If the player likes making things and the DM is willing to roll with it, the Arty is THE character to play. I'm going to MC mine with a level or 2 of Forge Cleric so I can just make stuff out of junk.
Versatile - Able to play the holy trinity. Being a Jack of all Trades you can fill in any gap (or hybrid gaps)
SAD - Definitely makes builds easier from a stat perspective
Creative - right at level 1 you have lots of liberty in how your flavor your character (i.e. spellcasting) and tactically even with just magical tinkering you can create some neat solutions
Infusions - this can make you less DM dependent for magic items. Need a bag of holding? get one at lvl 2. Need a boost in offensive or defensive stats? Enhanced weapon/defense
Cons
Complicated - IMO this classes takes more thought into the build and playstyle than other classes. Although some people like that (like myself)
Master of None - I believe other classes can specialize in their role better. So if you want the best Tank or damage dealer? There are stronger classes.
High Level Dependent - This is def more my personal opinion. But I think the Artificer really kicks in more at higher levels than some other classes
All in all, I think its a super fun class to build and play.
Master of None , you say ??? I guess you didn't see the Cons of being a Bard.
The best way to play as an Artificier is watching this class as a class inbetween a Player and a NPC. So I suggest this class should be played more in the background of any party or, at least, as a secondary supporter / loot keeper. Yes, it can be a well-known loot keeper if fabricates a chariot with some trinkets, like an alarm clock, or some improved lanterns, or the best charriot-tunningster ( I mean, that person who likes to tune up a car, or a lorry ). ALso if this Artificier can summon a Familiar, or he/she can fabricate one, why not improving that animal as an speedy animal to use that carriot ???
I just made one as a backup character and... I feel like I did something wrong! It's a Warforged fighter 1/Artificer 3 (battle smith) named STRIX. He wields a flail (+1 magical thanks to an infusion) and wears a plate (+1 thanks to another infusion). He also has a shield, netting him an AC of 23 at level 4 total... an AC of 23 is, by itself, a good reason to play a battle smith artificer! Using his intelligence for attack rolls and damage, he'll hit regularly, though not that hard, but he can cast spells that makes him a godd support character : heal, guidance, ... Also, his steel defender (a mechanical spider being his only friend until he meets the party) can help him to impose disadvantage on enemy attacks but since I have a pretty high AC, his steel defender can also go help others on the battlefield. I'll play him as a construct that tries to be human but has a hard time understanding emotions, social conventions, others' motivations, ...
All in all :
- High AC
- Spells (not the best but still)
- Sustained damage (low but sustained)
- Support
- Companion (steel defender)
- Flavor
Just wow! Now I hope it will be as fun to play as it looks when my DM will finally be able to kill my gloomstalker (hehe)
I just made one as a backup character and... I feel like I did something wrong! It's a Warforged fighter 1/Artificer 3 (battle smith) named STRIX. He wields a flail (+1 magical thanks to an infusion) and wears a plate (+1 thanks to another infusion). He also has a shield, netting him an AC of 23 at level 4 total... an AC of 23 is, by itself, a good reason to play a battle smith artificer! Using his intelligence for attack rolls and damage, he'll hit regularly, though not that hard, but he can cast spells that makes him a godd support character : heal, guidance, ... Also, his steel defender (a mechanical spider being his only friend until he meets the party) can help him to impose disadvantage on enemy attacks but since I have a pretty high AC, his steel defender can also go help others on the battlefield. I'll play him as a construct that tries to be human but has a hard time understanding emotions, social conventions, others' motivations, ...
All in all :
- High AC
- Spells (not the best but still)
- Sustained damage (low but sustained)
- Support
- Companion (steel defender)
- Flavor
Just wow! Now I hope it will be as fun to play as it looks when my DM will finally be able to kill my gloomstalker (hehe)
The damage will come later. Have someone in the party cast Haste on you for another 2 AC and a Bonus Action attack. An Infused hand crossbow doesn't need ammunition and so can be fired multiple times a turn.
With that AC at least you know you'll be around for the later levels.
I just made one as a backup character and... I feel like I did something wrong! It's a Warforged fighter 1/Artificer 3 (battle smith) named STRIX. He wields a flail (+1 magical thanks to an infusion) and wears a plate (+1 thanks to another infusion). He also has a shield, netting him an AC of 23 at level 4 total... an AC of 23 is, by itself, a good reason to play a battle smith artificer! Using his intelligence for attack rolls and damage, he'll hit regularly, though not that hard, but he can cast spells that makes him a godd support character : heal, guidance, ... Also, his steel defender (a mechanical spider being his only friend until he meets the party) can help him to impose disadvantage on enemy attacks but since I have a pretty high AC, his steel defender can also go help others on the battlefield. I'll play him as a construct that tries to be human but has a hard time understanding emotions, social conventions, others' motivations, ...
