New Alchemy Talent

The revised QuestRex 1.2 is coming along nicely and one of the additions in it I’m proudest of is the new Alchemy talent for magic-users. This is still a draft but I’m pretty sure it will work like this:

Alchemy
Modifier: none
Bonus: none
Prerequisite: Wizardry 1

This talent allows a spellcaster to store the mystical energy normally held within their person (as a spell slot) into a compound (potion, ointment, powder, etc.) usable by anyone, maintaining one compound per caster level (Alchemy at 3rd level allows transfer of 3 spell slots). Slots thus transferred are regained only after a compound is used or becomes inert, and require rest to refill with a spell. Lost compounds delay slot recovery until expiration.

• Making Compounds: Crafted during spell recovery or in 30 minutes with a portable laboratory (attache case-sized, 50 gp). Hold one spell, costing 5 gp and any material components required. Remain potent for one day per caster level, then become inert, freeing the spell slot.
• Using Compounds: Require 1 action to quaff or apply, needing no other components. Function as if cast by the creator for damage, duration, effect, etc. May not give the user any indication as to what they do. If a user drinks a Phantasmal Force potion and doesn’t know to imagine an illusion, nothing will happen. A Fly potion, however, may well betray its nature when the user gently floats into the air. ⠀

Example: Esmeralda, a 3rd-level wizard with Alchemy, stores her 2nd-level spell slot in an Invisibility potion, usable by anyone as if she cast it. Potent for three days, it binds her slot until used or inert, then requires rest to refill.

Note 1: The GM is free to rule that particularly complicated or powerful spells (Gate, Vision, Legend Lore, etc.) cannot be turned into a compound. A character will know this before it is attempted.

Note 2: See the appendix Alchemical Compound Descriptions (q.v.) for a handy chart to help create colorful descriptions of compounds quickly.