My friends and I recently finished a campaign and are having session 0 for Ghosts of the Saltmarsh. My wife challenged me to create a character who’s not angry, so I want to play a small race mad scientist Armorer Artificer who rides around in a suit of armor like a magical mech. Which small race would I pick to maximize the fun of this little chaos gremlin?
who’s not angry
Rules out goblins, sadly.
But check out Hadozee; you could go for a Planet of the Apes vibe ultra-sophisticated but crazed monkey. That would also justify the invention of a poop cannon! :D
Rock gnomes have been the archetypical race for artificer-themed characters since long before artificers were added to the game. You get bonuses to Intelligence and Constitution, which are both good for an artificer who’s wearing armor on the front line. You also get extra utility out of tinker’s tools, and you double your proficiency bonus for Intelligence (History) checks related to any magical item, alchemical object, or technological device. Plus, Gnome Cunning is a solid defensive feature for any role.
5e? Goblin. Obvious fit for the vibe, and mechanically gies you a bonus action disengage after you booming blade in melee, which covers you for the first 3 adventures. Bonus action Hide will be useful for all 7, especially if you opt for Infiltrator.
