I've been working on an Artificer subclass with the theme of programming and would like some feedback on the subclass features and balance.
(Old version spoilered.)
I'm pretty sure it's overpowered as currently written and not everyone will like all the ideas, but I want to see what people think about the features before I try to implement them.
Algorithmist
One of the newest and oddest of artificer specialists, the Algorithmist eschews hard, battle-ready metals and firepower for softer materials and channeling a sort of magic through the careful use of written words, symbols and sigils. While these products may seem of middling use and benefit, they give the Algorithmist an extra level of magical flexibility that complements the wonders they produce through tools and infusions.
Many artificer gnomes within the Valley of Sand who specialize in Algorithmy have taken to calling themselves "hackers", even if they prefer not to use slashing weapons in combat.
Tool Proficiency
3rd-level Algorithmist feature
You gain proficiency with calligrapher's supplies. If you already have this proficiency, you gain proficiency with one other type of artisan’s tools of your choice.
Algorithmist Spells
3rd-level Algorithmist feature
You always have certain spells prepared after you reach particular levels in this class, as shown in the Algorithmist Spells table. These spells count as artificer spells for you, but they don’t count against the number of artificer spells you prepare.
You have learned how to create Apps: flimsy, two-dimensional magical objects that imbue a sort of "soft" infusion when applied to a non-magical object. Whenever you finish a long rest, you can create a number of Apps up to your proficiency bonus. Creating an App requires you to have Calligrapher's Supplies on your person.
A creature bearing an item with one of your Apps benefits from its effect. A creature can only benefit once from the same type of App (no effect stacking.) You can use your action to apply or remove an App. An item can have only 1 App applied to it at a time, and all Apps fade at the end of your next long rest. You can also use an action to deactivate one of your existing Apps, making it fade immediately.
Each App can produce one of the following effects, determined at the time of creation:
Sneaky. The bearer gains a bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks equal to your INT modifier (minimum +1).
Agile. The bearer gains a bonus to Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks equal to your INT modifier (minimum +1).
Buff. The bearer gains a bonus to Strength (Athletics) checks equal to your INT modifier (minimum +1).
Warded. The bearer reduces the damage taken from magical attacks or effects by an amount equal to your INT modifier (minimum +1).
Swift. The bearer's walking speed increases by 5 feet.
Program Glitch
3rd-level Algorithmist feature
If you roll a 1 on a spell attack roll or an ability check roll using artisan's tools or thieves' tools, your DM may choose to have you roll a d20; if that roll is also a 1, roll on the Wild Magic Surge table, and apply that effect to a random creature within 30ft of you (yourself included) benefiting from one of your Apps.
Feature Creep
5th-level Algorithmist feature
You can use your bonus action to activate or inactivate a Magical Tinkering effect on an object with one of your Apps.
App Portability
5th-level Algorithmist feature
A creature benefiting from one of your infusions, or the infusion itself if animate, can use their action to apply or remove one of your Apps.
Expert App Development
9th-level Algorithmist feature
You are now able to create an additional App by using an action and expending a spell slot. Accordingly, you can now have a number of Apps equal to your proficiency bonus plus your INT modifier existing at any one time. If you have the maximum number of Apps, no additional Apps can be created until one is deactivated.
Also, your research allows you to create the following new types of Apps:
Evasive. The bearer gains +1 to Dexterity saving throws.
Stolid. The bearer gains +1 to Strength saving throws.
Robust. The bearer gains +1 to Constitution saving throws.
Double. Doubles the effect of other Apps.
Negate. Negates the effect of other Apps.
Expanded Scope
9th-level Algorithmist feature
Items with Apps now have an aura expanding their effect range to 10ft. A creature can still only benefit once from a particular App effect type.
Remote Access
15th-level Algorithmist feature
You can cast a spell with a range other than Self if the spell target is within range of any items with one of your Apps. All other requirements of the spell still apply (e.g. components, ability to see the target.)
