Mark Flavor

Marks are symbols that are inscribed in some way onto an object and activated with magic. How each marksmith applies marks is unique, from premade stamps, wood carvings, paintings, playing cards, or any other way to create symbols. For simplicity sake, marks are treated as spells, though they are distinct from typical magic. Components would technically be different as well for marks. Verbal would instead be if the mark made audible sounds, somatic would be the need to draw a mark, and material would be the need to use actual tools to draw the mark.

Your Markbook

The marks that you add to your markbook as you gain levels reflect the research you conduct on your own. You might find other marks during your adventures. You could discover a mark recorded on the wall of an ancient crypt, for example.

Copying a mark into the Book.

When you find a marksmith spell of 1st level or higher, you can add it to your markbook if it is of a spell level you can prepare and if you can spare the time to decipher and copy it.

Copying that spell into your markbook involves reproducing the basic form of the spell, then deciphering the unique system of notation used by the marksmith who wrote it. You must practice the mark until you understand the lines and thickness required, then transcribe it into your markbook using your own notation.

For each level of the spell, the process takes 2 hours and costs 50 gp. The cost represents material components you expend as you experiment with the mark to master it, as well as the fine inks you need to record it. Once you have spent this time and money, you can prepare the mark just like your other marks.

Replacing the Book.

You can copy a spell from your own markbook into another book—for example, if you want to make a backup copy of your markbook. This is just like copying a new spell into your markbook, but faster and easier, since you understand your own notation and already know how to cast the spell. You need spend only 1 hour and 10 gp for each level of the copied spell.

If you lose your markbook, you can use the same procedure to transcribe the marks that you have prepared into a new markbook. Filling out the remainder of your markbook requires you to find new marks to do so, as normal. For this reason, many marksmiths keep backup markbooks in a safe place.

Glyph Casting

At 1st level, you learn how to create glyphs, special marks which allow you to delay the casting of an effect, or allow others to concentrate on marks you cast.

You may use an action to inscribe a glyph onto a object, surface, or creature within 5 feet of you, choosing a marksmith spell of 1st level or higher with a casting time of an action or bonus action to place in it, expending spell points as if you had cast it. The spell must target a single creature or an area. The spell being stored has no immediate effect when cast in this way.

There are two different types of glyphs: Triggered Glyphs and Personal Glyphs.

You can inscribe a Triggered Glyph on a surface or object. You decide what triggers it, such as a command word or the movement of nearby creatures. Triggers cannot include anything further than 30 feet from the glyph. When the glyph is triggered, the stored spell is cast, originating from the glyph. If the spell has a target, it targets the creature that triggered the glyph. If the spell affects an area, the area is centered on the glyph. If the spell requires concentration, you must concentration on it, as normal. A Trigger Glyph cannot be moved more than 10 feet from where you originally made the glyph or else the glyph fades without being cast.

You can inscribe a Personal Glyph onto a creature or an object a creature is wearing or carrying. The creature may cast the spell using your spell attack bonus and spell DC. If the mark requires concentration, the creature uses Dexterity instead of Constitution for any saving throw to maintain concentration. Spells cast through glyphs are always considered to only have the somatic component.

You can only have a number of glyphs inscribed at one time equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum 1). You may destroy any glyph you have inscribed on your turn without any action.

After you finish a long rest, all glyphs that have not been triggered disappear.

Artistic Style

At 2nd level, you adopt a style of art or fighting as your specialty. Choose one of the following options. You can't take a Artistic Style or Fighting Style option more than once, even if you later get to choose again.

Vocation Spells

Each vocation has a list of spells — its vocation spells — that you add to your markbook at the marksmith levels noted in the vocation description.

If you have a vocation spell that doesn’t appear on the marksmith spell list, the mark is nonetheless a marksmith spell for you.

Favored Tool

At 3rd level, choose one of your tool proficiencies. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses it.

Runic Stability

Also at 3rd level, you understand how to avoid your marks being damaged in combat.

You have advantage on Dexterity saving throws that you make to maintain your concentration on a marksmith spell when you take damage.

Ability Score Improvement

When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.

Mark Master

At 5th level, you can cast spells with inscribed with Glyph Casting on yourself or on an object that you are carrying as a bonus action.

