Magical Tattoos

T
attoo magic is an incredibly old form of magic, Copying Check
and is a form of art utilized by many different Condition of Subject DC
cultures across the multiverse. The designs and
function of these tattoos varies wildly between Living, willing or unconscious 5
peoples, races, species, countries, continents, Dead, for less than a week 10
and planes, from a lucky charm for sailors, to a
mark for slaves. Living, unwilling or restrained 15
Dead, for one week or more 20
A New Tool Proficiency
Dead, tattoo design is not intact 25
In order to create a tattoo, either mundane or magical, the
artist must have proficiency with tattooist's tools, which are a The size and intricacy of tattoos will determine the amount
type of artisan's tools. In order to ink a magical tattoo onto a of resources needed to copy the tattoo. An artist will need to
wearer, the artist must have proficiency with tattooist's tools spend 2 hours and 50 gp to copy a design into their
and must be able to cast at least one spell. sketchbook. This amount increases by 2 hours and gp for
Whenever you would gain proficiency with a type of each size and intricacy level, to a maximum of 10 hours and
artisan's tools from a background, you may substitute that 250 gp for a Large Ornate tattoo. Once a tattoo is copied into
proficiency for proficiency with tattooist's tools instead. Your a sketchbook, a template may then be created. Creating a
DM may allow you to gain proficiency with tattooist's tools template costs the same amount, in time and materials, as
over the course of play. copying the design in the first place, and each template may
be used only once.
Tattooist's Tools
Copying your sketchbook
This kit is a sturdy briefcase which can hold a variety of
hammers, needles, medical supplies needed for sterilization, Artists can copy a design from their own sketchbook into
and differently colored inks, all of which are necessary in the another book – for example, if they want to make a backup
creation of magical and mundane tattoos. The kit may also copy of their sketchbook. This is just like copying a new
include a sketchbook filled with original designs, and has template, but faster and easier, since they understand their
space for any magical templates the owner finds during their own notation and already know how to apply the tattoo. They
journeys. need spend only 1 hour and 10 gp for each size and intricacy
level of the tattoo. If the sketchbook is lost, they can use the
The Artist's Sketchbook same procedure to transcribe the designs that they can
remember (an amount equal to their Intelligence (History)
When an artist first gains proficiency with tattooist’s tools, modifier, minimum of 0) into a new sketchbook. Filling out the
their teacher gives them a sketchbook containing designs for a remainder of the sketchbook requires them to find new
number of Simple or Average tattoos equal to 5 + their templates to copy, as normal. For this reason, many artists
Intelligence modifier. keep backup sketchbooks in a safe place.
The sketchbook is a unique compilation of designs, with its
own decorative flourishes and margin notes. It might be a Applying a Tattoo
plain, functional leather volume that they received as a gift In order to apply a tattoo, there must first be room to draw it
from their teacher, a finely bound gilt-edged tome they found into the skin. Every tattoo has a size and location. The size of
in an ancient library, or even a loose collection of notes the tattoo scales with the size of the creature. Because of this,
scrounged together after they lost their previous sketchbook a Large chest tattoo would take up the same space on a
in a mishap. human, a halfling, or a giant, as the size of the tattoo stays
Discovering new templates proportional to the size of the creature it is applied to.
Characters are limited only by the amount of available
Most examples of tattoo templates are exceedingly rare and space on their body.
either well-hidden or carefully guarded, as existing tattoos are
either culturally significant or highly prized by their current Available space
owners. In rare cases, ancient tattoo templates may be found Body Part Number of Tattoos
in such areas as ancient temple walls or found carved into Head 1 Medium, or 2 Small
totems. The most common way to learn a new template is to
copy it from a tattooed person. Copying the design of a tattoo Chest 1 Large, or 2 Medium, or 4 Small
from another body requires the tattooist make an Intelligence Back 1 Large, or 2 Medium, or 4 Small
check. The DC is determined by the condition of the body:
Arm or Wing 1 Medium and 1 Small, or 3 Small
Leg or Tail 1 Medium and 1 Small, or 3 Small
Tattoos are either Small, Medium, or Large, and are either Risk of Disease
Simple, Average, or Ornate. You can gain additional uses of a Even with sterile tools, there is still a slight chance of picking
tattoo by increasing its size or intricacy by one step, up to a up a disease from being tattooed. The creature recieving a
max of Large size and Ornate intricacy. Tattoos that provide a tattoo must make a Constitution save, the DC of which
constant effect are unable to be modified in this manner. depends on how sterile the procedure was.
Increasing the size or intricacy of the tattoo doubles the
price for each increase. Cleanliness Con save DC
A modified tattoo counts as a different tattoo for purposes Appropriate medical supplies used 5
of placing it in a sketchbook, but a tattoo can be modified at
the time of application by increasing the tattooist's tools DC Improvised medical supplies used 10
by 5. Poorly improvised medical supplies used 12
New Feat: Inked No sterilization 15
Prerequisite: Constitution 13 or higher Actively Unsanitary 20
You really enjoy the look and feeling of having tattoos. You
may have more tattoos than your body would normally allow. If a disease is contracted, the DM decides what disease it is,
You may either have 1 additional Large tattoo, 2 additional either by choosing one from pages 256-257 of the Dungeon
Medium tattoos, or 4 additional Small tattoos. Master's Guide, or by making one up.