I think I have it in a pretty good state now, and I'll be playtesting it in a campaign! Here is the current version:
Algorithmist
One of the newest and oddest of artificer specialists, the Algorithmist eschews hard, battle-ready metals and firepower for softer materials and channeling a sort of magic through the careful use of written words, symbols and sigils. While these products may seem of middling use and benefit, they give the Algorithmist an extra level of magical flexibility that complements the wonders they produce through tools and infusions.
Many artificer gnomes within the Valley of Sand who specialize in Algorithmy have taken to calling themselves "hackers", even if they prefer not to use slashing weapons in combat.
You always have certain spells prepared after you reach particular levels in this class, as shown in the Algorithmist Spells table. These spells count as artificer spells for you, but they don’t count against the number of artificer spells you prepare.
You have learned how to create Apps: flimsy, two-dimensional magical objects that imbue a sort of "soft" infusion when applied to a non-magical object, a non-magical surface, or an item bearing one of your infusions. Whenever you finish a long rest, you can create a number of Apps up to your proficiency bonus. Creating an App requires you to have calligrapher's supplies, leatherworker's tools, painter's supplies, or weaver's tools on your person.
A creature bearing an item with one of your Apps benefits from its effect. A creature can only benefit once from the same type of App (no effect stacking.) You can use your action to apply or remove an App. An item can have only 1 App applied to it at a time, and all Apps fade or deactivate at the end of your next long rest. You can also use an action to deactivate one of your existing Apps immediately.
Each App can produce one of the following effects, determined at the time of creation:
Sneaky. The bearer gains a bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks equal to your INT modifier (minimum +1).
Agile. The bearer gains a bonus to Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks equal to your INT modifier (minimum +1).
Buff. The bearer gains a bonus to Strength (Athletics) checks equal to your INT modifier (minimum +1).
Warded. The bearer reduces the damage taken from magical attacks or effects by an amount equal to your INT modifier (minimum +1).
Swift. The bearer's walking speed increases by 5 feet.
Root Cantrip
3rd-level Algorithmist feature
Choose one cantrip from the Artificer spell list that has a range of Touch. This cantrip doesn't count against your number of Artificer cantrips known, and can be changed out for another Artificer cantrip with a range of Touch after a long rest.
Feature Creep
5th-level Algorithmist feature
You can use your bonus action to activate, inactivate, or replace a Magical Tinkering property on an object or surface that has one of your Apps applied, originating from the App. A static visual effect property cannot exceed 5 feet in diameter even when on a surface larger than that.
These do not count against the maximum number of Magical Tinkering properties you can have active at once, though each App can only provide one property at a time.
Remote Access
5th-level Algorithmist feature
You can cast a spell with a range of Touch if the spell target is either a creature bearing one of your Apps or an object or surface with one of your Apps applied, and the App is within 120 feet of you. All other requirements of the spell still apply (e.g. components, your ability to see the target.)
Expert App Development
9th-level Algorithmist feature
You are now able to create an additional App by using an action and expending a spell slot. Accordingly, you can now have a number of Apps equal to your proficiency bonus plus your INT modifier existing at any one time. If you have the maximum number of Apps, no additional Apps can be created until one is deactivated.
Also, your research allows you to create the following new types of Apps:
Alert. The bearer gains +1 to Initiative rolls.
Evasive. The bearer gains +1 to Dexterity saving throws.
Stolid. The bearer gains +1 to Strength saving throws.
Robust. The bearer gains +1 to Constitution saving throws.
Shrewd. The bearer gains +1 to Wisdom saving throws.
App Portability
9th-level Algorithmist feature
A creature benefiting from one of your infusions, or the infusion itself if animate, can use their action to apply or remove one of your Apps.
Extended Remote Access
15th-level Algorithmist feature
You can cast a spell with a range other than Self if the spell target is within range of any of your applied Apps within 120 feet of you, with the spell effectively originating from the App. All other requirements of the spell still apply (e.g. components, your ability to see the target.)
fairly nice concept with a great (if a bit strong) execution
programming glitch might as well not exist or be more intresting then it is
the double effect looks pretty strong especially with apps becoming an area of effect at the same level (if all your melle combatants had a app and one had the double effect they all pretty much all get dones of doubled effects) the area of effect good also use some revision maybe instead as an action a person with an app can spread the effect to single person within 30ft for a single turn.
