Artificers and the Residuum System

Written by DoStuffZ

Infusions and Residuum

• Infusions: Artificers use their innate magical abilities to infuse items, a process that does not require Residuum. These infusions are temporary enhancements granted by the Artificer’s own magic.
• Crafting with Residuum: While Artificers can craft permanent magical items using the rules presented in official materials, they do not need Residuum to fuel their infusions or temporary creations.

Integration and Balance

1. Temporary Infusions:
   • Artificers can infuse mundane items to grant them temporary magical properties. These infusions last until the Artificer decides to end them or until they naturally expire (usually at the end of a long rest).
   • Infused items do not yield Residuum when deconstructed, as the magic is drawn from the Artificer’s own abilities and not from an external source.
2. Permanent Creations:
   • Artificers can craft permanent magical items as specified by the rules in official sources, which may involve using Residuum if specified.
   • When crafting permanent items, Artificers must adhere to the same rules regarding Residuum decay as other characters, ensuring balanced gameplay.
3. Deconstructing Magical Items:
   • Artificers can deconstruct magical items to obtain Residuum, just like other characters.
   • Residuum obtained in this manner follows the established decay rules:
     • +1 Residuum: Use within 8 hours.
     • +2 Residuum: Use within 3 days.
     • +3 Residuum: Use within 1 week.
   • This Residuum can be used for permanent item creation but not for fueling infusions.

Example Scenario

Scenario 1: Using Infusions

1. Infusion: An Artificer infuses a mundane shield to give it a +1 bonus to AC. This infusion lasts until the Artificer changes it or it expires at the end of a long rest.
2. Temporary Use: The party uses the shield for the duration of the infusion. It does not yield Residuum upon expiration.

Scenario 2: Crafting a Permanent Item

1. Collecting Residuum: The party deconstructs a +1 magical sword at noon, yielding +1 Residuum.
2. Crafting Window: The Artificer has until 8 PM to use the +1 Residuum.
3. Crafting Process: The Artificer uses their tools and the +1 Residuum to craft a permanent +1 amulet within the specified time frame.
4. Permanent Item: The amulet retains its magical properties permanently.

Scenario 3: Repurposing an Existing Item

1. Existing Item: The Artificer has a magical device that they wish to infuse temporarily.
2. Infusion: The Artificer infuses the device, granting it a temporary enhancement without using Residuum.
3. Duration: The infused device is used for a specific quest and reverts to its original magical state after the infusion expires.

Conclusion

By keeping the Artificer’s infusions independent from the Residuum system and focusing Residuum use on permanent item creation, you preserve the unique flavor and balance of the Artificer class. This approach ensures that Artificers can contribute meaningfully to the party's magical arsenal without disrupting the intended balance of your campaign's magic economy.