Enchanted Quill. Bardley’s quill and satchel are bound with magic, allowing him to cast Invisibility at will without components. While invisible, faint glowing ink still scratches across his parchment as he takes notes.
Reporter’s Luck. When Bardley fails a saving throw, he can roll a d6. On a 4–6, he succeeds instead. (3/day.)
Silver Tongue. Bardley has advantage on Deception and Persuasion checks when trying to avoid danger, gather information, or talk his way out of combat.
Ink-Splash (Recharge 5–6). Bardley flicks enchanted ink at a creature within 30 ft. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be blinded until the start of its next turn as glowing glyphs smear across their vision.
Cutting Quip. Bardley delivers a stinging remark. One creature within 60 ft. must succeed on a DC 16 Charisma saving throw or take 18 (4d8) psychic damage and have disadvantage on its next attack roll.
Dagger of Scribbles. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) psychic damage on a critical hit, as runes explode from the cut.
Vanishing Act. When targeted by an attack, Bardley can turn invisible until the end of his next turn. The attack resolves at disadvantage.
Description
Bardley Cooper is a disheveled half-elf with a battered reporter’s cap, ink-stained fingers, and a satchel bursting with notes. He always looks equal parts nervous and exhilarated, a faint smile tugging at his lips even in the face of danger. His enchanted quill keeps him alive as he sneaks after legends for the readers of the Waterdeep Wazoo.
Bardley's Investigative Set:
Satchel of Relentless Notes
Wondrous Item, rare (requires attunement)
This battered leather satchel always seems to have space for more parchment, quills, and scraps of information.
- The satchel magically records everything the wearer sees or hears in shorthand script. The notes appear automatically inside the satchel, even if the wearer is unconscious or invisible.
- Once per long rest, you can cast comprehend languages without expending a spell slot or components. The translated words form themselves directly on the satchel’s parchment.
- If the satchel is stolen or taken from the attuned wearer, all notes inside appear blank until the wearer willingly relinquishes ownership.
Shoes of Soft Steps
Wondrous Item, uncommon (requires attunement)
These scuffed boots bend shadows and silence footsteps.
- While wearing the boots, you have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
- You are under the constant effect of the pass without trace spell.
Cap of the Unseen Interview
Wondrous Item, rare (requires attunement)
This rumpled reporter’s cap bears faint ink stains on the brim.
- While wearing the cap, you are immune to divination magic that would reveal your location (such as scrying or locate creature).
- You can cast nondetection once per long rest.
- While tipping the cap forward, you have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks made to determine if someone is lying.
Quill of Vanishing Ink
Wondrous Item, artifact (requires attunement)
This slender quill glows faintly when held and leaves no lasting mark unless its words are recorded in its bearer’s satchel. It hums with ancient enchantment, said to have been crafted by a forgotten god of stories to ensure that nothing important would be lost to silence.
- True Invisibility. While holding the quill, you are considered truly invisible. This effect is not an illusion and cannot be perceived through truesight, blindsight, tremorsense, or any magical means of detection. Only divine creatures (such as celestials, gods, or avatars of deities) can perceive you while you are under this effect.
Reporter’s Bundle (Set Bonus)
If all four items are attuned by the same creature, they gain the following benefits:
- Reporter’s Instinct. You cannot be surprised while conscious.
- Deadline. Once per long rest, when you would be reduced to 0 hit points, you instead drop to 1 hit point and immediately turn invisible until the end of your next turn.
Comments