Phantom Guardians Of Sālmr

Three warriors once stood as the tower's most formidable defenders—bound by oath and ambition to serve the witch who ruled from within its marble walls. The eldest, a scarred commander whose name echoes through the halls, had betrayed his own kingdom for promises of immortality and power. The second, a lithe swordmaster consumed by vengeance against those who had wronged him in life, accepted his spectral curse as payment for eternal strength. The youngest, a mercenary captain whose greed knew no bounds, bargained away his mortal soul for riches that would never tarnish or fade. Each accepted the witch's dark bargain willingly, trading their flesh for the impossible—a chance to remain in the world, forever strong, forever feared, forever bound to the tower's threshold. Now they exist in the space between life and death, neither fully present nor entirely absent, their forms shifting like smoke caught between moonlight and shadow. The witch tasked them with a sacred duty: to test those who would enter her domain, demanding they speak each guardian's true name and complete a trial that reveals the seeker's nature. Some say the guardians grew to love their role, for it allowed them to exercise dominion over mortals once more, to judge and be judged no longer. Others whisper that they remain trapped, desperately hoping someone worthy will come to break the witch's hold over them. What is certain is that these three phantom warriors have become as much a part of Sālmr's legend as the tower itself, their presence a warning to all who approach that some prices, once paid, can never be refunded.

Strength

20, modifier 5

Dexterity

16, modifier 3

Constitution

N/A, modifier N/A

Intelligence

14, modifier 2

Wisdom

18, modifier 4

Charisma

22, modifier 6

Spectral Blade

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d10 + 5 necrotic damage.

Haunting Wail

Each creature within 30 ft. must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or take 4d8 psychic damage and be frightened for 1 minute.

Guardian's Trial

Choose a creature within 60 ft. to face a trial. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Charisma saving throw or be cursed until the end of their next turn.

Ethereal Presence

The guardians can phase through solid objects, making them immune to non-magical attacks.

Spectral Judgment

When a creature approaches, the guardians can sense their intentions, granting advantage on Insight checks.

Phantom Resilience

The guardians have resistance to necrotic and psychic damage.

Wraith's Curse

Creatures that fail a saving throw against the guardians' abilities are cursed, taking 1d6 necrotic damage at the start of their turns.

strength

9

dexterity

7

wisdom

10

charisma

12

Ethereal Shift

The guardian can move up to 30 ft. in the ethereal plane, reappearing in an unoccupied space.

Judgment of Souls

Each creature within 30 ft. must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or take 3d10 necrotic damage and be blinded until the end of their next turn.

Phantom Grasp

The guardian targets one creature within 60 ft. and attempts to restrain them. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the end of their next turn.

necrotic

psychic

poison

bludgeoning

piercing

slashing

charmed

frightened

paralyzed

poisoned