Runic Recovery

At 7th level, you have learned to regain some of your magical energy during downtime. When you finish a short rest, you gain a number of spell points equal to your marksmith level.

Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.

Repelling Ward

At 10th level, you can protect yourself from harmful spells and attacks. When you are hit by an attack, you can use a reaction and spend 1 spell point cause the attacker to reroll the attack.

Glyph Repair

At 14th level, when you or another creature within 30 feet fails a Dexterity saving throw to maintain concentration on a marksmith spell, you can use a reaction and spend 2 spell points to cause them to reroll the die. They must use the new roll.

Greater Mark

At 18th level, you gain the ability to cast 6th-level spells sparingly.

You may add three 6th-level spells from the marksmith spell list to your markbook. You may cast a 6th-level spell by expending 9 spell points.

Once you cast a 6th-level spell, you can't cast another 6th-level spell again until you finish a long rest.

At 20th level, you can cast two 6th-level marks before requiring a long rest.

Vocation of Art Spells

Marksmith Level	Spells
2nd	Animate Weapon, Tenser's Floating Disk
5th	Magic Mouth, Phantasmal Force
9th	Conjure Animals, Create Food and Water
13th	Conjure Woodland Beings, Fabricate
17th	Animate Objects, Creation

Animated Artwork

When you choose this vocation at 2nd level, you learn how to make works of art fight for you. It could be an animated sculpture, living painting, a whirlwind of color, or anything else you wish.

As an action, you can create an animated artwork for 1 minute, which appears in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of you. When you summon it, and as an action on each of your turns, you can have it move up to 30 feet and make a melee spell attack against a creature within 5 feet of it. On a hit, the target takes force damage equal to 1d4 + your Intelligence modifier.

In addition, any attack made against you while you are within 5 feet of the animated artwork has disadvantage.

The artwork's damage increases by 1d4 when you reach 5th level (2d4), 11th level (3d4), and 17th level (4d4).

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency modifier, and you regain all expended uses of it when you finish a long rest.

Creation of Art

At 6th level, you are able to create simple objects using your marks. You can use your action to create an inanimate object in your hand or on the ground in an unoccupied space that you can see within 10 feet of you. This object can be no larger than 10 feet on a side and weigh no more than 100 pounds, and its form must be that of a nonmagical object that you have seen.

The object disappears when you use this feature again or if it takes or deals any damage

Picture Perfect

At 11th level, you begin to move your creations with perfect accuracy. You have advantage on attacks with Animated Artwork and Animate Weapon, and creatures you summon or animate with marksmith spells have advantage on attacks they make.

Creative Transposition

At 15th level, you leave a small teleportation glyph in each of your creations. As a bonus action, you can teleport to an unoccupied space within 5 feet of your animated artwork, animated weapon, or a creature you summoned or animated with a marksmith spell.

Vocation of Blood

There is something special about blood. It can channel magic like other materials are unable to. You have decided to harness this vile art to enhance the power of your marks.

Vocation of Elements Spells

Vocation of Illusion Spells

Marksmith Level	Spells
2nd	Color Spray, Disguise Self
5th	Mirror Image, Shadow Blade
9th	Fear, Major Image
13th	Greater Invisibility, Hallucinatory Terrain
17th	Creation, Mislead

Minor Illusions

When you choose this vocation at 2nd level, you learn the cantrip minor illusion. It counts as a marksmith cantrip for you, but doesn't count against the number of cantrips you know.

Simple Glyphs

Also at 2nd level, you learn how to place simple marks into glyphs. You may expend 1 spell point to use your Glyph Casting feature with cantrips.

Complex Illusions

At 6th level, when you cast minor illusions to create an image of an object, it seems completely real, including sounds, smells, and temperature appropriate to the thing depicted. You can't create sufficient heat or cold to cause damage, a sound loud enough to deal thunder damage or deafen a creature, or a smell that might sicken a creature (like a troglodyte's stench).

Physical interaction with the image do not reveals it to be an illusion. Instead, the creature attempts an Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If it fails, it believes the object to be real.