All in all :
- High AC
- Spells (not the best but still)
- Sustained damage (low but sustained)
- Support
- Companion (steel defender)
- Flavor
Just wow! Now I hope it will be as fun to play as it looks when my DM will finally be able to kill my gloomstalker (hehe)
Too bad you wasted a whole level on Fighter when you just could have taken the Heavily Armoured feat at level 4 instead. Same benefits but better since you also get a +1 to strength and you don't lose any artificer levels. If I were you I'd ask the GM if I could change and get rid of the worthless fighter level.
Also, unless the shield is magic you would only have an AC of 22. Which is still awesome.
The artificer is hands down the best class in the entire game at producing massive quantities of mayonnaise from a very low level.
But which class is best at eating massive quantities of mayonnaise from a very low level?
Druids. Wild Shape means they can fill three different stomachs with mayonnaise per short rest.
I would argue that, in fact, Wizards are better as they can just cast a simple Rope Trick spell inside themselves as soon as they reach 3rd level and fill a space large enough to fit several people in with mayonnaise. The only problem is when the spell ends, the Wizard will literally blow up in a mayosplosion, which is both grotesque and probably would make a good stuffing for a roast kraken.
Anyway, on topic: Artificers are able to Save higher than any other class on most higher levels.
The artificer is hands down the best class in the entire game at producing massive quantities of mayonnaise from a very low level.
But which class is best at eating massive quantities of mayonnaise from a very low level?
Druids. Wild Shape means they can fill three different stomachs with mayonnaise per short rest.
I would argue that, in fact, Wizards are better as they can just cast a simple Rope Trick spell inside themselves as soon as they reach 3rd level and fill a space large enough to fit several people in with mayonnaise. The only problem is when the spell ends, the Wizard will literally blow up in a mayosplosion, which is both grotesque and probably would make a good stuffing for a roast kraken.
Anyway, on topic: Artificers are able to Save higher than any other class on most higher levels.
Barbarians. Big strength means big body means big stomach, and big constitution would allow them to keep it all down.
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This isn't actually a signature, just something I copy and paste onto the bottom of all my posts. Or is it? Yep, it is. Or is it..? I’m a hobbit, and the master cranial imploder of the "Oops, I Accidently Destroyed Someone's Brain" cult. Extended sig. I'm actually in Limbo, it says I'm in Mechanus because that's where I get my WiFi from. Please don't tell the modrons, they're still angry from the 'Spawning Stone' fiasco. No connection to Dragonslayer8 other than knowing them in real life.
The artificer is hands down the best class in the entire game at producing massive quantities of mayonnaise from a very low level.
But which class is best at eating massive quantities of mayonnaise from a very low level?
Druids. Wild Shape means they can fill three different stomachs with mayonnaise per short rest.
I would argue that, in fact, Wizards are better as they can just cast a simple Rope Trick spell inside themselves as soon as they reach 3rd level and fill a space large enough to fit several people in with mayonnaise. The only problem is when the spell ends, the Wizard will literally blow up in a mayosplosion, which is both grotesque and probably would make a good stuffing for a roast kraken.
Anyway, on topic: Artificers are able to Save higher than any other class on most higher levels.
Barbarians. Big strength means big body means big stomach, and big constitution would allow them to keep it all down.
What about monks and their immunity to the inevitable food poisoning?
Ive topped dpr charts. +2 greataxe, haste, great wepon master, steel defender, arcane jolt. 3 attacks, sometimes 4 with gwm. Flanking advantage with the steel defender. And if all goes wrong and i have no options left. My steel defender runs in and kamikazes them with 2 bags of holding.
Ive topped dpr charts. +2 greataxe, haste, great wepon master, steel defender, arcane jolt. 3 attacks, sometimes 4 with gwm. Flanking advantage with the steel defender. And if all goes wrong and i have no options left. My steel defender runs in and kamikazes them with 2 bags of holding.
You're math is off. If you use GWM to get a bonus attack you can't have you steel defender attack. Statistically a great sword is better than a greataxe.
Artificers can be the party catch all for skills. The artificer is a strong support class or medium tank class. It is very diverse in capability. I am playing a level 4 artificer armorer at the moment and it is great having both damage/debuff and healing. I can also change out my guardian armor for the infiltrator and be high AC stealth with a great buff/debuffer. I also get to have fun making items during downtime.
Really it comes down to flexibility. With infusions you can use on yourself or a party member, a spell list you prepare from, and the potential to do combat from front/mid/backlines you can be what your party needs. Do you need to convince a noble you are worthy party? Prep enhance ability. Do you need to kill something? Give your barbarian enhanced weapon. Do you need to carry stuff? Replicate a bag of holding. With enough notice an artificer can become the solution to any problem.
