#wolliped

(art by Christian Lachel on Artstation)

 The art of distilling and fermenting is perhaps one of the earliest acts of chemistry that humanity ever discovered, so it only makes sense that alchemists would have a specialization centered around it.

While some dismiss them as mere moonshiners or drug chemists, these fermenters are always eager to see the results of their work first-hand, and are unafraid of testing their concoctions, particularly tinctures, on themselves.

Tinctures are a type of alchemical consumable that is suspended in alcohol, and has plenty of useful effects at the cost of drawbacks due to the imbibers altered state of mind. Needless to say, these alchemists learn to make the most of them, and push the boundaries of their limits with their research.

There is some credence to the stereotypes about them, however, as testing on themselves means they have intimate knowledge of what mixtures have pleasing effects, and therefore, are a good way to make money from home-distilled booze or handmade designer drugs. However, they may find themselves unwelcome in places where such practices are heavily regulated or outlawed.

As we will soon see, the fermenter boasts fun ways to enhance themselves both in and out of combat.

 These alchemists put a lot inside their bodies, and as such, they develop a high tolerance for alcohol, as well as a decent resistance to the addictive effects of drugs, and even the harmful effects of tinctures. All of which only grows with their mastery, until they take no penalty at all from tinctures, and can down copious amounts of alcohol without noticing the effects.

Being in an altered state of mind does, however, make them heavy-handed with their bomb ingredients though, and when so affected they tend to create bombs that are more volatile and dangerous, but harder to aim.

As masters of distilling, they have learned to brew tinctures en masse, able to brew multiple doses in a single batch, rather than one at a time.

This archetype expects to character to brew large amounts of tinctures, drugs, and the like and use them to enhance their abilities. Tinctures cross the line of the limits of what alchemical buffs are supposed to allow, so they maintain their use even into high levels, especially since fermenters eventually negate all the drawbacks as well. If all that appeals to you over poisons, perhaps this archetype is for you. I personally recommend a combined blasting and utility build able to destroy foes with bombs in great store and have the right buffed skills and abilities for the situation.

 While this archetype heavily makes use of intoxicants to buff themselves and activate certain other abilities, please remember to enjoy anything in moderation and safety.

In any case, there’s a lot of inspiration you could take from the aesthetic of moonshiners, rum-runners, and other prohibition-era tropes, but remember that these are hardly the only sort of fermenters you might see in the game setting depending on local laws.

  Mighty wollipeds are herded for their fur and meat on Lokas, but the world is also famous for it’s low-temperature brews of local fruit, something the alchemists living there have developed for years, including a variety of intoxicating mind-altering substances of varying levels of legality. Some of these even make it off world through the portal gates.

 The brewing and selling of liquor was banned by Alcos the Stoic, but despite the best efforts of his men, he can’t stamp out the underground brewing economy, which is lead by many crafty alchemists, who only grow more creative and daring once they begin imbibing the fruit of their labors.

Wollipeds are furry herd animals in the Pathfinder roleplaying game. They have four eyes, eight legs and ivory tusks. They dwell in temperate hills, and subsist on a diet of grass and leaves.

Wollipeds are prized for their waterproof fleece, and they are often domesticated for this purpose. They are also used as beasts of burden, and even as mounts in battle by some.

Image source.

Monster master list.

Both real life and fiction is full of moments where a loving and well-cared-for pet comes to the aid of its master or their family, lashing out at an attacker, even one that outclasses it in size and might.

While one might see any familiar perform such acts for their masters, today’s archetype, the protector, specializes in exactly that. The exact reason for this may vary. Perhaps the creature’s loyalty is that strong, or the mage in question or another power imbued them with such defensive powers to keep the master safe.

Regardless of their origins, few familiars fight harder to protect their masters, and while they may not be as strong as a mauler familiar, they never give up while they still live.

 Though they are not mighty, these familiars nevertheless strike and claw at foes nearby, hoping to knock their attacks off course, and can do so repeatedly in a short span.

Furthermore, the bond between master and familiar is so strong they can share any harm that comes to them between them, trying to keep each other alive.

Loyal as they are, these familiars will not hesitate to leap in front of a strike to shield their master, and the magic that bolsters them in the first place increases their vitality, allowing them to survive such blows with greater regularity.

Unlike most familiars, protectors are more likely to constantly be by their master’s side, rather than out and about scouting. However, they can do both. Be sure to recall them by mundane or magical means when the mage comes under fire so they can provide their protections, and consider loading them before a battle with a nasty touch spell, freeing yourself up to cast other spells while the familiar punishes foes that move into melee range.

 Since its clear that these familiars care for their master’s very much in most cases, consider doing some research into animal behavior to better understand how different animals show their affection and socialize with others. Alternatively, if the familiar is evil, say one of the various types of small fiends available from improved familiar, it might be possible that their protection is of a more jealous, sinister sort. Meanwhile other outsider familiars might have similar quirks of behavior in their protection.

  The wolliped herders of Shaku are more than mere shepherds for the giant beasts, they are also quite capable warriors and magic users, many taking flying familiars to better keep watch of the beasts, and defending them from predators with sword and spell. Their familiars in turn also watch their backs, snapping at worgs and the like that try to flank their masters.

 Awakening in a torn-asunder laboratory with jumbled memories, Helban the android soon discovered their master of magic, and has taken one of the large centipedes they had been feeding with them. The centipede, named Snacker, for its part sees Helban as a source of food and protection, and, with its burgeoning magical intelligence, also as a source of companionship.