Wordsmith (5e Subclass)

Wordsmith

Wizard Subclass

Some casters have a flair for the unusual to them, preferring to use unorthodox methods for spellcasting. These wizards know the power of language, and use it to the fullest extent to create unexpected results, from turning their simple projectiles into devastating bombs, making their magical creations unlike anything else, or throwing a curveball at the enemy in the form of a botched spell or a ludicrous spell from an ally if they’re sophisticated in their craft.

Wordsmithing

At 2nd Level, you gain the ability to modify one letter of a spell you have prepared via adding a new one, replacing an already existing letter, or removing a letter from the spell. Each time a new feature is gained from this subclass, the limit of letters that can be changed increases by 1, to a limit of 4 letters. You can change mutliple letters in the same spell, a single letter in multiple spells, or any combination of these, as long as you don't exceed your limit. Upon finishing a long rest, you can change which letters you have altered this way however you choose, as long as you do not exceed your limit. The effects of new spells created via Wordsmithing are to be determined by the DM, or already prepared and agreed upon between player and DM beforehand. Note that this cannot be used to cast spells that already exist or spells outside your class, such as Wish or Bless.

Combative Words

Starting at 2nd level, you are able to use the cantrip vicious mockery. You can cast it as normal, and it does not count towards you known cantrips.

Additionally, whenever you speak, you may project your voice three times as loud as normal, as though under the effects of thaumaturgy. This feature does not add an additional letter to Wordsmithing.

Enchanting Edits

At 6th Level, you are capable of altering the effects of potions and/or enchanted items using your Wordsmithing. Doing so counts against your changed letter limit. The effects of the enchantment are determined by the DM, and cannot be used to replicate existing magic items.

Friendly Correction

At 10th Level, you can modify a friendly creature or ally’s spell via Wordsmithing. Doing so counts against your changed letter limit. The effect must be agreed upon by the caster preparing it beforehand.

Tip of the Tongue

At 14th Level, when a creature within that you can see and hear casts a spell with a verbal component, you can use your reaction to make a Intelligence check against the caster’s spell save DC. If successful, you can modify a single letter of the caster’s spell via Wordsmithing. This feature can be used a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier, minimum 1, after which you must complete a long rest to use it again. The DM decides the effects of the spell, which may replicate an existing spell.

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