_Wondrous item (instrument, weapon), Artifact_ _Requires attunement by a Bard proficient with lutes_ A masterwork lute of darkwood, steel, and arcane string. With a practiced motion, its neck twists, splits, or locks into place—music becoming weapon, rhythm becoming war. - The Warlute has **three forms**: 1. **Lute (Instrument)** 2. **Axe (Melee)** 3. **Bow (Ranged)** - The Warlute may always be used as a **spellcasting focus**. - While attuned, you may use **Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity** for attack and damage rolls. - The Warlute creates **spectral ammunition** in Bow form (no arrows required). ### **Perfect Form Control** - Switch forms **freely once per turn** - First attack each turn has **advantage** --- ### **Lute Form** - Advantage on **Charisma (Performance)** checks - When you expend **Bardic Inspiration**, add **+1** to the die (once per turn) - **Expertise** in Performance - Reroll Bardic Inspiration dice (take either result) - Bardic Inspiration may affect **two creatures** - One creature gains **temporary HP = Charisma modifier** - Concentrate on **two Bard spells (4th level or lower)** once per long rest --- ### **Axe Form** _Martial melee weapon_ - **Damage**: 1d12 slashing - **Properties:** Versatile (2d8), Heavy - **Magic Weapon:** **+3** **Resonant Execution (1/turn):** +2d8 thunder damage Concentration saves from this attack are made **with disadvantage** If you reduce a creature to 0 HP, make **one additional attack** (no action) --- ### **Bow Form** _Martial ranged weapon_ - **Damage:** 1d12 piercing - **Range:** 150/600 - **Properties:** Two-handed - **Magic Weapon:** +3 **Harmonic Devastation (1/turn):** +2d8 thunder or psychic damage The target must succeed on a **Wisdom saving throw** against your Bard spell save DC or target is **Deafened** and has disadvantage on **attacks and concentration saves** before the end of its next turn. ### **Crescendo of War** When you expend Bardic Inspiration: - Next hit deals **maximum damage** - All enemies within 10 ft of the target take thunder damage = **2 × Charisma modifier** Uses: **Charisma modifier per long rest** ### **Skald Ascendant** - Resistance to **thunder and psychic** - Allies within 10 ft have advantage against being **charmed & frightened** - Enemies provoke opportunity attacks from you **even if they Disengage**