School of Gesture

Embracing silence as strength, practitioners of the School of Gesture weave spells through intricate motions and sign language. Once confined to secluded monastic orders, this magical discipline has spread, captivating wizards who see power in silence and expression. Gesture magic transcends vocal limitation, allowing its practitioners to cast spells through fluid, intentional signs, even in the absence of sound.

In the realms where words may betray, the Gesturists thrive, their hands singing songs of power, their gestures painting the tapestry of magic. From those understanding the twin-bladed power of speech in the Fey Realm to those unable to vocalize to those looking to lurk in the shadows, the School of Gesture presents a brand new silent opportunity. Joining their ranks means becoming part of an unspoken legacy, a tradition that finds its voice not in words but in silence filled with meaning.

Gesture Magic

Starting at 2nd level, you've learned to intertwine the art of sign language with your magical abilities, giving you a new avenue to express your spells. You can now use Common Sign Language or another form of signing as the somatic component for spells that would normally require a verbal component. When you cast a spell that requires a verbal component, you can choose to replace that component with specific gestures or signs. The signs you make must be intricate and intentional, following the same patterns and rules as Common Sign Language or a similar signing system known to you. This method of casting doesn't require sound, but you must be able to see your own hands, otherwise, the attempted casting fails.

In addition, when you cast a spell in this way, creatures attempting to identify your spell through sight instead of sound are at a disadvantage on their Intelligence (Arcana) checks unless they are also proficient in the same sign language you are using.

Additionally, you learn the Shield spell and can cast it a number of times per long rest equal to your Intelligence Bonus. This spell does not count against your number of spells known.

Aegis of the Unspoken

At 6th level, your mastery over the School of Gesture reaches new heights, allowing you to channel your art of silent casting into protective barriers of exceptional potency. When you cast the Shield spell using the Silent Casting feature of this subclass, the spell is augmented in the following ways:

• Enhanced Protection: The bonus to your AC provided by a casting of the Shield spell increases by +1.

• Lasting Barrier: Your Shield spell extends to cover your immediate surroundings. Until the start of your next turn, any allies within 5 feet of you gain a +2 bonus to their AC.

Harmony of Gesture and Word

At 10th level, you have reached a harmonious blend between spoken word and silent gesture, unlocking a new level of power in your spellcasting. Once per turn, whenever you cast a spell that has both verbal and somatic components and you use your Silent Casting feature to replace the verbal component with sign language, the spell receives one of the following enhancements of your choice:

• Quickened Casting: You can reduce the casting time of the spell by one step. A spell with a casting time of 1 action can be cast as a bonus action; a spell with a casting time of 1 bonus action can be cast as a reaction. This does not affect spells with a casting time of 1 reaction or longer than 1 action.

• Empowered Range: You can double the range of the spell. If the spell has a range of Touch, you can increase it to 10 feet.

• Silent Resonance: The spell’s energy resonates with your harmonious casting, adding an extra layer of effectiveness. If the spell requires an attack roll, you gain advantage on that roll. If the spell requires a saving throw, the target has disadvantage on the first saving throw made against the spell.

• Bolstered Duration: If the spell has a duration of 1 minute or longer, you can add half of its duration to its existing duration. This does not affect spells with a duration of Instantaneous.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Silent Arcanist

At 14th level, your understanding of sign language as a conduit for magical power reaches its apex. The silence and subtlety of your gestures become a profound language of magic in itself, allowing you to transcend the limitations of traditional spellcasting. Your existing abilities are now enhanced as follows:

• Gesture Magic Mastery: When you use the Silent Casting feature to replace a spell's verbal component with signs, you can now cast spells even when restrained or otherwise unable to move freely. Your signs have become so subtle and precise that only a full binding of your hands and fingers can prevent them.

• Expanded Harmony of Gesture and Word: When using the Harmony of Gesture and Word feature, you can now choose two of the enhancements instead of one when you cast a spell that has both verbal and somatic components. 

• Aegis of the Unspoken Shielding: The effects of Aegis of the Unspoken are now more potent. The Enhanced Protection now provides an extra +2 to your AC instead of a +1, and the Lasting Barrier ability extends to cover allies within 15 feet of you, rather than 5.