Goblin Alchemist (Warcraft III)

The Goblin Alchemist is a Neutral Hero in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne and was added in patch 1.17 on August, 2004.

In this unconventional pairing, a fanatical Goblin master rides on the back of his Ogre slave. Despite undergoing a series of chemical "treatments" to enforce compliance, the Ogre sometimes shows signs of independence and even outright defiance. However, these outbursts are swiftly quelled by the Goblin master, who can be like his concoctions — harsh and volatile. Though personal differences may at times distract this duo, when it comes to biological warfare and raw, brute strength, the Goblin Alchemist and his Ogre slave are truly at the top of their game!

Hero names
Head Alchemist Gigglefont, Zovzik, Razzil Naypolm, Niffy Gurglebeaker, Ezzel Darkbrewer, Lapis Concocter, Savvy Foulmixer, Fictious Warpotion.

Information
The Alchemist is a melee hero. He makes great damage which can be boosted through his Chemical Rage, but is more of a background support hero much like the Paladin. His best position on the battlefield is often out of range from attacks, preferably behind units that can protect him. There, he can fling his concoctions and affect the battle from a distance. If it is needed, he can rush in to swiftly finish off wounded or weak enemies.

If a player picks the Alchemist it is probably because of his Healing Spray, which easily is his most useful spell. His other spells are also good, but won't make much of a difference. Chemical Rage may be good for scouting, and Acid Bomb will boost your troops a bit. Transmute is powerful, but not what you're looking for if you want to slaughter the opponent's army. Still, it too has its uses.
 * Spending Points

Although the alchemist makes great damage and nifty healing, he is rather fragily due to his low armor. If you focus your fire on him and also surrounds him so he can't run away, he will die rather fast.
 * Alchemist Counters

H e aling Spray

 * Sprays waves of healing mist that heals units in a target area.

Healing Spray makes the Goblin Alchemist one of the few Heroes in the game with a healing ability, and the only healing Hero among the Neutral Heroes. This can be very useful, especially early in the game when fighting creeps.

It can be used to heal several units at the same time, including the alchemist. The more units you can cluster together, the more you can heal at once. A good combination with this spell would be the Spirit Walker's Soul Link.

The major downside with Healing Spray is that it doesn't just heal your own or allied units, but all units in the target area. In battles where a lot of units, both friendly and hostile, moves around, it is nearly impossible to heal a decent amount of friendly units without healing the enemy as well. It is thus easier to target ranged units that are a lot more stationary, but these usually doesn't suffer as much damage as the melee ones.
 * Healing Spray Counters

As Healing Spray is channeled, it is possible to interrupt it with a stun.

Chemical R age

 * The Alchemist causes his Ogre to enter a chemically induced rage, increasing movement rate by 50% and increasing attack rate.

Many alchemists find this useful to use when escaping instead of attacking. Likewise, it is also good for scouting.

Combat-wise, it is perfect for chasing and damaging fleeing enemies. It is also good for hit-and-run attacks.

Stuns can be used to prevent the alchemist from both running away and fighting.
 * Chemical Rage Counters

Acid B omb

 * Hurls a flask of acid at a target. The flask breaks upon impact, splashing a powerful acid on nearby hostile units. Decreases armor; deals slightly less damage over time to nearby targets.

Acid bomb is very effective against clustered ranged units when combined with fast melee attackers like ghouls.

Acid Bomb is especially useful against targets that are running away.

It is also good for boosting attacks used by other Heroes.

Probably (not confirmed) dispels, such as the one used by the priest.
 * Acid Bomb Counters

T ransmute (Ultimate)

 * Kills a target unit instantly, transforming it into gold which is added to your available gold!

Transmute is an unique spell as it is the only Hero-spell which specifically is used for increasing the player's amount of gold (along with killing things). Because of this, it is a nifty spell for any player who has trouble getting enough gold.

Transmute cannot be used on Heroes, nor creeps above level 5.

You receive more money for killing more expensive (unit cost) units.

Using Transmute on a critter yields no gold, despite causing the visual gold-coins-effect (see gallery).

While transmute will make little difference in a huge battle, it is nearly impossible to counter. Your best shot is to kill the Goblin Alchemist before he pulls it off, or fight him with only non-transmutable units, such as Heroes.
 * Transmute Counters

World Editor description

 * Warrior Hero, known for offensive and defensive versatility. Can learn Healing Spray, Chemical Rage, Acid Bomb and Transmute. Attacks land and air units

Quotes
Ready What Yes Attack
 * “Ready to brew!”
 * “Wanna blow something up?”
 * “I’m all stocked and ready to go.”
 * “Care for a cocktail?”
 * “You’ll love my new recipe.”
 * “You got it.”
 * “I’ll get that mixed up.”
 * “Don’t rush me.”
 * “I’ll shake that right up!”
 * “Taste my fiery potions!”
 * “Hurry, I’ve got things to blow up!”
 * “Bob and weave, you fool!”

War cry Pissed Ogre: “That’s not my finger!” Death
 * “For the highest bidder!”
 * “What do you wanna be when you blow up?”
 * “I’m a chemical superfreak.” (The Rock reference)
 * “No! Shake it, not--” (sudden explosion) (possible James Bond reference)
 * “One of these potions smells awful!” (ogre giggles)
 * Goblin: ”Hey, pull his finger.”
 * (Glass breaks) Goblin: “Oh no, what did I drop?” Ogre: “Oh yeah...” (Marvin Gaye begins to play in background) Goblin: “Wait, what are you doing?! Oh no, not the love potion!”
 * (Ogre groans) “Oh, oh no, ooohh!” (Said by the goblin, before the ogre falls on his stomach with a thud)

Other notes

 * The Alchemist, along with the Goblin Tinker and Firelord, is one of the neutral heroes having no appearance in the official campaigns.
 * In the game, only the ogre will be properly shown in the selected-unit-portrait. The only shown part of the goblin is his legs on both sides of the ogre's head (see gallery above). While most of the quotes are said by the goblin it is thus easy to imagine them being said by the ogre instead.