What can the 2019 UA Artificer's Alchemical Homunculus do outside of combat?
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty{ margin-bottom:0;
}
$begingroup$
In the 2019 version of the UA Artificer class, one of the specializations is Alchemist. The alchemist gets the ability to create an Alchemical Homunculus.
The description has a section on actions in combat:
In combat, the homunculus shares your initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately after yours. The only action it takes on its turn is the Dodge action, unless you take a bonus action on your turn to command it to take one of the actions in its stat block or to take the Dash, Disengage, or Help action.
RAI, outside of combat, what can it do (other than the actions listed above)? I see it has perception skill of +4, but unlike a normal homunculus, it doesn't list a telepathic bond of any kind. I would assume this means that all commands must be verbal, but it can't talk to relay information back to the player.
Is it smart enough to do things like hover over something and bounce up and down to get the party's attention? I realize we're getting into areas of GM fiat, but I wanted to know if I missed something in the description for how capable it is to follow orders given outside of combat.
dnd-5e unearthed-arcana alchemist artificer
edited 11 hours ago
V2Blast
26.7k593163
asked 17 hours ago
reffureffu
20615
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
In the 2019 version of the UA Artificer class, one of the specializations is Alchemist. The alchemist gets the ability to create an Alchemical Homunculus.
The description has a section on actions in combat:
In combat, the homunculus shares your initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately after yours. The only action it takes on its turn is the Dodge action, unless you take a bonus action on your turn to command it to take one of the actions in its stat block or to take the Dash, Disengage, or Help action.
RAI, outside of combat, what can it do (other than the actions listed above)? I see it has perception skill of +4, but unlike a normal homunculus, it doesn't list a telepathic bond of any kind. I would assume this means that all commands must be verbal, but it can't talk to relay information back to the player.
Is it smart enough to do things like hover over something and bounce up and down to get the party's attention? I realize we're getting into areas of GM fiat, but I wanted to know if I missed something in the description for how capable it is to follow orders given outside of combat.
dnd-5e unearthed-arcana alchemist artificer
edited 11 hours ago
V2Blast
26.7k593163
asked 17 hours ago
reffureffu
20615
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
In the 2019 version of the UA Artificer class, one of the specializations is Alchemist. The alchemist gets the ability to create an Alchemical Homunculus.
The description has a section on actions in combat:
In combat, the homunculus shares your initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately after yours. The only action it takes on its turn is the Dodge action, unless you take a bonus action on your turn to command it to take one of the actions in its stat block or to take the Dash, Disengage, or Help action.
RAI, outside of combat, what can it do (other than the actions listed above)? I see it has perception skill of +4, but unlike a normal homunculus, it doesn't list a telepathic bond of any kind. I would assume this means that all commands must be verbal, but it can't talk to relay information back to the player.
Is it smart enough to do things like hover over something and bounce up and down to get the party's attention? I realize we're getting into areas of GM fiat, but I wanted to know if I missed something in the description for how capable it is to follow orders given outside of combat.
dnd-5e unearthed-arcana alchemist artificer
edited 11 hours ago
V2Blast
26.7k593163
asked 17 hours ago
reffureffu
20615
$endgroup$
In the 2019 version of the UA Artificer class, one of the specializations is Alchemist. The alchemist gets the ability to create an Alchemical Homunculus.
The description has a section on actions in combat:
In combat, the homunculus shares your initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately after yours. The only action it takes on its turn is the Dodge action, unless you take a bonus action on your turn to command it to take one of the actions in its stat block or to take the Dash, Disengage, or Help action.
RAI, outside of combat, what can it do (other than the actions listed above)? I see it has perception skill of +4, but unlike a normal homunculus, it doesn't list a telepathic bond of any kind. I would assume this means that all commands must be verbal, but it can't talk to relay information back to the player.
Is it smart enough to do things like hover over something and bounce up and down to get the party's attention? I realize we're getting into areas of GM fiat, but I wanted to know if I missed something in the description for how capable it is to follow orders given outside of combat.
dnd-5e unearthed-arcana alchemist artificer
dnd-5e unearthed-arcana alchemist artificer
edited 11 hours ago
V2Blast
26.7k593163
asked 17 hours ago
reffureffu
20615
edited 11 hours ago
V2Blast
26.7k593163
asked 17 hours ago
reffureffu
20615
edited 11 hours ago
V2Blast
26.7k593163
edited 11 hours ago
V2Blast
26.7k593163
edited 11 hours ago
V2Blast
26.7k593163
26.7k593163
asked 17 hours ago
reffureffu
20615
asked 17 hours ago
reffureffu
20615
asked 17 hours ago
reffureffu
20615
20615
add a comment |
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
This answer is based more on interpretation, than rules as written. The first thing to note is this:
The homunculus is friendly to you and your companions, and it obeys your commands.
