Ink Menagerie (Inkmancer Subclass)

“
 No, no you don’t get it! Her shadow had teeth and it spoke to me in my head! I DON’T NEED THE HOSPITAL SIR EXTRADIMUS I’M NOT CRAZY!!!

”

## Ink Menagerie Overview

“
 We are not monsters, just their friends!

”
—  H.P Lovecraft, Inkmancer of the Vulcan Organization

The Ink Ménagerie is a fitting title given to an Inkmancer, and for good reason! These Inkmancer's bodies become vessels for creatures of the inky shadows. The creatures linger on the body of the Inkmancer in the form of ever-moving penumbral tattoos that slither around constantly and whisper into its Inkmancer's ears. Ink Ménageries live a difficult life, for choosing to invite dark beings to stay within them often invites a struggle for power and madness alongside it.

## 3rd Level: Inkvasion

Starting at 3rd level, a creature made of Ink takes your body as a host in the form of a squirming, sentient tattoo. The creature can enhance your Ink abilities and provides an initial thematic boost. You must discuss with your DM about the consequences of inviting an Invader into your life.

## 3rd Level: Supernatural Help

Starting at 3rd level, you gain a +2 Flat Positive Modifier to all Wisdom and Dexterity Saving Throws.

## 7th Level: Ink-Link

Starting at 7th level, you can alter your bond with your Inkvader from parasitic to symbiotic. On your turn, you can enter an Ink-Link as a Bonus Action. Your Ink Tattoo materializes and engulfs itself around you, giving you a monstrous shadow-like appearance. While linked, you gain the following benefits:

* Your Creature Type changes to Aberration.

* You gain Temporary Hit points equal to (Two per Inkmancer Level). You regain Two Temporary Hit Points at the start of your turn while still in Ink-Link.

* Your brush melts into natural inky weapons for the duration of your Ink-Link. When you make a Melee Attack using the Brush's Stats or an Ink Blast Attack, you gain a +2 Flat Positive Modifier to the Attack and Damage Rolls using the flavor of the creature in your tattoo. This bonus increases at higher Inkmancer Levels.

* If you are able to cast Spells, you can't cast them or Concentrate on them while linked. You can communicate no more than two words per round in a distorted voice.

Your Ink-Link lasts for One Minute. It ends early if you are knocked Unconscious or are outright Killed. You can also end your Ink-Link on your turn as a Bonus Action. You can use this ability a number of times equal to Half your Proficiency modifier (rounded up), with uses of it restored during a long rest. Using this ability expends 4 Ink Charges.

## 10th Level: Melano-Cohabitation

Starting at 10th level, you are able to further draw from the power of your first Inkvader and become the host of a second entity that provides different powers.

## 15th Level: Merged Ink-Link

Starting at 15th level, your Ink-Link can now merge the powers of all your Inkvaders as a hybrid form, making it much more powerful. Using this ability expends 8 Ink Charges.

## 18th Level: Cadavre Exquis

Starting at 18th level, you gain your third and final Inkvader. As a practiced host, you are immediately able to utilize their power and merge their strength into your Ink-Link, Doubling any bonuses you get from Ink-Link and piling on the traits of this third Inkvader. Using this ability expends 12 Ink Charges.