```col-mdflexGrow=2.5===# OutlineLucille accompanies the players to the dark street but refuses to enter the toy shop, remaining nervous and distant. As the players approach the shop, animated dolls ambush them from the shadows, forcing them into a fight while Lucille stands back, too frightened to intervene. > [!read-aloud] **Read Aloud** > > > > The cobblestone street is eerily quiet, the soft tap of your footsteps the only sound breaking the silence. Around you, the shops and homes are dark, their windows shuttered tight, as if the residents are too scared to even peek outside. Lucille follows a few steps behind, nervously glancing over her shoulder, muttering about "cursed dolls" and "things that shouldn't be moving at night." A chill wind whistles down the narrow alleyways, carrying with it the faint scent of dust and decay. The moon hangs low in the sky, casting long, distorted shadows that stretch across the empty street. As you near the corner where the toy shop stands you can see a sign over the doorway naming the shop: Pandora's Box. > > Here Lucille stops, her face pale. "I...I won't go any further. They're out there, I can feel it." > > Before you can respond, movement catches your eye. Small, twisted shapes slip out from the shadows-dolls, marionettes, and toy soldiers, their glassy eyes reflecting the moonlight. One of the dolls twitches, its head turning slowly in your direction. Then, without warning, they rush toward you, their tiny hands and sharp wooden limbs clawing at your feet. Lucille gasps and stumbles back, clutching her mace but making no move to help. "They're coming for us!" she houts in a trembling voice. > # Activity The players must defend themselves from the ambush by the animated dolls, who use their small size and stealth to get close before attacking. Lucille is too terrified to fight, retreating behind the players and staying out of harm's way. The dolls use their False Appearance ability to hide among the crates and barrels lining the street, forcing players to make Perception checks (DC 13) to spot them before they strike. # Terrain The cobblestone street is uneven and slippery from a recent rainstorm, requiring players to make a DC 12 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check if they move more than 10 feet in a turn. Failure causes them to slip and fall prone. The street is narrow, with tall buildings on either side. Players can attempt to climb onto the rooftops with a successful DC 14 Strength (Athletics) check, gaining a height advantage over the dolls but losing access to some areas of the street. ### Cover Crates and barrels line the street, providing half cover (+2 AC) for players and the dolls alike. ### Visibility The street is dimly lit by moonlight. Any attack made beyond 30 feet is at disadvantage due to poor visibility unless the player has darkvision or a light source. # Lair Actions ## Initiative count 20 ### Toy Ambush small mechanical toys hidden beneath the crates and barrels spring to life. These toys are not full monsters but cause all creatures within 10 feet to make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take 3 (1d6) slashing damage as the toys scurry out and slice at ankles. ### Tangled Threads Marionette strings suddenly drop from the rooftops, attempting to ensnare the players. All players must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or become restrained as the strings wrap tightly around their limbs. A restrained player can use an action to make a DC 14 Strength check to break free. ## Initiative count 10 ### Eerie Lullaby: A haunting melody fills the air, echoing from the toy shop. Each creature within 30 feet of the toy shop must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of their next turn. Players who succeed on the saving throw are immune to this effect for the remainder of the encounter. # NPC Lucille # Monsters 3-5 Animated Dolls``````col-md![[plots/night-of-the-living-dolls/table-of-contents]]![[~attachments/dndline.png]]```