The artificer returns

[Wildarm]

OK have some builds for Archivist:

Master of the Mind
Vedlaken(Or Gnome) Knowledge Cleric 1/Archivist X
Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 16, Cha 8
ASI: +2 Int, +2 Int, Observant, Res(Wis)
Skills - Expertise: Arcana, Nature, History(Magic Items), 5-7 Tools
Proficiency: Perception, Insight, Investigation, History, + Background (Stealth + ?)
Advantage on Int/Wis/Cha saves vs Magic
Start Archivist for Con proficiency

- You'll be a master of the mind with vast knowledge resources available.
- Stupidly high passive perception and investigation means nothing goes unnoticed.
- A strong control cantrip that targets the weakest save and you can burn spell slots to nova. Being able to stun with low level slots is also nice.
- Very decent AC that scales every 4 levels or so.
- Could go lower on Wisdom and higher on Con if you needed more toughness. Aid will also help.
- Lacking Dex save proficiency but you have access to absorb elements which is fantastic.
- Use the nature expertise to extract poisons from enemies. Keep them in your pouch for anyone to apply when needed. Potentially catapult contact poison at something.

Overall seems very solid.

Ranged Mental Smite Machine
Gnome Archivist 3/War Wizard X

- Con Saves
- +1 Half Plate, Shield and Arcane Deflection gives you an effective 22 AC at level 5
- Only lose 1 level of spell slot progression
- Still get 9th level spells
- In theory could hit for 4d8+10d8 damage though you'd never burn your 9th level slot on this.

I don't think this is particularly strong DPS wise compared to the equivalent wizard spells. You can't spam multiple smites in a turn to nova like a Padlock can. Closes comparison would be 8d8 with a 3rd level slot compared to 8d6 against multiple targets with fireball. Or 12d8(54 int save for none) with a 7th level slot vs 10d6+40(75 dex save for none) with disintegrate. And you don't waste the spell slot if you miss with the cantrip.

I'd honestly play it like a utility wizard:

- Not getting 3rd level spells till level 8 will be painful
- Lots of versatility between your cantrips, infusions, healing, rituals, skills and tools
- You can scribe scrolls cheaply for extra resources and rarely used spells
- You have a very good AC and saves
- A strong control cantrip that you can easily boost the damage. This is efficient damage as if they fail the INT save, then you burn the smite slot to pile on some damage.
- 1-3 extra spells you can prepare compared to pure wizard due to Int double dipping. Cure wounds, Expeditious Retreat and Absorb Elements would be good choices.