I'm playing an alchemist currently, there are lots of spinning plates but he's doing very well at letting the party be their best selves.
As said by those before me, the Artificer's greatest strength is it's versatility. Every long rest you prepare from a list of spells - all of which are geared towards support in one way or another - and choose your infusions. Depending on what you activate each long rest, you can go from a master infiltrator (potentially a +20 with thieves tools depending on infusions), skillmonkey, support buffer to primary healer. The subclass decides how the artificer acts when geared towards damage or tanking.
This versatility is offset by Artificers being one of the more complicated classes to play.
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A deck of playing cards are a great way to randomise encounters
I know this isn't going to make me popular, but: none, there are no reasons. Of the 13 classes in 5e, I'd rank Artificer dead last. This isn't to say it can't be fun to play with the right build or subclass selection, but it's 5e's third attempt at a half-caster and its worst result. Unlike Pathfinder, which seems to excel at designing half-casters, the most I can say about an Artificer is they can be a pretty good support class. They are complicated to manage for new players, the damage output is relatively low, it's not particularly survivable, and its spell list is at best, average. Overall their best ability is infusing items, and usually the best use of that is to give them to other PC's. Is there an argument for them being the 'best' class? No, not that I see.
If I were giving letter grades, even the Battle Smith I wouldn't grade higher than a C+. There is a great niche for players who like to play them, but are they a 'better' class than the wizard, bard or cleric for example? Heck even the sorcerer and the warlock get the Divine (and Clockwork) Soul and Genie subclasses respectively. What you could do is make an argument for them being a better class than the ranger or monk. Then again rangers now have Drakewardens, which I grade a solid B.
I know this isn't going to make me popular, but: none, there are no reasons. Of the 13 classes in 5e, I'd rank Artificer dead last. This isn't to say it can't be fun to play with the right build or subclass selection, but it's 5e's third attempt at a half-caster and its worst result. Unlike Pathfinder, which seems to excel at designing half-casters, the most I can say about an Artificer is they can be a pretty good support class. They are complicated to manage for new players, the damage output is relatively low, it's not particularly survivable, and its spell list is at best, average. Overall their best ability is infusing items, and usually the best use of that is to give them to other PC's. Is there an argument for them being the 'best' class? No, not that I see.
If I were giving letter grades, even the Battle Smith I wouldn't grade higher than a C+. There is a great niche for players who like to play them, but are they a 'better' class than the wizard, bard or cleric for example? Heck even the sorcerer and the warlock get the Divine (and Clockwork) Soul and Genie subclasses. What you could do is make an argument for them being a better class than the ranger or monk. Then again rangers now have Drakewardens, which I grade a solid B.
J
It's cool if you don't like them, but trying to say they are not good because of that is rather silly.
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If the player likes making things and the DM is willing to roll with it, the Arty is THE character to play. I'm going to MC mine with a level or 2 of Forge Cleric so I can just make stuff out of junk.
Master of None , you say ??? I guess you didn't see the Cons of being a Bard.
The best way to play as an Artificier is watching this class as a class inbetween a Player and a NPC. So I suggest this class should be played more in the background of any party or, at least, as a secondary supporter / loot keeper.
Yes, it can be a well-known loot keeper if fabricates a chariot with some trinkets, like an alarm clock, or some improved lanterns, or the best charriot-tunningster ( I mean, that person who likes to tune up a car, or a lorry ). ALso if this Artificier can summon a Familiar, or he/she can fabricate one, why not improving that animal as an speedy animal to use that carriot ???
My Ready-to-rock&roll chars:
Dertinus Tristany // Amilcar Barca // Vicenç Sacrarius // Oriol Deulofeu // Grovtuk
I just made one as a backup character and... I feel like I did something wrong! It's a Warforged fighter 1/Artificer 3 (battle smith) named STRIX. He wields a flail (+1 magical thanks to an infusion) and wears a plate (+1 thanks to another infusion). He also has a shield, netting him an AC of 23 at level 4 total... an AC of 23 is, by itself, a good reason to play a battle smith artificer! Using his intelligence for attack rolls and damage, he'll hit regularly, though not that hard, but he can cast spells that makes him a godd support character : heal, guidance, ... Also, his steel defender (a mechanical spider being his only friend until he meets the party) can help him to impose disadvantage on enemy attacks but since I have a pretty high AC, his steel defender can also go help others on the battlefield. I'll play him as a construct that tries to be human but has a hard time understanding emotions, social conventions, others' motivations, ...
All in all :
- High AC
- Spells (not the best but still)
- Sustained damage (low but sustained)
- Support
- Companion (steel defender)
- Flavor
Just wow! Now I hope it will be as fun to play as it looks when my DM will finally be able to kill my gloomstalker (hehe)
The damage will come later. Have someone in the party cast Haste on you for another 2 AC and a Bonus Action attack. An Infused hand crossbow doesn't need ammunition and so can be fired multiple times a turn.
