College of the Comeback

Some bards succeed not through a silver tongue, nor strength of body. Instead, they persevere through sheer force of will. These bards are students of the College of the Comeback. They understand the stresses of the life of a bard - the fickle whims of the crowd, blistering criticisms, and the physical rigors of performing. But when their backs are to the wall, their true talents show. They endure wounds to their body, their pride, and dignity and transform their pain into powerful performances. Some might use their experiences to inflict pain in return, while others touch the hearts of their audiences. They are never kept out of the spotlight for long, and their indomitable spirit, in turn, inspires those who surround them to match their resolve. 

Bards of the College of the Comeback can be found in many occupations. One might be a dancer who throws their entire heart into each nightly performance. Another might be a stand-up comic enduring drunken hecklers. Another still might be a lawyer, who fights unjust accusations against their clients. Some bards choose to pursue more physical occupations. For example, a Comeback bard might serve as the flagbearer of an army or a gladiator, never-faltering in their advance. A Comeback bard may be found wherever a strong spirit is needed.

Thick Skinned

When you join the College of the Comeback at 3rd level, you gain resilience against physical and verbal abuse. Your hit point maximum increases by 1 for each bard level you have taken and increases by 1 again whenever you gain a level in this class. Additionally, while you are wearing no armor, your AC equals 13 + your Constitution modifier.

Inspired Comeback

Also at 3rd level, your resolve can inspire allies to shrug off even fatal wounds. When a creature that has a Bardic Inspiration die from you is reduced to 0 hit points, they can roll that die to attempt to power through the damage. On a 4 or higher, the creature endures with 1 hit point and must perform a cool one-liner or flourish. You may also use your reaction to use Bardic Inspiration on yourself in this manner.

Perform Under Pressure

At 6th level, you produce your best work when under duress. When a creature you can see within 60 feet damages you, you can use your reaction to give yourself resistance to the damage. As part of the same reaction, you can cast either command or hellish rebuke on the damaging creature. This does not expend a spell slot, although you can choose to expend a spell slot to cast 1 level higher than the expended slot (i.e. spending a 1st level slot results in a 2nd level cast). The DC for these spells is either your normal Spell DC or 8 + the damage taken. You can use this feature a number equal to your Charisma modifier per long rest.

Comeback Spirit

Starting at 14th level, you can share your indomitable spirit with your companions. As an action, choose a number of creatures you can see and who can see you within 60 feet of you, up to a number equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of one). Each of them can reroll an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw that they fail. They must use the new roll. Effected creatures lose this ability when they take a long rest. You can't use this feature again until you finish a long rest.