Do you enjoy creating characters that are contradictions of themselves? For many people, a Half-Orc Artificer is an oxymoron that’s come to life. Artificers are people who seek to harness magic through science and invention. On the other hand, Half-Orcs are often seen as creatures of brute strength and quick tempers.

A Half-Orc Artificer character is the marriage of these two stereotypical traits. Keep reading to learn how to create one. We also included the various ways you can play your Half-Orc Artificer character in a game.

The Artificer class can be found in either Eberron: Rising from the Last War OR Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Click here to pick up your copy of Eberron: Rising from the Last War OR click here to pick up your own copy of Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything!

The Half-Orc Race can be found in the Player’s Handbook. Click here to pick up your own copy of The Player’s Handbook!

How to Make a Half-Orc Artificer

When you create your Half-Orc Artificer, the first step is to roll for your stats. In D&D, your class is the primary aspect of your character. Artificers must be intellectually gifted and curious, so place your highest roll under Intelligence. You can place the second-highest roll under Constitution or Strength, depending on how you want to play your character.

Next, choose what kind of subclass or Artificer Specialist you want to become later. Three of the Artificer subclasses are:

• Alchemist
• Artillerist
• Battle Smith

If you want to provide healing and use alchemical damage, the Alchemist is the class for you. If you want to focus your talents in battle, follow the Artillerist’s path. Battle Smiths gain a Steel Defender, a metal companion that you can use in and out of combat.

Next, pick a background and personality traits for your character. Don’t forget to write a backstory that’ll fit. Being a Half-Orc is pretty straightforward, so you don’t need to worry about choosing among various subraces. 

How to Play a Half-Orc Artificer

Artificers have the choice of using a variety of weapons unique to their classes. For example, you can use a firearm as a weapon from the Firearm Proficiency option. If you’re an Artillerist, you can also create eldritch cannons and arcane firearms.

If you’re a Battle Smith, your Steel Defender can help you out during battle. It can attack in your stead while you focus on doing other actions, like casting a spell. Speaking of spellcasting, Artificers are also spellcasters. However, unlike other spellcasting classes, you marry scientific knowledge with magic. Instead of using a pendant, orb, or wand, your spellcasting focus is one of your tools.

Here are useful spells and cantrips to keep at hand in case you fall into combat with foes:

• False Life
• Absorb Elements
• Magic Weapon
• Elemental Weapon
• Bigby’s Hand

How to Roleplay as a Half-Orc Artificer

Being a Half-Orc Artificer can open up interesting roleplay options for you. For one, it can be a case of breaking the stereotype. A nerdy Half-Orc who geeks out over new invention ideas can be fun to roleplay.

Don’t forget to add a backstory or a reason for this. Use the backgrounds and personality traits listed in the Player’s Handbook or create your own. A good idea for roleplaying any character is to list down his/her short-term and long-term goals. Is your Half-Orc doing it to gain recognition, to find a solution, or to gain more success over Artificer?