This thread is what it sounds like. Vote and then post why you voted for that artificer subclass.
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The Circle of Hedgehogs Druid Beholder/Animated Armor Level -20 Bardof the OIADSB Cult, here are our rules.Sig.Also a sauce council member, but it's been dead for a while.
Armorer. I am a huge fan of more/weaker passive traits than the active traits of the other subclasses. The ability to negate the drawbacks of armor, free weapons that can't be disarmed, and access to more infusion slots is just too good for me to pass up.
Artillerist. You're not just another blaster like a wizard or sorcerer, but between the eldritch Cannon providing temp hp, the Cannon providing half cover, access to most wall spells....
The only subclass I have real experience with is the Battlesmith, and even then only at lowish (4-8) levels. The Battlesmith is excellent, I really enjoy it. But if I could go back in time and replace my past self for long enough to recreate Star with what I knew today?
I would make her an Artillerist.
The Homunculus Servant, even in its godawful post-Rising neutered form, is more useful than the Defender. Artillerists need not concern themselves with weapon combat; while their at-will spell damage is middling at best, they can make up for it at need with the Homunculus and/or their cannon. The Artillerist's ESL is more useful overall than the Battlesmith's. The Armorer is a very close second and honestly more-or-less tied for my 'favorite' artificer subclass, but the fact that the Armorer requires bulky, aesthetic-wrecking armor bothers me and doesn't work for every character. So Artillerist, for now.
I'm big on Alchemist. Even if it falls short of being mechanically sound (should be bonus action to use elixir, and they should get 2 cantrips from any class at level 3; and level 5 should allow EAF Infusion, or cast with any infusion. Instead of just the tools-so very restricted already). The flavor is just fun. and it keeps inspiring cool backstories and cool concepts for me. The flavoring of alchemy and enchanting is just steller.
Armourer is my next favorite, and mechanically much more sound. I like the f un of mobile + dual wielding for just socking everyone for the big barbarian.
I love the versatility that a Battlesmith has - even if it's not apparent. I build multiple of those in the throwdowns and the range you can take that subclass goes from "Sniper Assassin" to "Tech-Paladin" - something few other subclasses can do. I play a Battlesmith Artificer focusing on ranged combat. the Steel Defender in his tashas iteration is also pretty versatile. Still looking for some magic items mine could use to up his output. I also love the possibility of playing a small race with it and riding on the Iron Defender.
I'm very limited in my Artificer experience, so my opinion is biased.
I'm enjoying my Artillerist just because it fits the Warlock Engineer concept I had for the character. I've reskinned the Eldritch Cannon's tiny version has a hand-held warpfire thrower and the warplock jezzail (for the force ballista). All the spells and such are reskinned weird magical psuedo technology, like Cure Wounds is a terrifying auto-suture with dozens of stitching arms that gives at least three times more stitches as a wound requires, ending up making a wound look like embroidery.
Armorer. I am a huge fan of more/weaker passive traits than the active traits of the other subclasses. The ability to negate the drawbacks of armor, free weapons that can't be disarmed, and access to more infusion slots is just too good for me to pass up.
When was the last time you had a situation come up where it was important that you’re weapons couldn’t be disarmed? It seems like it never comes up, I have never Ben in a game were someone tried to disarm or had to protect against the same, in all the games I dm it never happens.
my favorite is Artillerist They have so much versatility in them, I have thought of so many characters around this subclass, like a similar hybrid that’s tentacles end in eldritch flamethrowers! Or a fancy noble that doesn’t appear to be armed, but the gems on his hat start shooting lasers! (Using the tiny size)
Armorer. I am a huge fan of more/weaker passive traits than the active traits of the other subclasses. The ability to negate the drawbacks of armor, free weapons that can't be disarmed, and access to more infusion slots is just too good for me to pass up.
When was the last time you had a situation come up where it was important that you’re weapons couldn’t be disarmed? It seems like it never comes up, I have never Ben in a game were someone tried to disarm or had to protect against the same, in all the games I dm it never happens.
Not once. But I am the type of person that likes to plan for that sort of thing anyway. Just my playstyle.
Armorer. I am a huge fan of more/weaker passive traits than the active traits of the other subclasses. The ability to negate the drawbacks of armor, free weapons that can't be disarmed, and access to more infusion slots is just too good for me to pass up.
When was the last time you had a situation come up where it was important that you’re weapons couldn’t be disarmed? It seems like it never comes up, I have never Ben in a game were someone tried to disarm or had to protect against the same, in all the games I dm it never happens.
Not once. But I am the type of person that likes to plan for that sort of thing anyway. Just my playstyle.
Its a bit off topic thre. But not being able to "lose" your weapons an having open hands on demand is quite nice.