With that AC at least you know you'll be around for the later levels.
Too bad you wasted a whole level on Fighter when you just could have taken the Heavily Armoured feat at level 4 instead. Same benefits but better since you also get a +1 to strength and you don't lose any artificer levels. If I were you I'd ask the GM if I could change and get rid of the worthless fighter level.
Also, unless the shield is magic you would only have an AC of 22. Which is still awesome.
The artificer is hands down the best class in the entire game at producing massive quantities of mayonnaise from a very low level.
But which class is best at eating massive quantities of mayonnaise from a very low level?
Druids. Wild Shape means they can fill three different stomachs with mayonnaise per short rest.
Please do not contact or message me.
I would argue that, in fact, Wizards are better as they can just cast a simple Rope Trick spell inside themselves as soon as they reach 3rd level and fill a space large enough to fit several people in with mayonnaise. The only problem is when the spell ends, the Wizard will literally blow up in a mayosplosion, which is both grotesque and probably would make a good stuffing for a roast kraken.
Anyway, on topic: Artificers are able to Save higher than any other class on most higher levels.
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Barbarians. Big strength means big body means big stomach, and big constitution would allow them to keep it all down.
This isn't actually a signature, just something I copy and paste onto the bottom of all my posts. Or is it? Yep, it is. Or is it..? I’m a hobbit, and the master cranial imploder of the "Oops, I Accidently Destroyed Someone's Brain" cult. Extended sig. I'm actually in Limbo, it says I'm in Mechanus because that's where I get my WiFi from. Please don't tell the modrons, they're still angry from the 'Spawning Stone' fiasco.
No connection to Dragonslayer8 other than knowing them in real life.
What about monks and their immunity to the inevitable food poisoning?
Ive topped dpr charts. +2 greataxe, haste, great wepon master, steel defender, arcane jolt. 3 attacks, sometimes 4 with gwm. Flanking advantage with the steel defender. And if all goes wrong and i have no options left. My steel defender runs in and kamikazes them with 2 bags of holding.
You're math is off. If you use GWM to get a bonus attack you can't have you steel defender attack. Statistically a great sword is better than a greataxe.
Artificers can be the party catch all for skills. The artificer is a strong support class or medium tank class. It is very diverse in capability. I am playing a level 4 artificer armorer at the moment and it is great having both damage/debuff and healing. I can also change out my guardian armor for the infiltrator and be high AC stealth with a great buff/debuffer. I also get to have fun making items during downtime.
Really it comes down to flexibility. With infusions you can use on yourself or a party member, a spell list you prepare from, and the potential to do combat from front/mid/backlines you can be what your party needs. Do you need to convince a noble you are worthy party? Prep enhance ability. Do you need to kill something? Give your barbarian enhanced weapon. Do you need to carry stuff? Replicate a bag of holding. With enough notice an artificer can become the solution to any problem.
I'm playing an alchemist currently, there are lots of spinning plates but he's doing very well at letting the party be their best selves.
As said by those before me, the Artificer's greatest strength is it's versatility. Every long rest you prepare from a list of spells - all of which are geared towards support in one way or another - and choose your infusions. Depending on what you activate each long rest, you can go from a master infiltrator (potentially a +20 with thieves tools depending on infusions), skillmonkey, support buffer to primary healer. The subclass decides how the artificer acts when geared towards damage or tanking.
This versatility is offset by Artificers being one of the more complicated classes to play.
A deck of playing cards are a great way to randomise encounters
I know this isn't going to make me popular, but: none, there are no reasons. Of the 13 classes in 5e, I'd rank Artificer dead last. This isn't to say it can't be fun to play with the right build or subclass selection, but it's 5e's third attempt at a half-caster and its worst result. Unlike Pathfinder, which seems to excel at designing half-casters, the most I can say about an Artificer is they can be a pretty good support class. They are complicated to manage for new players, the damage output is relatively low, it's not particularly survivable, and its spell list is at best, average. Overall their best ability is infusing items, and usually the best use of that is to give them to other PC's. Is there an argument for them being the 'best' class? No, not that I see.
If I were giving letter grades, even the Battle Smith I wouldn't grade higher than a C+. There is a great niche for players who like to play them, but are they a 'better' class than the wizard, bard or cleric for example? Heck even the sorcerer and the warlock get the Divine (and Clockwork) Soul and Genie subclasses respectively. What you could do is make an argument for them being a better class than the ranger or monk. Then again rangers now have Drakewardens, which I grade a solid B.
J
It's cool if you don't like them, but trying to say they are not good because of that is rather silly.