A Class to build stuff without spending XP.

[Grifthin]

Here's the question. I'm looking for a class that can construct various mechanical items (maby with some minor enchanting or enchanted effects replicated via mechanical means). i'm talking about the crazy dude that follows the party around then builds a tripod mounted machine crossbow. What can you guys recommend ? I know of the artificer but I don't have access to the Eberron stuff.

Dnd 3.5. Mustn't spend xp (or spend minimal XP)

[Cyclocone]

Major Creation +Fabricate?

Craft: Basket Weaving?

[Tengu_temp]

There was a 3.0 prestige class that worked kinda like that, but it sucked, sucked, sucked. You want Artificer.

[crazedloon]

I would second the artificer and just refluff the items. (maybe even talk with your dm to allow you to make things cheaper if you add downsides to your non magic items)

for example the tripod with the crossbow is exactly what one of the homunculi are from magic of ebberon

For your wand of lightning bolt have it be a backpack with an array of chargers and sparks flying and the wand is a metal rod which channels the power from the pack. I like the idea of a power pack which given a different channeling rod (i.e. different wands) has different effects as well as powering other mad creations.

refluff the potions as more alchemical in nature

and have scrolls be elaborate keypads with different buttons and whatnot which can do fantastic things when activated with the write key combo

[Grifthin]

I don't have the booksfor eberron stuff or the artificer that's problem, I was hoping someone had a alternative or a free supplemant.

[Optimystik]

As a wise man once said:

"He without books, must homebrew."

[Draxar]

Gnome Artificer, Magic of Faerun. Makes charge-use from a specific spell list without spending XP.

[hamishspence]

Isn't there a trap-specialist of sorts in Dungeonscape?

[BRC]

Isn't there a trap-specialist of sorts in Dungeonscape?
The Trapsmith yes, it's mainly focused on disarming traps though. The only "Special" traps it has are simple Booby Traps I would let anybody make with a craft (Trapsmithing) Check. I don't think you need a PRC to put bells on a string (Alarm Trap) or rig a Crossbow to go off when a Tripwire is crossed.

In Complete Scoundrel they have the Combat Trapsmith, which builds unique traps, but those are more like Land Mines with a variety of effects than what this guy is talking about.

[Grifthin]

Do you think it's doable to just play a rogue character (skillpoints!) and just pick lots of craft skills. So if you wanna build a arrow shield it's DC15 but if you wanna build a steam driven crab robot it's dc 35. Or something.

[Haven]

As a wise man once said:

"He without books, must homebrew."

Indeed. This Engineer class (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114229) might be what you're looking for, OP.

[hamishspence]

The Trapsmith yes, it's mainly focused on disarming traps though. The only "Special" traps it has are simple Booby Traps I would let anybody make with a craft (Trapsmithing) Check. I don't think you need a PRC to put bells on a string (Alarm Trap) or rig a Crossbow to go off when a Tripwire is crossed.

Yes- I think DMG2 mentioned booby traps.

[oxybe]

craft points, mayhaps? (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/buildingCharacters/craftPoints.htm)

i would ignore the "craft masterwork" feats. it's silly to need a feat to make a slightly better then average sword.