[Rings] Artificer - Ringsmith
The ringsmith rushes forward with fury, forging a path ahead through wave after wave of thrashing bulettes. "Come forward, my friends!" the fearless artificer shouts. "The strength of our bond is stronger than their claws. We will forge ahead."
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The Ringsmith is the first obvious choice for a subclass. In a non-theme-specific version of this, I would call this a Bondsmith, who would create any trinket to signfy this bond. The "ring" can mean many things, but are best known as symbols of big concepts like marriage or royalty!
The artificer has a strange progression, but follows some general guidelines. The 3rd-level provides some proficiencies (usually a tool), and a core defining ability with decent damage or healing output. The Battlesmith or Artillerist can increase damage by ~1d8 damage per turn this way. The 5th-level usually brings a consistent damage ability (Extra Attack or a spell bonus). The 9th-level can take many forms. The 15th-level feature generally finishes off with a damage boost or a defensive buff, often for allies.
Here's what you get with the Ringsmith:
Tools - This starts off with various tool proficiencies for different kinds of rings (bands, signets, jewels).
Kinship Signet - The bread & butter of this artificer. Most features build upon this. The number of signets you craft slowly increases, and you provide helpful features for everyone with a signet. Minor buffs like casting distant spells, communication, and granting advantage make you a strong artificer.
The Surging Kinship feature then provides a limited damage buff, though not as strong as the artillerist (3d4 per turn vs 2d8). It scales slowly as you gain levels.
Channeling Ring is straightforward, but empowers your spells like the Alchemist. If an ally assists, you can empower your spells even further.
Ring Magic is similar to the Armorer's feature, but instead allows you to create some uncommon rarity rings in your signets. There aren't that many uncommons, so it's not too bad.
Persevering Kinship helps protect your allies. A +1/+2 boost is very strong! It also helps with saves, including death saves.
Would you want to play this artificer? Are Halofon and Signeryn both Ringsmiths? That's a good idea.
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