Artificer

System for Multi-Classing into Artificer

1. Make a Puzzle/Gadget

The player must create a mechanical puzzle or a functional gadget. This can be something simple like a puzzle box, a lock mechanism, or even a small automaton. This task will help demonstrate their creativity and understanding of basic artificing concepts. This could be something the player makes over time, and the complexity of the puzzle or gadget should increase based on the player’s ability.

How to Complete:

• The player must describe their design and the purpose of the gadget/puzzle to the DM.
• The DM may require a Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) or Intelligence (Investigation) check to successfully build the item.
• Alternatively, the player can use their Tool Proficiency (such as Tinker’s Tools) to help make the gadget.

Completion Criteria:

• The gadget/puzzle must be functional and show some level of ingenuity.
• The player must present their creation to their mentor or a craft expert, who will give them feedback on the item, validating the effort.

2. Minimum INT Stat of 14

Since Artificers are heavily reliant on Intelligence for their abilities, the player must have an Intelligence score of 14 or higher. This can either be achieved through leveling up or a permanent boost via magic or training.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must have an INT score of 14 or higher at the time they seek multi-classing into Artificer.
• If the player has not yet reached this score, they will need to work toward it through training or by spending time researching or studying to improve their intelligence.

3. Tool Proficiency

The player must be proficient with Tinker’s Tools, Alchemist’s Supplies, or Smith’s Tools (or another appropriate set of tools). This demonstrates their familiarity with the fundamental tools an Artificer uses.

How to Complete:

• The player should either already have proficiency in one of these tools or complete a short quest that involves gaining proficiency.
• They can spend time training under an experienced Artificer, engineer, or blacksmith.
• The player can either complete a mini-quest to learn this proficiency or gain it by using their downtime to study the tools and use them in practical scenarios.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must demonstrate proficiency in the tools they want to use (i.e., perform an action requiring the use of the tools in a meaningful way, such as crafting a small item or repair).

4. Magic Study

The Artificer class has access to magic, and the player must demonstrate a basic understanding of magic, even if they don’t yet have access to spellcasting. This could include learning from a mentor or researching magical principles.

How to Complete:

• The player must study a particular school of magic that relates to their craft, such as abjuration or transmutation.
• The player must either receive tutoring from a magical mentor, learn about magical theory, or demonstrate a rudimentary understanding of magic through experimentation.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must pass a DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check to prove their understanding of basic magic. Alternatively, they could have successfully completed a magical crafting project under the guidance of a mentor.
• The player must take part in a ritual, seminar, or magical experiment that requires some theoretical knowledge and practical application of magic.

5. Crafting Practice

The player must dedicate time to crafting, whether it be an item or an improvement to an existing piece of equipment. Crafting is a hallmark of the Artificer class, and this task serves to show the player’s readiness to use the tools and magical principles they've learned.

How to Complete:

• The player must craft an item using their proficiency in tools, magic, or a combination of the two. For example, a healing potion, a magical trinket, or a small mechanical construct.
• The item crafted must demonstrate a combination of skill and magical aptitude. For example, creating a magical infused weapon, an alchemical potion, or a clockwork animal.

Completion Criteria:

• The player should craft an item that aligns with the Artificer's skill set and present it to their mentor or a relevant NPC (such as a craftmaster or magical scholar).
• The item should have a reasonable level of utility or magical property based on the player’s resources.

Finalizing the Multi-Classing

Once the player has completed all of these tasks, they can approach a mentor or relevant NPC in the game world (such as a guildmaster, an experienced Artificer, or a magic academic) to be initiated into the Artificer class. This could involve a formal ceremony or a personal conversation where the mentor offers their approval based on the player’s completed work.

Completion Criteria:

• The player has demonstrated their proficiency with tools, understanding of magic, and capability in crafting.
• The player has completed a series of tasks or quests that prove their readiness to take on the Artificer class.
• The player is granted the opportunity to multi-class into Artificer, gaining access to the relevant class abilities.

Bonus System for Extra Depth

To make the multi-classing system feel even more immersive, you can introduce Skill Development Milestones for each of the tasks, such as:

• Puzzle Completion: Completing different tiers of gadgetry or puzzles could unlock special features (e.g., mechanical traps, complex puzzle locks, or combat gadgets).
• Tool Mastery: Beyond proficiency, players could earn special abilities or bonuses tied to specific tool sets (e.g., tinkering tools could unlock new inventions or mechanical allies).
• Magic Research: Successful magic studies could allow the player to learn a cantrip or low-level spell to simulate their initial grasp of magic.
• Crafting Practice: As players craft items, they could earn crafting experience that allows them to create more powerful magical items.