Mark Modification

At 11th level, your experience with the intricate detail of marks has allow you to modify the properties of spells you cast. You gain the following modifications. You may only apply one modification on a spell when you cast it.

Imagined Concentration

When you cast a spell with concentration, you may expend 5 spell points to remove the concentration.

Realistic Illusion

When you cast a spell that may require a creature to attempt an Intelligence (Investigation) check, you may spend 1 spell point to give disadvantage to any Intelligence (Investigation) checks made against the effects of the mark.

Shadow Mark

When you cast a spell that deals damage, you may expend 1 spell point to cause the mark to deal psychic damage instead. If the mark requires a saving throw, the saving throw becomes an Intelligence saving throw instead.

Shared Mark

When you cast a spell targeting only yourself with a range of Self or Touch, you can expend a number of spell points equal to the mark's level to target another creature within 5 feet of you.

Subtle Mark

When you cast a spell, you may spend 1 spell point to cast it without any somatic or verbal components.

Duplicity

At 15th level, you can use a bonus action to create illusionary duplicates of yourself which can attack and deliver your marks. For a minute, you may act as if you were in any space within 100 feet of you during your turn.

Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.

Vocation of Ink Spells

Vocation of Steel Spells

Spell list

Marksmith Spells

Corrode

1st-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 20 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a vial of vinegar)
• Duration: 1 minute

You shoot a highly corrosive blob of acid at a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the creature. On a hit, the creature takes 1d4 acid damage. At the start of each of the creature's turns for the duration, it takes 2d4 acid damage plus 1d4 acid damage for each subsequent turn (The creature would take 2d4 damage at the start of its first turn, 3d4 at the start of its second turn, 4d4 at the start of its third turn, etc). Any creature can use an action to wipe off the acid from the target, ending the spell.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd or higher, the initial damage increases by 2d4 for each slot level above 1st.

Elemental Enhancement

1st-level abjuration

• Casting Time: 1 bonus action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

Your marks enhance a weapon with elemental energy, and choose one damage type: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d4 damage of the chosen type to any target you hit with the weapon. If the weapon isn’t magical, it becomes a magic weapon for the spell’s duration.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd or higher, the damage increases by 1d4 for each spell level above 1st.

Explosion

1st-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Self
• Components: V, S, M (a bit of gunpowder)
• Duration: Instantaneous

An explosion erupts from you. Each other creature within 10 feet of you must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 2d10 fire damage. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 1st.

Flamewheel

1st-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Self
• Components: V, S, M (a chunk of charcoal)
• Duration: Instantaneous

You conjure a whirlwind of fire around you and sprint forward. You can move up to 20 feet. All creatures within 5 feet of you at any point during your movement must make a Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 fire damage, or half as much on a successful one. Any creature which hits you with an opportunity attack takes an additional 2d6 fire damage.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd or higher, the initial damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.

Flashfreeze

1st-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

You reach out to a creature an attempt to instantly freeze it. Make a melee spell attack against a creature you can reach. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 cold damage and is restrained until the end of their next turn. If the creature takes damage while restrained in this way, they take an additional bludgeoning 3d8 damage and is no longer restrained.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd or higher, the cold damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.

Furious Fists

1st-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 bonus action
• Range: Self
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

For the duration of this spell, your fist gleams with silvery arcane light and you may, as an action, make a melee spell attack against a creature within reach of your unarmed attack. The first such successful attack during the duration of this spell deals 2d10 force damage to the target, and the target must make a Strength saving throw or be knocked prone and pushed up to 5 feet away from you.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd or higher, the damage increases by 2d10 for each slot level above 1st. Additionally, the distance the target may be pushed away from you on a failed save increases by 5 feet for each slot level above 1st.

Guiding Rune

1st-level divination

• Casting Time: 1 bonus action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S, M (white chalk)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour

You touch a weapon, inscribing a detailed rune on it. Until the spell ends, that weapon gains a +1 bonus to attack rolls.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the bonus increases to +2. When you use a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the bonus increases to +3.

Ice Slide

1st-level conjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

You push a creature, conjuring a slippery line of ice to carry them away from you. The creature must make a Strength saving throw or be pushed 30 feet directly away from you.

