Mariachi is a type of Mexican music and a musical group whose style dates back to at least the 18th century. It has distinctive instrumentation, performance, and singing styles, as well as costumery. Many mariachis wear the traje de charro, or horserider’s uniform, complete with large, wide-brimmed hats (sombrero de charro).
Typically, mariachis employ guitars, trumpets, and violins in their music.
Mariachis in Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition
In Dungeons & Dragons, and especially in El Ocho Campaign Setting, los mariachis are urban or traveling entertainers. Some can be found with adventurers, while others may work specifically as musicians for wealthy nobles or mercenaries. Frequently, mariachis work together as a band which amplifies their power.
Mariachi
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 14 (studded leather)
Hit Points 27 (6d8)
Speed 30 ft.
Abilities Str 11 (+0), Dex 14 (+2), Con 10 (+0), Int 10 (+0), Wis 13 (+1), Cha 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Dex +4, Wis +3
Skills Perception +5, Performance +6, Survival +3
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages any two languages
Challenge 1 (200 XP) or 2 (450 XP) if part of a band
Spellcasting. The mariachi is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following bard spells prepared:
- Cantrips (at will): prestidigitation, vicious mockery
- 1st Level (4 slots): charm person, healing word, heroism, longstrider, thunderwave
- 2nd Level (2 slots): enthrall
Compelling Introduction (2/day). During the first round of combat, as long as the mariachi is not surprised or incapacitated, it can use its reaction at the end of initiative count 20 to innately cast bless, requiring no material components other than its instrument. Its innate spellcasting ability is Charisma.
Song of Rest. The mariachi can perform a song while taking a short rest. Any ally who hears the song regains an extra 1d6 hit points if it spends any Hit Dice to regain hit points at the end of that rest. The mariachi can convert this benefit on itself as well.
Actions
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Pistol. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/90 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage.
Mariachi Band
Mariachis don’t always work alone. Sometimes they come together to form bands. When this happens, their ability to enchant listeners with their music intensifies.
A mariachi band consists of at least three mariachis, but usually no more than seven.
Shared Spellcasting. While at least three members of a mariachi band are within 30 feet of one another, they can each cast the following spells from the bard’s spell list, but must share the spell slots among themselves. These additional spell slots do not replace their individual spell slots, which they still have access to.
- 1st level (4 slots): bane, cure wounds
- 2nd level (3 slots): enhance ability, shatter
- 3rd level (3 slots): bestow curse, tongues
- 4th level (3 slots): compulsion
- 5th level (2 slots): dominate person
- 6th level (1 slot): Otto’s irresistible dance
For casting these spells, each mariachi is a 12-th level spellcaster that uses Charisma as his or her spellcasting ability. The spell save DC is 12 + the mariachi’s Charisma modifier, and the spell attack bonus is 4 + the mariachi’s Charisma modifier.
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