Bitter Lash

You create a sticky, shadow tendril-like whip covered in thorns that lashes out at your command toward a creature in range. Make a Ranged Spell Attack against the target. If the attack hits, the creature takes 1d4 necrotic damage + your spellcasting ability modifier, and if the creature is Large or smaller, the target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be Grappled by the magical tendril wrapping around it until the spell ends. A Large or larger creature has Advantage on this saving throw. If the target succeeds on the save, the tendril shrivels away.

While Grappled by this spell, the target takes 1d4 necrotic damage at the start of its turn. A creature Grappled by the tendrils or one that can touch the creature can use its Action to make a Strength check against your spell save DC. On a success, the target is freed.

This spell's damage increases by 1d4 when you reach 5th level (2d4), 11th level (3d4), and 17th level (4d4). At 11th level and higher, Large creatures no longer have Advantage on the saving throw.

[Added Bard so that those without the Bard - College of Shadows could take the spell]