D&D 5E (2024) Homunculus Servant, Conjure Constructs, Deryan's Helpful Homunculi have class restrictions that make no sense

[Paul Farquhar]

Picture caption: "DERYAN KAYA SUMONS A HORDE OF CONSTRUCTS TO FIGHT OFF A BLUE DRAGON"

Book text: Artificers can cast neither the Conjure Constructs spell (which is the one which would summon a "horde" of constructs), nor the Deryan's Helpful Homunculi spell named after the Artificer in the picture. Nice attention to detail there WotC

Tasha's spells are still technically legal, and the 4th level Conjure Construct in Tasha's is an artificer spell. Deryan is obviously a rules lawyer who peruses dusty old tomes.

 

[DrJawaPhD]

Tasha's spells are still technically legal, and the 4th level Conjure Construct in Tasha's is an artificer spell.

Tasha's had 4th level Summon Construct, which wouldn't be legal at most tables since it was reprinted in the 2024 PHB, but also it was actually listed in the new Eberron book as an Artificer spell so no issues there.

The 3rd level spell Conjure Constructs is what should presumably be listed as an Artificer spell, but is not. The spell is absolutely awful though so it really doesn't matter. 3rd level spell doing 3d6 single target damage or 1d6 + Spellcasting mod temp HP, requires concentration, and is repeatable each turn if you use your entire action for it. It's crazy how underpowered that is compared to other 3rd level spells, and really makes you question whether WotC is even paying attention to what they publish

 

[GarrettKP]

It's obvious that the reason wizards don't normally have a homunculus (although rules by which wizards can construct one have appeared in D&D in the past) is because they have familiars. And in lore (D&D and otherwise) that is the difference between a homunculus and a familiar: a homunculus is grown in a lab, whereas a familiar is an evil spirit in animal form sent by the Devil - and hence should really be a warlock only thing.

That is not what Familiars are in D&D. They can be fiends, but they can also be celestials or fey. They are not evil inherently.

 

[GarrettKP]

Tasha's had 4th level Summon Construct, which wouldn't be legal at most tables since it was reprinted in the 2024 PHB, but also it was actually listed in the new Eberron book as an Artificer spell so no issues there.

The 3rd level spell Conjure Constructs is what should presumably be listed as an Artificer spell, but is not. The spell is absolutely awful though so it really doesn't matter. 3rd level spell doing 3d6 single target damage or 1d6 + Spellcasting mod temp HP, requires concentration, and is repeatable each turn if you use your entire action for it. It's crazy how underpowered that is compared to other 3rd level spells, and really makes you question whether WotC is even paying attention to what they publish

Conjure Constructs not being on the Artificer Spell list is because the class was not out by the time the Faerun books were printed. My guess is that the next "Of Everything" book that will likely reprint some setting-specific game mechanics in a setting-neutral space will add it and possibly other spells to the Artificer proper.