*Glimmers in the Void: Trials of the Starbound Gate*
Setting the Scene: The Astral Nexus
The players find themselves at the stellar crossing of the Astral Nexus, an ethereal realm where the thread between worlds bends and knots in a cosmic tapestry. Floating in the void is a colossal, ancient gate made of shimmering cosmic energy, known as the Starbound Gate. It is said that beyond this gate lies a realm of endless wonders and untold knowledge, but to access it, one must possess an Astral Shard, a crystal that harmonizes with the gate's energy.
This gate is closely watched by the Order of the Celestial Vigil, a group of guardians who prevent access to prevent the dark creatures of the void from disrupting the balance of the multiverse. However, rumors have surfaced that the gate is faltering, its energy waning, and menacing beasts lurk within the shadows of the astral fabric. The party is tasked with finding the source of the disturbances and reclaiming a stolen Astral Shard that also holds the key to restoring the gate’s power.
Entering the Void: The Guardians’ Challenge
As the party approaches the Starbound Gate, they are greeted by the ethereal figures of two Celestial Guardians, Seraphis and Lyra. Clad in radiant armor that glows softly, they hold long staffs crowned with celestial spheres. The guardians speak in harmonized voices, echoing like distant stars. They explain the recent happenings:
“The balance has been disrupted. Creatures from the abyss threaten to overtake the Nexus, stealing from its energy to grow stronger. The Shard has been seized by an entity known as the Void Wyrm, a serpent-like creature who feeds on celestial power. Yet, if you seek the Shard, you must pass our trials first.”
The guardians present the trials as multicolored light projects into the astral space, forming three portals, each leading to a different trial that must be overcome before confronting the Void Wyrm.
Trial of the Mind: The Obsidian Labyrinth
The first portal opens to an endlessly shifting labyrinth made of obsidian walls that glimmer like stars against the dark void. A distant echoing laugh reverberates through the space, hinting at a lurking presence.
As the party enters the labyrinth, they must navigate its twisting paths while avoiding shadowy illusions created by the Labyrinth Keeper, a malign spirit that feasts on fear and confusion. The Keeper uses illusions to manifest the characters’ greatest fears, forcing them to confront their inner turmoil. Players must succeed on Wisdom saving throws (DC 15) or become frightened and lost within the maze, unsure of which way is real.
Every few rounds, the Labyrinth Keeper also dynamically reshapes the pathways, leading players into traps of spiked pits or illusory walls that harm. A successful Intelligence (Investigation) check (DC 16) reveals a pattern to the shifting walls, allowing players to map the labyrinth and create a path to the exit.
At the heart of the Labyrinth, players find a radiant crystal embedded in the stone: an Ethereal Shard. This shard contains ancient knowledge of the cosmos. When the players retrieve it, the Keeper attempts to reclaim it with a formidable spectral attack. They must defeat the Keeper to escape the labyrinth.
Trial of the Heart: The Crystal Reflection
The second portal leads to a chamber filled with hovering crystalline formations reflecting otherworldly hues. Here, the guardians test the party's unity and commitment.
As the players enter, the crystals resonate with their emotions, projecting images of their pasts, showing moments of betrayal, sacrifice, joy, or pain. To proceed, each character must approach a crystal and engage in conversation with a reflection of their past selves.
The players must express their feelings about their past actions honestly. Each character has to role-play this encounter, with outcomes varying based on how well they succeed in their role-play.
If they embrace their past (as determined by a Charisma (Persuasion) check, DC 14), the crystals pulsate, helping them attain a boon – health restoration and advantage on their next trial. Failure to acknowledge their past leads to psychic backlash, inflicting 2d6 psychic damage and forcing them to grapple with self-doubt and disarray in their forthcoming actions.
Once the reflection trial is complete, the crystals emit a light that forms a bridge, leading back to the Astral Nexus.
Trial of the Strength: The Serpent’s Den
The final portal swirls open, revealing a gleaming, celestial cavern where the Void Wyrm nests atop a pile of stolen Astral Shards. Unfurling from the shadows, the massive serpent possesses dark scales shimmering with constellations, its eyes two bright voids that seem to absorb light.
The players must confront the Void Wyrm, which has the ability to teleport within the cavern, creating a tactical and deadly fight. It unleashes bursts of cosmic energy, crippling players with radiant damage (3d8) if they fail a Dexterity saving throw (DC 15).
To best the Wyrm, the party must use their skills effectively:
- Environment Interaction: Crystals in the cavern can be shattered to create a blinding light, temporarily stunning the Wyrm (Constitution saving throw DC 16 to avoid being blinded for 1d4 rounds).
- Teamwork: Coordinated attacks can lead to opportunities for critical hits, giving players a chance to strategically position themselves for maximum damage and avoid being isolated.
- Resource Management: Since the Wyrm regenerates 10 HP at the start of its turn, they must deplete its health quickly while simultaneously managing their resources for healing.
Once the Void Wyrm is defeated, the players can reclaim the stolen Astral Shards that pulse with energy. When they return to the Celestial Guardians, a radiant light envelops them.
Conclusion: The Starbound Rebirth
Returning to the gate, the celestial guardians await with grins that shimmer in hues of joy and relief. Players present the recovered Astral Shards, and the guardians recognize them as champions destined to restore balance.
With the shards, they embark on a ritual to rejuvenate the Starbound Gate, a magnificent spectacle of light that mends the tear between worlds.
The guardians offer their blessings, bestowing tokens of celestial favor – perhaps a +1 item, a unique spell scroll, or even the favor to access a hidden dimension.
As the players witness the cosmic gate unfurl into a pathway of starlight, they realize they have not only defeated great evils, but have also etched their names into the annals of cosmic lore. From that moment forward, they become legends whispered across the universe, as guardians of the celestial balance, forever intertwined with the stars.
