Cradle Of Filth

A troupe of wandering minstrels stumbled upon an ancient grimoire hidden beneath the floorboards of a crumbling abbey, its pages filled with incantations of such profane darkness that the very act of reading aloud would tear holes between worlds. Centuries later, their cursed instruments—warped lutes, corrupted hurdy-gurdies, and bone-carved pipes—found their way into the hands of five modern musicians who discovered that playing these relics summoned the ghosts of those long-dead chanters, binding their souls into an eternal performance. Cradle Of Filth became the unwilling vessels through which these spectral voices could scream their anguish once more, their contemporary distorted amplification somehow channeling the raw medieval malevolence into a sound that transcended time itself. Trapped between epochs, they are compelled each night to perform in decrepit taverns and forsaken halls, where the boundary between past and present grows thin enough for audiences to witness both the brutal modern band and the phantom musicians whose tormented wails echo beneath every note. The more they play, the stronger the curse becomes, binding them ever deeper to their instruments and to the shadowy realm from which their music eternally emanates. Yet paradoxically, their performances grant them a strange purpose—to warn the living of the dangers lurking in forbidden knowledge—even as they themselves remain prisoners of the very darkness they invoke.

Strength

14, modifier 2

Dexterity

16, modifier 3

Constitution

20, modifier 5

Intelligence

18, modifier 4

Wisdom

12, modifier 1

Charisma

22, modifier 6

Haunting Melody

Cradle Of Filth plays a cursed tune, forcing all creatures within 30 ft. to make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or take 4d10 psychic damage and be frightened for 1 minute.

Spectral Wail

As a bonus action, Cradle Of Filth can unleash a wail, dealing 3d8 necrotic damage to one target within 60 ft. on a failed DC 17 Constitution saving throw.

Binding Performance

Cradle Of Filth can perform for 1 minute, summoning spectral musicians. Allies within 30 ft. gain advantage on attack rolls and saving throws against being frightened.

Cursed Instrument Strike

Cradle Of Filth strikes with a warped lute, making a melee attack that deals 2d8 + 5 slashing damage and 1d6 necrotic damage.

Echoes of the Past

Once per long rest, Cradle Of Filth can summon the spirits of the ancient minstrels, granting all allies within 60 ft. temporary hit points equal to 3d10.

Eternal Performance

When performing, Cradle Of Filth gains advantage on all Charisma checks.

strength

5

dexterity

6

intelligence

8

wisdom

4

constitution

10

charisma

11

Necrotic

Psychic