Soldiers Of The Dead Lake

The marshlands of central Kirovzek harbor a wound that refuses to close—a dark water where the earth still remembers the slaughter of the Crimson Succession, when three kingdoms clashed for dominion over the continent and left forty thousand souls broken upon the mud. The lake absorbed their blood so thoroughly that it became something other than water, a threshold between worlds where the boundary grows thin beneath the blood moon's gaze. Every century when that scarlet celestial eye opens, the drowned soldiers rise in perfect formation, their armor corroded but their purpose unchanged, marching the same routes they walked in life as if the battle never ended. The ranchers and locals have learned through generations of loss that these spectral regiments demand acknowledgment—a solemn salute, a respectful bow, or even a moment of silence—small prices to maintain the fragile truce between the living and the restless dead. Travelers and merchants who stumble upon this land often dismiss the warnings as superstitious folklore until they find themselves face-to-face with the hollow-eyed columns of soldiers, their weapons still thirsting for violence against those foolish enough to show contempt. Those who have refused to honor the fallen have simply vanished into the marsh, their fates unknown but their screams sometimes heard echoing across the wetlands long after the blood moon fades.

Strength

18, modifier 4

Dexterity

12, modifier 1

Constitution

20, modifier 5

Intelligence

6, modifier -2

Wisdom

14, modifier 2

Charisma

8, modifier -1

Spectral Charge

The soldiers move up to 30 feet in a straight line. Each creature in their path must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 3d10 necrotic damage and be knocked prone.

Haunting Salute

As a bonus action, the soldiers can compel a creature within 60 feet to salute them. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the end of its next turn.

Blood Moon's Wrath

Once per blood moon, the soldiers can unleash a wave of energy. Each creature within 30 feet must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking 6d8 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.

Restless Formation

The soldiers can reform their ranks, allowing them to heal 2d10 hit points and gain advantage on their next attack roll. This can be used once every 3 rounds.

Echoes of the Past

The soldiers can summon the spirits of fallen comrades. As an action, they can create an illusory army that distracts enemies, granting disadvantage on attack rolls against them for 1 minute.

Eternal March

The soldiers cannot be permanently destroyed and reform after 24 hours.

strength

7

dexterity

4

constitution

8

wisdom

5

Necrotic

Poison