Artificer Character Handbook
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
Unlike other materials that feel like a collection of disconnected options, the Artificer Character Handbook offers a deep dive into the creative minds of these characters. This isn’t a guy with a wrench and a scroll. We’re talking inventors whose very existence shifts the course of the story. Every blueprint, every miscalculation, every invention-gone-wrong has consequences, for better or worse. And you, yes, you, are the one driving those decisions.
This sourcebook is system-agnostic, which means you can easily slot it into your current campaign without rearranging the entire setting. Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer or someone looking for new storytelling opportunities, Artificer fits. You want a mad genius whose innovations are the stuff of legend? Done. Or maybe a quiet, meticulous craftsperson whose inventions subtly shape the fate of a nation? That’s here too. You’ll get enough inspiration and options to craft a character as unique as the inventions they create.
It’s perfect for anyone who’s looking to add a new dimension to their sessions. This is not your basic, cookie-cutter character. Whether you’re running a traditional campaign or one of those off-the-rails homebrews, Artificer brings something new while still feeling like an old friend. Familiar enough that you’ll know how to use it from the get-go, but different enough to shake things up in the best possible way.
The heart of this book is imagination, collaboration, and player agency. Everything is designed to enhance the shared story, making your artificer more than a stat block with a hammer and some spare parts. You’ll have the chance to create, destroy, and rebuild in ways that affect everyone around you. It’s a roleplaying experience that puts character first, with decisions that shape the narrative in ways you might not expect.
If you’re a fan of fantasy roleplaying, this is the book that’s going to make you rethink how you play an artificer.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. It’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s what you can expect inside the pages of Artificer:
Background: You’ll find an in-depth exploration of the Artificer profession, breaking down what makes this character type so compelling in modern roleplaying. It goes beyond the stereotype of the “mad inventor” to show the depth and range these characters can offer. Whether they’re quiet crafters working in the shadows or eccentric geniuses flaunting their latest creations, the background section will help you frame your Artificer in a way that feels alive and purposeful.
Traits: Artificers are known for their unique skill sets, and we’ve laid out a selection of common traits to help define these characters. These abilities can be used as-is in your game or serve as a starting point for developing your own bespoke version of an Artificer. Each trait offers a window into how an Artificer interacts with the world, both mechanically and narratively, allowing you to create memorable moments where your character’s skills truly shine.
Resources: What does an Artificer have access to? Tools, specialized equipment, and contacts are the beginning. This section offers a breakdown of the invaluable resources an Artificer might leverage, giving them the edge they need to survive and thrive in a fantasy setting. From rare materials to underground networks of traders and blacksmiths, the resources at an Artificer’s disposal can change the game.
Variants: The Artificer is more than one archetype. This section explores fascinating variations, showing how the concept of the Artificer can be adapted to fit different settings, time periods, and playstyles. Whether they’re tech-savvy engineers in a steampunk world or arcane smiths in a traditional fantasy kingdom, the variants presented here are sure to spark your imagination.
Worldbuilding: Want to know what your setting needs to support Artificers? We’ve got that covered. This section outlines the elements your world should have in place to make the existence of Artificers feel natural and integrated. From technological advancements to economic systems, we explore what’s implied by the presence of these master crafters and how their work can impact the world on a grand scale.
Factions: Artificers rarely work in isolation, and this section introduces you to different factions and organizations that Artificers might be a part of, or in conflict with. Whether they’re members of secretive guilds or corporate-backed think tanks, these groups provide ready-made plotlines and intrigue for your sessions.
Adventures: What kinds of adventures make sense for an Artificer? We’ll give you advice on crafting stories specifically tailored to this character type. From building deadly machines to save a kingdom to getting wrapped up in political intrigue because of their latest invention, Artificer-focused adventures have a flavor all their own.
Artifacts & Relics: A collection of powerful arcane, sacred, and cultural magic items of significance to Artificer characters, offering objects to add to your worldbuilding and interesting MacGuffins for your fantasy adventures.
Creatures of Artifice: A collection of notes and ideas on how creatures might be affected by the existence Artificer technology, and the possible relationships between various creature types and practitioners of this profession.
Reference: Finally, this section offers quick access to stock characters, factions, creatures, and equipment. You’ll find notes on converting this material into your system of choice and vice-versa. To cap it off, we’ve included a glossary of terms and a bibliography of works that inspired this sourcebook.
196 pages. PDF and epub files included.