The second thing to note is this: The Alchemical Homunculus's mental stats are...
Int: 10 WIS: 10
For comparison, these are the same mental stats a Commoner possesses. This means that your Homunculus is about as intelligent as a typical human.
So, you have a tiny, flying construct that is about as intelligent as a typical human, and obeys you to the very best of its ability. This makes it significantly more intelligent than a wizard's familiar (the smartest of which has Int: 3).
So, yes, I would definitely say this strongly supports the idea that your Homunculous could figure out how to 'signal' you. In fact, I was say this strongly supports the idea that a Homunculous could be given, and carry out, complex orders without trouble. In terms of 'difficulty,' if a random Commoner could figure out how to do the thing your Homunculous is trying to do--the Homunculous should be able to figure it out as well.
answered 17 hours ago
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.9k7152182
$endgroup$
2
$begingroup$
That makes a lot of sense, I hadn't even thought to compare the Int score of the Homunculus to that of a commoner (or familiar for that matter). I'll wait a day or so to see if any other answers show up, then accept this as the answer.
$endgroup$
– reffu
17 hours ago
$begingroup$
two words: sign language
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Stackstuck The description of it doesn't necessarily include hands "Some alchemists prefer mechanical-looking birds, whereas others like winged vials or miniature cauldrons." Hard to do sign language without those...
$endgroup$
– guildsbounty
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
True. But nevertheless, still something to think about.
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "122"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f145067%2fwhat-can-the-2019-ua-artificers-alchemical-homunculus-do-outside-of-combat%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
This answer is based more on interpretation, than rules as written. The first thing to note is this:
The homunculus is friendly to you and your companions, and it obeys your commands.
The second thing to note is this: The Alchemical Homunculus's mental stats are...
Int: 10 WIS: 10
For comparison, these are the same mental stats a Commoner possesses. This means that your Homunculus is about as intelligent as a typical human.
So, you have a tiny, flying construct that is about as intelligent as a typical human, and obeys you to the very best of its ability. This makes it significantly more intelligent than a wizard's familiar (the smartest of which has Int: 3).
So, yes, I would definitely say this strongly supports the idea that your Homunculous could figure out how to 'signal' you. In fact, I was say this strongly supports the idea that a Homunculous could be given, and carry out, complex orders without trouble. In terms of 'difficulty,' if a random Commoner could figure out how to do the thing your Homunculous is trying to do--the Homunculous should be able to figure it out as well.
answered 17 hours ago
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.9k7152182
$endgroup$
2
$begingroup$
That makes a lot of sense, I hadn't even thought to compare the Int score of the Homunculus to that of a commoner (or familiar for that matter). I'll wait a day or so to see if any other answers show up, then accept this as the answer.
$endgroup$
– reffu
17 hours ago
$begingroup$
two words: sign language
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Stackstuck The description of it doesn't necessarily include hands "Some alchemists prefer mechanical-looking birds, whereas others like winged vials or miniature cauldrons." Hard to do sign language without those...
$endgroup$
– guildsbounty
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
True. But nevertheless, still something to think about.
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
This answer is based more on interpretation, than rules as written. The first thing to note is this:
The homunculus is friendly to you and your companions, and it obeys your commands.
The second thing to note is this: The Alchemical Homunculus's mental stats are...
Int: 10 WIS: 10
For comparison, these are the same mental stats a Commoner possesses. This means that your Homunculus is about as intelligent as a typical human.
So, you have a tiny, flying construct that is about as intelligent as a typical human, and obeys you to the very best of its ability. This makes it significantly more intelligent than a wizard's familiar (the smartest of which has Int: 3).
So, yes, I would definitely say this strongly supports the idea that your Homunculous could figure out how to 'signal' you. In fact, I was say this strongly supports the idea that a Homunculous could be given, and carry out, complex orders without trouble. In terms of 'difficulty,' if a random Commoner could figure out how to do the thing your Homunculous is trying to do--the Homunculous should be able to figure it out as well.
answered 17 hours ago
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.9k7152182
$endgroup$
2
$begingroup$
That makes a lot of sense, I hadn't even thought to compare the Int score of the Homunculus to that of a commoner (or familiar for that matter). I'll wait a day or so to see if any other answers show up, then accept this as the answer.
$endgroup$
– reffu
17 hours ago
$begingroup$
two words: sign language
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Stackstuck The description of it doesn't necessarily include hands "Some alchemists prefer mechanical-looking birds, whereas others like winged vials or miniature cauldrons." Hard to do sign language without those...
