College of Forbidden Knowledge

Throughout the Multiverse, some spells and rituals were deemed to be so inherently evil by design, and dark, that many sought to outlaw their practice and destroy knowledge of their existence. Forms of sinister mind control, spells that served only to destroy, spells that propagate necromancy and more were sought to be eradicated, yet still remain. Some Bards through their inquisitive nature, and their ability to manipulate others into leaking knowledge that is forbidden, seek to hone in on this magic and actively practice it. Their motivations for learning such dark magic varies, whether it be greed, lust, vengeance, desperation or just a desire to sow chaos that motivates them to do whatever it takes to practice darker powers. A Bard of the Forbidden Knowledge is extremely dangerous and a threat to people's very existence.

Forbidden Magic

Your delving into forbidden knowledge and secrets has given you access to the ability to carry out darker rituals and musical practices. You may once per level instead of taking a spell from the Bard's spell list opt to instead take a Ritual Spell from the Warlock's class list. You may only cast this spell as a ritual.

Dark Reflection

When you take damage from an enemy's attack, you may use your reaction by spending 1 Bardic Inspiration Die to reduce the damage taken by half. The attacker must then make a Charisma Saving Throw against your Spell Save DC. On a failed save, they take the other half of the damage they would have otherwise dealt to you. On a success, they take no damage.

Darker Understanding

Your greater understanding over darkness and its inherent nature allows you to see through magical darkness. You can better see in the dark, by extending your darkvision by 60 feet, and can now see through magical darkness thanks to your blindsight. In addition, you can notice disturbances in shadows and lighting, even in the most minute forms, and gain advantage on perception checks relying on sight whilst in dim light or darkness. You learn the Darkness spell, if you do not already know it.

Unforgiveable Arcana

Your obsession with Forbidden Spells has caused you to become more and more unforgiveable in the spells you can cast. You are learning spells that can do intense harm, and slaughter foes in your wake, delivering terrible levels of carnage upon your foes. Fey, Fiends and Undeads no longer hold any power over you, and you gain advantage on any saving throws made against their attacks or spells that they cast that affect you. All of your Enchantment, Illusion and Necromancy spells that you cast now add an additional D12 to the damage dealt, and you automatically learn how to cast Finger of Death if you do not yet know it.