#pixie ring

 Strange sciences are the purview of the first edition alchemist class, and few places is that more clear than with this archetype.

Originating from studies into the Mana Wastes and the strange ways that magic have been affected there, the alchemists known as dimensional excavators have, through either their own experiments or the surviving research of those who failed, discovered a way to open up small rifts in space, essentially creating temporary extradimensional pits in the ground.

Fans of Pathfinder might immediately think that this is an excuse to give the alchemist access to the many variants of the iconic “create pit” spells, and those fans would be right!

In any case, such alchemists will continue their research into planar metaphysics, but they remain able to use these minor discoveries to their advantage.

 While their focus on extradimensional sciences does mean they learn more advanced discoveries more slowly than other alchemists, they gain the ability to prepare extracts that can be thrown like bombs to open up pits in the ground, either targeting the ground directly, or striking a creature, opening the pit at their feet.

Later on, they can choose to forgo learning other discoveries in favor of learning how to open up pits with nastier contents than just a deep drop. Spikes, acid, and even convulsing, crushing walls are all options, each requiring a more potent extract base to prepare.

A simple archetype, but if you want to play an alchemist that can control the battlefield by creating pits for foes to fall into, this archetype may be for you. This archetype pairs well with bomber builds where you drop bombs down on foes trapped in your pits while they cannot escape, as well as the bottled ooze discovery, letting you trap a foe down there with an ooze creature.

 With their focus on extradimensional physics, a GM can give these alchemists lots of fun plot threads for them to explore about extraplanar affairs. Perhaps they seek a mundane way to create portals to other planes, or to understand the nature of the multiverse itself, and so on.

  Named for their resemblance to the fairie rings, a pixie ring is a hostile parasitic plant that grows in large rings, absorbing the life force of plants and animals, and more importantly, teleporting threats away from themselves. This dimensional power has attracted the interest of a cadre of alchemists interested in studying these effects, though doing so may prove hazardous.

 After witnessing a surface alchemist tear open a yawning pit of acid, Ssheevok the locathah eagerly studied to replicate these feats. However, due to the limitations of the medium of extracts, and their lack of efficacy underwater, he has yet to impress his kin. So, he has turned to much more powerful, and dangerous experiments into the extradimensional.