Tattooing Process Permanence
The properties of magical tattoos permeate deep within the
The requirements for each tattoo are different, but the general muscles and sinew of the body, and are in most senses
rule is that larger and more intricate tattoos require more permanent. Very few have ever been reported as having lost
time and ink to apply. their magical properties, even if the tattoo is no longer visible
on the skin. Incredibly deep burns or loss of limb removes the
Applying Non-Magical Tattoos magically enchanted parts of the body, removing the effects of
The artist need not succeed on checks with tattooist’s tools, any tattoos on that body part, and possibly allowing for
only spend the requisite amount of time according to the size another tattoo to be acquired. Limbs regrown with regenerate
and intricacy of the tattoo design. do not grow back their tattoos. Spells such as raise dead
Time to Apply generally keep the tattoos intact, given that the limb is still
Tattoos take time to apply based on their size and intricacy. A present. Reincarnation will not bring back the subject with
large but simple tattoo may take the same amount of time to their tattoos intact. Clones made with the clone spell do not
ink as it would to create a small but detailed one. Sessions have tattoos.
may be broken into chunks of time over the course of several Additional Information
days, however if the tattoo is not finished within 30 days the
magics of the tattoo dissipate and must be started again from Both magical and non-magical tattoos should be recorded to
the beginning. Some tattoo mages will demand full payment check whether a character has room for a new tattoo. Unless
upfront, while others will charge a part of the price across specifically noted under the tattoo description, any additional
each individual session. After the tattoo is finished, you gain applications of the same tattoo will not confer additional
the effects of it after a long rest. Use the following table to magical effects.
determine how long the procedure will take. Magical tattoos dimly radiate magic under a detect magic
spell. A successful DC 20 Arcana check may be made in order
Size (intricacy) Time
Application
DC
to discern the nature of a magical tattoo. Dispel magic will not
nullify a tattoo's magic, only suppress it for 1d4 rounds.
Small (simple)
1+1d4
10
Tattoos cease to function in the area of an anti-magic field.
hours
Small (average), Medium 2+1d6
12
(simple) hours
Small (ornate), Medium 4+1d8
14
(average), Large (simple) hours
Medium (ornate), Large 6+3d6
16
(average) hours
8+3d10
Large (ornate) 18
hours
 Specialty Inks
It may be possible to aquire rare and unique inks with which
Available Materials one may create tattoos. These inks may have special cosmetic
Item Cost Weight
or magical properties. Using anything but standard ink may
incur an extra cost, at the DM's discretion.
Tattooist's tools 15 gp 5 lb
Sketchbook 25 gp 2 lb
Bestial ink
Ink made from the essence of a type of creature. Evokes
Medical supplies 30 gp 2 lb images of that creature in the minds of those who view the
Ink base 5 cp 1 oz tattoo.
Full ink set 200 gp 1 lb Detection ink
Bestial ink 125 gp 1 oz This specially prepared ink reacts to the presence of certain
creatures, and glows faintly when within 100 feet of the
Black ink 15 gp 1 oz creature in question. Each different creature type is a different
Blue ink 15 gp 1 oz type of Detection Ink.
Brown ink 15 gp 1 oz Elemental Ink
Detection ink 600 gp 1 oz This ink is purely cosmetic in most circumstances, coming in
a variety of elemental styles. Some may make the lines of a
Elemental ink 150 gp 1 oz tattoo appear to burn like molten lava, while others may cause
Glamour ink 75 gp 1 oz it to appear as if cool water flows through the lines of the
subject's skin. Certain earth-aligned inks will cause the lines
Glow ink 75 gp 1 oz of a tattoo to appear as if they were filled with glimmering
Green ink 15 gp 1 oz gemstones. While this is normally cosmetic, if the appropriate
elemental ink is aligned with a specific tattoo, it may amplify
Metallic ink 150 gp 1 oz the effects of such a tattoo. For example, a tattoo of a fist of
Mood ink 115 gp 1 oz the elements would become much stronger if drawn using ice
Orange ink 15 gp 1 oz
aligned ink.
Prismatic ink 125 gp 1 oz Glamor Ink
Purple ink 15 gp 1 oz
This ink causes lines drawn with it to glitter like a thousand
stars. These inks come in a variety of colors.
Shifting ink 1,500 gp 1 oz
Glow-Ink
Red ink 15 gp 1 oz
Tattoos inked with this concoction are pale versions of their
Temporary ink 10 gp 1 oz colors while in the light, but in dim or dark conditions glow
Three dimensional ink 350 gp 1 oz
vibrantly with their appropriate color, creating dim light in a
radius of 10 feet if the tattoo is uncovered.
White ink 15 gp 1 oz
Yellow ink 15 gp 1 oz
Metallic Ink
Tattoos made with this ink make it appear as though the
subject has organically-flexible metal inlays imbedded in their
skin. These inks come in a variety of flavors, from gold to
silver to rusty iron.
