College of Runic Arts [V2]

Bards of the College of Runic Arts search for myriad sources of Inspiration around the world, rejoicing in wondrous tapestries, heroic statues, ancient manuscripts, and vibrant paintings. They can often be found exploring ancient ruins and abandoned castles, or gathering in museums to share their most recent discoveries.  Bards of this type find their reflexes enhanced, new ways of casting magic, and their ability to wield Inspiration greatly enhanced.

These Bards are proud and confident, considering themselves to be at the very root of what makes a Bard, tuning into their knowledge of Inspiration to weave magic through themselves and into their friends and teammates to provide amazing bursts of power.

[EDIT: This version of the class has overall reduced power in an effort to make the class more balanced.]

Inspired Reflexes

At 3rd level, your investigation into the art of Inspiration has magically honed your own reflexes.  Choose 2 additional Saving Throws to be Proficient in.

Runic Discoveries

Gain a new spell from the Wizard Spell List for which you have Spell Slots at 3rd, 7th, 11th, and 15th level.  You may now use a piece of art as a Bardic Focus when casting spells.

Runic Energy

At 6th level, your magical energy becomes intrinsically tied to your use of Inspiration.  You can exhaust a Bardic Inspiration to cast a spell (of level 5 or lower) without using a Spell Slot.  Spells dealing damage add the Inspiration Die to their damage.  Bardic Inspiration used in this way can only be recovered after a long rest.

Runic Overflow

Starting at 14th level, when you use a Bardic Inspiration to cast a spell, your magically enhanced reflexes allow you to dash as a bonus action.  Bardic Inspiration used for spells may now be regained after a short rest.