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
Unlike other materials that feel like a collection of disconnected options, the Artificer Character Handbook offers a deep dive into the creative minds of these characters. This isn’t a guy with a wrench and a scroll. We’re talking inventors whose very existence shifts the course of the story. Every blueprint, every miscalculation, every invention-gone-wrong has consequences, for better or worse. And you, yes, you, are the one driving those decisions.
This sourcebook is system-agnostic, which means you can easily slot it into your current campaign without rearranging the entire setting. Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer or someone looking for new storytelling opportunities, Artificer fits. You want a mad genius whose innovations are the stuff of legend? Done. Or maybe a quiet, meticulous craftsperson whose inventions subtly shape the fate of a nation? That’s here too. You’ll get enough inspiration and options to craft a character as unique as the inventions they create.
It’s perfect for anyone who’s looking to add a new dimension to their sessions. This is not your basic, cookie-cutter character. Whether you’re running a traditional campaign or one of those off-the-rails homebrews, Artificer brings something new while still feeling like an old friend. Familiar enough that you’ll know how to use it from the get-go, but different enough to shake things up in the best possible way.
The heart of this book is imagination, collaboration, and player agency. Everything is designed to enhance the shared story, making your artificer more than a stat block with a hammer and some spare parts. You’ll have the chance to create, destroy, and rebuild in ways that affect everyone around you. It’s a roleplaying experience that puts character first, with decisions that shape the narrative in ways you might not expect.
If you’re a fan of fantasy roleplaying, this is the book that’s going to make you rethink how you play an artificer.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. It’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s what you can expect inside the pages of Artificer:
Background: You’ll find an in-depth exploration of the Artificer profession, breaking down what makes this character type so compelling in modern roleplaying. It goes beyond the stereotype of the “mad inventor” to show the depth and range these characters can offer. Whether they’re quiet crafters working in the shadows or eccentric geniuses flaunting their latest creations, the background section will help you frame your Artificer in a way that feels alive and purposeful.
Traits: Artificers are known for their unique skill sets, and we’ve laid out a selection of common traits to help define these characters. These abilities can be used as-is in your game or serve as a starting point for developing your own bespoke version of an Artificer. Each trait offers a window into how an Artificer interacts with the world, both mechanically and narratively, allowing you to create memorable moments where your character’s skills truly shine.
Resources: What does an Artificer have access to? Tools, specialized equipment, and contacts are the beginning. This section offers a breakdown of the invaluable resources an Artificer might leverage, giving them the edge they need to survive and thrive in a fantasy setting. From rare materials to underground networks of traders and blacksmiths, the resources at an Artificer’s disposal can change the game.
Variants: The Artificer is more than one archetype. This section explores fascinating variations, showing how the concept of the Artificer can be adapted to fit different settings, time periods, and playstyles. Whether they’re tech-savvy engineers in a steampunk world or arcane smiths in a traditional fantasy kingdom, the variants presented here are sure to spark your imagination.
Worldbuilding: Want to know what your setting needs to support Artificers? We’ve got that covered. This section outlines the elements your world should have in place to make the existence of Artificers feel natural and integrated. From technological advancements to economic systems, we explore what’s implied by the presence of these master crafters and how their work can impact the world on a grand scale.
Factions: Artificers rarely work in isolation, and this section introduces you to different factions and organizations that Artificers might be a part of, or in conflict with. Whether they’re members of secretive guilds or corporate-backed think tanks, these groups provide ready-made plotlines and intrigue for your sessions.
Adventures: What kinds of adventures make sense for an Artificer? We’ll give you advice on crafting stories specifically tailored to this character type. From building deadly machines to save a kingdom to getting wrapped up in political intrigue because of their latest invention, Artificer-focused adventures have a flavor all their own.
Artifacts & Relics: A collection of powerful arcane, sacred, and cultural magic items of significance to Artificer characters, offering objects to add to your worldbuilding and interesting MacGuffins for your fantasy adventures.
Creatures of Artifice: A collection of notes and ideas on how creatures might be affected by the existence Artificer technology, and the possible relationships between various creature types and practitioners of this profession.
Reference: Finally, this section offers quick access to stock characters, factions, creatures, and equipment. You’ll find notes on converting this material into your system of choice and vice-versa. To cap it off, we’ve included a glossary of terms and a bibliography of works that inspired this sourcebook.
196 pages. PDF and epub files included.