New Items: Mood Ink
One ounce of ink is sufficient to create 1 Large Simple tattoo, While appearing as plain gray ink in a bottle, once applied to
2 Medium Simple tattoos, or 4 Small Simple tattoos. Average the subject, this ink changes color depending on the subject's
tattoos halve this number, and Ornate tattoos quarter it. In mood.
order to gain a special effect from a type of ink, the entire
tattoo must be made with that type. Mood Color
Tattooist's Tools Comes with one color of ink Anger, Irritation Red
Sketchbook Contains known tattoo designs. Each design
takes up a full page. Sketchbooks have 25 pages. Nervous, Fearful Orange
Medical Supplies Used for sterilizing tattooist's tools. Surprised, Shocked Yellow
Contains enough materials to sterilize up to ten times.
Ink base Clear liquid that may be mixed with pigment to Disgusted, Repulsed Green
form 1 oz of the appropriate color. Sad, Depressed Blue
Full ink set Contains 1 oz of each color of the basic inks Happy, Infatuated Purple
(black, blue, brown, green, orange, purple, red, white, and
yellow).
Prismatic Ink
Appearing to be a swirling mass of rainbow colors while in a
bottle, this ink causes lines tattooed with it to become
beautiful and iridescent in apperance.
Shifting Ink
Shifting ink is the rarest of all tattoo inks, and allows two
tattoos to be placed on the same part of the body. In order for
this ink to display its true power, the area to be tattooed must
first be prepared with shifting ink. This process requires the
same amount of ink as the larger of the two tattoos to be
applied. During the application of the first tattoo, the shifting
ink reacts with it and it absorbs into the wearer’s skin. The
second tattoo may be applied over this. Once this is done, the
wearer may choose which tattoo to manifest once per short
rest.
The time taken to prepare the area with shifting ink is equal
to that of the larger tattoo, but there is no associated DC. The
tattoos must be applied within three days of the application of
the shifting ink, before it loses its potency and binds with only
the first tattoo. Artists sometimes risk exhausting themselves
trying to complete their work before the shifting ink sets.
Temporary ink
This ink appears as normal black ink, only it is applied on top
of the skin with a thin brush. Tattoos made with this ink last
up to one week or until they are washed away with water.
Three-Dimensional Ink
This ink comes in the same standard variety of colors as
normal ink. However, when applied it creates a stunning effect
whereby the design of the tattoo appears to float off of the
wearer’s skin and hover above it. The tattoo may also animate
slightly, spinning or curling around the area.
Magical Tattoo Catalog
Name Location Size and Intricacy Cost
All Seeing Eye Head Small Average Ink + 2,500 gp
Artisan's Hands Both Arms Small Ornate Ink + 3,500 gp
Eye of Darkvision Head Small Average Ink + 2,500 gp
Eye of Truesight Head Medium Ornate Ink + 6,000 gp
Eye of the Mage Head Small Ornate Ink + 3,500 gp
Eye of the Seer Head Small Average Ink + 2,500 gp
Fist of the Elements Arm Medium Average Ink + 3,500 gp
Fortress Tattoo Anywhere Large Average Ink + 8,500 gp
Mark of the Anchor Anywhere Small Simple Ink + 1,000 gp
Mark of the Archer Arm Medium Simple Ink + 2,000 gp
Mark of the Armsman Arm Medium Simple Ink + 2,000 gp
Mark of the Armsman Arm Medium Ornate Ink + 3,500 gp
Mark of the Cheetah Leg Small Simple Ink + 1,500 gp
Mark of the Death Walker Chest Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Mark of the Driftglobe Anywhere Medium Average Ink + 3,000 gp
Mark of the Dryad Arm Medium Ornate Ink + 7,000 gp
Mark of the Elemental Anywhere Medium Ornate Ink + 7,000 gp
Mark of the Elven Anywhere Medium Simple Ink + 3,000 gp
Mark of the Flock Anywhere Medium Ornate Ink + 7,000 gp
Mark of the Frog Leg Small Simple Ink + 1,000 gp
Mark of the Ghast Arm Medium Average Ink + 3,500 gp
Mark of the Healer Anywhere Medium Ornate Ink + 3,500 gp
Mark of the Hummingbird Chest Large Simple Ink + 8,000 gp
Mark of the Kraken Anywhere Medium Simple Ink + 2,000 gp
Mark of the Ox Chest Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Mark of the Pacifist Anywhere Small Simple Ink + 1,500 gp
Mark of the Packmaster Anywhere Medium Ornate Ink + 7,000 gp
Mark of the Pit Fiend Arm Medium Ornate Ink + 7,000 gp
Mark of the Pufferfish Arm Small Average Ink + 3,000 gp
Mark of the Shadow Anywhere Small Average Ink + 2,500 gp
Mark of the Shadow Anywhere Small Ornate Ink + 4,000 gp
Mark of the Snake Charmer Arm Medium Ornate Ink + 7,000 gp
Mark of the Soulmates Arm Small Ornate Ink + 3,500 gp
Mark of the Spider Leg Medium Simple Ink + 2,000 gp
Mark of the Spiritmaster Anywhere Medium Ornate Ink + 8,000 gp
Mark of the Tarrasque Anywhere Large Average Ink + 6,000 gp
Mark of the Telepath Head Small Ornate Ink + 3,500 gp
Mark of the Viper Anywhere Medium Simple Ink + 3,000 gp
