steampunk character?

[PaigeXenon]

Ok one of my players would like to play a steampunky feeling artificer/wizard and be some what of a machinist with a varity of clockwork constructs. I know there are a few clockwork creatures out there like the clockroach and clockwork mender. What are your guys thoughts on making this character a reality?

The characters for this campaign will be starting at level 5. I was thinking a warforged with a clockwork mender familliar would be a good place to start.

[BowStreetRunner]

Check out the Effigy Master in Complete Arcane.

[PaigeXenon]

We indeed like this class. What base class and race would you recomend as a staring point? I would also like to hear ideas on what feats and skills would be best for this kind of character.

Something intresting would be to hear how you guys would play this type of character or the sort of personality you would give it.