College of Ink

Bards wanting to express themselves through their writings often study under the College of Ink. Master wordsmiths, these individuals lace their stories with magic, enchanting the very ink itself. Commonly referred to as Inked, it is not hard to spot one in a crowd, for many use their own bodies as the canvas for their works. A master of his work may have every inch of their skin covered in ink. Most use their studies of writing and storytelling to their advantage, writing the environment to work for them. Inked inscribe their words with the language script they were taught with. It is very common to find Inked using the Elvish script, though finding one using another script is typically either self-taught or trained by a mentor outside of the college.

Bonus Proficiencies

When you choose this subclass, you gain proficiency with Calligrapher’s Supplies. These also become your spellcasting focus.

Wisdom of Words

At 3rd level, you are knowledgeable about language and how words work together. You gain advantage on checks to identify languages you aren’t proficient in. This feature doesn’t work on languages without alphabetical notation (such as Thieves Cant) or languages that are guarded by either obscurity or practice (such as Druidic).

Ink Slinging

At 3rd level, you gain the ability to channel your inspiration through ink. You can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to inscribe ink on a willing creature or a surface within 30 feet of you. Any friendly creature touching the ink can use the Bardic Inspiration as if they were the target. This ink disappears after a minute and can only be used once.

Living Spellbook

At 6th level, you gain the ability to store magic inside ink. You can inscribe ink and store up to two spells you know from the Bard Spell List. You can cast these spells as if they were prepared. These spells do not require components or spell slots to cast. Once cast, the ink disappears and cannot be used again until a Long Rest. You can only change the spells stored after a Long Rest and you cannot store two of the same spells. Spells with material components can be stored by using the required materials when inscribing (components that are consumed on use or have a price are consumed upon inscribing).

Well of Ink

Starting at 14th level, you use your ink to alter yourself in beneficial ways. Once per long rest, you can choose one of the following effects:

• Your Ink Slinging feature gains the following additional effect: “Any friendly creature within a 30-foot radius of the ink can use the inspiration as if they were the target of your Bardic Inspiration.”

• You can add two additional spells of your choice to your Living Spellbook feature. These spells can be any spells from your Known Spells list.