About This Build
This build explores the design of Jaxen Vantrell, an Armorer Artificer in Dungeons & Dragons 5e inspired by the concept of Iron Man — especially the Heroes Reborn saga, where the character’s brilliance, adaptability, and sheer variety of power suits took center stage.

Rather than a direct conversion, this is a high fantasy reimagining of the archetype: a genius arcane engineer who doesn’t rely on destiny or lineage, but on crafted armor, magical augmentation, and relentless iteration. Every infused item, every armor model, every spell reflects a different version of “the suit” — modular, reactive, and purpose-built.

Jaxen exists in a world where magic and metal intertwine. His workshop is filled with failed prototypes and half-finished schematics. His armor isn’t just protection — it’s legacy, expression, and escalation. This build is meant for campaigns that celebrate invention as heroism and treat arcane technology as a viable answer to dragons, liches, and war itself.

The levels that follow (1–3) lay the foundation for that fantasy, balancing narrative identity with rule-legal mechanics. Each step reinforces the idea of a self-made arcane sentinel — one who doesn’t just wear armor, but becomes it.

⚙️ Step-by-Step Build Reasoning: – Jaxen Vantrell, Half-Elf Artificer (Armorer, Levels 1-3)

Race: Half-Elf
Class: Artificer (Armorer)
Background: Guild Artisan
Alignment: Neutral Good
Armor Model (at Level 3): Guardian
Playstyle: Arcane-powered brawler with gadgetry, shields, and thunder-powered gauntlets

📊 Ability Scores (Point Buy + Half-Elf ASI)

• ASI: +2 CHA (Half-Elf), +1 INT, +1 CON

🎭 Race Features – Half-Elf

• +2 CHA, +1 INT, +1 CON
• Darkvision (60 ft)
• Fey Ancestry (Adv. vs Charm, immune to magical sleep)
• Bonus Skills: Investigation, Perception

🧰 Background – Guild Artisan

• Skills: Insight, Persuasion
• Tools: Smith’s Tools, Tinker’s Tools, one language
• Feature: Guild Membership – allies, lodging, and contacts

🎓 Artificer – Class Features by Level

🎖️ LEVEL 1 – The Genius Begins

• Hit Points: 1d8 + CON = 10 HP
• Armor: Light, Medium, Shields
• Weapons: Simple weapons
• Tools: Tinker’s Tools, Thieves’ Tools, Smith’s Tools
• Spellcasting: 2 cantrips, 2 prepared 1st-level spells
• Magical Tinkering: Minor magical effects from devices

Cantrips:

• Mending (Suit repairs)
• Mage Hand (Arcane manipulator)

Spells (2 slots):

• Shield (Emergency defense +5 AC)
• Faerie Fire (HUD highlight enemies)
• Cure Wounds (Emergency repairs)
• Absorb Elements (Energy resistance)

⚒️ LEVEL 2 – Gadgeteer Online

• Infuse Item (2 infusions active)
• Infusion Choices:
  • Enhanced Defense (Armor +1 AC)
  • Enhanced Weapon (Boost weapon or thunder gauntlets)
  • Repeating Shot (Crossbow arm?)
  • Mind Sharpener (Helm resilience)

Updated Loadout:

• Half Plate (15 AC) + Infusion = 16 AC
• Shield = +2 AC (total 18)
• Thunder Gauntlet = Infused weapon (counts as magical)

Spellcasting: Now can prepare INT mod + Artificer level (8 spells)

• Add Identify, Feather Fall, Grease as optional tech gadgets

⚙️ LEVEL 3 – IRON VANGUARD ACTIVATED

• Subclass Chosen: Armorer
• Armor Model: Guardian
• Features Gained:
  • Arcane Armor: Worn as a second skin
  • Thunder Gauntlets: 1d8 thunder + Disadvantage debuff
  • Defensive Field: Bonus action Temp HP (3/day = 3×3 HP)

Updated Equipment:

• Thunder Gauntlets (1d8 + INT = 1d8+4 thunder)
• Armor AC = Half Plate (15) + Infusion + Shield = AC 19

Combat Routine:

• Open with Defensive Field (Temp HP = 3)
• Punch with Thunder Gauntlets – impose Disadvantage on enemy
• Cast Shield or Absorb Elements as reactions
• Use Faerie Fire for advantage setup

🧠 Skills (Proficient)

• Arcana (INT)
• Investigation (INT)
• Insight (WIS)
• Perception (WIS)
• Persuasion (CHA)
• History (INT)

🎒 Inventory Highlights

• Half Plate Armor (infused)
• Shield (infused with repulsion or static)
• Thunder Gauntlets (as part of Arcane Armor)
• Smith’s Tools, Tinker’s Tools, Thieves’ Tools
• Common Clothes + artisan’s insignia

💬 RP Summary

Theme: Young genius from a merchant family builds prototype arcane armor to protect others. Inspired by the magic-fueled devastation he’s witnessed, he now walks the world encased in an ever-evolving storm-forged suit.

“Sometimes, the only thing standing between chaos and peace… is a little armor, a little lightning, and a lot of guts.”