# **Warlute** _Wondrous item (instrument, weapon), rare_ _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. --- ## **Form Switching** You may switch the Warlute between its forms as a **bonus action** or as part of the same action used to draw or stow it. ## **1. Lute Form (Instrument)** While in this form, the Warlute functions as a **magical lute**. - You gain **advantage on Charisma (Performance) checks** made using the Warlute. - The Warlute can be used as a **spellcasting focus** for Bard spells. - When you expend a **Bardic Inspiration die**, you may add **+1** to the number rolled (once per turn). ## **2. Axe Form (Melee Weapon)** _Martial melee weapon_ When transformed, the lute’s body hardens and reshapes into a crescent axe blade while the neck locks into a reinforced haft. - **Damage:** 1d10 slashing - **Properties:** Versatile (1d12), Heavy - **Magic Weapon:** +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls ### **Resonant Cleave** Once per turn when you hit a creature with the Warlute in Axe Form, you may deal an additional **1d4 thunder damage**. If the target is **concentrating on a spell**, it has **disadvantage** on the Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration from this attack. ## **3. Bow Form (Ranged Weapon)** _Martial ranged weapon_ The neck splits lengthwise, arcane strings stretching between the halves to form a shimmering bow. - **Damage:** 1d8 piercing - **Range:** 100/400 - **Properties:** Ammunition (magical), two-handed - **Magic Weapon:** +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls The Warlute creates its own **spectral arrows** when drawn; no ammunition is required. ### **Harmonic Shot** Once per turn on a hit, choose one: - Deal an extra **1d4 thunder damage**, or - Force the target to succeed on a **Wisdom saving throw** against your Bard spell save DC or suffer **disadvantage on its next attack roll** before the end of its next turn. --- ## **Battle Canticle** When you switch forms **during combat**, you may immediately choose one creature within 15 feet that can hear you: - That creature takes **1d6 thunder damage** (Constitution save for half). You can use this feature a number of times equal to your **proficiency bonus per long rest**. --- ## **Class Synergy** While attuned: - You may use **Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity** for attack and damage rolls with the Warlute. - If you reduce a creature to 0 hit points with the Warlute, you may immediately **switch forms without using an action** (once per turn). ## **Lore (Optional)** Warlutes are favoured by skalds and war-bards who conduct battle like a symphony—opening with song, striking with steel, and ending with a final, ringing note.