# The Bardiac Arrests
## Overview
*You are "The Bardiac Arrests," a group of bards known for your musical talents and your love of adventure. You travel from town to town, giving performances and taking on quests, and you have gained a reputation as some of the finest musicians in the land.*
*Recently, you have been hired to perform alongside the famous singer Aria Skye in the city of Silverton. You are excited to share the stage with her and to explore the city's vibrant arts and culture scene.*
*As you make your way towards Silverton, you can feel the anticipation building. You have heard many wonderful things about the city, and you can't wait to see it for yourself.*
*As you round a bend in the road, the city comes into view, and you are awestruck by its beauty. The sun is shining down on the city, illuminating its bustling streets and towering buildings. You can hear the sounds of music and laughter coming from within the city walls, and you can't wait to join in the fun.*
*You quicken your pace, eager to explore the city and begin your performance as "The Bardiac Arrests." Little do you know, adventure and danger await you in Silverton.*

The party arrives in Silverton and is excited to perform alongside Aria and explore the city's many attractions. They meet with Aria and are looking forward to their performance together. However, in the night before the performance, Aria goes missing. The party learns that she has been kidnapped by a group of rival musicians known as "The Cursed Notes." The Cursed Notes are a group of bards who were once successful in their own right, but have been turned into monsters by a curse. The curse has twisted their minds and bodies, making them jealous and vengeful towards any musician who has achieved more success than they have. The Cursed Notes want to make sure Aria does not show up to her performance, so that they can put themselves forward as an alternative act.

## Silverton
Silverton is a bustling and vibrant city known for its thriving arts and culture scene. It is located in the heart of a picturesque valley and is home to a diverse population of artists, musicians, writers, and performers. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife and lively entertainment, as well as its beautiful parks and gardens and rich history and cultural heritage.

## Aria Skye
Aria is a talented and charismatic singer who has gained a large following in the local area with her powerful voice and captivating stage presence. She is known for her soulful ballads and energetic pop songs, and she often writes her own music and lyrics. Despite her success, Aria is a kind and humble person who is deeply grateful for her fans and supporters. She is also a bit of a daredevil and loves to take on challenges and adventures, which has earned her a reputation as a bit of a wild card in the music world.

## The Curse
The effects of the curse on musicians are that it amplifies their emotions, making them more susceptible to jealousy and resentment towards other musicians who are more successful than they are. It also warps their bodies, giving them monstrous physical features that reflect their inner turmoil. For example, a musician who is consumed by envy might have green skin, razor-sharp claws, and glowing eyes. Finally, the curse also grants them magical powers, allowing them to manipulate sound and music in order to sabotage their rivals and feed the curse even further. The curse only starts to affect bards once they are no longer allowed to play on the lute, creating a withdrawal effect.

## The Song of the Stars
The source of the curse is a powerful magic artifact that is a lute known as "The Song of the Stars." It was crafted by the city's first bard, who was said to have been blessed by the gods with the gift of music. The lute is one of Silverton's most prized possessions, and it is kept in a special chamber in the city's grand hall. It is believed to possess magical powers that can inspire and uplift anyone who plays it, and it is only allowed to be played by the city's most talented and respected musicians for important performances. However, unbeknownst to the city's inhabitants, the lute is actually the source of the curse that has been plaguing Silverton for generations. The party must find a way to rescue Aria from the Cursed Notes, destroy the lute and break the curse before it consumes the entire city.

## The Cursed Notes
The leader of the Cursed Notes is a bard named Eris. She is a talented singer and songwriter who was once known for her beautiful and emotive ballads. However, after she was cursed, her once-gorgeous voice became twisted and harsh, and her songs became filled with anger and resentment. She has green, scaly skin and sharp, pointed teeth, and she wields a magical harp that can produce notes of such extreme volume and pitch that they can shatter glass and deafen listeners.

The second member of the Cursed Notes is a bard named Riven. He was once a skilled and versatile musician who could play multiple instruments and sing in a variety of styles. However, after he was cursed, his body became twisted and misshapen, and his fingers grew long and sharp like claws. He now plays a magically enhanced guitar that can produce sonic blasts and waves of distortion that can knock opponents off their feet and leave them stunned and disoriented.

The third member of the Cursed Notes is a bard named Nia. She was once a sweet and gentle singer who specialized in soothing, lullaby-like melodies. However, after she was cursed, her voice became deep and rasping, and her songs became filled with dark and eerie themes. She has pale, ghostly skin and glowing, white eyes, and she wields a magical flute that can produce melodies of such hypnotic beauty that they can entrance and control the minds of those who hear them.

