College of Wordsmithing

This college is home to only a handful of bards across the world.  Those who have no skill with song and instrument, but use the power of words alone to weave their magic.  Whether written or spoken, these chosen few use their talents to cast nearly any magic in the world, so long as they have witnessed it firsthand, or even concoct their own spells much like you would see from Wizards.  These individuals tend to keep this method of magic casting a secret close to their chest, as it can sometimes be their lifeline in the field.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The Wordsmith has access to the spell lists of other classes, but may only learn the spell if they have directly witnessed its use and are capable of interpreting it (e.g. INT, WIS, or CHA check, respectively.)  To calculate the DC for learning the spell perfectly, use the spell casting DC for the individual who cast the spell (DM may decide on increasing or decreasing the DC as needed for balancing purposes.)  Even if the Wordsmith is not able to perfectly replicate the spell, the DM may allow for the Wordsmith to use the spell with a limited effect, or use what they can learn from it to create their own new spell.  For spells that require components with a specific gold value, the Bard can use a specially crafted enchanted ink (which must either be crafted or purchased from specialized merchants) worth the same amount.

Wordsmith's Tools

A Wordsmith must be one with their tools, whether it's a horn to help broadcast your voice or a specialized caligraphers pen.

Counter-Argument

Also at 3rd level, you learn how to use your wit to quickly form a counter-argument against why the creature should cease their current course of action, or to convince an ally of the multiple fallacies in their argument.  As a reaction, when a creature you can see within 60 ft. that isn't immune to charmed attempts to use any spell to influence or control another creature, you can expend one use of Bardic Inspiration and compete with your spell DC against their spell DC to cancel out the spell. You can choose to use this feature after the creature makes its roll, but before the DM determines whether the roll succeeds or fails. The creature is immune if it can’t hear you or if it’s immune to being charmed.

Additional Practice

At 6th level, you learn two spells of your choice from any class. A spell you choose must be of a level you can cast, as shown on the Bard table, or a cantrip. The chosen spells count as bard spells for you but don’t count against the number of bard spells you know.

Peerless Skill

Starting at 14th level, when you make an ability check, you can expend one use of Bardic Inspiration. Roll a Bardic Inspiration die and add the number rolled to your ability check. You can choose to do so after you roll the die for the ability check, but before the DM tells you whether you succeed or fail.