Magical Tattoo Catalog (Continued)
Name Location Size and Intricacy Cost
Mark of the Weaponmaster Arm Small Average Ink + 3,500 gp
Maw of the Dragon Head Medium Ornate Ink + 6,000 gp
Scar of Bravery Anywhere Medium Simple Ink + 3,000 gp
Shield of the Elemental Guardian Anywhere Large Average Ink + 4,000 gp
Slave's Mark Anywhere Small Simple Ink + 500 gp
Owner's Mark Anywhere Small Simple Ink + 1,000 gp
Spirit of the Bear Anywhere Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Spirit of the Bull Anywhere Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Spirit of the Cat Anywhere Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Spirit of the Eagle Anywhere Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Spirit of the Fox Anywhere Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Spirit of the Owl Anywhere Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Spirit of the Stag Anywhere Large Ornate Ink + 10,000 gp
Spirit Walker's Sigil Anywhere Medium Average Ink + 3,000 gp
Tattoo of [Ability] Chest Large Average Ink + 6,000 gp
Tattoo of Chilling Anywhere Small Ornate Ink + 3,500 gp
Tattoo of Flame Anywhere Small Ornate Ink + 3,500 gp
Tattoo of Leaping Both Legs Medium Ornate Ink + 6,000 gp
Tattoo of Major Protection Chest or Back Large Average Ink + 8,000 gp
Tattoo of Protection Chest or Back Large Simple Ink + 3,500 gp
Tattoo of Striding Leg Medium Average Ink + 3,000 gp
Tattoo of Warding Anywhere Large Average Ink + 4,000 gp
Venom Ward Anywhere Small Average Ink + 3,500 gp
Voice of Comprehension Head Small Average Ink + 3,500 gp
Wings of Ink Back Large Simple Ink + 3,500 gp
Tattoos are presented in the following format: Eye
Tattoo Name (Hea
(Location, Size Intricacy) You
Flavor Text defin
Rules Text Th
check
Tattoo Descriptions Fist
All Seeing Eye (Arm
(Head, Small Average) You
powe
Your mind feels more limber, accurately discerning the your
opinions and intent of others. of a t
The wearer gains advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks. As
energ
Artisan's Hands wear
(Both Arms, Small Ornate) extra
Your hands move almost on their own, shaping the object elem
before you as if you were a master craftsman. the fi
The wearer gains proficiency with one type of artisan's If t
tools. The type of tools are worked into the design of the that i
tattoo. Again
dama
Eye of Darkvision If t
(Head, Small Average) weari
advan
Your eyes become accustomed to total darkness. You can out o
see into the darkest corners of the world. If t
Once per long rest as an action, the wearer can gain the addit
ability to see in the dark, and has darkvision out to a range of Up
60 feet for 8 hours. If the wearer already has darkvision, this appli
increases the range of their darkvision by 60 feet, to a the ty
maximum of 120 feet. Wh
An Ornate version of this tattoo exists, which applies a 1 hou
permanent effect, instead of a temporary one. numb
Eye of Truesight (mini
(Head, Medium Ornate) For
A third eye stares unblinkingly out from your forehead, (Anyw
seeing through illusions and observing other planes of You
existence. faster
Once per long rest as an action, the wearer gains the ability the in
to see things as they actually are. For 1 hour, the creature has your
truesight, notices secret doors hidden by magic, and can see powe
into the Ethereal Plane, all out to a range of 120 feet. Th
Truesight is a rare and powerful ability that few artists have prima
learned to harness in their art. The artist must successfully savin
make a DC 25 check to apply the tattoo. Please note crafting may b
rolls must be made for each session. Th
An alternate version of this tattoo exists, which applies a tattoo
permanent effect, instead of a temporary one. dama
The a
Eye of the Mage minu
(Head, Small Ornate) On
Brilliant purple and blue hues radiate from around your wear
eyes, granting you sight into the arcane. At
The wearer may cast the spell detect magic at will as a ink m
ritual. elem
effect
Mark of the Anchor
(Anywhere, Small Simple)
Your body feels heavier, feet more firmly planted on the
ground.
The wearer gains advantage against effects that would
move them, or knock them prone.
Mark of the Archer
(Arm, Medium Average)
Your bow feels natural in your hand, and moves almost
without thought to aim at your targets
The wearer has a +1 bonus on ranged attack rolls with
ranged weapons they are proficient with.
Mark of the Armsman
(Arm, Medium Simple)
Your weapon seems to move itself, digging further into
wounds than your strength alone can account for
The wearer has a +1 bonus on attack rolls OR damage rolls
with a specific type of melee weapon (swords, axes, maces,
etc), as long as they are proficient with the weapon and
wielding it in the arm the tattoo is on. The type of weapon and
the type of rolls are chosen when the tattoo is applied, and the
weapon is pictured somewhere in the art of the tattoo.
