Tolan’s Last Note
This an in-ornate, yet pristine, sentient fiddle, bearing the echo of its late owner, Tolan.

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Abilities: INT 10 | WIS 12 | CHA 17

Communication: The item communicates by transmitting emotion to the creature carrying or wielding it. Additionally, the Last Note can communicate telepathically with a creature attuned to it with brief nodes of melody and the rare flash of memory.

Senses: Hearing and darkvision out to 120 feet.

Why are they an item (backstory)?
Tolan Derradol was a freckled-faced, scraggly haired ginger, who took up a friendship with an older bard named Iska Túll. He was entranced by her playing and quickly discovered that he, too, wanted to be a musician. Iska gave him lessons and his passion was clear: his failures lead to great frustrations and curses, but his success came with overbearing joy and a happiness that was simply contagious. Iska had left on an adventure at about the time where his skill was beginning to rival her own. He continued to play, and improve, and even gain some notoriety in his and neighboring towns.

Unfortunately, a travelling bard (College of Blades) named Braska Menalin, heard of Tolan’s growing prowess. Unable to master an instrument, Braska grew jealous and placed a curse on Tolan, rendering him physically unable to play his music. Distraught, he began to waste away until life without his music was too much, and he took his own life. The strong emotions felt in his final days left an echo of himself in his favorite instrument.

Item Personality Traits. Tolan is very eager to play music. In general, he’s a very passive personality, but when making a performance he exudes an aura of enthusiasm and pure delight. He may get listless or downright grumpy when gone without playing for too long.

What does this item want? The Last Note’s only request is to be allowed to create music, not caring for notoriety, but just the joy of helping to compose new pieces and evoke emotions upon an audience.

Conflict: If the user no longer wishes to perform, Tolan’s Last Note will demand to be given to another musician who will continue to play music with him.

If the user refuses to relinquish unto another user, they must make a Charisma saving throw, with a DC equal to 12 + Tolan’s Last Note’s Charisma modifier (Total DC 15). On a failed save, the wielder is charmed by the Tolan for 1d12 hours. While charmed, the wielder must try to follow the item's commands. If the wielder takes damage, it can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on a success. Whether the attempt to control its user succeeds or fails, the item can't use this power again until the next dawn.

 What does the item give to the user?

• A Song For Everyone. You gain proficiency in Charisma (Performance) checks while using this fiddle. If you already have proficiency, you gain Expertise, instead. Additionally, you gain proficiency with this instrument and it qualifies as an Arcane Focus.
• For An Encore. (Bard only) 1/ Short or Long Rest. When you or a creature you can see within 60 feet of you rolls bardic inspiration die granted by your character, you may, as a reaction, choose to add your Charisma modifier to the result of the die roll.
• Ear Worm. As an action, you channel Tolan’s passion. You can cause one of the following effects, each lasting up to a minute. You must use your action on each turn to continue playing, to maintain Concentration (as if you were casting a spell). You may use this feature up to 3 times per Long Rest.
  • Ditty. Choose a number of creatures equal to your spellcasting ability modifier. As long as they are able to hear you play, their base speed is doubled.
  • Lullaby. Choose a number of creatures equal to your spellcasting ability modifier. As long as they are able to hear you play, they are unable to take reactions.
  • Reckless Serenade. Choose a creature within 30 feet of you that can hear you. That creature must make a Wisdom Saving Throw, DC 15, or be forced to spend their action dancing to the tune to a style of your choice. They may repeat the saving throw at the end of their turn.

Destroying Tolan’s Last Note. Tolan Derradol’s spirit will be at rest when an attuned user successfully plays at a prestigious venue or event (DM’s discretion). When this happens, the Last Note turns into an ordinary, non-magical Fiddle.

Notes: [Any], Bonus to Bards, Control, Utility, Combat, Instrument, Sentient, Focus