College of Crossroads

While most Bards are naturally skilled musicians, singers, or storytellers, some gained their talent through more nefarious means. Known informally as the College of Crossroads, this organization is named for the traditional location where such mortal bargains are made. An agreement with a devil, demon, or other denizen of the lower planes is the start of such an infernal Bard's quest for personal power, fame, and fortune.

Infernal Musician

3rd-level College of Crossroads feature
You have gained strange and sinister skills from an infernal deal at a Crossroads. You gain the following benefits:

• You gain proficiency in Performance, and whenever you make a Charisma (Performance) check you can treat a d20 roll of 7 or lower as an 8.
• You gain proficiency with one musical instrument.
• You learn to speak, read, write, and sing in Infernal.

In addition, whenever you make a Charisma check that includes Infernal speech or lyrics, you gain a bonus to the roll equal to your Bardic Inspiration roll.

Forbidden Arcana

3rd-level College of Crossroads feature
Your nefarious dealings with the lower planes have granted you access to dark magics. When you learn a new Bard spell you can choose the spell from the Bard or the Warlock spell list. It then becomes a Bard spell for you.

Eldritch Recovery

6th-level College of Crossroads feature
You can draw upon the dark arts to regenerate your magic, much as a Warlock does. When you finish a short rest, you can regain one expended Bard spell slot of a level equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1st-level) or lower.

However, if you choose to use this feature during a short rest then you cannot use Song of Rest.

Sinister Song

6th-level College of Crossroads feature
Your bardic magic is infused with the power of the lower planes. When a creature under the effect of Countercharm succeeds on a saving throw to resist being charmed or frightened, you can use a reaction to expend a use of Bardic Inspiration and force a creature of your choice within range of your Countercharm to make a Wisdom saving throw.

On a failed save, it is charmed or frightened (your choice) for the duration of Countercharm. The creature can repeat its saving at the end of each turn, and each time it takes damage, ending the charm or frighten effect on a success.

Otherworldly Virtuoso

4th-level College of Crossroads feature
You have mastered the Infernal musical power imparted to you. When you cast a Bard spell with a verbal component you can expend a Bardic Inspiration to enhance the spell in one of the following ways:

Emboldening Melody