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
Unlike other materials that feel like a collection of disconnected options, the Artificer Character Handbook offers a deep dive into the creative minds of these characters. This isn’t a guy with a wrench and a scroll. We’re talking inventors whose very existence shifts the course of the story. Every blueprint, every miscalculation, every invention-gone-wrong has consequences, for better or worse. And you, yes, you, are the one driving those decisions.
This sourcebook is system-agnostic, which means you can easily slot it into your current campaign without rearranging the entire setting. Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer or someone looking for new storytelling opportunities, Artificer fits. You want a mad genius whose innovations are the stuff of legend? Done. Or maybe a quiet, meticulous craftsperson whose inventions subtly shape the fate of a nation? That’s here too. You’ll get enough inspiration and options to craft a character as unique as the inventions they create.
It’s perfect for anyone who’s looking to add a new dimension to their sessions. This is not your basic, cookie-cutter character. Whether you’re running a traditional campaign or one of those off-the-rails homebrews, Artificer brings something new while still feeling like an old friend. Familiar enough that you’ll know how to use it from the get-go, but different enough to shake things up in the best possible way.
The heart of this book is imagination, collaboration, and player agency. Everything is designed to enhance the shared story, making your artificer more than a stat block with a hammer and some spare parts. You’ll have the chance to create, destroy, and rebuild in ways that affect everyone around you. It’s a roleplaying experience that puts character first, with decisions that shape the narrative in ways you might not expect.
If you’re a fan of fantasy roleplaying, this is the book that’s going to make you rethink how you play an artificer.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. It’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook, available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s what you can expect inside the pages of Artificer:
Background: You’ll find an in-depth exploration of the Artificer profession, breaking down what makes this character type so compelling in modern roleplaying. It goes beyond the stereotype of the “mad inventor” to show the depth and range these characters can offer. Whether they’re quiet crafters working in the shadows or eccentric geniuses flaunting their latest creations, the background section will help you frame your Artificer in a way that feels alive and purposeful.
Traits: Artificers are known for their unique skill sets, and we’ve laid out a selection of common traits to help define these characters. These abilities can be used as-is in your game or serve as a starting point for developing your own bespoke version of an Artificer. Each trait offers a window into how an Artificer interacts with the world, both mechanically and narratively, allowing you to create memorable moments where your character’s skills truly shine.
Resources: What does an Artificer have access to? Tools, specialized equipment, and contacts are the beginning. This section offers a breakdown of the invaluable resources an Artificer might leverage, giving them the edge they need to survive and thrive in a fantasy setting. From rare materials to underground networks of traders and blacksmiths, the resources at an Artificer’s disposal can change the game.
Variants: The Artificer is more than one archetype. This section explores fascinating variations, showing how the concept of the Artificer can be adapted to fit different settings, time periods, and playstyles. Whether they’re tech-savvy engineers in a steampunk world or arcane smiths in a traditional fantasy kingdom, the variants presented here are sure to spark your imagination.
Worldbuilding: Want to know what your setting needs to support Artificers? We’ve got that covered. This section outlines the elements your world should have in place to make the existence of Artificers feel natural and integrated. From technological advancements to economic systems, we explore what’s implied by the presence of these master crafters and how their work can impact the world on a grand scale.
Factions: Artificers rarely work in isolation, and this section introduces you to different factions and organizations that Artificers might be a part of, or in conflict with. Whether they’re members of secretive guilds or corporate-backed think tanks, these groups provide ready-made plotlines and intrigue for your sessions.
Adventures: What kinds of adventures make sense for an Artificer? We’ll give you advice on crafting stories specifically tailored to this character type. From building deadly machines to save a kingdom to getting wrapped up in political intrigue because of their latest invention, Artificer-focused adventures have a flavor all their own.
Artifacts & Relics: A collection of powerful arcane, sacred, and cultural magic items of significance to Artificer characters, offering objects to add to your worldbuilding and interesting MacGuffins for your fantasy adventures.
Creatures of Artifice: A collection of notes and ideas on how creatures might be affected by the existence Artificer technology, and the possible relationships between various creature types and practitioners of this profession.
Reference: Finally, this section offers quick access to stock characters, factions, creatures, and equipment. You’ll find notes on converting this material into your system of choice and vice-versa. To cap it off, we’ve included a glossary of terms and a bibliography of works that inspired this sourcebook.
196 pages. PDF and epub files included.