Armourer can make some good use of items due to that. Being able to pull out the Flute infusion (the doom scary flute ) and use it.. then put it away next round easy enough, and punch again. Or healer's kit. etc. They get a lot of nice item combinations due to that. As well as the ability to climb up something without having to stow and draw a weapon-which takes 2 item interactions to do and such.
In effect they're the opposite of Alchemists-who have real issues doe the item juggling problems, the armourer is the open hand power guy.
I am loving the Battle Smith I'm playing, especially with the post-Tasha's Steel Defender. I believe in general the Artificer class really requires creative thinking because of how the base class is built. But as others have said, the Battle Smith has a decent amount of variety in how you can build it and is an excellent partial tank with a lot of fun RP-options if your DM takes into account that you have a metal creature that just follows you around.
I have been in several campaigns that our equipment were stolen and even had one campaign were my barbarians arm got cut off...
I love all the alchemist sub classes although as a DM an alchemist seems to fit most D&D worlds best and is one of my favorite npc (I like the idea of non magical healing and stuff). artillerist is my favorite to play. long range sniper with drone yes please. tactical battle drone yes. explosives yes please. the battle smith is a great support character and battle healer (but I think a druid with a dip into life cleric is better battle healer). the armor is my second favorite as you can do all types of fun things you have some mid range capabilities and some awesome close combat stuff. (black ops: armor with a dip into rogue. close combat monster with a dip into fighter)
I love the versatility of the artificer and the possibility of less magical stuff. I re-flavor my spells to be more science based or tactical (a person a head of their time).
I *want* to like the alchemist for the flavor. But .. . no.
I like artillerist and BS about equally. I've discovered something about my preferences matters more for picking a class than anything else. Classes that give you lots of options in the action economy are more fun to play. This is basically why I prefer clerics to wizards. Both artillerists and Battle Smiths have fun stuff to do with bonus actions.
The flavor of armorer does nothing for me whatsoever.
Im surprised my humble old Alchemist got as high a vote as it has (16% at time of writing). As a fan of support classes and Artificer being my fav class, I can't really go past it. Im not about DPS, Im more about healing, helping and hindering.
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Hjalmar Gunderson, Vuman Alchemist Plague Doctor in a HB Campaign, Post Netherese Invasion Cormyr (lvl20 retired) Godfrey, Autognome Butler in Ghosts of Saltmarsh into Spelljammer Grímr Skeggisson, Goliath Rune Knight in Rime of the Frostmaiden DM of two HB campaigns set in the same world.
My favorite Artificer subclass is the Battle Smith, because Artificers have a spellcasting capacity about as strong as a Paladin or a Ranger. Both Paladins and Rangers both have proficiency in simple and martial weapons. Artificers, however, have a smaller hit die (d8, not a d10), and they are only proficient in simple weapons. However, a Battle Smith gets you a steel defender companion, allows you to attack twice, and allows you to use martial weapons. You also get Branding Smite and Banishing Smite to further augment your combat abilities.
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Erean Cabenrith a Variant Human Cleric (Light Domain)
This thread is what it sounds like. Vote and then post why you voted for that artificer subclass.
The Circle of Hedgehogs Druid Beholder/Animated Armor Level -20 Bard of the OIADSB Cult, here are our rules. Sig. Also a sauce council member, but it's been dead for a while.
Armorer. I am a huge fan of more/weaker passive traits than the active traits of the other subclasses. The ability to negate the drawbacks of armor, free weapons that can't be disarmed, and access to more infusion slots is just too good for me to pass up.
Artillerist. You're not just another blaster like a wizard or sorcerer, but between the eldritch Cannon providing temp hp, the Cannon providing half cover, access to most wall spells....
Artillerist is a walking defensive emplacement.
The only subclass I have real experience with is the Battlesmith, and even then only at lowish (4-8) levels. The Battlesmith is excellent, I really enjoy it. But if I could go back in time and replace my past self for long enough to recreate Star with what I knew today?
I would make her an Artillerist.
The Homunculus Servant, even in its godawful post-Rising neutered form, is more useful than the Defender. Artillerists need not concern themselves with weapon combat; while their at-will spell damage is middling at best, they can make up for it at need with the Homunculus and/or their cannon. The Artillerist's ESL is more useful overall than the Battlesmith's. The Armorer is a very close second and honestly more-or-less tied for my 'favorite' artificer subclass, but the fact that the Armorer requires bulky, aesthetic-wrecking armor bothers me and doesn't work for every character. So Artillerist, for now.
Please do not contact or message me.
I'm big on Alchemist. Even if it falls short of being mechanically sound (should be bonus action to use elixir, and they should get 2 cantrips from any class at level 3; and level 5 should allow EAF Infusion, or cast with any infusion. Instead of just the tools-so very restricted already).
The flavor is just fun. and it keeps inspiring cool backstories and cool concepts for me. The flavoring of alchemy and enchanting is just steller.
Armourer is my next favorite, and mechanically much more sound. I like the f un of mobile + dual wielding for just socking everyone for the big barbarian.
