taking it one gear at a time (artificer)
fiction books with a main character or prominent side character that fits the D&D Artificer class. also features their creations! here for the tinkering, the magical device-making, the "i can make this thing drive"! recs and input welcome!
created by the_rags
last updated March, 2026
Comments
The Clockwork Boys again. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. What do we feel about The Golden Compass/His Dark Materials?
Empire in Black and Gold. Dandelion Dynasty. Lirael. They Met in a Tavern.
the_ragsOP
i have not read Golden Compass, but i'm iffy on adding it based on what i can tell from a couple descriptions. i think i would maybe want a bit more actual magical engineering to add it but again, haven't read it so i can be convinced otherwise! thanks for the all the other recs!!
I like to imagine that my Old Lady Goblin Artificer Character has read all of these. I however have some work to do!
Thank you for this magnificent list!
the_ragsOP
i love that!! tried my best to find books that all our dnd characters could feel represented in 🥹
I played an artificer in my last dnd campaign and it was such a blast (in all senses of the phrase). My favorite type of character to play is a party support character, and the artificer was so fun because I kept getting to make stuff to give out to my pals to make us more dangerous and keep us safe.
the_ragsOP
that sounds like what an artificer should truly be like! i haven't gotten to play one yet, but i looove the concept of just making magic bombs
