Starting at 7th level, you gain the ability to come up with solutions under pressure. When you or another creature you can see within 30 feet of you makes an ability check or a saving throw, you can use your reaction to add your Intelligence modifier to the roll.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
So typically class features that let you add your primary modifier are designed to be positive hence why they often have that minimum of 1 caveat written just in case you have a negative modifier in your primary stat for some bizarre reason. And flash of genius does have a minimum of one use available... but if your INT modifier happens to be negative then this ability literally becomes a hindrance to you and your party when used. So while Artificers have proficiency to INT saves the Feeblemind could ruin your day even more if you fail to it.
However... that text doesn't specify that you have to target an ally... just any creature you can see within 30 feet. So if you do happen to have a negative INT mod you can, once per long rest mess up an opponent's ability check or saving throw. An artificer under the effects of Feeblemind can literally weaponize their stupidity once to apply a -5 to an enemy's saving throw. It seems exceedingly unlikely to ever happen but I really, really want to see what it would look like when it does.
Further, a Headband of Intellect is an option for a the replicate magic item infusion at level 10 or above. So in theory a Feebleminded Artificer wearing this headband (INT of 19) can remove their headband (INT becomes 1) and then use their reaction to mess up an enemy and then probably have to have another party member help them put their headband back on so they can stop being stupid for the rest of the combat.
I have to assume the drawbacks of this bizarre hypothetical scenario outweigh the benefits. But, honestly, it's so stupid it just might work.
I like how creative it is. But keep in mind. Nothing to stop your party members from “not” giving you the headband back. Or from the headband being stolen/destroyed.
because. Why not. It’d be funny to run around with a potted plant that is essentially true polymorphed into a person to walk around.
edit: of course...
going from 19 int to 1 to use your reaction for this “brilliant idea” might have a Int check dc on it to see if it works too from your dm. Otherwise you might be too distracted by noises and shiny once the headband comes off and start drooling or chasing a glowing light.
I think you need a minimum int to be able to cast spells (or communicate verbally at all). I know that if you're under the effect of a Feeblemind spell, you can't cast.
Flash of Genius is not casting; it's an ability intrinsic to artificers. One could argue that someonw under the effects of Feeblemind wouldn't remember how to do it, but frankly? Any DM that steps on this is terrible at his job. The likelihood of the situation occurring in the first place is minute, and if it ever does, the player weaponizing their debuff to make one critter take a -5 penalty one time is not game-breaking. It is, however, very much a water cooler moment.
It’s on the interwebs now, soon every AL DM will be cursing the name Unclevertitle!
:D I would love that so much.
To be perfectly honest, so do I. 🤪 I avoided AL because of how MtG Type 2 tournament railroaded the industry and I figured that the AL would turn out the same way. (And people called me paranoid. Haha, joke’s on them now. Suckers.) I hope your idea hits every table in the League all in the same week.
So typically class features that let you add your primary modifier are designed to be positive hence why they often have that minimum of 1 caveat written just in case you have a negative modifier in your primary stat for some bizarre reason. And flash of genius does have a minimum of one use available... but if your INT modifier happens to be negative then this ability literally becomes a hindrance to you and your party when used. So while Artificers have proficiency to INT saves the Feeblemind could ruin your day even more if you fail to it.
However... that text doesn't specify that you have to target an ally... just any creature you can see within 30 feet. So if you do happen to have a negative INT mod you can, once per long rest mess up an opponent's ability check or saving throw. An artificer under the effects of Feeblemind can literally weaponize their stupidity once to apply a -5 to an enemy's saving throw. It seems exceedingly unlikely to ever happen but I really, really want to see what it would look like when it does.
Further, a Headband of Intellect is an option for a the replicate magic item infusion at level 10 or above. So in theory a Feebleminded Artificer wearing this headband (INT of 19) can remove their headband (INT becomes 1) and then use their reaction to mess up an enemy and then probably have to have another party member help them put their headband back on so they can stop being stupid for the rest of the combat.
I have to assume the drawbacks of this bizarre hypothetical scenario outweigh the benefits. But, honestly, it's so stupid it just might work.
I like how creative it is. But keep in mind. Nothing to stop your party members from “not” giving you the headband back. Or from the headband being stolen/destroyed.
because. Why not. It’d be funny to run around with a potted plant that is essentially true polymorphed into a person to walk around.
edit: of course...
going from 19 int to 1 to use your reaction for this “brilliant idea” might have a Int check dc on it to see if it works too from your dm. Otherwise you might be too distracted by noises and shiny once the headband comes off and start drooling or chasing a glowing light.
Blank
Interesting idea. I like the image of someone yelling dumb advice at an enemy and they get messed up by it.
I think you need a minimum int to be able to cast spells (or communicate verbally at all). I know that if you're under the effect of a Feeblemind spell, you can't cast.
Flash of Genius is not casting; it's an ability intrinsic to artificers. One could argue that someonw under the effects of Feeblemind wouldn't remember how to do it, but frankly? Any DM that steps on this is terrible at his job. The likelihood of the situation occurring in the first place is minute, and if it ever does, the player weaponizing their debuff to make one critter take a -5 penalty one time is not game-breaking. It is, however, very much a water cooler moment.
Please do not contact or message me.
It’s on the interwebs now, soon every AL DM will be cursing the name Unclevertitle!
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
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:D I would love that so much.
To be perfectly honest, so do I. 🤪 I avoided AL because of how MtG Type 2 tournament railroaded the industry and I figured that the AL would turn out the same way. (And people called me paranoid. Haha, joke’s on them now. Suckers.) I hope your idea hits every table in the League all in the same week.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting