Astrals


"From the endless expanse of the Astral Plane, the Astrals weave the fabric of existence, their radiant hands shaping worlds and maintaining the delicate balance of all creation."

The Astrals are the most powerful beings in the cosmos, surpassing even the Gods in might and influence. They are the architects of existence, responsible for creating the universes and maintaining the balance that sustains all reality. As paragons of cosmic order, their power is unmatched, and their very presence can reshape the planes.

The Astrals reside in the Astral Plane, a spiritual dimension beyond the understanding of most mortals. It is from here that they oversee the infinite universes, ensuring harmony between creation and destruction. Mortals who live lives of pure virtue may, upon death, ascend to this realm and gain the rare honor of existing alongside the Astrals, achieving eternal glory. However, for those whose nature is inherently vile, the gates of the Astral Plane remain forever closed.

Born of the Astral Plane

The Astral Plane is the birthplace of the Astrals and the nexus of all existence. It is an endless expanse of radiant energy and shimmering starlight, where time flows differently and the rules of the material world hold no sway. Within this infinite domain, universes are conceived, nurtured, and balanced by the will of the Astrals.

The Astrals themselves were not "born" in the traditional sense. They are manifestations of the fundamental forces that drive existence: creation, preservation, and balance. Each Astral embodies a unique aspect of the cosmos, from the forging of stars to the delicate interplay of life and death.

The creation of the Astrals is a mystery even to the Gods. Some believe they arose from the primordial energies of the Astral Plane, while others theorize they are the remnants of an even greater force that predates existence itself. Regardless of their origins, the Astrals’ purpose is clear: to uphold the integrity of the multiverse and ensure that all planes remain in equilibrium.

Astrals in the Material Plane

Rarely do the Astrals manifest in the material plane, for their presence is so overwhelming that it can unmake reality itself. When they do appear, it is often in forms mortals can comprehend: luminous figures of unimaginable beauty or vast, celestial shapes that defy description. Their arrivals herald events of cosmic significance, such as the creation of a new world, the rebirth of a dying star, or the eradication of a catastrophic imbalance.

Mortals who encounter the Astrals often describe the experience as transcendent, leaving them changed forever. To most, the Astrals are distant and incomprehensible entities, their motives inscrutable and their power awe-inspiring. Yet, to those deemed worthy, the Astrals offer glimpses of their grand design and guidance in achieving their part in it.

The Astrals have no desire for conquest or worship. Their actions are driven solely by their responsibility to maintain balance. This impartiality often places them at odds with those who seek to disrupt the natural order, including ambitious Gods, rogue celestial beings, and mortal factions whose hubris threatens the fabric of reality.

Culture of the Astrals

The Astrals do not possess a culture in the traditional sense, as they exist beyond the needs and desires of mortal beings. However, their interactions with each other and the multiverse are guided by unspoken principles and an innate understanding of their roles.

  • Eternal Balance: The Astrals’ primary philosophy is the preservation of equilibrium. They do not favor good or evil, law or chaos; instead, they ensure that these forces remain in harmony.
  • Unity Through Diversity: Each Astral embodies a different aspect of creation, and their unity arises from their unique contributions to the greater whole. They work together seamlessly, their combined efforts shaping the multiverse.
  • Selective Admission: Mortals who prove themselves worthy in life may ascend to the Astral Plane upon death. These ascended beings, known as Astral Kindred, serve as intermediaries between the Astrals and the material world.

Despite their lofty ideals, the Astrals are not infallible. Internal conflicts, though rare, can arise when their visions of balance differ. These disagreements are resolved through profound cosmic rituals that ripple across the planes.

Playing an Astral Kindred

As an Astral Kindred, you are among the few mortals who have transcended death to join the ranks of the Astrals. Your character is a living embodiment of virtue, wielding a fragment of the Astrals’ power to maintain balance in the multiverse.

Questions for Roleplaying

  • What acts of heroism or virtue led to your ascension?
  • How do you balance your mortal origins with your newfound cosmic responsibilities?
  • Do you fully understand the Astrals’ vision of balance, or do you struggle with their impartiality toward good and evil?
  • How do you interact with mortals who see you as a divine figure or a force of judgment?

Traits

Ability Score Increase: Your Wisdom score increases by +2, and your Charisma score increases by +1.

Age: As Astral Kindred, you are ageless. Once ascended, you exist outside the flow of time, retaining the appearance and vitality you had at the moment of your ascension.

Alignment: Astral Kindred are almost always neutral, reflecting the Astrals’ commitment to balance. However, their personal inclinations may lean toward good or lawful tendencies.

Size: Astral Kindred retain the size they had in life, typically Medium, though some rare cases of Large ascensions have been documented.

Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Radiant Presence: You emit an aura of calm and authority. Allies within 10 feet of you have advantage on saving throws against fear effects.