An Ornate intricacy design exists that grants the bonus to
both attack rolls and damage rolls.
Mark of the Cheetah
(Both Legs, Small Simple)
Your legs become light with the speed and agility of a
cheetah.
Once per long rest as an action, the wearer may activate
this tattoo. For an hour, the wearer’s speed increases by 10ft.
Mark of the Death Walker
(Chest, Large Ornate)
Potent magic in the form of protective runes and abjuration
magic give the wearer the protection from the most final of
endings, death.
If the wearer would drop to 0 hit points as a result of taking
damage, the wearer instead drops to 1 hit point. Alternatively,
if the wearer is subjected to an effect that would kill it
instantaneously without dealing damage, that effect is instead
negated against the wearer.
Once either effect is used, it cannot be used again for
another 30 days.
Mark of the Driftglobe
(Anywhere, Medium Average)
You become as dazzling as the Sun, illuminating even the
darkest of nights.
As an action, the wearer emanates a 60 ft. radius sphere of
light that moves with them. The sphere is bright light and
sheds dim light for an additional 60 feet. Completely covering
the wearer with an opaque object, such as a bowl or a helm,
blocks the light. The light lasts for 1 hour unless dispelled, and
the tattoo may be activated once per long rest.
If any of this spell's area overlaps with an area of darkness
created by a spell of 2nd level or lower, the spell that created
the darkness is dispelled.
This tattoo also illuminates areas overlapping with
darkness created by the Mark of the Kraken.
Mark of the Dryad
(Arm, Medium Ornate)
Creepers and vines swathe your arm, grasping and
strangling anything and everything that draws too close.
As an action, the wearer may cast the entangle spell, using
Intelligence as their spellcasting ability modifier. After using
this ability, the wearer must complete a short or long rest to
activate the tattoo again.
At least two jars of three dimensional ink must be used to
grant this tattoo’s effects.
Mark of the Elemental
(Anywhere, Medium Ornate)
The representation of an element flows around you,
granting you its protection.
The wearer gains resistance to a type of damage, chosen
when the tattoo is applied.
Mark of the Elven
(Anywhere, Medium Simple)
Sylvan magic runs through your veins, granting you the
most common blessing of the Feywild.
The wearer gains immunity to magical sleep, and has
advantage on saving throws against being charmed.
Mark of the Flock
(Anywhere, Medium Ornate)
An unkindness of ravens take flight from your tattoo, the
inky designs now taking sinister material form. The cawing
birds circle around you, awaiting your commands.
Once per long rest, the wearer may activate this tattoo as an
action, causing a Swarm of Ravens (MM pg 339) of the same
color as the ones depicted in the tattoo to appear within 5 feet
of the wearer. The ravens persist until are killed or until 10
minutes have passed, at which point they dissappear into
smoke. The ravens follow the wearer's every mental
command, and act on the wearer's initiative.
Any article of clothing which covers the tattoo upon
activation is destroyed in the process as the ravens fly through
the cloth. If the tattoo is covered by armor, the tattoo will not
activate.
At least three jars of three dimensional ink must be used to
grant this tattoo’s effects.
Mark of the Frog
(Both Legs, Small Simple)
Your legs become coiled springs, waiting to unleash the
jumping prowess of the frog.
The wearer may activate this tattoo as an action once per
long rest. For the next minute, the wearer’s jump distance is
tripled.
Mark of the Ghast
(Arm, Medium Average)
This tattoo resembles swirling mist which wraps around
the arm of the wearer.
The wearer may activate this tattoo as a bonus action,
causing the lines of this tattoo to glow slightly and their arm to
change shape for one minute. The wearer may activate this
ability once per long rest.
The wearer's arm pales in color and grows into that of a
ghoul, fingers sharpening and elongating into a terrible clawed
hand. Any article of clothing not meant to accomodate the
change in limb size is destroyed in the process. If the arm is
covered in armor not meant to accomidate the change in limb
size this change will not take place.
A melee attack with this arm does 1d6 slashing damage and
1d4 cold damage. If this tattoo is created using ice-aligned
elemental ink, the cold damage increses to 1d6.
Any non-undead creature struck by this attack must make a
DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1
minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of
each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
There exists an Ornate version of the tattoo that has a
saving throw of 12, instead of 10, and which may be activated
once per short or long rest.
Mark of the Healer
(Anywhere, Medium Ornate)
Healing energy radiates from you in a soft golden glow.
Once per long rest, the wearer may activate this tattoo as an
action. For the next minute (or until their concentration
lapses), each creature (including enemies) within a 30 ft
radius of the wearer regains the maximum number of hit
points possible from any healing.
Mark of the Hummingbird
(Chest, Large Simple)
A curious bird darts across your chest, granting you its
speed.
The wearer gains +1 to initiative rolls.
