Vestigial Arm (Discovery)
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Vestigial Arm
Prerequisites: Alchemist 6
Benefit: At the time the alchemist chooses this discovery, he may decide whether this extra arm is present at all times, or only while under the effects of a mutagen. The alchemist gains a new arm (left or right) on his torso. The arm is fully under his control and cannot be concealed except with magic or bulky clothing. While affected by a mutagen, vestigial arms grow claws, and act as secondary natural weapons, dealing 1d4 base damage, plus half the alchemist's strength. Secondary natural attacks, as always, are made at BAB - 5. If not affected by a mutagen, the arm can manipulate or hold items as well as the alchemist’s original arms (for example, allowing the alchemist to use one hand to wield a weapon, another hand to hold a potion, and the third hand to throw a bomb). The arm has its own “hand” and “ring” magic item slots (though the alchemist can still only wear two rings and two hand magic items at a time).
Special: An alchemist may take this discovery up to two times.
- Natural Attacks
- Natural attacks fall into one of two categories, primary and secondary attacks. Primary attacks are made using the alchemist’s full base attack bonus and add the alchemist’s full Strength bonus on damage rolls. Secondary attacks are made using the alchemist’s base attack bonus – 5 and add only ½ the alchemist’s Strength bonus on damage rolls. The alchemist's claws and bite attacks from his mutagen are primary natural attacks. The discoveries "vestigial arm" or "tentacle" can provide the alchemist with secondary natural attacks.
- During a standard attack action, natural attacks are much like standard weapons: the alchemist makes one attack at full BAB with a single claw (or bite, if available). During a full attack action, however, the alchemist uses his full BAB to attack with each of his primary natural attacks, and BAB - 5 for each of his secondary natural attacks. Bonus attacks, such as from a haste spell, and attacks of opportunity always use a single claw attack unless the creature has some ability which specifically states otherwise.
- Natural attacks do not benefit from any of the two-weapon fighting feats or the multi-attack feat.
- See also natural attacks.