🔬 Weird Science Help Guide

📖 Overview

Weird Science is the primary class ability of the Artificer, allowing them to create temporary magical devices that combine the effects of multiple spells. Unlike traditional spellcasters, artificers don't memorize spells but instead imbue items with magical power through their understanding of arcane and divine principles.

⚡ Basic Concept

Artificers can access both wizard and cleric spell lists, creating devices that replicate the effects of these spells. These devices are temporary inventions that can be used multiple times before wearing out or breaking.

📚 Spell Access

Artificer Level	Max Spell Level Available
1-2	1st level spells only
3-4	2nd level spells
5-10	3rd level spells
11+	4th level spells

🔧 Device Creation

Command: device create <spell> [spell2] [spell3]

• You can combine up to 3 spell effects in a single device (4 with Brilliance and Blunder)
• All spells in a device must be either violent OR non-violent (no mixing)
• Creation time: 30 seconds per total spell level
• Use quotes for multi-word spells: device create "cure light wounds" shield

Examples:

🎯 Device Slots and Progression

Artificers have limited device slots based on spell circles (levels):

Level	1st Circle	2nd Circle	3rd Circle	4th Circle
1	1	0	0	0
2	2	0	0	0
3	2	1	0	0
5	3	1	1	0
10	4	3	3	0
11	4	3	3	1
15	5	5	4	2
20	5	5	5	5

⚙️ Device Usage

Command: device use <number> [target]

• Each device can be used multiple times: 1 + (artificer level / 2) uses
• Violent devices require a target or that you're fighting
• Non-violent devices default to self if no target specified
• When charges are exhausted, requires Use Magic Device skill checks
• Failed UMD checks may cause the device to break (25% chance)

🛠️ Device Management

Command	Description
device list	Show all your devices
device info <number>	Detailed information about a device
device rename <number> <name>	Change device name
device destroy <number>	Permanently destroy a device (requires confirmation)
device add <number> <spell>	Add another spell to existing device
device spells arcane/divine	Show available spells by type
device usage	Show spell slot usage and limits
device cooldown	Check device creation status

✨ Special Features

⚡ Device Mechanics

• Devices have reliability ratings affecting break chances
• Broken devices go on 30-minute cooldown (cannot be destroyed)
• Recently used devices also get 30-minute cooldown protection
• Use Magic Device DC: 20 + (uses over limit) × spell count - reliability
• Device breakage results in complete loss of the device

🎯 Targeting Rules

🗡️ Violent Devices:

• Must specify target or be fighting
• Cannot target yourself
• Examples: fireball, magic missile, harm

🛡️ Non-violent Devices:

• Default to self if no target given
• Can target any character in room
• Examples: cure spells, buffs, utility magic

📋 Strategies and Tips

1. Plan your device combinations carefully - you have limited slots
2. Create utility devices for out-of-combat situations
3. Combat devices should focus on your party's needs
4. Higher level artificers can create more complex devices
5. Don't forget device creation takes time - plan ahead
6. Keep some Use Magic Device skill for when devices are exhausted
7. With Brilliance and Blunder, consider the explosion risk vs. 4-spell benefit

📊 Example Builds

🆕 Early Level (Levels 1-4):

• Device 1: "cure light wounds" (healing)
• Device 2: "magic missile" (reliable damage)

⚡ Mid Level (Levels 5-10):

• Device 1: "cure moderate wounds" bless shield (support)
• Device 2: fireball "magic missile" (combat)
• Device 3: knock "detect magic" (utility)

🎯 High Level (Levels 11+):

• Multiple specialized devices combining 3-4 spells each
• Separate violent and non-violent device sets
• Emergency backup devices for critical situations

❓ Troubleshooting