How does an Artificer upgrade their Iron Defender?

[Zaharia]

I been playing DDO for four to five months now, but never ran an Artificer character or Warforged race before. My human character is currently six level (Artificer lvl:2, Paladin lvl:4). I play mostly solo and went with a dash of Artificer to be able to open locks and disable traps (which has worked very well for me so far with the “Troubleshooters” combo from Korthos Island). I really like the way this character drives. I found the dash of Artificer more useful than I first thought it would be with “repeating crossbow” and spells “Conjure Bolts” and “Resist Energy”. Also the Artificer’s Iron Defender with “Careless Master” enhancement is better for me than spell “Summon Monster”. Now I want to upgrade my Iron Defender with better armor.

Q#1.) How does an Artificer upgrade their Iron Defender?

I sometimes I get treasure from chests that says something like;
“Docent” Pet race absolutely required: Iron Defender (UMD: 0)! Minimum level: 6

I don’t think my Iron Defender is a “pet” as he does not list in my Inventor like my scorpion does.

Q#2.) Can I use this “Docent” treasure on my Artificer Iron Defender or is it junk for a human Artificer/Paladin ?

Q#3.) When it list a minimum level is that the total for my character or for the Artificer part?

Q#4.) If I can use it on my Artificer Iron Defender, how do I apply it? Do I just double click on it, or is there a process I must follow like when you inscribe a scroll to your spell book?

[Enoach]

I been playing DDO for four to five months now, but never ran an Artificer character or Warforged race before. My human character is currently six level (Artificer lvl:2, Paladin lvl:4). I play mostly solo and went with a dash of Artificer to be able to open locks and disable traps (which has worked very well for me so far with the “Troubleshooters” combo from Korthos Island). I really like the way this character drives. I found the dash of Artificer more useful than I first thought it would be with “repeating crossbow” and spells “Conjure Bolts” and “Resist Energy”. Also the Artificer’s Iron Defender with “Careless Master” enhancement is better for me than spell “Summon Monster”. Now I want to upgrade my Iron Defender with better armor.

Q#1.) How does an Artificer upgrade their Iron Defender?

I sometimes I get treasure from chests that says something like;
“Docent” Pet race absolutely required: Iron Defender (UMD: 0)! Minimum level: 6

I don’t think my Iron Defender is a “pet” as he does not list in my Inventor like my scorpion does.

Q#2.) Can I use this “Docent” treasure on my Artificer Iron Defender or is it junk for a human Artificer/Paladin ?

Q#3.) When it list a minimum level is that the total for my character or for the Artificer part?

Q#4.) If I can use it on my Artificer Iron Defender, how do I apply it? Do I just double click on it, or is there a process I must follow like when you inscribe a scroll to your spell book?

Q#1.) You need to view the Character Sheet of your pet, you have to have your Iron Defender summoned. If you look at your character sheet you will see a PET button. You can also right click on your PARTY icon on the screen you will see a "View Pet Character Sheet"
Q#2.) Yes you can use it on your Iron Defender - Keep in mind the Level of the item you can use is based on Artificer Level
Q#3.) Based on your Artificer Levels
Q#4.) You have to open its Character Sheet, you will see two slots. One if for the Docent the other is for a Collar.

[cdbd3rd]

Adding for thoroughness:

Also have your Defender active at your trainer. Select "Train my Pet" to use it's Enhancement Points.

[Sylvado]

You should also know that handwraps can be converted into collars using trap parts.

Also, splashing artie levels is not going to get you a very effective Iron Defender.

[Zzevel]

Also, splashing artie levels is not going to get you a very effective Iron Defender.

No but it gives you trapping (as mentioned), a FREE Rapid Reload feat, +2 UMD on Scrolls, Rune Arm use and a nifty lever puller.

[Steve_Howe]

No but it gives you trapping (as mentioned), a FREE Rapid Reload feat, +2 UMD on Scrolls, Rune Arm use and a nifty lever puller.

The OP was asking about "upgrading" his Iron Defender. If you're only going to have two levels of Artificer, don't bother with the pet. It will be even way less useful at higher levels than it is at lower levels.

[Livmo]

The OP was asking about "upgrading" his Iron Defender. If you're only going to have two levels of Artificer, don't bother with the pet. It will be even way less useful at higher levels than it is at lower levels.

If you only take 2 levels of arty you dog will only be level 2.

To use a level 6 docent the arty would need to be level 6.

Some addtional arty info can be found here on 2 levels if you want a splash example.

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthrea...=1#post5720191

EDIT ~ BTW I usually don't bother to upgrade the pet if I only have 2 levels of arty since I'm only using the dog as a lever puller.

EDIT 2 ~ In lowbie level ranges use the perm gold seal hire from the DDO Starter Pack and have it defend your arty dog. Bam, arty dog has own healer. Works great till about level 10.

[sudzz]

If you only take 2 levels of arty you dog will only be level 2.

To use a level 6 docent the arty would need to be level 6.

Some addtional arty info can be found here on 2 levels if you want a splash example.

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthrea...=1#post5720191

EDIT ~ BTW I usually don't bother to upgrade the pet if I only have 2 levels of arty since I'm only using the dog as a lever puller.

EDIT 2 ~ In lowbie level ranges use the perm gold seal hire from the DDO Starter Pack and have it defend your arty dog. Bam, arty dog has own healer. Works great till about level 10.

The dog also benefits from epic levels and an extra 2 enhancement points per epic level, so a 2 level splash dog would be a lvl 12 fighter at character lvl30 but yes would be pretty useless except for some runes and lever pulling duties, or for dragging a soul stone to a shrine, just makes sure he is not set to attack or defend you.