Reborn made from the living appear alive, their flesh whole and unblemished with no sign of the decomposition normally associated with undead creatures. However, the taint of the Thrice-Cursed Heart lies heavy on their spirit, corrupting them on the inside and making them cruel, hungry things. Those whose bodies are reformed and raised from the dead are more bestial and less in control than those who are still alive and transformed. Both are watched carefully in the early days of their rebirth as they are prone to outbursts of violence and even cannibalism. They are taught to restrain their urges, to temper their natural cruelty, so they can pass for human again. Even then, they are bound to Salamondre through the Thrice-Cursed Heart and thus to the Song Undying. Most never leave the complex where the cult makes its home.

Reborn brought back from death share all the features of the reborn made from the living but are sometimes in stages of incompletion. They start off as hollow ones and are brought to completion over several sessions of ritual magic. Salamondre must draw on the power of the Heart often to rejuvenate his own form as well as those of his undead followers. Sometimes the magic doesn’t take, so the reborn suffer decay, resulting in partially skeletal features, like a hand or foot, torso, or part of their face. They wear clothing, veils, and masks to hide such deformities, both to disguise their true nature from outsiders and new members of the cult as well as to keep them from seeing reflections of themselves, as the sight of such things can cause outbursts of anger and violence in the reborn.

Cult Agents. Reborn that can curb their violent tendencies are used as missionaries for the Song Undying, testifying publicly to the miracles Salamondre can provide. Their very presence is evidence of his power, so they are often sent back to their homes where their family, friends, and neighbors can bear witness that this person was dead or dying and is now whole and well (at least to their perceptions).

Magically Bound. The reborn exist due to the magic of the Thrice-Cursed Heart and thus are bound to it—and through it, to Salamondre. None would ever betray the Song Undying or its leader.

Undead Nature. A reborn doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep. However, in order to maintain the facade of life, they will breathe, eat, drink, and pretend to sleep.

Reborn Template

Any humanoid or giant can become a reborn. It keeps its statistics, except as follows.

Challenge. If the creature’s challenge rating is below 2, increase its rating by 1. For challenge ratings greater than 2, no adjustment is necessary.

Senses. The reborn gains darkvision with a radius of 60 feet.

Immunities. The reborn gains immunity to poison and to the charmed, exhaustion, and poisoned conditions.

New Trait: Bloodthirsty. If a reborn can see an incapacitated creature or one that has taken damage, it must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be compelled to move toward that creature and attack it. A reborn will choose the closest creature, attacking an incapacitated creature over others if multiple targets exist.

New Action: Invigorating Chord (Recharge 6). As an action, the reborn can reproduce a note from the Song Undying. It targets a number of creatures equal to its challenge rating (minimum 1) within 30 feet. Affected creatures gain advantage on the next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw made within the next minute, losing this advantage if a roll is not made within that time. A creature that gains advantage by means of this ability cannot receive its benefits again for another 24 hours.

New Reaction: Furious Reprisal. When a creature hits the reborn with a melee attack that inflicts 5 or more damage, it can use its reaction to attack the creature. The reborn gains advantage on this attack and a bonus to damage equal to its challenge rating.

Reborn Elfmarked Human

Medium undead, neutral evil
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5)
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)	13 (+1)

Skills Arcana +4, Perception +3
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Elvish
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Bloodthirsty. If a reborn can see an incapacitated creature or one that has taken damage, it must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or be compelled to move toward that creature and attack it. A reborn will choose the closest creature, attacking an incapacitated creature over others if multiple targets exist.

Fey Ancestry. You have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put you to sleep.

Innate Spellcasting. The reborn elfmarked’s innate spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 12). The reborn can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

• At will: detect magic, mage hand
• 1/day: magic missile

Magical Resonance (5/Day). As a bonus action, the reborn elfmarked gains advantage on its next weapon attack. If the attack hits, it deals an extra 4 (1d8) force damage.

ACTIONS

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Invigorating Chord (Recharge 6). As an action, the reborn can reproduce a note from the Song Undying. It targets one creature within 30 feet. The creature gains advantage on the next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw it makes within the next minute, losing this advantage if a roll is not made within that time. A creature that gains advantage by means of this ability cannot receive its benefits again for another 24 hours.

REACTIONS

Furious Reprisal. When a creature hits the reborn with a melee attack that inflicts 5 or more damage, it can use its reaction to attack the creature. The reborn elfmarked has advantage on this attack and a +1 bonus to damage.

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