Mark of the Kraken
(Anywhere, Medium Simple)
Like the Kraken, you are able to shroud your surroundings
in darkness, making your strikes all the more unpredictable.
As an action, the wearer emanates a magical darkness,
which fills a 15 ft. radius sphere centred on the wearer and
moves with them. Creatures with darkvision cannot see
through this darkness, and non magical light cannot
illuminate it. Completely covering the source of the darkness
with an opaque object, such as a bowl or a helm, blocks the
darkness. The darkness lasts for 1 hour unless dispelled, and
the tattoo may be activated once per long rest.
If any of this effect’s area overlaps with an area of light
created by a spell of 2nd level or lower, the spell that created
the light is dispelled.
Mark of the Ox
(Chest, Large Ornate)
Your body swells with the resilience of the mighty ox
The wearer's maximum hit points are increased by 1 per
character level.
Mark of the Pacifist
(Anywhere, Small Simple)
You exude calmness and serenity, discouraging even the
most bloodthirsty foes from attacking you.
Once per long rest, the wearer may cast the sanctuary spell
as a bonus action. The saving throw DC is 15, and the spell
lasts 1 minute.
The tattoo's effects end early if the wearer makes an attack
or casts a spell that affects an enemy creature.
Mark of the Packmaster
(Anywhere, Medium Ornate)
A pack of wolves leap from your tattoo, the inky designs
now taking sinister material form. They shake their heads and
howl to the sky, awaiting your commands.
Once per long rest, the wearer may use an action to activate
the tattoo's power, causing 1d4+1 wolves (MM pg 341) of the
same color as depicted in the tattoo to appear within 5 feet of
the wearer. These wolves persists until killed or until 10
minutes have passed, at which point they disappear into
smoke. The wolves follow the wearer's every mental
command, and act on the wearer's initiative.
Any article of clothing which covers the tattoo upon
activation is destroyed in the process as the wolves leap
through the cloth. If the tattoo is covered by armor, the tattoo
will not activate.
At least three jars of three dimensional ink must be used to
grant this tattoo’s effects.
Mark of the Pit Fiend
(Arm, Medium Ornate)
This tattoo resembles hellish imagery mixed with infernal
runes which cover an entire arm.
The wearer may activate this tattoo as a bonus action,
causing the runes to glow and their arm to change shape for
one minute. This ability may be used once per long rest.
The wearer's arm grows disproportionately larger and
becomes scaly and red, their hand tipped with razor sharp,
black claws. Any article of clothing not meant to accommodate
the change in limb size is destroyed in the process. If the arm
is covered in armor not meant to accomidate the change in
limb size this change will not take place.
A melee attack with this arm does 2d8 slashing damage and
1d4 fire damage. If this tattoo is created using fire-aligned
elemental ink, the fire damage increses to 1d6.
While the arm is changed, the wearer has an effective
Strength modifier of +8 for anything that only uses the
changed arm.
Mark of the Pufferfish
(Arm, Small Average)
Venomous spines protrude from your skin, seeking flesh to
corrode and infect with the pufferfish’s natural defense.
When the wearer enters a grapple with another creature,
the wearer may use their reaction to extend sharp poisonous
spines from the tattooed area. If the other creature is still in
physical contact with the wearer (i.e. part of the grapple) at
the end of its turn, the spines deal 1d4 poison damage. The
spines remain extended until the grapple ends.
Mark of the Shadow
(Anywhere, Small Average)
A veil of shadows and silence radiates from you, masking
you from detection.
Once per long rest, the wearer may cast pass without trace,
targeting themselves only.
An Ornate version of this tattoo exists, which removes the
limit on creatures that may be targeted by the spell.
Mark of the Snake Charmer
(Arm, Medium Ornate)
A knot of snakes erupts hissing from your tattoo, the inky
designs taking sinister material form. Forked tongues taste
the air as they flare their hoods, awaiting your commands.
Once per long rest, the wearer may use an action to activate
the tattoo's power, causing 1d6 poisonous snakes to appear,
which disappear when they drop to 0 HP or when they are
more than 150 ft. away. The snakes are friendly to the wearer
and their companions, and act on the wearer's initiative,
following the wearer's mental commands. Use the poisonous
snakes statistics from the Monster Manual.
At least three jars of three dimensional ink must be used to
grant this tattoo’s effects.
Mark of the Soulmates
(Arm, Small Ornate)
As the lives of two overly-attached people intertwine, you
learn how to draw on each other’s strengths and shoulder
their burdens.
Once per long rest as an action, the wearer may activate
this tattoo when within 30 feet of the wearer of the
complementary tattoo. They may activate the tattoo as a
reaction, instead, when the other wearer activates theirs. The
tattoo remains active for ten minutes. The wearer gains a +2
bonus to AC and saving throws while they are within 30 feet
of the person wearing the complementary Mark of the
Soulmates. Also, each time the wearer would take damage,
they take half as much damage, and their partner takes the
other half, and vice versa.
The tattoo is only effective when both wearers activate their
marks.
This tattoo must be applied with metallic ink.