IIRC, applying an infusion makes an object magical, so you may have to remove the restriction that Apps can only be applied to non-magical objects if you want it to stack with infusions. Either that or make an exception saying it can be applied to a non-magical object OR one bearing your infusions.
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I have to agree that a feature involving rolling a 1 twice in a row on a d20 might as well not be there. You could go a whole campaign without triggering it.
It's really hard to figure out balance here because you have multiplicative effects like Double and Expanded Scope and they themselves stack with the benefits of other classes. For example, at level 9 you could have an Ancient Oath Paladin with the Double Warded App and just crowd around him wherever you go. An average Fireball (28) would be halved to 14 and then reduced by 10, so even on a failed save everyone in the party is taking a max of 4 damage.
IIRC, applying an infusion makes an object magical, so you may have to remove the restriction that Apps can only be applied to non-magical objects if you want it to stack with infusions. Either that or make an exception saying it can be applied to a non-magical object OR one bearing your infusions.
That sounds fair, allowing either non-magical items or infused items. I'd been wavering on how to make Apps interact with magical/infused objects, and if they cause the object to be magical (like an infusion.) Or even if they need to be Applied to an object in order to work... eh, hard to be an App if they aren't applied to something ;)
I have to agree that a feature involving rolling a 1 twice in a row on a d20 might as well not be there. You could go a whole campaign without triggering it.
It's really hard to figure out balance here because you have multiplicative effects like Double and Expanded Scope and they themselves stack with the benefits of other classes. For example, at level 9 you could have an Ancient Oath Paladin with the Double Warded App and just crowd around him wherever you go. An average Fireball (28) would be halved to 14 and then reduced by 10, so even on a failed save everyone in the party is taking a max of 4 damage.
Good point about the Programming Glitch. I mainly thought it was a funny idea and wanted to put it out there :D No need to keep it, or at least not in its current state. Maybe it would happen when rolling a 1 on tool checks, but only if the player has at least 1 level in Wild Magic Sorcerer...? Groups seem to differ on whether they enjoy Wild Magic or loathe it, and gating that feature behind a multiclass that the DM approves would help here.
I was actually thinking about Paladins when I made the Warded, Evasive, Stolid & Robust app types. The Battle Smith Artificer has the feel of a Paladin-lite. Would Warded be better if it's INT/2 rounded up (so max of 3, 6 if doubled)? Or maybe Double shouldn't be available until 15th level. I'd like to keep the Double App to some degree, since that adds to the "math feel". Negate is essentially pointless, though it felt like a "balance" to Double... maybe a different operator is better. "Increment" (+1)? But that leaves things vague with Double and order of operation, i.e. 2x+1 vs. 2(x+1).
the double effect looks pretty strong especially with apps becoming an area of effect at the same level (if all your melle combatants had a app and one had the double effect they all pretty much all get dones of doubled effects) the area of effect good also use some revision maybe instead as an action a person with an app can spread the effect to single person within 30ft for a single turn.
Yeah. It would be better to have Expanded Scope and Expert App Dev at different levels. Maybe reduce the Scope to 5ft instead of 10ft, or have it require the bearer's action/bonus action to spread the effect for 1 round.
Also thinking about Remote Access; it's powerful, but kinda too neat an idea to remove entirely, and feels very "hacker." Getting it at 15th level seems appropriate, if we're getting into Epic levels. Would it be appropriate to give a limited Remote Access at a lower level, like with only touch spells, the way you can with a familiar or artificer homunculus? It's kinda too neat not to have an earlier taste, especially when campaigns don't often make it to 15th level.
I'd also like to hear if anyone has feedback on how well the features and the spell list fit the theme.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
Having some thoughts on what artisan tools could be used to produce Apps. I described Apps as just "flimsy, two-dimensional magical objects," keeping it vague enough to allow for different kinds of materials as the basis for an App, so long as the result is flimsy & 2D.
