Mad Alchemists' potion buffs appear on PTR
by Dan O'Halloran 
Nov 3rd 2007 at 4:23PM
Slowly the information about this new item has been trickling, nay bubbling to the surface. First there was the announcement of a new, Alchemist-only potion that does...um, stuff. Then we learned what it does. CM Drysc said it would restore health and mana and add a random elixir buff. Now, MMO-Champion has a screenshot from a player experimenting with the new potion on the PTR. As Drysc mentioned, each time it proc'd he got one of the following elixir buffs: Major Agility, Fel Strength, and Major Armor (same as Major Defense Elixir.) The tester also mentioned that the proc rate was "quite high."
Personally, I'm not a fan of random buffs. I like to know what I'm going to get so I can plan my strategy around it. What about our Alchemists out there? Is this your cup of tea or another foul brew to be poured down the nearest drain?
Filed under: Alchemy, Patches, Odds and ends
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tridus Nov 3rd 2007 4:49PM
I'm not a fan of random buffs either, but the potion is a VERY cheap Rejuvenation pot, so its handy.
I'd like to see some healer/caster buffs though.
Lios Nov 3rd 2007 4:57PM
It appears you only get buffs appropriate for your class, so a healer or caster will get different ones then these.
Wildhammer Nov 3rd 2007 5:03PM
It's called "Mad Scientist's" potion. What were you expecting? Something that made sense? =P
Jagoex Nov 3rd 2007 5:10PM
I spent some time on the PTR this morning testing out the proc-rate and interaction between different Elixir types. I found the pot to be, given the cheap mats required to make it, quite worthwhile.
I posted what I found on my blog at:
http://jagoex.blogspot.com
Hopefully you can find something useful there on the matter. And if you do, spread the word, and please cite the source. :)
Jason Nov 3rd 2007 5:15PM
It's more effective & cheaper than HP or Mana pots, and a chance to get a buff. What more could you ask for?
Melenor Nov 3rd 2007 5:35PM
@3: no, it's not.
I play a mage, and so herbalism/alchemy seemed very fitting. Got both to 375 before I knew it, and this potion with its random buffs is ridiculously un-useful. The only random buff I could use is major armor, and I couldn't care less about armor (I have about 1000, so what's another 550? Please). The buff should be class specific, as should netherbloom-picking procs. I can't count how many times I got +50 strength instead of +50 intellect. As a matter of fact, the times I DID get +50 int I can count on one hand... and I farm netherbloom a lot.
Baluki Nov 3rd 2007 5:59PM
They give you both health and mana, are more effective than a regular rejuv pot, are easier to make, and have a chance to give you a class-specific buff.
So what the hell is there to complain about? These things are awesome.
My only concern is whether they're spec-specific. As an Elemental shaman, I don't want to get melee or healing buffs, obviously.
Siha Nov 3rd 2007 6:28PM
I don't see the randomness of the buff as being a problem. It's already a phenomenally cheap potion, compared with the mats costs of comparable Super pots; the buff effects are just gravy if you happen to get a lucky appropriate one.
Jagoex Nov 3rd 2007 6:08PM
Hmm, interesting point. I would hope so, but if not, there's always the suggestion forum, and that would be a great one.
The more and more I use these, the more I enjoy them. I had one critically heal my SL/SL Warlock for over 5100 health (thank you, Fel Armor). That, plus mana, and I can't see how anyone can complain. =)
Brian McBride Nov 3rd 2007 7:24PM
If you don't want the random buff, don't drink it. Why complain? After all, if you want a certain buff, just drink the right potion and problem solved.
Adam Nov 3rd 2007 7:48PM
I'm just wondering if you get the random buff if you already have two elixirs or a flask up, if it stacks with those or if it replaces them, anyone know?
Acceptable Risk Nov 3rd 2007 9:59PM
The extra buff doesn't take one of your elixir slots. It works in addition to whatever elixirs (or flasks) you already have active, so who cares? You can still use both of your elixirs (or a flask) and if you drink one of these and get an appropriate buff, it's just gravy. Otherwise you still got to take advantage of a phenomenally cheap potion.
Where's the downside?
Dryssa Nov 4th 2007 12:11AM
I'm not certain whether you get a buff if you currently have a Guardian and a Battle elixir active. If you do, marvelous. If not, you're still getting the effect of a Major Rejuvanation Potion for much less cost, though the side effect is completely useless in a raid situation.
Sounder Nov 10th 2007 12:38PM
The random elixir buff does not happen if you already have an elixir buff of that type (guardian/battle).
So, treat it as a replacement for mana/health pots for alchemists. You may not run with elixir buffs all the time (eg clearing trash), so for those occasions you'll have some kind of additional useful effect. When you go to elixir up for a boss you may even have the effect on you'd want anyway.
Combines very nicely with Alchemist's Stone, it should also be said.
Don't expect Ragveil to stay as cheap as it once was!
Marcelo Abans Nov 6th 2007 11:18AM
If it allows me a 3 elixir buff, then I'm cool if and when it doesn't give me a buff that I already have. So looks at your elixir buff that you have an add a different one to the mix. It' be teh suck if you canceled out all your Buff because you were trying to get a 3rd one before a raid or something.