Mark of the Spider
(Leg, Medium Simple)
Your feet feel firmly planted on every surface they touch,
allowing you to even run up vertical walls.
As an action once per long rest, the wearer gains the ability
to move up, down, and across vertical surfaces and upside
down along ceilings, while leaving its hands free. The wearer
also gains a climbing speed equal to its walking speed. These
effects last for 1 hour, or until the wearer loses concentration.
Mark of the Spiritmaster
(Anywhere, Medium Ornate)
A necromantic energy ripples through your mark, extending
long smoky tendrils towards the undead. The tendrils
constrict the spirit, overriding their will with yours.
As an action, the wearer chooses one incorporeal undead
entity within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a Charisma
saving throw or become charmed by the wearer for one hour.
The saving throw DC is equal to 8 + wearer’s proficiency
bonus + wearer’s Charisma modifier. If the target has an
Intelligence of 8 or higher, it has advantage on the saving
throw. If the creature is not currently controlled, the wearer
instead gains control over the creature.
The tattoo may be activated once per short or long rest.
Mark of the Tarrasque
(Anywhere, Large Average)
A warmth washes over you as the fortitude of the legendary
tarrasque fills your veins.
Once per long rest as an action, the wearer may activate the
tattoo. Thereafter, the wearer gains 5 temporary hit points at
the beginning of each round (these do not stack) for one hour.
When the tattoo’s effects end, the wearer loses any remaining
temporary hit points.
Mark of the Telepath
(Head, Small Ornate)
You can extend your consciousness to meet other minds,
forming a mental channel. Thoughts, emotions, and images
flood over the connection as your minds meld, overwhelming
your senses for a few seconds.
The wearer may use the message cantrip at will without
having to use any components.
Mark of the Viper
(Anywhere, Medium Simple)
Your body becomes stronger, resisting poisonous effects as
if you’d become the viper.
The wearer gains advantage on Constitution saving throws
made against poison, and has resistance to poison
Mark of the Weaponmaster In addition, whenever a creature within 5 feet of the wearer
hits them with a melee attack, the element erupts, dealing 2d8
(Arm, Small Average) damage to the attacker of the primary elemental type.
Your weapon feels like an extension of your body, lighter, Slave's / Owner's Mark
sharper, deadlier. You will strike down any who dare challenge
the weaponmaster. (Anywhere, Small Simple)
As an action, once per long rest, the wearer may activate This tattoo is meant to be applied to a slave in order to
this tattoo. For an hour, any weapon held by the wearer prevent them from escaping, usually with a similar tattoo
becomes a magic weapon with a +1 bonus to attack rolls and applied to the owner. The small tattoo is a sort of brand, used
damage rolls. to keep slaves under control.
By touching both marks as an action, the wearer of an
Maw of the Dragon Owner's Mark may attune or unattune a Slave's Mark to their
(Head, Medium Ornate) mark. Any number of Slave's Marks may be attuned to one
This tattoo imbues the wearer with the primal elemental Owner's Mark, and any number of Owner's Marks may be
power of a dragon's breath attack. attuned to a single Slave's Mark.
Once per long rest, the wearer may activate the tattoo to Thereafter, as an action, the owner can activate their tattoo
make a breath attack. The attack deals 3d6 damage on a and the twin mark on the slave begins to glow like a burning
failed save or half as much on a successful save. The type is coal, inflicting 1d4 fire damage per round onto its bearer. The
determined by the type of dragon in the tattoo, as shown owner can stop this effect at any time using an action. This
below. The wearer's saving throw DC for this attack is 8 + damage will automatically stop and can no longer be activated
their Constitution modifier + their proficiency bonus. if the slave has 0 hitpoints. If the owner dies, or otherwise
loses their tattoo, and the slave's mark is not attuned to any
Dragon Damage Type Breath Weapon other owners, the magic of the slave's mark will instantly fade,
allowing them to handle the application of another tattoo.
Black Acid 5 by 30 ft line (Dex save) If drawn in fire-aligned elemental ink, the mark instead
Blue Lightning 5 by 30 ft line (Dex save) inflicts 1d6 fire damage per round.
Green Poison 15 foot cone (Con save)
A variant exists that automatically causes the tattoo to
activate if the slave moves more than 150 feet from the owner.
Red Fire 15 foot cone (Dex save) It otherwise functions identically to this version.
White Cold 15 foot cone (Dex save)
Spirit of the Bear
If drawn in elemental ink corresponding to the desired (Anywhere, Large Ornate)
element instead, this ability can be used once per short or long You feel blessed with the endurance of a bear.
rest. The wearer’s Constitution score increases by +1. This tattoo
will not raise the wearer’s Constitution score above 20.
Scar of Bravery
(Anywhere, Medium Simple) Spirit of the Bull
Your mind feels more more robust. The trauma and pain (Anywhere, Large Ornate)
you have experienced bolsters your resolve. You feel blessed with the strength of a bull.
The wearer gains advantage on saving throws against being The wearer’s Strength score increases by +1. This tattoo
frightened. will not raise the wearer’s Strength score above 20.
