Custom subclass: Bard, College of the Muse

[Lanliss]

One of my players wanted to play a bard with a muse. So far I am happy with what I have for her, and thought I would share the basics with you all here. Note, this is very much a Wip.

College of the Muse
Starting when you choose this College, you gain the ability to call on a muse. You must spend an hour to complete a ritual, to summon this muse, which only you can see. While doing the ritual you choose a single skill, and roll 1d8. When you complete the ritual this muse gives you a bonus to your chosen skill, equal to your roll on the d8.


The player is also very happy with this, though this is hardly everything the class will be. I plan to have some way for the Muse to get stronger over time, the longer you keep one muse. You will also be able to change the Muse through the same ritual, if you choose.

 

[Lanliss]

Ok, v2 now, since I actually looked at the bard class. Thoughts?

3rd level
Summon muse, as above, but with a d4 die. Die increases to 1d6 at 6th and 1d8 at 14th level.

6th level
Place muse on someone else, they get half the bonus of the Muse, rounded down.

14th level
Summon 2 muses, cannot be the same skill, and have different Inspiration rolls.

 

[Lanliss]

v3, here we go.

College of the Muse
You have worked you're entire career unlocking the secrets of the Muse, a long lost art of artists across the world. For most, this represents a lifetime partnership, but the trained Bards of this college can change their Muse like a cloak, Making it appear as though they are a different person each day.

3rd level
At 3rd level you may find a Muse. By completing a ritual over the course of an hour you can reach into a space between the Ethereal Plane and the Material one. Here you can find a swirling swarm of spirits, made up of the residue left when exceptional spirits pass on. Choose a skill and roll an Inspiration die. You gain a muse equivalent to your roll, and gain a bonus to your chosen skill for as long as your muse remains.
You cannot use this ritual more than once per long rest.

6th level
As a result of your connection to your Muse you can make special requests of it. Choose from one of the below options when you reach 6th level. You can choose another at 14th level.

• You have learned to grant others the majesty of your Muse. Place your Muse on someone else, they get half the bonus of the Muse, rounded down (minimum of 1).
• Need more ideas for what a muse could do...

14th level
You have perfected your ritual, and can seek greater guidance from the spirits of the past. You can now summon 2 muses. They cannot be Muses of the same skill, and both Muses have different Inspiration rolls.

 

[Lanliss]

Thanks, happy I got it to a point where it seems actually usable.