Artificer & Artillerist Guide: Tips & Tricks For Eberron

The Artificer class, especially the Artillerist subclass from Eberron: Rising from the Last War, offers a unique and engaging playstyle in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the Artificer and Artillerist, providing insights, tips, and advice to help you master this innovative class. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to D&D, understanding the Artificer's mechanics and the Artillerist's explosive potential can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Let’s explore the core features, abilities, and strategic considerations for playing an effective Artificer and Artillerist in your Eberron campaign.

Understanding the Artificer Class

The Artificer is a distinctive class in D&D 5e, blending magic with technology to create a versatile and powerful character. Unlike traditional spellcasters who draw power from deities or the Weave, Artificers use their knowledge of devices and ingenuity to weave magical effects. This class is perfect for players who enjoy a blend of problem-solving, crafting, and combat. The Artificer’s spell list includes a mix of utility, support, and damage spells, making them valuable in various situations. One of the key features of the Artificer is their ability to infuse items with magical properties, enhancing their and their party's capabilities. This infusion mechanic sets them apart from other classes and provides a unique flavor to their gameplay.

Key Features of the Artificer

At its core, the Artificer class is defined by its ability to infuse items with magical enhancements, create magical devices, and use a variety of tools to solve problems. This section will dissect the key features that make the Artificer a standout class in D&D 5e.

• Magical Tinkering: This ability allows Artificers to imbue objects with temporary magical effects, creating minor illusions or sounds, or altering an object’s color. It’s a versatile tool for both roleplaying and problem-solving scenarios.
• Infuse Item: A signature feature of the Artificer, Infuse Item allows the Artificer to imbue mundane items with magical properties. These infusions can enhance weapons, armor, and other equipment, providing significant benefits to the Artificer and their party. The number of infusions an Artificer can maintain at one time is limited, so strategic choices are crucial.
• Artificer Specializations: At 3rd level, an Artificer chooses a specialization, which further defines their playstyle. The Artillerist is one such specialization, focusing on ranged damage and battlefield control through the use of magical cannons. Other specializations include the Alchemist, Battle Smith, and Armorer, each offering a unique approach to the Artificer's core mechanics.
• Tool Expertise: Artificers gain expertise with all tools they are proficient with, doubling their proficiency bonus for any ability check that uses those tools. This feature highlights the Artificer's mastery of their craft and their ability to use tools effectively in various situations.
• The Right Tool for the Job: This ability allows the Artificer to conjure a set of artisan’s tools they are proficient with, providing them with the necessary equipment for their creations and repairs. It ensures that the Artificer is always prepared for any challenge that requires their skills.

Strategic Considerations for Playing an Artificer

Playing an Artificer requires a strategic mindset, as their abilities are versatile but also require careful planning. The Artificer shines when players consider how their infusions and gadgets can best support the party. For example, choosing the right infusions can significantly boost the party's combat effectiveness, while carefully placed gadgets can control the battlefield. Managing your infusions and spell slots is crucial, as the Artificer has a limited number of each. Consider which infusions will provide the most significant benefits and which spells will be most effective in the situations you anticipate. Communication with your party is also key. Coordinate with your teammates to understand their needs and how your abilities can best complement their strengths. An Artificer who works well with their party can be a formidable asset, providing both direct support and strategic advantages. Remember, the Artificer is not just a spellcaster or a fighter; they are a blend of both, making them a unique and valuable addition to any adventuring group.

Diving Deep into the Artillerist Subclass

The Artillerist is one of the Artificer's subclasses, which focuses on dealing damage from a distance and controlling the battlefield. This subclass is perfect for players who enjoy a more tactical approach to combat, using magical cannons to unleash powerful attacks and support their allies. The Artillerist’s defining feature is the Eldritch Cannon, a magical turret that can be deployed to provide ranged attacks, temporary hit points, or even act as a mobile artillery piece. Understanding how to effectively use the Eldritch Cannon is crucial to mastering the Artillerist subclass. In addition to the Eldritch Cannon, Artillerists gain access to spells and abilities that enhance their damage output and battlefield control, making them a formidable force in any encounter.

Key Features of the Artillerist

The Artillerist subclass sets itself apart with its focus on ranged damage and battlefield control, primarily through the use of the Eldritch Cannon. Let's dissect the key features that make the Artillerist a formidable subclass within the Artificer class.

