College of Brevity

Bards of the College of Brevity are masters of succinct expression and experimentation with the very fabric of spells. They understand that the power of words is not only in their length but in their precision, and their artistry lies in the mastery of brief yet potent expressions of magic. Whether experimenting with the very fabric of spells or crafting new enchantments inspired by the elegance of haiku poetry, these bards navigate the complexities of the arcane with grace and clarity.

"Our spells are not grand tales but fleeting stanzas, each word a carefully chosen gem. We are not performers; we are poets, sculpting reality with syllables sharp as blades."

Bonus Proficiencies

When you join the College of Brevity at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with Calligraphy Tools, Deception, and Sleight of Hand. Additionally, you may learn a language of your choice.

Mile a Minute

Starting at 3rd level, you learn to cast spells in a more concise manner. Once per turn, as a bonus action, you can cast a leveled spell by expending a number of Bardic Inspiration dice equal to that spells level, with Cantrips requiring the expenditure of one Bardic Inspiration die. However, the range of any leveled spell cast with this ability is halved (minimum 5 feet) and the spell's duration is halved due to the speed at which it is cast. This feature allows you to override the rule restricting you to casting one leveled spell per turn.

Spellwright

At 6th level, you gain the ability to draw inspiration from Haiku poetry to create new spells. During a long rest, you can meditate and compose a Haiku. The Haiku should reflect a theme or concept you wish to explore magically.

The Dungeon Master, in collaboration with you, can then work together to choose a spell from the full spell list, excluding Bard spells, based on the Haiku's theme. You must have spell slots available at the proper level of the spell(s) chosen. This feature cannot be used to prepare spells of 8th Level or higher.

You can have a maximum of three Haiku prepared at a time. Once you reach this limit, you must choose to replace one Haiku with a new one during a long rest to have a different spell prepared.

Note: Haiku written for this ability should be written on paper in the proper format for a haiku and kept with your Character Sheet until replaced by a new one.

Verbal Parry

Starting at 14th level, your mastery over fast spellcasting extends to your own magical resilience. When you are subjected to a spell that requires a saving throw and has a verbal component, you can use your reaction to utter a concise and focused parrying counter-incantation. Roll 2d4. The result of that roll is the highest level of spell you can parry with this reaction. The triggering spell's caster must make a Charisma saving throw against your spell save DC. On a failure, the triggering spell's effect is nullified. If the spell targeted multiple creatures and you successfully parry it, the spell's effect is nullified for all affected creatures. If you do not succeed at parrying the spell, you automatically expend one Bardic Inspiration die.

Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.