Some artifacts have been held before, like a torch passed from one generation to the next, or from one crisis to another. Each torch stands for its own set of ideals and virtues, and carrying it carries its history and those that came before it up into a new dawn. Some torchbearers are the victors of challenging tests of their capability or integrity. Others are the descendants of those who wielded this power before them. Some simply stumble upon their artifact, but through serendipity and fate prove themselves worthy of its power. Those who prove their worth are empowered with the strength of their forebears and are clad in the visage of champions of old.
Your artifact responds to your willpower, and your wise use of the artifact’s power. Your spellcasting ability is Wisdom and you use Wisdom and your Wisdom modifier for the purposes of your spellcasting and your bonded artifact feature.
As a bonus action, you can spend one of your artifact’s charges and speak aloud a magic phrase or press a hidden button on your object of power to trigger a transformation into your torchbearer form. Your torch bearer form may resemble the original wielder, a stronger version of yourself, some form of magical or enhanced version of you, or it may simply constitute a wardrobe change into a uniform or outfit worn by ancient and powerful forces. Once you first select your torch bearer form, it cannot be changed.
While in your torchbearer form:
Whenever you begin your turn in your torch bearer form, you automatically spend your choice of either 2 exertion point or 2 artifact charge, and you revert to your normal form if you have no remaining exertion points or artifact charges to spend. You can also revert into your normal form as a bonus action, and you revert automatically if killed or knocked unconscious. Any clothing you are wearing merges into your new form. Clothing that merges with you retains its effects and features.
Starting at 6th level, you learn to listen to the wisdom and echoes of those that wielded it before you, ancient knowledge to guide and protect you in the trials of today. Whenever you enter your torch bearer form, choose a skill check or saving throw. Until you leave your torch bearer form you gain advantage on your chosen skill check or saving throw.
Starting at 10th level, your artifact bestows your innate physical prowess and mental faculties with the talents of those that came before. Whenever you enter your torch bearer form, choose either your combat maneuvers or wielder spells. The DC of your selection is increased by 2 for as long as you remain in your torch bearer form.
Starting at 14th level, you’ve grown accustomed to letting your artifact’s power flow through you and around you. While in your torch bearer form you can maintain concentration on up to two wielder spells simultaneously so long as both spells have a range of self or have a range of touch and you target yourself.
Starting at 18th level, the torch has been successfully passed and you have proven yourself worthy of your artifact’s legacy. You no longer spend exertion points or artifact charges to remain in your torch bearer form and you can remain in your torchbearer form indefinitely.