With its rising popularity, the Song Undying attracts a wide spectrum of people to its ranks. Some become useful instruments of the cult, helping to defend it against enemies or spread the word among the general populace. The following NPCs can be used as cult members, functionaries, and minor leaders of the Song Undying.
Versifiers
A versifier is a member of the Song Undying trained in the bardic traditions under Salamondre. They typically operate as evangelists for the cult, going among the population and touting the wonders of the Song Undying and the power it has to make life wonderful. They use their magic and natural charisma to sway new recruits, providing healing to those in need, to show the cult’s benevolence and power.
Versifier
Medium humanoid (any race), neutral
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 16 (3d8 + 3)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
| 11 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 11 (+0) | 16 (+3) |
Skills Intuition +2, Persuasion +5, Stealth +4
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common, and one other language
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Fanatic Devotion. The versifier has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.
Spellcasting. The versifier is a 2nd-level spellcaster. Their spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). The versifier knows the following bard spells:
- Cantrips (at will): prestidigitation, vicious mockery
- 1st level (3 slots): charm person, disguise self, healing word, sleep, thunderwave
ACTIONS
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Shortbow. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Knights of the Song
Salamondre recently created this knightly order as another part of the public face of the Song Undying, inducting warriors that joined the cult. Not only does it ennoble the organization, but it provides a subtle show of force. Should someone speak publicly against the cult, a knight may take exception and demand satisfaction in the form of a duel. This can result in those words being taken back and an apology issued. Should fighting ensue, victory by the knights just provides the cult further legitimacy as they flaunt their victory.
Knight of the Song
Medium humanoid, any lawful alignment
Armor Class 16 (chainmail)
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
| 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 9 (−1) | 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) |
Skills Athletics +5, Intimidation +3
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common, plus any racial languages
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Fanatic Devotion. The knight of the song has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The knight of the song makes two attacks with its Longsword or Longbow.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 +1) piercing damage.
Resounding Strike (3/Day). As a bonus action, the knight of the song empowers its weapons with the power of the Song Undying. The knight gains advantage on its next weapon attack, and its attack is considered magical. If the attack hits, it deals an extra 9 (2d8) thunder damage.
Vocalmancers
One recent discovery Salamondre has made is that the Heart is able to catalyze innate magical abilities in people, bringing them to the surface as sorcerous power. These spellcasters find their abilities in song. Unlike bards, they do not need formal training, the power of the Song Undying flows through them and provides their abilities. Only a few vocalmancers have been discovered thus far, but when inducting new cult members, Salamondre always exposes them to the Heart and its song in the hopes of cultivating new vocalmancers for the cult.
Vocalmancer
Medium humanoid, chaotic neutral
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 61 (10d8 + 16)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
| 11 (+0) | 15 (+2) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) |
Skills Insight +4, Persuasion +6
Damage Resistances thunder
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages Common, plus any racial languages
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Bolstering Song. Once per turn when a creature takes thunder damage from one of the vocalmancer’s spells of 1st level or higher, the vocalmancer regains hit points equal to three times the spell’s level. If the vocalmancer is at full hit points, it gains these as temporary hit points instead.
Fanatic Devotion. The vocalmancer has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.
Spellcasting. The vocalmancer is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). The vocalmancer knows the following sorcerer spells:
- Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mending, message, minor illusion, ray of frost
- 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, screaming ray*, thunderwave
- 2nd level (3 slots): note of discord**, suggestion
- 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, thunderous wave*
- 4th level (3 slots): dimension door, distressing resonance*
- 5th level (1 slot): dominate person
*spell is from Deep Magic
**spell from the next installment of this series
ACTIONS
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 +2) piercing damage.
Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
So I just discovered this post through dumb luck and I am extremely intrigued. I see that some of the spells are from your Deep Magic Book, but what about the NPCs, what book are they from? And what is meant by “ **spell from the next installment of this series”. Thank you!
If the vocalmancer’s current health is already at its maximum, the additional hit points it receives are converted into temporary hit points instead.