Beneath Forgotten Echoes, A Trial of Luminescent Paths
Setting: The Celestial Catacombs
The party finds themselves standing at the entrance of the Celestial Catacombs, a vast underground labyrinth that was once a temple to an ancient celestial deity. The ruins are said to echo with the lost memories of the stars themselves and are protected by magical constructs and traps designed to challenge any who seek the treasures buried deep within. The air is thick with a shimmering mist, and faint whispers can be heard, like distant echoes of laughter and sorrow. The dim light of bioluminescent fungi casts eerie shadows on the cracked stone walls, revealing the occasional fresco that tells the story of the celestial deity worshipped here.
Rumor has it that an ancient artifact lies within—The Starcaller Pendant, a lost relic that grants the wearer the ability to communicate with celestial beings. However, the artifact is hidden in a chamber deep within the catacombs, accessible only by navigating a series of perilous trials.
Characters
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Aethra, the Astral Guardian: A spectral entity bound to protect the temple. Appearing as a shimmering figure cloaked in starlight, Aethra will challenge the players as they navigate the catacombs. She can see through illusions and lies, and trickery won't work against her. If players show respect for the temple and its history, she may grant them guidance.
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The Constructs of the Celestial Sentinels: These enchanted constructs patrol the catacombs, comprised of stone and celestial energy. They resemble humanoid forms with glowing eyes and armor that shifts like the night sky. When engaged in combat, they wield weapons of light and can cast spells that reflect the stars, such as Guiding Bolt and Wall of Light.
Unique Goal
The party's ultimate goal is to retrieve the Starcaller Pendant, which is said to lie within the fabled Chamber of Resonance. To obtain it, they must overcome the trials posed by the catacombs and earn Aethra's respect. Their journey is not only about acquiring the pendant but also about uncovering the deeper truths of the celestial domain and restoring the temple’s glory.
The Trials of Navigation
Upon entering the first section of the catacombs, the players are greeted by a fork in the path marked by glowing stars etched into the stone. One path descends deeper where the echoes grow louder, while the other leads to unsettling silence.
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Decision Point:
- The players must decide which path to take.
- If they choose the path of echoes, they encounter whispers that attempt to deceive them with false advice, requiring a successful DC 15 Wisdom saving throw to see through the illusions.
- The quiet path offers a riddle inscribed on the wall: “I am the stillness amongst the chaos, a whisper in the dark. What am I?” The answer is “silence.” Solving it grants passage and a temporary boon—advantage on one Intelligence check related to star lore.
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Puzzle - The Star Map:
- As they progress, they come to a large chamber filled with star maps that glow faintly. A large stone tablet features a celestial map missing several glowing stars, which represent correct paths to take.
- Players must align the maps using astronomical knowledge, requiring DC 14 Intelligence (History or Arcana) checks. Each player can contribute, and for every three successes, a new path opens, leading to the next challenge.
The Guardians’ Confrontation
Upon solving the star map, a hidden door opens, revealing the next chamber where the Astral Guardians manifest. They will not engage the players until approached, preferring to observe and test their intent.
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Engagement:
- If players show respect (for example, by bowing or correctly stating a fact about the temple), the Guardians will engage in a battle of wits using celestial-themed riddles or challenges.
- Failing to answer correctly results in a conflict where the constructs attack using light-based magic and melee attacks (HP: 40 each, AC: 15).
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Battling the Constructs:
- The constructs attack with their Celestial Greatsword for a base damage of 1d10+3 and can cast a single Guiding Bolt per round (DC 15 to avoid), dealing radiant damage.
- Upon defeat, they disintegrate into motes of light, offering insight into the location of the Chamber of Resonance.
The Chamber of Resonance
With clues leading them to the heart of the catacombs, the party arrives at an immense chamber adorned with celestial symbols. The air hums with an energy that feels intensely vibrant.
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Challenge - The Resonance Field:
- At the center of the chamber lies an ancient pedestal containing the Starcaller Pendant, surrounded by an ethereal glowing barrier.
- Players must harmonize with the hum of the chamber by singing or chanting a simple tone that resonates with the celestial echoes. To succeed, they need to make a collective performance check (DC 15), using tools, spells, or their voices harmoniously.
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Twist - The Echo of Doubts:
- Entities of doubt appear as shadowy figures, representing the players’ fears or regrets. Each player must face their doubt by succeeding on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or take 2d6 psychic damage, disrupted by their own insecurities.
Resolution: Claiming the Pendant
If successful in harmonizing with the chamber and overcoming their doubts, the barrier around the pendant dissolves, and Aethra appears to validate their accomplishment. She offers a few choice words about the importance of confronting one's inner darkness and encourages them to use the pendant wisely.
Each player receives the Starcaller Pendant, which allows them to cast Divination once per day. In addition, if they invest the pendant with their own essence through a ritual (requiring a long rest), they can call upon celestial beings for assistance in times of need, earning their favor.
Players who forge a strong connection with Aethra via respect or wisdom may receive further insights or boons as they exit the catacombs.
As the party emerges back into the world above, echoes of the celestial whispers leave a lingering memory that will remind them of their journey and the revelations they had within the depths of the Celestial Catacombs.
