Wondrous item, common
Fine Writing. While you use it, you have proficiency with calligrapher’s tools.
Inkless. This magical pen doesn’t require ink to write.
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
Fine Writing. While you use it, you have proficiency with calligrapher’s tools.
Inkless. This magical pen doesn’t require ink to write.
Order. Once per day, you can use the pen to write down a course of activity (limited to a sentence or two) on a sheet of paper, scroll, or similar surface to magically influence a creature who reads it. The magic activates when a creature reads the text, but you decide the concrete triggers of the activation when you write the task. The most common triggers include unfolding the paper, being a certain type of creature, or being the first to read it after a certain amount of time. When the writing is triggered, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be affected by the suggestion spell. The spell lasts up to 1 hour or until the suggested task is completed. When you use the pen for this ability again, after 10 days, or when a creature triggers the effect, the writing loses its magic and becomes mundane.
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
Fine Writing. While you use it, you have proficiency with calligrapher’s tools.
Inkless. This magical pen doesn’t require ink to write. Further, you can cast the illusory script spell (only as ritual) with at will.
Notify. Once per day, you can use the pen to write into the air to cast the sending spell.
Order. Once per day, you can use the pen to write down a course of activity (limited to a sentence or two) on a sheet of paper, scroll, or similar surface to magically influence a creature who reads it. The magic activates when a creature reads the text, but you decide the concrete triggers of the activation when you write the task. The most common triggers include unfolding the paper, being a certain type of creature, or being the first to read it after a certain amount of time. When the writing is triggered, the target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be affected by the suggestion spell. The spell lasts up to 1 hour or until the suggested task is completed. When you use the pen for this ability again, after 10 days, or when a creature triggers the effect, the writing loses its magic and becomes mundane.
Using Evolving Items
Evolving items can be used as standard magic items—the GM simply determines the rarity at which the item is found. However, when used as evolving items, they typically start at their lowest stage and grow in power over time. The GM decides the conditions for their evolution, allowing for organic progression tied to the story and the characters’ actions. Those conditions could be something like:
- Character Growth. Reaching a specific character level, class level, or proficiency milestone.
- Arcane Empowerment. Enhancing the item through crafting, rituals, or materials obtained via quests or trade.
- Attunement Over Time. Gaining deeper attunement by wielding the item for an extended period or completing a major storyline.
- Thematic Achievements. Fulfilling tasks or trials related to the item’s nature or using the item in a defining moment.
- Divine or Infernal Favor. Gaining recognition from deities, spirits, or other powerful entities tied to the item.
- Environmental Influence. The item changes when exposed to specific locations, celestial events, or magical anomalies (e.g., bathed in moonlight, struck by lightning).
By using evolving items, the GM can weave them into the story, making them feel personal and rewarding as they develop alongside the characters.