Ink
In Dungeons & Dragons, ink is a small but essential item that plays a big role in both storytelling and gameplay. Typically stored in glass bottles or vials, ink is used for writing, recording important information, and crafting documents that can influence the course of an adventure. Whether it’s a simple black ink for everyday writing or more exotic varieties for special purposes, it’s a staple for scholars, scribes, and spellcasters alike.
Ink becomes especially valuable for characters who rely on knowledge and precision. Wizards use it to copy spells into their spellbooks, ensuring their magical repertoire continues to grow. Rogues and bards might use ink to forge documents or leave coded messages, while adventurers of all kinds rely on it to map dungeons, track clues, or record their journeys. In a world filled with danger and mystery, a bottle of ink can be just as powerful as a sword—preserving knowledge, shaping plans, and leaving a mark that lasts long after the adventure ends.
Cost: 10 gp
Ink comes in a 1oz bottle, which provides enough ink to write about 500 pages.
Basic Ink Ingredients (Common/Fantasy Realism)
- Pigment: Charcoal soot (from burned wood or candles), crushed minerals, or ground plant dyes like berries and roots
- Binder: Gum arabic (tree sap), resin, or even egg whites to help the pigment stick
- Liquid Base: Water, vinegar, or alcohol to dissolve and mix the ingredients
- Optional Additives: Salt or clove oil to preserve the ink and prevent mold
Higher-Quality or Specialized Inks
- Iron Gall Ink: Made from oak galls, iron salts, and tannins—favored for official documents due to its durability
- Colored Inks: Created using rare plants, flowers, or powdered gemstones for vibrant hues
- Perfumed Ink: Infused with herbs or oils for nobles or ceremonial writing
Magical Ink (Fantasy Enhancements)
For spellcasters or more mystical uses, ink might include:
- Ash from a magical creature or enchanted wood
- Distilled essence of rare herbs grown under moonlight
- Powdered crystal or gemstone dust
- Drops of monster blood or alchemical reagents