College of Warfare

Bards of this college rather enjoy being in the front of the battle than being support. Many of the greatest warriors have learnt at least something from this college. 

"With a single whistle his magical sword apperead in his hands. That was the beginning of the end for those bandints. They have chosen the wrong ship to rob."

Beolgard

 

The art of war is the inspiration for those bards' songs. Being in the motion of a fight is something like a muse and one can't experience this without actually fighting against enemies. Some decide to join the army and after a few years retire to create masterpieces with the creativity they've gathered. While others may travel around the world and occasionally join the battle.

Battle-ready proficiency

When you join the College of Lore at the 3rd level, you gain proficiency with martial melee weapons, medium armours and expertise with athletics skill.

Bardic weapon

Also at the 3rd level, you learn how to summon a magical weapon of your kind.

As a bonus action, you can create a sound with your mouth, instrument or hands to summon a Bardic weapon to your hand (you can't summon it in the area of Silence, where making a sound is impossible or you can't cast a spell). This weapon can look like any martial melee weapon you have seen. It is created by the spirits of the Art of war and when you use your action to attack it deals 2d6 slashing, piercing or bludgeoning damage depending on the weapon it represents. You are proficient with this weapon and can use your CHA modifier instead of the STR/DEX modifier. This weapon has light property (one-handed).

The weapon vanishes after 1 hour, when you dismiss it or when you aren't holding it at the end of your turn. You can summon this weapon a number of times equal to your Proficiency bonus a day. 

The damage increases on the 7th level (2d8),11th level (2d10) and 15th level (3d12)

The Songs of War

At the 6th level, you learn ancient war songs that can help your allies or yourself in the battle.

You can perform one of the war songs a number of times equal to your CHA modifier (min. 1). If you wield your Bardic weapon you can perform the songs using your Bardic weapon as it can create sounds. The creature must be able to hear the song in order to receive the effects of the song.

War Songs

Song of aid - Energizing song to help your allies in the battle. As a bonus action, you choose a number of creatures equal to your CHA modifier (min. 1). These creatures have an advantage on the next attack roll or saving throw until the beginning of your next turn.

Song of restoration - Calm and relaxing song to heal your allies. You can use your action to heal yourself or a creature within 5ft. of you. The amount healed is equal to 5 times your Proficiency bonus.

Song of destruction - Harsh and offbeat song to hurt your enemies. As an action, you can choose a number of creatures up to your CHA modifier (min. 1) to deal 3d6 force damage and 3d6 psychic damage.

Song of protection - Deep and mysterious song to protect you or your allies. You can grant +2AC to you or one creature within 10ft. of you for 10 minutes.

Battling bard

Starting at the 14th level, you've gained a wide knowledge of the Bardic powers you can use in the battle. 

As a bonus action, when you miss a melee attack or ranged attack you can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to gain an advantage on that roll. You decide after you know if the attack hit or not.

As a reaction, when you are being hit with a melee attack or ranged attack you can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration to impose a disadvantage on that roll. You decide after you know if the attack hit or not.

You are always ready for the battle. You gain +5 bonus to your initiative rolls.

From now on when you are not holding your Bardic weapon at the end of your turn it doesn't disappear. The Bardic weapon you summoned stays for 8 hours whether you are holding it or not or when you dismiss it.