$endgroup$
– guildsbounty
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
True. But nevertheless, still something to think about.
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
This answer is based more on interpretation, than rules as written. The first thing to note is this:
The homunculus is friendly to you and your companions, and it obeys your commands.
The second thing to note is this: The Alchemical Homunculus's mental stats are...
Int: 10 WIS: 10
For comparison, these are the same mental stats a Commoner possesses. This means that your Homunculus is about as intelligent as a typical human.
So, you have a tiny, flying construct that is about as intelligent as a typical human, and obeys you to the very best of its ability. This makes it significantly more intelligent than a wizard's familiar (the smartest of which has Int: 3).
So, yes, I would definitely say this strongly supports the idea that your Homunculous could figure out how to 'signal' you. In fact, I was say this strongly supports the idea that a Homunculous could be given, and carry out, complex orders without trouble. In terms of 'difficulty,' if a random Commoner could figure out how to do the thing your Homunculous is trying to do--the Homunculous should be able to figure it out as well.
answered 17 hours ago
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.9k7152182
$endgroup$
This answer is based more on interpretation, than rules as written. The first thing to note is this:
The homunculus is friendly to you and your companions, and it obeys your commands.
The second thing to note is this: The Alchemical Homunculus's mental stats are...
Int: 10 WIS: 10
For comparison, these are the same mental stats a Commoner possesses. This means that your Homunculus is about as intelligent as a typical human.
So, you have a tiny, flying construct that is about as intelligent as a typical human, and obeys you to the very best of its ability. This makes it significantly more intelligent than a wizard's familiar (the smartest of which has Int: 3).
So, yes, I would definitely say this strongly supports the idea that your Homunculous could figure out how to 'signal' you. In fact, I was say this strongly supports the idea that a Homunculous could be given, and carry out, complex orders without trouble. In terms of 'difficulty,' if a random Commoner could figure out how to do the thing your Homunculous is trying to do--the Homunculous should be able to figure it out as well.
answered 17 hours ago
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.9k7152182
answered 17 hours ago
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.9k7152182
answered 17 hours ago
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.9k7152182
answered 17 hours ago
guildsbountyguildsbounty
36.9k7152182
36.9k7152182
2
$begingroup$
That makes a lot of sense, I hadn't even thought to compare the Int score of the Homunculus to that of a commoner (or familiar for that matter). I'll wait a day or so to see if any other answers show up, then accept this as the answer.
$endgroup$
– reffu
17 hours ago
$begingroup$
two words: sign language
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Stackstuck The description of it doesn't necessarily include hands "Some alchemists prefer mechanical-looking birds, whereas others like winged vials or miniature cauldrons." Hard to do sign language without those...
$endgroup$
– guildsbounty
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
True. But nevertheless, still something to think about.
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
add a comment |
2
$begingroup$
That makes a lot of sense, I hadn't even thought to compare the Int score of the Homunculus to that of a commoner (or familiar for that matter). I'll wait a day or so to see if any other answers show up, then accept this as the answer.
$endgroup$
– reffu
17 hours ago
$begingroup$
two words: sign language
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Stackstuck The description of it doesn't necessarily include hands "Some alchemists prefer mechanical-looking birds, whereas others like winged vials or miniature cauldrons." Hard to do sign language without those...
$endgroup$
– guildsbounty
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
True. But nevertheless, still something to think about.
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
2
2
$begingroup$
That makes a lot of sense, I hadn't even thought to compare the Int score of the Homunculus to that of a commoner (or familiar for that matter). I'll wait a day or so to see if any other answers show up, then accept this as the answer.
$endgroup$
– reffu
17 hours ago
$begingroup$
That makes a lot of sense, I hadn't even thought to compare the Int score of the Homunculus to that of a commoner (or familiar for that matter). I'll wait a day or so to see if any other answers show up, then accept this as the answer.
$endgroup$
– reffu
17 hours ago
$begingroup$
two words: sign language
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
two words: sign language
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Stackstuck The description of it doesn't necessarily include hands "Some alchemists prefer mechanical-looking birds, whereas others like winged vials or miniature cauldrons." Hard to do sign language without those...
$endgroup$
– guildsbounty
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Stackstuck The description of it doesn't necessarily include hands "Some alchemists prefer mechanical-looking birds, whereas others like winged vials or miniature cauldrons." Hard to do sign language without those...
$endgroup$
– guildsbounty
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
True. But nevertheless, still something to think about.
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
True. But nevertheless, still something to think about.
$endgroup$
– Stackstuck
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Role-playing Games Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
Use MathJax to format equations. MathJax reference.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f145067%2fwhat-can-the-2019-ua-artificers-alchemical-homunculus-do-outside-of-combat%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