• Eldritch Cannon: This is the Artillerist's signature ability. At 3rd level, you can create a magical cannon in one of three forms: a Flamethrower for close-range damage, a Force Ballista for long-range attacks, or a Protector for providing temporary hit points to allies. The cannon can be deployed as an action and lasts for an hour, or until it is destroyed. It uses your spell slots to be created and maintained, so managing your resources is essential.
• Arcane Firearm: At 5th level, you gain the ability to channel your spells through a weapon, adding an extra 1d8 damage to one damage roll of a spell you cast through the weapon. This significantly boosts your damage output, making your spells even more potent.
• Explosive Cannon: By 9th level, your Eldritch Cannon becomes even more powerful. The damage dice for the Flamethrower and Force Ballista cannons increase, and the Protector cannon grants more temporary hit points. This upgrade enhances the Artillerist's ability to control the battlefield and support their allies.
• Fortified Position: At 15th level, you gain the ability to create a temporary shield around yourself and your allies when you have an Eldritch Cannon deployed. This shield provides extra protection, making it harder for enemies to target you and your party.

Strategic Considerations for Playing an Artillerist

Playing an Artillerist effectively requires a deep understanding of battlefield positioning and resource management. The Eldritch Cannon is your primary tool, and choosing the right cannon for the situation is crucial. The Force Ballista is excellent for dealing ranged damage, the Flamethrower is effective against groups of enemies, and the Protector can provide valuable temporary hit points to your allies. Positioning your cannon strategically can control enemy movement and provide cover for your party. Remember that the cannon has its own hit points and can be targeted by enemies, so placing it in a safe location is essential. Resource management is also key. Creating and maintaining your cannon consumes spell slots, so you need to balance its use with your other spells. The Arcane Firearm ability significantly boosts your spell damage, making your spells a powerful offensive option. Communication with your party is vital to maximize the Artillerist's effectiveness. Coordinate your cannon placement and attacks with your party's tactics to control the battlefield and protect your allies. A well-played Artillerist can be a formidable damage dealer and a valuable support character, making them a versatile asset to any party.

Mastering the Artillerist in Eberron

The Eberron campaign setting provides a unique backdrop for the Artillerist, with its blend of magic and technology creating a natural fit for this subclass. In Eberron, Artificers are not just arcane inventors; they are vital members of society, developing new technologies and magical devices that shape the world. The Artillerist’s focus on ranged combat and battlefield control aligns well with the setting's themes of innovation and warfare. Playing an Artillerist in Eberron allows you to explore the intersection of magic and technology, creating a character who is both a skilled spellcaster and a master inventor. Understanding the setting’s lore and how Artificers fit into its society can enrich your gameplay and provide a compelling backstory for your character.

Eberron-Specific Tips for Artillerists

When playing an Artillerist in Eberron, there are specific setting elements to consider that can enhance your character's effectiveness and roleplaying opportunities. This section provides tailored tips for Artillerists in the Eberron campaign setting.

• Embrace the Setting's Technology: Eberron is a world where magic and technology coexist, and Artificers are at the forefront of this blend. Incorporate technological elements into your character's backstory, equipment, and tactics. Consider using gadgets, inventions, and mechanical enhancements to complement your magical abilities. This not only enhances your character's flavor but also provides practical advantages in combat and exploration.
• Explore the Cannith Artificer Guild: The House Cannith is a powerful dragonmarked house in Eberron known for its Artificers and inventors. Joining or interacting with the Cannith Artificer Guild can provide your character with access to unique resources, training, and quests. It also opens up opportunities for roleplaying and character development, as you navigate the politics and rivalries within the guild.
• Utilize Dragonshards: Dragonshards are magical crystals found throughout Eberron, and they are essential components for many Artificer creations. Seek out opportunities to acquire and use dragonshards in your infusions, cannons, and other magical devices. Experiment with different types of dragonshards to discover their unique properties and how they can enhance your abilities.
• Incorporate Eberron Lore into Your Backstory: Eberron has a rich history and lore that can add depth to your character's backstory. Consider how your character's experiences and motivations tie into the setting's conflicts, cultures, and factions. This can provide a compelling narrative framework for your character's actions and decisions.

Optimizing Your Artillerist Build in Eberron

To truly excel as an Artillerist in Eberron, optimizing your build is crucial. This involves selecting the right spells, infusions, and equipment to maximize your effectiveness in combat and other situations. Focus on spells that complement your Eldritch Cannon, such as those that provide battlefield control, deal ranged damage, or support your allies. Infusions that enhance your weapons, armor, and tools can significantly boost your capabilities. Additionally, consider feats that improve your spellcasting, damage output, or survivability. For example, the **