The fourth and final member of the Cursed Notes is a bard named Lucien. He was once a jovial and energetic musician who loved to perform in front of large crowds. However, after he was cursed, his body became bloated and grotesque, and his voice became deep and guttural. He now plays a magically enhanced drum set that can produce thunderous beats and booming rhythms that can shake the ground and create shockwaves of force that can knock opponents off their feet and send them flying through the air.

## Arriving in Silverton
*As you and your fellow bards, The Bardiac Arrests, approach Silverton, you are struck by the beauty of the city nestled in the heart of a picturesque valley. The sun is setting over the rolling hills, casting a golden glow over the city's rooftops and gardens. As you get closer, you can hear the faint sound of music and laughter drifting on the evening breeze.*

*As you enter the city gates, you are greeted by a bustling market square filled with stalls selling all manner of goods, from fresh produce and artisan crafts to colorful costumes and musical instruments. Street performers are scattered throughout the square, entertaining crowds with their singing, dancing, and acrobatics. You are immediately struck by the vibrant energy of the city and can't wait to explore its many attractions.*

#### DM Notes
- The party should be able to gather some information about the city from the locals and street performers. They may learn about the city's rich history and cultural heritage, as well as its thriving arts and entertainment scene.
- The party may also encounter some of the city's more unique inhabitants, such as eccentric artists, eccentric musicians, or eccentric writers.
- The party should also be able to find directions to their inn, The Silverton Serenade, where they will be staying while in Silverton. The Silverton Serenade is a cozy and welcoming establishment, located in a quiet, residential neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. It is known for its comfortable rooms and friendly proprietors.
- As they explore the city, the party may notice that there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. This is because a major music festival is set to take place in Silverton tomorrow, and many of the city's most talented musicians are preparing to perform. The party already knows they are scheduled to perform at the festival alongside the famous singer Aria Skye.

## The Silverton Serenade
*Excitement and anticipation fill you as you and your fellow bards approach The Silverton Serenade. The cozy inn has garnered a reputation for its comfortable rooms and friendly proprietors, and you can't wait to get some rest and relaxation after your long journey.*

*Upon entering the inn, the warm and welcoming atmosphere greets you. The common room is filled with comfortable couches and armchairs, and a fire crackles in the fireplace. A bar is located on one side of the room, and a friendly bartender is tending to a group of patrons.*

*As you approach the bar, you notice a familiar face sitting on one of the stools. Aria Skye, the famous singer you are scheduled to perform with at the music festival tomorrow, turns and looks at you with a wide smile spreading across her face. She slides off the stool and gives you all a hug.*

*"Hey, it's The Bardiac Arrests!" she exclaims. "I'm so glad you made it. I was starting to worry you wouldn't arrive in time for the festival."*

### DM Notes
- The party should have a chance to interact with Aria and get to know her better. They may ask her questions about her music career or her plans for the festival, or they may simply enjoy each other's company and share stories.
- The bartender should be able to provide the party with some information about the inn and the city of Silverton. They may also have heard some rumors or gossip about the music festival or other local events.
- The party should also be able to get their rooms at the inn and get settled in for the night. They can rest and relax before their performance at the music festival tomorrow.

## Aria's Disappearance
As the party comes downstairs after spending the night at The Silverton Serenade, they notice that Aria is nowhere to be seen. She had arranged to meet them for breakfast so they could go over plans and arrange some practice time, but she is nowhere to be found.

- The bartender tells the party that Aria was last seen at the inn last night and hasn't been seen since.
- When the party searches Aria's room, they find signs of a struggle, such as overturned furniture and a broken lamp. Aria's lute is still in the room, indicating that she did not leave voluntarily.
- In the corner of the room, the party finds a small, crumpled piece of paper with some scribbled writing on it. Upon closer examination, they realize that it is a note from Aria, written in a hurry and expressing fear for her safety. The note mentions "The Cursed Notes", but does not provide any further information about their location.
- Most people in town will know that the Cursed Notes used to be a well-known band in Silverton, but they disappeared after a disappointing performance without their magical lute, The Song of the Stars. Some people claim to have heard rumors that the singers have been seen around town again.
- Asking around, the party can find a street performer who claims to have seen a group of strange-looking musicians lurking in an abandoned building on the outskirts of town.

