Instrument of Scribing (2024 Dungeon Masters Guide)

common · Wondrous Item

This musical instrument has 3 charges and regains all expended charges daily at dawn. While you are playing it, you can take a Magic action to expend 1 charge and write a magical message on a nonmagical object or surface that you can see within 30 feet of yourself. The message can be up to six words long and is written in a language you know. If you are a Bard, you can scribe an additional seven words and make the message glow faintly, allowing it to be seen in nonmagical Darkness. Casting the Dispel Magic spell on the message erases it. Otherwise, the message fades away after 24 hours.


Instrument of Scribing (Xanathar's Guide to Everything)

common · Instrument 2014 · Requires Attunement

This musical instrument has 3 charges. While you are playing it, you can use an action to expend 1 charge from the instrument and write a magical message on a nonmagical object or surface that you can see within 30 feet of you. The message can be up to six words long and is written in a language you know. If you are a bard, you can scribe an additional seven words and choose to make the message glow faintly, allowing it to be seen in nonmagical darkness. Casting dispel magic on the message erases it. Otherwise, the message fades away after 24 hours.

The instrument regains all expended charges daily at dawn.

If you have proficiency with a given musical instrument, you can add your proficiency bonus to any ability checks you make to play music with the instrument. A bard can use a musical instrument as a spellcasting focus. Each type of musical instrument requires a separate proficiency.