How to make a more traditional Artificer with the unearthed arcana?

[Rfkannen]

Now personally, I like the Artificer in the recent unearthed arcana, as a wizard traditionon i like the enchanter. However to me perosonally, it doesnt feel much like an Artificer. In my opinion, an Artificer should be holding a weapon, personally, I would want that weapon to be a crossbow. So what multiclass/feat combo do you think would make a character more in the feel of an Artificer?

[Callin]

Bard and just fluff Inpiration as short term single use Infusions.

[Rfkannen]

Bard and just fluff Inpiration as short term single use Infusions.

That would work, but peronally I am thinking of not refluffing. I would say that a bard 20 with refluffs might make a better Artificer. But I am thinking withought refluffs.

[Callin]

Ok how about the old standby of Ft2/Wiz 18. Make him a Gnome for tinkering, wear Full Plate with a shield and hand crossbow. Use the Guild Merchant background, take Warcaster so you can cast, and crossbow expert. All the normal tricks of the Wiz/ftr combo now with tinkered power armor and weapon.