## The Abandoned Building
*As you and your fellow bards approach the abandoned building, you can't help but feel a sense of unease. The building is old and dilapidated, with peeling paint and broken windows. It looks like it hasn't been used in years, and you wonder what could be inside.*

*You push open the creaky door and step inside, your senses on high alert. The musty smell of neglect and decay fills your nostrils, and you can hear the sound of dripping water echoing through the empty rooms. You see cobwebs and debris scattered everywhere, and you can't help but feel like you're being watched.*

### DM Notes
- The abandoned building is full of traps and puzzles for the party to navigate as they search for Aria. These include:
- A pitfall trap in the entrance hallway, which requires a DC 15 Dexterity check to avoid falling into the pit and taking 2d6 damage.
- A locked door that can be opened with a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check or a DC 20 Strength check to force it open.
- A room filled with spiders that attack the party, requiring a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw to avoid being bitten and taking 1d4 poison damage.
- A room with a pressure plate that triggers a dart trap, requiring a DC 15 Dexterity check to avoid taking 1d4 piercing damage from the darts.
- The party must also confront several of the band's minions who have been left to guard Aria. These minions are twisted and monstrous, with sharp claws and glowing eyes. They are fiercely loyal to The Cursed Notes and will stop at nothing to prevent the party from rescuing Aria. The party must fight their way through the minions in order to free Aria and continue on their quest.
- The party eventually comes across Aria, who is being held captive by The Cursed Notes. She tells the party that the group has left to perform at the music festival, hoping to sabotage Aria's performance and take her place on stage.

### Aria's Prison

*As you and your fellow bards make your way deeper into the abandoned building, you start to hear faint noises coming from one of the rooms up ahead. You approach cautiously, not sure what you might find.*

*When you enter the room, you see Aria sitting on the floor, her hands and feet bound with ropes. She looks up at you with relief in her eyes, grateful to see familiar faces.*

*"Thank goodness you're here," she says. "I was afraid I might never get out of this place alive."*

*The room is small and cramped, with peeling wallpaper and a musty smell. It looks like it might have been some kind of storage room in its former life. Standing guard over Aria are several of The Cursed Notes' minions, their eyes glowing with a sinister light. There are two types of minions present:*

- *The first type is a group of twisted, humanoid creatures with green, scaly skin and sharp, pointed teeth. They snarl and hiss as you approach, baring their claws.*
- *The second type is a group of tall, lanky beings with elongated limbs and spindly fingers. Their skin is a sickly yellow color, and their eyes seem to glow with an otherworldly light. They stand silently, watching you with an unsettling intensity.*

*You know that you and your fellow bards are going to have to fight these minions if you want to rescue Aria and continue on your quest. It's going to be a tough battle, but you're determined to see it through.*

#### Skera
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic evil

Armor Class 12
Hit Points 26 (4d8 + 8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 10 (+0) DEX 14 (+2) CON 10 (+0) INT 8 (-1) WIS 10 (+0) CHA 12 (+1)
Skills: Stealth +4
Damage Resistances: Poison
Condition Immunities: Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages: Common
Challenge: 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions:
- Multiattack. The Skera makes two melee attacks.
- Swipe: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., all in range. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.
- Poison Spit: Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 2) poison damage, and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute. The poisoned target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
- Stealthy Escape: The Skera can use its action to disengage and hide.

#### Screechers
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic evil

Armor Class 13
Hit Points 44 (8d8 + 8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 8 (-1) DEX 18 (+4) CON 12 (+1) INT 10 (+0) WIS 14 (+2) CHA 14 (+2)
Skills: Stealth +6, Perception +4
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages: Common
Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Actions:
- Multiattack. The Screecher makes two melee attacks.
- Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
- Poison Spit: Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 3) poison damage, and the target must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for for 1 minute. The poisoned target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
- Screech: The Screecher lets out a loud, ear-piercing screech. Each creature within 20 feet of the Screecher must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be deafened for 1 hour. Once used, it cannot be used again until the next dawn.
- Shadow Step (recharge 5-6): The Screecher can use a bonus action to teleport up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space it can see. It then has advantage on attack rolls until the end of its next turn.

