What's the reasoning on making pets such a large part of the Artificer? It doesn't really mesh with what I think of when I think of an Artificer. I understand having one pet subclass, but ALL of them focus on the pet to the exclusion of (imo) more CORE ideas to Artificing.
— James Ryan Harbison (@HarbisonRyan) May 15, 2019
When the artificer class debuted in Eberron in 2004, the class could make a special homunculus, a companion creature. I decided to keep that theme in two of the new class's subclasses. The other two subclasses have mobile artifices, rather than companion creatures. #DnD https://t.co/OUcIshrwGd
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) May 15, 2019
While I understand you're reasoning for saying those two aren't creatures, it seems like the general consensus is that they're pets.
— Starlos the Shark (@DwhyDx) May 15, 2019
If your artificer would like to treat a weapon or an A.I. as a pet, I think that's sweet. I'm all for creating in-character connections to other creatures and things.
"Let me introduce you to my friend Betty …" Vi said, as she produced a fully loaded magical turret. https://t.co/39BLhAMar3
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) May 15, 2019