Artificers are one of the most unique and underrated classes in Dungeons & Dragons. They’ve undergone many changes over the years, with new rules, subclasses, and builds being added and taken away via Unearthed Arcana. One such subclass is the cartographer, which flavors the artificer as a defensive traveler, perfect for navigation and teleportation.
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If you’re interested in trying out the artificer class in 5e, the cartographer subclass is really an excellent option. However, if you’re playing this class for the first time, there are some build elements worth noting. Here’s everything you need to know to build a cartographer artificer.
Cartographer Artificer Overview
As mentioned above, cartographer artificers are experienced navigators, and are excellent at espionage, teleportation, and defense.
Here’s a breakdown of their key features you earn when you select this subclass at level three.
As you can see, cartographer artificers have a wide variety of abilities that allow for teleportation, and buffing their allies and themselves.
With all these features in mind, let’s take a look at the best build for cartographers.
Best Ability Scores For A Cartographer Artificer
Depending on the type of Ability Score distribution method you’re using, you’ll want to place different modifiers into certain Ability Scores to get the most out of your artificer.
Intelligence is your primary Ability Score, and is used for all spellcasting. From there, you have a decent amount of flexibility in terms of where you place Ability Scores.
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Ability |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Intelligence |
Place your highest stat into Intelligence, as this serves as your modifier for all spellcasting, which is your primary ability. |
|
Constitution |
Put your second-highest stat here, as you have proficiency in Constitution saving throws. Plus, extra hit points never hurt anyone. |
|
Dexterity |
Because you start with a Dagger, and have access to Tinker’s Tools and Thieves’ Tools, you might want to give yourself a decently high Dexterity score so you can use these abilities properly. |
|
Wisdom |
So many spells require Wisdom saving throws, and as a spellcaster, it’s a good idea to have a decently high modifier here. |
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Charisma |
Artificers can prove deft and cunning, so having a good Charisma score is nice, but definitely not the most important for an artificer. |
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Strength |
Strength is definitely not the most important thing for an artificer, so feel free to put your lowest stat here. |
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Best Species For A Cartographer Artificer
While there’s no one-size-fits all for a cartographer artificer, there are a handful of species that can serve an artificer of this subclass well, boosting certain stats and fleshing out spellcasting.
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Species |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Aasimar |
Aasimar have access to flight-based abilities and some light healing, meaning you’ll be doubly as mobile and able to also play flex support for your team. |
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Gnome |
Gnomes gain some extra spells depending on the lineage you choose, which is always great. Plus, you gain advantage on Wisdom, Charisma, and Intelligence saving throws, boosting two weaker stats and breaking your Intelligence saving throw stat. |
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Halfling |
Halfling Luck is a great feature to have for an artificer. Plus, your ability to hide will help keep you out of harms way in close combat. |
While these three species are probably the best in terms of optimization, it can also be quite rewarding to play against type by choosing a species like goliath or orc for fun roleplay opportunities.
Best Backgrounds For A Cartographer Artificer
When it comes to choosing a background, there are three great options for cartographers that make narrative and optimization sense.
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Backgrounds |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Merchant |
Merchant is undoubtedly the best option for a cartographer. You gain proficiency with Navigator’s Tools, which makes perfect sense, plus gain a buff to your Constitution and Intelligence scores. |
|
Sailor |
Sailor makes a lot of narrative sense, but doesn’t necessarily offer the best buffs to stats since it boosts your Strength, Dexterity, and Wisdom. But, the sailor background is a good option for rounding out your weak spots. |
|
Criminal |
Criminal grants excellent buffs to Dexterity, Constitution, and Intelligence, three primary stats for artificers. However, there is some redundancy in gaining proficiency with Thieves’ Tools, which isn’t necessarily the most helpful overall. |
If you select the merchant background, this combines fantastically with Halfling Luck, meaning you’ll get so many chances to reroll poor rolls.
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