## The Music Festival
*As you and your fellow bards make your way to the music festival, you can feel the excitement building. The streets are crowded with people, all of them eager to see the show. When you finally arrive at the arena, you can't believe your eyes.*

*The Cursed Notes are already onstage, performing to a packed crowd. They look different than you remember - their bodies twisted and distorted, their eyes glowing with a sinister light. Eris stands at the front of the stage, her voice harsh and grating as she sings a song filled with anger and resentment. Riven is playing the Song of the Stars, its magic amplifying the group's power and adding to the enchantment of the crowd.*

*You watch in horror as the crowd starts to sway and thrum in time with the music. It's clear that The Cursed Notes are using their magic to control the audience, feeding off their negative emotions. You know you have to act fast if you want to stop them.*

### DM Notes:
- The Cursed Notes are using their magic to control the audience and feed off their negative emotions.
- If the party tries to attack the Cursed Notes while they are performing, they will face resistance from the enchanted crowd.
- The Cursed Notes have the Song of the Stars with them on stage. The party will need to find a way to get it back in order to break the curse and stop the group's reign of terror.

### Eris
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic evil
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 53 (10d8 + 8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 11 (+0) DEX 14 (+2) CON 12 (+1) INT 10 (+0) WIS 13 (+1) CHA 14 (+2)
Skills: Acrobatics + 4, Perception + 5, Performance + 6
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages: Common
Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
Magic Resistance: Eris has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions:
- Harp Strike: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
- Harmonic Blast (recharge 5-6): Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 30 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (3d6) thunder damage and the target must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be stunned for 1 round.
- Curse of Jealousy (recharge 5-6): Eris casts a curse on one creature within 30 feet of her. The creature must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become envious of all other performers. The creature has disadvantage on attack rolls against such creatures. This curse lasts for 1 hour.

### Riven
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic evil
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 53 (10d8 + 8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 11 (+0) DEX 14 (+2) CON 12 (+1) INT 10 (+0) WIS 13 (+1) CHA 14 (+2)
Skills: Acrobatics + 4, Perception + 5, Performance + 6
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages: Common
Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
Magic Resistance: Riven has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions:
- Guitar Slash: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
- Sonic Blast (recharge 5-6): Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 30 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (3d6) thunder damage and the target must make a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
- Echoing Blast (recharge 6): Riven plays a powerful chord on his guitar, causing a blast of sound to ripple out in all directions. All creatures within 20 feet of him take 7 (2d6) thunder damage and must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be deafened until the end of their next turn.
- Song of the Stars: Riven plays a soothing melody on the Song of the Stars, restoring all creatures of his choice within 20 feet of him to full hit points and curing any conditions. Once this ability is used, the Song of the Stars can no longer be played until the next dawn.

# Nia
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic evil
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 53 (10d8 + 8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 11 (+0) DEX 14 (+2) CON 12 (+1) INT 10 (+0) WIS 13 (+1) CHA 14 (+2)
Skills: Acrobatics + 4, Perception + 5, Performance + 6
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages: Common
Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
Magic Resistance: Nia has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions:
- Flute Strike: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
- Lullaby of Control: Nia plays a soothing lullaby on her flute, causing one creature within 30 feet of her to make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is charmed until the end of its next turn.
- Song of Shadows (recharge 5-6): Nia sings a eerie song that fills all creatures of her choice within 20 feet of her with a sense of dread. Creatures in this radius must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of their next turn.

# Lucien
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic evil
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 53 (10d8 + 8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 11 (+0) DEX 14 (+2) CON 12 (+1) INT 10 (+0) WIS 13 (+1) CHA 14 (+2)
Skills: Acrobatics + 4, Perception + 5, Performance + 6
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages: Common
Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
Magic Resistance: Lucien has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions:
- Drumstick: Thrown Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 30/60 feet, one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
- Boom Blast (2/day): Lucien plays a powerful drum beat that creates a shockwave of force in a 20-foot radius around him. Creatures in this radius must make a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone and take 10 (3d6) force damage.

Reactions:
- Defensive Stance: When Lucien is attacked, he can use his reaction to increase his AC by 2 until the end of his next turn.

## Conclusion
*As you stand victorious over the vanquished Cursed Notes, you turn to Aria who is standing beside you, safe and sound thanks to your bravery and quick thinking.*

*"Thank you," she says, her voice filled with gratitude. "I can't believe you were able to rescue me from those monsters."*

*You look over at the Song of the Stars, which is lying on the ground next to Riven's lifeless body. You know that destroying it would be the only way to truly break the curse and prevent any other musicians from suffering the same fate as the Cursed Notes.*

*But as you gaze at the beautiful instrument, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. It's hard to imagine that something so beautiful could be the source of such darkness and destruction.*

*You turn to Aria, who is watching you intently. "What do you think we should do?" she asks.*

*You take a deep breath and consider your options. The choice is yours.*