Forge Ahead! New ‘D&D’ Book ‘Eberron: Forge of the Artificer’ Revamps the Master Inventor

Prepare to tinker, invent, and unleash wondrous creations! Wizards of the Coast has announced the upcoming release of Eberron: Forge of the Artificer, a brand-new Dungeons & Dragons sourcebook dedicated to the fascinating and versatile Artificer class, revised and reimagined for the D&D 2024 evolution. Set to officially launch on August 19th, with an early release for local game stores on August 5th, this book promises to be a treasure trove for players who love to blend magic and machinery.

For those unfamiliar, the Artificer is a relatively recent addition to the official D&D class roster, first appearing in the Eberron setting book, Eberron: Rising from the Last War, in 2019. This class uniquely blends arcane knowledge with a knack for crafting magical devices, imbuing everyday objects with extraordinary properties, and even creating powerful mechanical companions. Now, Eberron: Forge of the Artificer takes this inventive spirit to a whole new level, offering a comprehensive and updated take on the class for the evolving ruleset.

One of the most exciting aspects of this new book is the sheer breadth of options it provides for Artificer characters. Players can look forward to a staggering 40 layer options, allowing for deep customization and the creation of truly unique inventors. Within these layers, the book will feature five distinct Artificer subclasses, providing diverse playstyles and thematic focuses. Notably, this includes a brand-new subclass: the Cartographer. While details on this subclass are currently scarce, the name hints at exciting possibilities for Artificers who specialize in exploration, navigation, and perhaps even the magical manipulation of maps and terrain.

But the Forge of the Artificer isn’t just about the central class. The book significantly expands the character creation options within the Eberron setting. Players can expect:

• 5 Revised Species: Offering fresh perspectives and potentially updated mechanics for some of Eberron’s unique races.
• 18 Backgrounds: Providing a rich tapestry of origins and skills tailored to the world of Eberron and the inventive nature of Artificers.
• 28 Feats: This includes a significant update to Dragonmarks, the hereditary magical sigils unique to certain bloodlines in Eberron. These powerful feats are now redesigned and no longer species-locked, opening up exciting new character concepts and combinations.

Beyond character options, Eberron: Forge of the Artificer is packed with new tools and lore to enhance your Eberron campaigns:

• New Spells: Expanding the Artificer’s magical repertoire and potentially introducing new arcane techniques tied to their inventions.
• Bastions: This is an intriguing addition! The term suggests customizable strongholds or workshops that Artificers can create and enhance, offering a unique layer of gameplay and character progression. Imagine a mobile workshop, a magically fortified laboratory, or a hidden inventor’s sanctum!
• Magic Items: A plethora of new enchanted gadgets, wondrous devices, and arcane artifacts perfect for Artificers and other adventurers in Eberron.

And for Dungeon Masters, the book offers a wealth of new encounters and challenges:

• Over 20 New Monsters: Each of these creatures is specifically inspired by a campaign model within Eberron. The book details three distinct campaign styles: fantasy noir, political thriller, and pulp adventure. This suggests a diverse range of foes, from shadowy figures lurking in the underbelly of Sharn to monstrous creations born from arcane experiments and thrilling adversaries encountered in daring expeditions.

With a suggested retail price of $29.99, Eberron: Forge of the Artificer looks set to be an essential addition to any D&D player’s collection, especially those drawn to the ingenuity and magical innovation of the Artificer class. Whether you’re a seasoned Eberron enthusiast or a player curious to explore this unique and dynamic setting, this book promises a wealth of new character options, lore, and thrilling encounters. Mark your calendars for the early release on August 5th at your local game store, or the wider release on August 19th, and get ready to forge your own legendary creations!