In the latest Dungeons & Dragons module, Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos, there are plenty of ways players and GMs can have fun. Players that enjoy finding creative ways to use their words may want to check out Silverquill College.
Silverquill College is known as the College of Eloquence. Dungeons & Dragons players who prefer Bards may notice some overlap with the College of Eloquence Subclass. Students will learn to use rhetoric, poetry, and writing to craft powerful spells. It’s not uncommon for students to create spells using spoken-word battle poetry.
College of Eloquence Bards (or any Bard), Schools of Illusion and Enchantment Wizards, and Aberrant Mind Sorcerers are just a few classes that may find Silverquill beneficial.
Silverquill Philosophy
The philosophy of Silverquill College revolves around words. Whether those words are in the form of literature, languages, dramatic performances, or rhetoric. Much like Prismari College, students attending other colleges may take a few Silverquill courses to help their communication skills.
The two deans of Silverquill College are the Dean of Radiance and the Dean of Shadow.
The study of Radiance focuses on how words can be used to enlighten and make the world a brighter place. While the study of Shadow focuses on using language to expose truths and to make direct attacks on an opponent's life force.
Founder
Shadrix Silverquill is a master of light and shadow magic and uses communication as a magical focus. Shadrix is known to greatly inspire his allies, while also demoralizing his enemies. He created Silverquill College in the hopes of creating future leaders who would guide others.
Shadrix Silverquill has an Illuminating Shadow breath weapon. The burst of intertwined shadow and radiant light deal 31 (7d8) radiant damage and 31 (7d8) psychic damage. Creatures that fail a Consitution saving throw are also inflicted with the Blind status effect.
In addition to a powerful breath weapon, the dragon is also able to cast the following spells once per day:
- Darkness
- Daylight
- Hypnotic Pattern
- Sending
- Suggestion
Shadrix is also able to summon up to four Inkling Mascots, that will obey his commands during combat.
Campus Grounds
The main Silverquill building consists of Grandloft Hall. The large building features enchanted windowpanes and spotlights that shine on presenters using magic. Students can also find plenty of Inkling Mascots floating above the hall’s balconies.
Students may also meet on the Rose Stage to practice performances or duel. The stage is on a large rotating platform with a backdrop made from magical ink roses.
Fighters, Monks, and College of Swords Bards may spend their time in the Dramarium. The Dramarium gives students a place to practice fitness, dance, martial arts, and other physical performances. The building also hosts a chain of rooms that operate as voice rehearsal booths and salons.
Faculty
The Dean of Radiance, Shaile Talonrook, is an Owlin who often quotes obscure passages from famous texts to students. She believes all people have the potential to be good and teaches students how they can make a difference in the world.
On the other hand, the Dean of Shadow, Embrose Lu, might be a bit harsher than some students would like. He encourages students to use the magic of language to get what they want.
Brenneth Blackstone is a faculty member students will have a chance to meet in the Hunt for Mage Tower adventure. The partial vampire is a rising star in the study of magical writing and symbols.
Silverquill Scholars
There are eight scholar options available for GMs to create NPCs with. Players can also use the scholar options to pick a magical focus for their characters.
Scholar options focusing on the principle of shadow:
- Bantermage
- Duskmage
- Inkcaster
- Shadewing
Scholar options focusing on the principle of radiance:
- Lumimancer
- Silvertongue
- Vainglory
- Warsinger
Each option has unique character-building opportunities. Inkcasters focus on different ways to summon and use Inkling Mascots. While Vainglory mages use their powers to craft compliments that can enhance an ally's abilities.
Background & Feat
Players are also able to choose an optional background for their characters. If a player does not want to use one of the backgrounds present in the Players Handbook or any other sourcebook, they can choose to use the Silverquill Student background. Players gain proficiencies in both Intimidation and Persuasion. Silverquill students range from cocky to overwhelmed perfectionists.
In addition, players will also receive the Strixhaven Initiate feat. The feat grants players two cantrips as well as a first-level spell that can be cast without using a spell slot.
Mascot
Inklings are the mascots of Silverquill College and can be found floating around the campus. Inklings can provide students and professors with endless supplies of ink, as well as company.
The mascots are able to fit through spaces as small as an inch without squeezing, making them exceptionally useful for Silverquill Rogues. They can also use their ink spray to inflict the Blind status effect on targets in combat.
Creative players and GMs can use the Inklings properties to create interesting scenarios or just assist with day-to-day life.
Strixhaven: A Curriculum Of Chaos came out on December 7, 2021.