NOW LIVE! Today's the day you meet your new best friend. You don’t have to leave Wolfy behind... In 'Pets & Sidekicks' your companions level up with you!

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kurotowa" data-source="post: 9653528" data-attributes="member: 27957">I've been churning over how a Reanimator Artificer would look in play, and here's what I've got so far.The subclass is built around the Reanimated Companion, and the Companion is built around modular enhancements that you can swap out every time you resummon it. This is important because it makes it somewhat easier to switch up your tactics, depending on your level range and adventure circumstances.On its own, the Reanimated Companion is a little squishy. It has less HP than a Battle Smith's Steel Defender, and a lower AC until the Artificer hits Int 20. To balance this, it has a pseudo-Disengage where foes it hits can't make Opportunity Attacks. With that, the obvious tactic is for it to do Rogue-style hit and run maneuvers.A major decision branch is the 5th level feature, Strange Modifications. With Ferocity the Companion gets a second attack, and this is probably the best choice in Tier 2. Grab a Light Crossbow and True Strike, send the Companion in, it's good damage. At higher level, Arcane Conduit becomes more attractive. It shines on big AoE spells like Lightning Bolt because it doesn't have a clause limiting the bonus damage to one target. And in between big spells you can maybe fill with Shocking Grasp, which you want anyway to heal your Companion and oh look it has the same "Seals Opportunity Attacks" effect to help the Companion get out.Another possible trend at higher levels is treating your Companion is a more disposable way. All the enhancements from Improved Reanimation reward throwing it into the thick of things, ether because of a debuff aura or retaliatory damage or a bigger death explosion. Since it only costs a 1st level spell slot and an Action to resummon it, it doesn't seem like you're supposed to baby it or treat it as a beloved pet. Rather, it's on-brand to throw your sacrificial constructs into the thick of things.</blockquote>

Verification