Shield of the Elemental Guardian Spirit of the Cat
(Anywhere, Large Average) (Anywhere, Large Ornate)
A wave of elemental energy covers your body, protecting You feel blessed with the grace of a cat.
you. The wearer’s Dexterity score increases by +1. This tattoo
When this tattoo is applied, the wearer chooses a primary will not raise the wearer’s Dexterity score above 20.
and a secondary elemental type from the following: acid, cold,
fire, lightning, or thunder. Both types of elemental ink must be Spirit of the Eagle
used in the creation of the tattoo, and the wearer cannot pick
the same element. (Anywhere, Large Ornate)
Once per long rest as an action, the wearer may activate You feel blessed with the splendour of an eagle.
this tattoo. For the next 10 minutes, or until dismissed, the The wearer’s Charisma score increases by +1. This tattoo
wearer’s body is wreathed in thin and wispy expressions of will not raise the wearer’s Charisma score above 20.
the chosen primary element that shed bright light in a 10-foot
radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet. Spirit of the Fox
While the tattoo is active, the wearer has resistance to the (Anywhere, Large Ornate)
secondary element. You feel blessed with the cunning of a fox.
The wearer’s Intelligence score increases by +1. This tattoo
will not raise the wearer’s Intelligence score above 20.
Spirit of the Owl
(Anywhere, Large Ornate)
You feel blessed with the wisdom of an owl.
The wearer’s Wisdom score increases by +1. This tattoo will
not raise the wearer’s Wisdom score above 20.
Spirit of the Stag
(Anywhere, Large Ornate)
You feel blessed with the vigilance of a stag.
The wearer gains a +2 bonus to initiative.
Spirit Walker's Sigil
(Anywhere, Medium Average)
This tattoo is a symbol of planes joining together in
confluence.
Once per long rest, as a bonus action the wearer can
activate the tattoo, causing their physical body to softly
dissolve into an ethereal mist.
Until the end of their turn the wearer may move through
solid matter as if it wasn't there. If the wearer ends their turn
while still in solid matter, they are immediately ejected to the
nearest open space and take 4d6 force damage. If created
using three-dimensional ink, this ability can be used once per
short or long rest.
Tattoo of [Ability]
(Chest, Large Average)
The wearer chooses an ability score when this tattoo is
applied. Thereafter, the wearer has a +1 bonus to the chosen
ability score, to a max of 20.
Tattoo of Chilling
(Anywhere, Small Ornate)
This tattoo is a whirl of snowflakes in the shape of a
humanoid hand.
This tattoo enables the wearer to cast the chill touch
cantrip at will, using Intelligence as their spellcasting modifier
for the spell. If made with ice-aligned elemental ink, the attack
roll for this spell is made with advantage.
Tattoo of Flame
(Anywhere, Small Ornate)
This tattoo is a detailed line of fire streaking out from a
pointed finger.
This tattoo enables the wearer to cast the fire bolt cantrip at
will, using Intelligence as their spellcasting modifier for the
spell. If made with fire-aligned elemental ink, the attack roll
for this spell is made with advantage.
Tattoo of Leaping
(Both Legs, Medium Ornate)
Coiled springs cover your calves, making you feel like your
body is weightless.
The wearer's jumping distance is doubled.
Tattoo of Major Protection
(Chest or Back, Large Average)
A design of overlapping scales or plates, or even a design of
chitinous armor, covers your torso.
The wearer has a +2 bonus to AC and to all saving throws.
Tattoo of Protection
(Chest or Back, Large Simple)
A design of overlapping chain rings, or of leather-looking
patches, covers your torso.
The wearer has a +1 bonus to AC and to all saving throws.
Tattoo of Striding
(Leg, Medium Average)
A design of leaves or flowing wind spirals around your leg.
The wearer's walking speed is increased by 5 feet. This
tattoo may be applied to the other leg for an additional +5 feet
of movement.
If made using three-dimensional ink, the tattoo instead
increases movement speed by +10 feet.
Tattoo of Warding
(Anywhere, Large Average)
A design of a shield is emblazoned across your body.
The wearer has a +1 bonus to all saving throws.
Venom Ward
(Anywhere, Small Average)
A design of interlocking fangs protect your bloodstream
from toxins.
The wearer has advantage on saving throws against poison.
Voice of Comprehension
(Head, Small Average)
Marks cover your throat and surround your ears, conveying
sound despite barriers of understanding.
The bearer learns one additional language of the tattoo
artist's choice when the tattoo is applied. This tattoo may be
taken multiple times, each time choosing a different language.
Wings of Ink
(Back, Large Simple)
Inky, rippling wings spring from your back, granting the
elusive, and most coveted ability of all – flight.
**Activation Time: 1 action
Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Frequency: Once per long rest
The wearer gains a flying speed of 60 ft. for the duration.
When the spell ends, the target falls if it is still aloft, unless it
can stop the fall.
Armor that is not specifically designed to accommodate
wings will not allow you to manifest them, and clothing that is
not specifically designed to accommodate wings will be
ruined.
At least two jars of three dimensional ink must be used to
grant this tattoo’s effects.
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