So, I'd like to allow more than just Calligrapher's Supplies. Cartographer's Tools, Leatherworker's Tools, Painter's Supplies and Weaver's Tools can all reasonably create flimsy 2D things. I'll allow choosing from that list of artisan's tools for Tool Proficiency, and you could use any of them to create Apps.
I wish there was an artisan tool clearly intended for creating paper. I just enjoy the idea of "programming" using scrapbooking skills, collage with construction paper and pressed flowers/leaves, origami... I suppose Tinker's Tools might count for making collage? That comes with a pot of glue, according to XGtE.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
Thanks for everyone's feedback! I've made some more refinements to the subclass and it's ready for playtesting! I've updated the top post, see what you think.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
I could use a bit of advice... would it be too much to grant an extra Artificer cantrip at either 3rd or 5th level, which can be switched out at a level up?
I'm thinking of limiting it to Touch spells, since that's primarily what it'll be for (casting buffs on party members who bear an App.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
If it's at 5th level, I think that's a mighty fine feature, maybe even have switch out on a rest. But that's pushing it.
Also a possible new version of glitch
When a creature would activate or benifit from an app or infusion, they must roll a d10. If they roll a 1, the infusion or app glitches, and does not apply it's affects. You then can create a random type of app that you can create (or one the dm chooses), which appears in the triggering creatures hands, and vanishes at the end of your next turn.
Well I'm kind of moving away from the "glitch" concept (especially since our party has a Wild Magic Sorcerer), but thanks for the feedback. Here's my cantrip feature so far:
Root Cantrip
5th-level Algorithmist feature
Choose one cantrip from the Artificer spell list that has a range of Touch. This cantrip doesn't count against your number of Artificer cantrips known, and can be changed out for another Artificer cantrip with a range of Touch after a long rest.
I've been working on an Artificer subclass with the theme of programming and would like some feedback on the subclass features and balance.
(Old version spoilered.)
I'm pretty sure it's overpowered as currently written and not everyone will like all the ideas, but I want to see what people think about the features before I try to implement them.
I think I have it in a pretty good state now, and I'll be playtesting it in a campaign! Here is the current version:
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
finally you finished it wow
fairly nice concept with a great (if a bit strong) execution
programming glitch might as well not exist or be more intresting then it is
the double effect looks pretty strong especially with apps becoming an area of effect at the same level (if all your melle combatants had a app and one had the double effect they all pretty much all get dones of doubled effects) the area of effect good also use some revision maybe instead as an action a person with an app can spread the effect to single person within 30ft for a single turn.
Check out my homebrew subclasses spells magic items feats monsters races
i am a sauce priest
help create a world here
looking back at this good job hope to see more from you
Check out my homebrew subclasses spells magic items feats monsters races
i am a sauce priest
help create a world here
IIRC, applying an infusion makes an object magical, so you may have to remove the restriction that Apps can only be applied to non-magical objects if you want it to stack with infusions. Either that or make an exception saying it can be applied to a non-magical object OR one bearing your infusions.
Three-time Judge of the Competition of the Finest Brews! Come join us in making fun, unique homebrew and voting for your favorite entries!
I have to agree that a feature involving rolling a 1 twice in a row on a d20 might as well not be there. You could go a whole campaign without triggering it.
It's really hard to figure out balance here because you have multiplicative effects like Double and Expanded Scope and they themselves stack with the benefits of other classes. For example, at level 9 you could have an Ancient Oath Paladin with the Double Warded App and just crowd around him wherever you go. An average Fireball (28) would be halved to 14 and then reduced by 10, so even on a failed save everyone in the party is taking a max of 4 damage.
My homebrew subclasses (full list here)
(Artificer) Swordmage | Glasswright | (Barbarian) Path of the Savage Embrace
(Bard) College of Dance | (Fighter) Warlord | Cannoneer
(Monk) Way of the Elements | (Ranger) Blade Dancer
(Rogue) DaggerMaster | Inquisitor | (Sorcerer) Riftwalker | Spellfist
(Warlock) The Swarm
Hooray, feedback!
