Post/Author/DateTime	Post
drss 05-09-04, 07:15 AM	How would these 2 classes work out together? I am not completely sure still what Artificers are supposed to be good for even after reading Dragon. I only know it is some kind of equipment enchanting class. But can whatever spells Artificers have be used on arrows? I'd like the concept of some sort of Artifact Archer. Btw, can someone enlighten me as to why Artificers uses Cha instead of Int for spells? Intuitively, I would have thought Artificers would be an intelligence based profession. Thanks.
RabidWeasel 05-09-04, 11:04 AM	They do use int, don't they? The only significant way in which the artificer class uses charisma to give bonuses to UMD checks.
Ph33r_the_Wheelchair 05-09-04, 01:41 PM	Artificers do use INT for their "augmentations," but CHA is important because it is the ability tied to Use Magic Device, which is extremely important for an artificer. The reason artificers are good (as I see it) is because, besides getting all the Item Creation feats automatically, they can create any magic item without being able to cast the required spells, instead, they make a Use Magic Device check. I actually see this as being even more important than their augmentations, although the "repair damage" augmentations will be very useful if the party includes a warforged. Personally, I think artificers are great; they're reasonablely powered, but very different from any other class out there.
JohnnyONeal 05-09-04, 02:56 PM	The artificer is really an incredibly versatile, effective class. They have good skills, medium attack bonus progression, a small pool of practical, spontaneous "spells" (augmentations), a special pool of XP so they can create far more magic items than other spellcasters, and the ability to do all of this in any type of armor. In fact, an artificer who focused on scrolls could do almost as much spellcasting as a wizard, with the only restriction being that the Use Magic Device requirement creates a small chance of failure. Of course, I'd still say the class is balanced. You'll never be as good at spellcasting, device disabling, or fighting as the classes that specialize in those abilities. You also have to spread out your ability scores (though the ability-boosting magic items you create can make up for that). It's a great jack-of-all trades class. Think of it as a more powerful bard who doesn't sing. An archery-oriented artificer would be a good choice, since augmentations work on ranged weapons and the class is already support-oriented.
Ph33r_the_Wheelchair 05-09-04, 04:42 PM	Hmmm... the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of an artificer with a bow, probably with the obligatory 2 levels of fighter, and probably either an elf (because elves are all about the archery) or a warforged (because a warforged artificer just seems to fit). As I said, I'm really excited about the artificer class, and can't wait to see the full progression, along with the full list and descriptions of augmentations. Of course, I'm really excited about everything Eberron, so that's not really saying much. :D