac, the best tower shield 9ac and heavy shield 6-7. Giving him a heavy shield+ is quite unique for sure, is it good? I honestly don't know....

[Schutzengel]

Originally posted by Mork:

Overall i think the best option will have been to give him 1 level of fighter and get access to all armor, all shield, one handed range martial weapons and a extra feat.

For the will save, only a few monsters will target will save from range party members. It can be then counter with buff spells like Unbreakable Heart. Only front line need very good saves, back line can live without it.

Almost all alchemist end up with a very high dex because of mutagen, so light armor or robe is enough. They also get the shield spell that give you 4ac, the best tower shield 9ac and heavy shield 6-7. Giving him a heavy shield+ is quite unique for sure, is it good? I honestly don't know....

Tower Shields give -2 to Attack. Is that a problem ? Its either Tower Shields or Light / Medium Shields with Missile Shield. Are there very good late-game Tower Shields that would justify going this path ?

[Mork]

Originally posted by Schutzengel:

Tower Shields give -2 to Attack. Is that a problem ? Its either Tower Shields or Light / Medium Shields with Missile Shield. Are there very good late-game Tower Shields that would justify going this path ?

I don't think it's a good feat :(
Monster AI it's kinda dump and the range attackers that go for your back line will always target your lower ac member and ignore everyone else. Having a shield probably mean you are not going to be targeted that often unless your ac is the lowest or you go in front to trigger enemies.

As for shield, heavy is probably the best option if you still want to go that route. Like those
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1960724826
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1960725850

A light shield from Kimo crafting
+5 light wooden shield
immunity to being paralyzed
Cast shout, greater spell three times per day.

[Schutzengel]

Originally posted by Mork:

Originally posted by Schutzengel:

Tower Shields give -2 to Attack. Is that a problem ? Its either Tower Shields or Light / Medium Shields with Missile Shield. Are there very good late-game Tower Shields that would justify going this path ?

I don't think it's a good feat :(
Monster AI it's kinda dump and the range attackers that go for your back line will always target your lower ac member and ignore everyone else. Having a shield probably mean you are not going to be targeted that often unless your ac is the lowest or you go in front to trigger enemies.

As for shield, heavy is probably the best option if you still want to go that route. Like those
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1960724826
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1960725850

A light shield from Kimo crafting
+5 light wooden shield
immunity to being paralyzed
Cast shout, greater spell three times per day.

Thanks for all the info. Will go for Small / Medium Shields.