College of Contempt

Some Bards make their living by satirizing and making fun of those in power. Jesters and fools, all serve an important role in the context of a royal court. They are the only ones allowed to be honest with the rulers, and they take their duties seriously and with pride. However in some cultures, insults and satire are considered to be so powerful that they can even cause bodily harm. Bards who join the College of Contempt fall happily into this category.

Bards of this college know how to use the spoken word as a weapon. Often seen as comedians, and jokesters, these bards are generally welcome to any community or gathering due to their variety of jokes, puns, and their overall jovial nature. That is until their humor angers too many of the wrong individuals causing them to have to find a new venue. Although, anyone who crosses a bard of this college might find themselves at the butt end of an endless slue of various jokes, insults and vulgar comments.

 

Big Old Meanie

When taking this subclass at 3rd level, you learn the Vicious Mockery cantrip if you didn't already know it. This does not count towards your number of Bard Cantrips. The damage die of Vicious Mockery becomes your Bardic Inspiration die. In addition, you may add your Charisma modifier to the damage dealt by this spell.

Was she talking to me?

At 6th level you may target a number of creatures with your vicious mockery spell equal to your charisma bonus. As well, when a creature succeeds in its saving throw the creature takes half the damage but suffers no additional effect. Vicious mockery may now be cast as a bonus action or regular action but not both.

Condescending Laughter

At 14th level, you never seem to miss an opportunity to heckle someone when they fail. Whenever a creature within 60 feet that you can see misses an attack or fails a saving throw you may cast vicious mockery at the creature as your reaction.