Greater Mutagen (Discovery)

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Greater Mutagen

Prerequisites: Alchemist 6, Mutagen class ability

Benefit: An alchemist who selects this discovery can improve the effects of his mutagen, gaining the following abilities instead of those listed for the standard mutagen:

• A +4 bonus to natural armor
• Instantly gains 10 + (2 x Alchemist Level) in hit points, and the Alchemist's maximum hit points increase by the same amount.
• +6 alchemy bonus to Strength and a -2 penalty to Intelligence.
• +2 alchemy bonus to Fortitude and Reflex saves, and a -2 penalty to Will saves.
• A base attack (BAB) equal to his Alchemist level. This also impacts their Maneuver Offense and Maneuver Defense values.
• Natural claw attacks, doing 1d6 base damage each, and a bite attack, doing 1d8 base damage. These attacks do the same damage regardless of your base size. While in mutation form, all Attacks of Opportunity and bonus attacks are made using this claw damage. (Note that this base damage increases at level 8, 15, 22, and 29 as per standard melee weapon rules.)
• The alchemist's natural attacks are considered magic for purposes of overcoming DR.
• The effects of the mutagen last for 10 minutes per Alchemist level.

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.