Alternatively, instead of pushing a creature, you can conjure a slide for yourself and move 120 feet in a straight line.

Lightning Barrage

1st-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 15 feet
• Components: V, S, M (three metal rings)
• Duration: Instantaneous

You shoot out a volley of lightning bolts at a target in range, trying to build a powerful charge in their body. Make three range spell attacks against a creature within range. On a hit, the creature takes 1d6 lightning damage. If all three attacks hit, the creature is stunned until the start of your next turn.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd or higher, the first attack that hits deals an additional 1d6 damage for each slot level above 1st.

Regulate Temperature

1st-level transmutation (ritual)

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S, M (a vial of mercury)
• Duration: 24 hours

You create an invisible layer of magic around a creature's skin which keeps their temperature at a level which is comfortable for them. For the duration, the creature ignores the penalties of extreme cold and extreme heat.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 1st.

Stone Grasp

1st-level transmutation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: 1 minute

You cause the ground beneath a creature within range to latch onto their legs, immobilizing and crushing them. The target must make a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 bludgeoning damage and become restrained for the duration. As an action on each of your turns for the duration, you may deal 1d8 bludgeoning damage to the target automatically.

The target can use its action to make a Strength check against your spell save DC. On a success, it frees itself.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd or higher, the initial damage increased by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.

2nd Level Spells

Corrossive Caress

2nd-level conjuration

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S, M (a bit of vomit)
• Duration: Instantaneous

You attempt to touch a creature as you conjure magical acid into the palm of your hand. Make a melee spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 6d4 acid damage, and nonmagical armor worn by the target is partly dissolved and takes a permanent and cumulative -2 penalty to the AC it offers. The armor is destroyed if the penalty reduces its AC to 10.

Armor that is affected or destroyed by this spell can be fully restored with the mending spelL or through the use of appropriate tools.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases by 2d4 for each slot level above 2nd.

Encumber/Lighten

1st-level transmutation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour

You touch an object that is no larger than a 5-foot cube, causing it to either increase or decrease in weight.

The object's weight is either multiplied or divided by ten for the duration, chosen when the spell is cast. If the object's weight is increased, it takes and deals double damage from falling. If the object's weight is decreased it takes and deals half damage from falling.

Impartial Pheromones

2nd-level enchantment

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a rose)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

Pheromones surround a creature of your choice in range. The creature must succeed a Wisdom saving throw or become charmed by every other creature within 100 feet of them. The creature is stops being charmed by any creature that does anything harmful to it. At the end of each of its turns, the target can make a Wisdom saving throw. On a success, the spell ends.

Life Drain

2nd-level necromancy

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Instantaneous

You drain the life force out of a creature next to you, providing you sustenance. The target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 4d8 necrotic damage. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage. You regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd or higher, the damage increased by 1d8 for each slot level above 2nd.

Lightning Strike

2nd-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 bonus action
• Range: Self
• Components: V
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

The next time you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack during this spell’s duration, you weapon explodes with unstable electricity. The attack deals an additional 3d12 lightning damage to the target and you take lightning damage equal to half the amount of lightning damage dealt

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd or higher, the damage increases by 1d12 for each slot level above 1st.

Orbital Drop

2nd-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Self
• Components: V, S
• Duration: 1 round

You send yourself into the air with an explosion, preparing for a fiery finish. Each other creature within 10 feet of you must make a Dexterity saving throw. A target takes 2d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. Then you are propelled 100 feet into the air. At the start of your turn, you can choose a point within 30 feet of where you were when you cast this spell. You land on that point, taking no fall damage, and create an explosion. Each other creature within 20 feet of you must make a Dexterity saving throw. A target takes 2d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd or higher, both instances of damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.

Quicken

2nd-level evocation

• Casting Time: 1 bonus action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S
• Duration: 1 hour

You touch a creature. The target's walking speed becomes 60 feet until the spell ends.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 2nd.

Changelog

1.5 Changes

• Added Two-weapon Fighting to available Artistic Styles
• Seperated glyphs into Triggered and Personal. Triggered glyphs cannot be moved more than 10 feet from their original creation point.
• Removed mention of free actions
• Added multiclass information
• Added Vocation of Elements

Design Notes