I love the versatility that a Battlesmith has - even if it's not apparent. I build multiple of those in the throwdowns and the range you can take that subclass goes from "Sniper Assassin" to "Tech-Paladin" - something few other subclasses can do. I play a Battlesmith Artificer focusing on ranged combat. the Steel Defender in his tashas iteration is also pretty versatile. Still looking for some magic items mine could use to up his output.
I also love the possibility of playing a small race with it and riding on the Iron Defender.
I'm very limited in my Artificer experience, so my opinion is biased.
I'm enjoying my Artillerist just because it fits the Warlock Engineer concept I had for the character. I've reskinned the Eldritch Cannon's tiny version has a hand-held warpfire thrower and the warplock jezzail (for the force ballista). All the spells and such are reskinned weird magical psuedo technology, like Cure Wounds is a terrifying auto-suture with dozens of stitching arms that gives at least three times more stitches as a wound requires, ending up making a wound look like embroidery.
When was the last time you had a situation come up where it was important that you’re weapons couldn’t be disarmed? It seems like it never comes up, I have never Ben in a game were someone tried to disarm or had to protect against the same, in all the games I dm it never happens.
my favorite is Artillerist They have so much versatility in them, I have thought of so many characters around this subclass, like a similar hybrid that’s tentacles end in eldritch flamethrowers! Or a fancy noble that doesn’t appear to be armed, but the gems on his hat start shooting lasers! (Using the tiny size)
Not once. But I am the type of person that likes to plan for that sort of thing anyway. Just my playstyle.
I like being prepared.
Its a bit off topic thre. But not being able to "lose" your weapons an having open hands on demand is quite nice.
Armourer can make some good use of items due to that. Being able to pull out the Flute infusion (the doom scary flute ) and use it.. then put it away next round easy enough, and punch again. Or healer's kit. etc. They get a lot of nice item combinations due to that. As well as the ability to climb up something without having to stow and draw a weapon-which takes 2 item interactions to do and such.
In effect they're the opposite of Alchemists-who have real issues doe the item juggling problems, the armourer is the open hand power guy.
they're also the only 'weapon users' i know of who can use their ranged weapon with both hands free.. chest lasers
I am loving the Battle Smith I'm playing, especially with the post-Tasha's Steel Defender. I believe in general the Artificer class really requires creative thinking because of how the base class is built. But as others have said, the Battle Smith has a decent amount of variety in how you can build it and is an excellent partial tank with a lot of fun RP-options if your DM takes into account that you have a metal creature that just follows you around.
I have been in several campaigns that our equipment were stolen and even had one campaign were my barbarians arm got cut off...
I love all the alchemist sub classes although as a DM an alchemist seems to fit most D&D worlds best and is one of my favorite npc (I like the idea of non magical healing and stuff). artillerist is my favorite to play. long range sniper with drone yes please. tactical battle drone yes. explosives yes please. the battle smith is a great support character and battle healer (but I think a druid with a dip into life cleric is better battle healer). the armor is my second favorite as you can do all types of fun things you have some mid range capabilities and some awesome close combat stuff. (black ops: armor with a dip into rogue. close combat monster with a dip into fighter)
I love the versatility of the artificer and the possibility of less magical stuff. I re-flavor my spells to be more science based or tactical (a person a head of their time).
I *want* to like the alchemist for the flavor. But .. . no.
I like artillerist and BS about equally. I've discovered something about my preferences matters more for picking a class than anything else. Classes that give you lots of options in the action economy are more fun to play. This is basically why I prefer clerics to wizards. Both artillerists and Battle Smiths have fun stuff to do with bonus actions.
The flavor of armorer does nothing for me whatsoever.
Im surprised my humble old Alchemist got as high a vote as it has (16% at time of writing). As a fan of support classes and Artificer being my fav class, I can't really go past it. Im not about DPS, Im more about healing, helping and hindering.
Hjalmar Gunderson, Vuman Alchemist Plague Doctor in a HB Campaign, Post Netherese Invasion Cormyr (lvl20 retired)
Godfrey, Autognome Butler in Ghosts of Saltmarsh into Spelljammer
Grímr Skeggisson, Goliath Rune Knight in Rime of the Frostmaiden
DM of two HB campaigns set in the same world.
My favorite Artificer subclass is the Battle Smith, because Artificers have a spellcasting capacity about as strong as a Paladin or a Ranger. Both Paladins and Rangers both have proficiency in simple and martial weapons. Artificers, however, have a smaller hit die (d8, not a d10), and they are only proficient in simple weapons. However, a Battle Smith gets you a steel defender companion, allows you to attack twice, and allows you to use martial weapons. You also get Branding Smite and Banishing Smite to further augment your combat abilities.
Erean Cabenrith a Variant Human Cleric (Light Domain)
Eliem Lightblossom a High Elf Blood Hunter
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