That sounds fair, allowing either non-magical items or infused items. I'd been wavering on how to make Apps interact with magical/infused objects, and if they cause the object to be magical (like an infusion.) Or even if they need to be Applied to an object in order to work... eh, hard to be an App if they aren't applied to something ;)
Good point about the Programming Glitch. I mainly thought it was a funny idea and wanted to put it out there :D No need to keep it, or at least not in its current state. Maybe it would happen when rolling a 1 on tool checks, but only if the player has at least 1 level in Wild Magic Sorcerer...? Groups seem to differ on whether they enjoy Wild Magic or loathe it, and gating that feature behind a multiclass that the DM approves would help here.
I was actually thinking about Paladins when I made the Warded, Evasive, Stolid & Robust app types. The Battle Smith Artificer has the feel of a Paladin-lite. Would Warded be better if it's INT/2 rounded up (so max of 3, 6 if doubled)? Or maybe Double shouldn't be available until 15th level. I'd like to keep the Double App to some degree, since that adds to the "math feel". Negate is essentially pointless, though it felt like a "balance" to Double... maybe a different operator is better. "Increment" (+1)? But that leaves things vague with Double and order of operation, i.e. 2x+1 vs. 2(x+1).
Yeah. It would be better to have Expanded Scope and Expert App Dev at different levels. Maybe reduce the Scope to 5ft instead of 10ft, or have it require the bearer's action/bonus action to spread the effect for 1 round.
Also thinking about Remote Access; it's powerful, but kinda too neat an idea to remove entirely, and feels very "hacker." Getting it at 15th level seems appropriate, if we're getting into Epic levels. Would it be appropriate to give a limited Remote Access at a lower level, like with only touch spells, the way you can with a familiar or artificer homunculus? It's kinda too neat not to have an earlier taste, especially when campaigns don't often make it to 15th level.
I'd also like to hear if anyone has feedback on how well the features and the spell list fit the theme.
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
Having some thoughts on what artisan tools could be used to produce Apps. I described Apps as just "flimsy, two-dimensional magical objects," keeping it vague enough to allow for different kinds of materials as the basis for an App, so long as the result is flimsy & 2D.
So, I'd like to allow more than just Calligrapher's Supplies. Cartographer's Tools, Leatherworker's Tools, Painter's Supplies and Weaver's Tools can all reasonably create flimsy 2D things. I'll allow choosing from that list of artisan's tools for Tool Proficiency, and you could use any of them to create Apps.
I wish there was an artisan tool clearly intended for creating paper. I just enjoy the idea of "programming" using scrapbooking skills, collage with construction paper and pressed flowers/leaves, origami... I suppose Tinker's Tools might count for making collage? That comes with a pot of glue, according to XGtE.
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
Thanks for everyone's feedback! I've made some more refinements to the subclass and it's ready for playtesting! I've updated the top post, see what you think.
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
I could use a bit of advice... would it be too much to grant an extra Artificer cantrip at either 3rd or 5th level, which can be switched out at a level up?
I'm thinking of limiting it to Touch spells, since that's primarily what it'll be for (casting buffs on party members who bear an App.)
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
If it's at 5th level, I think that's a mighty fine feature, maybe even have switch out on a rest. But that's pushing it.
Also a possible new version of glitch
When a creature would activate or benifit from an app or infusion, they must roll a d10. If they roll a 1, the infusion or app glitches, and does not apply it's affects. You then can create a random type of app that you can create (or one the dm chooses), which appears in the triggering creatures hands, and vanishes at the end of your next turn.
My homebrew content: Monsters, subclasses, Magic items, Feats, spells, races, backgrounds
Well I'm kind of moving away from the "glitch" concept (especially since our party has a Wild Magic Sorcerer), but thanks for the feedback. Here's my cantrip feature so far:
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)
And my DM okayed the Root Cantrip feature! So I've added it to the top post.
Helpful rewriter of Japanese->English translation and delver into software codebases (she/e/they)