> [!warning] > This page is a work in progress. Information on this page is subject to change. # Calligrapher ## Overview - **Primary Tool:** Calligrapher's Supplies - **Primary Ability:** [[Abilities#Intelligence|Intelligence]] - **Available Checks:** - Identify a script style, language, or author's handwriting - Detect forgeries, alterations, or tampering in a written document - Estimate the age, origin, or monetary value of a written work - [[#Performing Calligraphy|Perform a calligraphy check]] ### Creation Types | **Creations** | **Description** | | ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Transcriptions | Exact replications of existing texts, maps, or documents. May be legally binding or used in scholarship and archiving. | | Illuminated Manuscripts | Highly decorated and embellished documents. Prized for their artistic and monetary value; commonly used in ceremonies, diplomacy, and as noble gifts. | | Enchanted Scripts | Documents imbued with magical properties through the use of arcane inks or ritual writing techniques. Require knowledge of the spell or effect to be transcribed. | | Cipher Texts | Encoded messages or documents legible only to those who know the corresponding cipher. Used by spies, guilds, and secret orders. | | Scrolls | Spell-inscribed texts that store a magical effect and activate when read aloud. The most common magical application of calligraphy. | ### Ingredient Types | **Ingredients** | **Description** | | --- | --- | | 🞛 Refined Inks | Processed pigment-based or magical inks. Created from raw pigments through grinding, suspension, and arcane treatment. Quality determines legibility, longevity, and magical conductivity. | | 🞚 Raw Pigments & Materials | Mineral dusts, plant dyes, rare squid inks, and metallic powders. Found, harvested, or purchased. Form the base of all inks and cannot be used without refinement for most works. | | 🞜 Binders & Solvents | Gum arabic, linseed oil, arcane fixatives, and preservation agents. Critical for ink adherence, long-term preservation, and magical attunement of enchanted scripts. | ### Creation Cost & Time | **Calligrapher Level** | **Creation Slots** | | --- | --- | | Level 0 –<br>Novice | 1 | | Level 1 –<br>Intermediate | 2 | | Level 2 –<br>Advanced | 3 | | Level 3 –<br>Superior | 4 | | Level 4 –<br>Master | 5 | All creation slots are utilized over an 8 hour period. | **Rarity** | **Calligraphy DC** | **Calligraphy Die** | **Slot Cost** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Common | 10 | 1d4 | 1 | | Uncommon | 15 | 1d6 | 1 | | Rare | 20 | 1d8 | 2 | | Very Rare | 25 | 1d10 | 3 | | Legendary | 30 | 1d12 | 4 | ### Performing Calligraphy > [!faq]- Calligraphy Creation Example > To produce a ***Scroll of Warding Script***, an Uncommon enchanted document that grants its holder advantage on saving throws against compulsion effects for one hour upon activation, follow the steps below: > > **1. Gather ingredients** > The ingredients for a Scroll of Warding Script are: > 🞜 Arcane Fixative Solution > 🞛 Silverash Ink (Refined) > 🞚 Vellum Sheet > For this example, we'll assume you have purchased Arcane Fixative Solution and Vellum beforehand. > > **2. Roll a calligraphy check to determine the quality of your work.** > The DC is equal to... > *the rarity of the creation* — *your calligrapher level* — *your [[Abilities#Intelligence|Intelligence]] modifier* (minimum of 0) — *your proficiency bonus* (only if proficient with Calligrapher's Supplies) > - Upon success, you waste no materials and the script is legible and potent. > - Upon [[#Failing A Calligraphy Check|failure]], you waste materials and the process takes longer. > > **3. Refine ink(s).** > In this case, you succeed and now need to prepare ***Silverash Ink***, which costs 1d6 *Silver Ash Powder* — *Intelligence modifier* (minimum of 0) per scroll. > > **4. Add remaining ingredients.** > All other listed ingredients are consumed at a 1-to-1 ratio unless otherwise stated. > In this example, 1 Arcane Fixative Solution and 1 Vellum Sheet are consumed. ### Failing A Calligraphy Check On a failed calligraphy check, roll a *calligraphy die* — *your calligrapher level* to see how many ingredients are lost (resulting in a minimum of 1). You must roll separately for both *refined inks* and *raw pigments & materials*. For time wasted (resulting in a minimum of 1 hour), roll a *calligraphy die* — *your proficiency bonus* (only if you are proficient with Calligrapher's Supplies). ## Recipes Calligraphic techniques for enchanted and cipher scripts are closely guarded. Instruction manuals and pattern books include: - *A Primer on Common Scripts* — Covers standard transcription techniques and basic ink preparation. - *The Archivist's Codex* — Advanced techniques for illuminated manuscripts, enchanted scripts, and arcane scrollwork.