College of Melancholy

Bards of this college are hated almost invariably for their spread of sadness. They crush the hope of everyone around them and their mere presence seems to darken the world. They range from soldiers who cause sadness and hopelessness through enemy ranks to heartbroken minstrels who unintentionally spread their sadness like a disease.

Armor of Despair

Beginning at 3rd level when you choose this subclass, those who try to strike you are filled with sadness. When a creature makes an attack roll against you, you may use your reaction to expend one use of Bardic Inspiration, roll the die, and then subtract the number rolled from the creature's roll. You always know when a creature attacks you even if you can't see them.

At 10th level, you can use this reaction when a creature attacks a creature you can see within 30ft of you.

Pessimistic Outview

Also at 3rd level, as a reaction when a creature within 30ft makes a roll with advantage, you can negate the advantage. You can do this a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. You also learn the cause fear spell. This doesn't count against the number of spells you know and you can cast it without requiring components.

Crusher of Hope

At 6th level, all creatures within 120ft other than your allies lose any immunities to the frightened condition and can't gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened. This includes advantage negating disadvantage.

Half Empty

Starting at 14th level, creatures other than allies within 120ft of you lose any resistances they have.