Astute Physician (Investigator/Paladin)

While some who follow the ways of science feel called towards the roles of alchemists and investigators, some feel compelled to practice medicine, surgery and first aid. Through rigorous studying of medical treatments, astute physicians are as capable as paladins in terms of their curative abilities, and can evaluate situations with a keen and practiced mind in many emergencies. Not to be underestimated in the heat of battle, the astute physician’s knowledge of anatomy and medicine can be a deadly tool when used offensively. (Original Concept by Tyrannical)

Primary Class: Investigator.

Secondary Class: Paladin.

Alignment: Any nonevil.

Hit Dice: d8.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The astute physician selects three paladin skills to add to his class skills, in addition to the normal alchemist class skills. The astute physician gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 6 + Int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The astute physician is proficient with all simple weapons, plus the dart gun, hand crossbow, sap, sawtooth sabre, short sword, switchblade, and sword cane. He is also proficient with light and medium armor, but not with shields.

Alchemy: This is exactly like the investigator ability of the same name, except that the astute physician imbues his extracts with a touch of the divine. In addition, the astute physician adds the following paladin spells to his list of extracts at the indicated formulae levels: 1st–bless water, bless weapon, compel hostility, create water, deathwatch, detect poison, enhance water, knight’s calling, sanctify corpse, shield of fortification, virtue; 2nd–abeyance, blessing of courage and life, corruption resistance, honeyed tongue, paladin's sacrifice, veil of positive energy; 3rd–dispel magic, life shield, remove curse, remove paralysis, resilient reservoir, righteous vigor, sacred bond, shield of fortification (greater), vestment of the champion; 5th–cleanse, breath of life, crusader’s edge, life bubble; 6th–bestow grace of the champion, king’s castle, restoration (greater), sacrificial oath.

First Aid (Ex): An astute physician is beyond knowledgeable and skilled in the art of medicine, possessing a broad understanding of anatomy, surgery, and healing that far surpasses the abilities of others. An astute physician typically uses these powers to aid those who are injured, whether friend or foe, but can also use these flashes of insight to better understand their physical conditions.