Cosmic Insight: You can cast Divination once per long rest without requiring material components. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Planar Awareness: You can sense the presence of planar anomalies within 60 feet. This includes portals, breaches, or creatures not native to the plane you are on.

Astral Radiance: As an action, you can release a burst of radiant energy in a 20-foot radius. All creatures of your choice in the area must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Wisdom modifier) or take 2d10 radiant damage and be blinded until the end of their next turn. You can use this feature once per long rest.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write all languages, as well as communicate telepathically with any creature within 30 feet that has a language.

Subraces: Embodiments of Balance

The Astral Kindred reflect the aspects of balance they serve. Choose one of the following:

Heralds of Creation

  • Blessing of Life: You can cast Healing Word once per long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
  • Nurturer’s Touch: When you use a healing spell or ability, you can add your proficiency bonus to the amount healed.

Wardens of Preservation

  • Eternal Shield: You can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack targeting an ally within 5 feet of you.
  • Resilient Spirit: You gain resistance to radiant and necrotic damage.

Agents of Equilibrium

  • Judgment’s Light: You can cast Banishment once per long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
  • Balancing Act: When you hit a creature with a weapon or spell attack, you can reduce their movement speed to 0 until the start of your next turn.

Names

The names of the Astrals and their Kindred reflect their cosmic nature, resonating with a sense of timelessness and divine purpose. These names often evoke the vastness of the cosmos, radiant light, or celestial harmony. Those who ascend to become Astral Kindred frequently adopt new names to honor their transformation, leaving behind their mortal identities.

Masculine Names

  • Solynthar, Kalion, Aedryn, Tyros, Myrion, Caelthar.

Feminine Names

  • Lyrielle, Aelitha, Seraphyne, Thalyra, Zynara, Velithis.

Neutral Names

  • Zephyrion, Orinth, Valias, Astrithar, Quenith, Elythion.

Ascended mortals often embellish their names with titles denoting their roles or accomplishments, such as "Lyrielle, Warden of Stars" or "Tyros, Herald of Creation."

Playing an Astral Kindred

Playing an Astral Kindred means embracing a character who transcends mortal concerns and sees the multiverse through the lens of cosmic balance. However, their newfound perspective may create tension as they navigate relationships with those who still see the world through mortal eyes.

Example Astral Kindred Characters

  • "Solynthar, an Agent of Equilibrium, wanders the planes, mediating conflicts between powerful factions. His impartiality often draws ire, but his dedication to balance is unshakable."
  • "Lyrielle, a Herald of Creation, serves as a guide for lost souls, helping them rebuild what was destroyed by war. Though she embodies hope, she struggles with the burden of intervening in mortal affairs without disrupting the cosmic balance."
  • "Orinth, a Warden of Preservation, stands sentinel over a fragile nexus of planar energy, ensuring its stability against those who seek to exploit it. His stoic demeanor belies the immense power he wields to protect his charge."

Roleplaying Hooks

  • How did your mortal life prepare you for ascension? Do you carry unresolved attachments or regrets?
  • How do you interact with mortals now that you’ve transcended their limitations?
  • Do you fully embrace the Astrals’ vision of balance, or do you question their impartiality?
  • What aspect of the cosmos do you feel most connected to: creation, preservation, or judgment?

DM’s Toolbox: Astrals in the World

The Astrals, as the creators and guardians of the multiverse, are a powerful narrative tool for Dungeon Masters. Whether directly involving the players with Astral Kindred or hinting at the presence of the Astrals themselves, they bring a sense of grandeur and purpose to any campaign.

As Allies

  • Guides to Glory: An Astral Kindred aids the party in navigating a conflict that could disrupt the balance of the planes, offering wisdom and radiant power.
  • Protectors of the Fragile: A Warden of Preservation tasks the players with guarding a vulnerable planar nexus, guiding them through its perils.
  • Bringers of Hope: A Herald of Creation joins the party to restore a realm devastated by war, bringing inspiration and healing.

As Antagonists

  • Implacable Judges: An Agent of Equilibrium opposes the party, believing their actions threaten the multiverse’s balance. Their power and impartiality make them a daunting foe.
  • Fall from Grace: A former Astral Kindred, corrupted by mortal desires or cosmic forces, becomes a tragic antagonist. Their actions now disrupt the balance they once protected.
  • Conflict with the Astrals: The party’s goals may bring them into conflict with the Astrals themselves, forcing them to question the cost of balance versus the needs of the mortal realm.

Campaign Hooks

  • Ascension Trials: The party accompanies a mortal hero attempting to ascend to the Astral Plane, facing challenges that test their virtue and resolve.
  • The Fractured Plane: A disturbance in the Astral Plane threatens the balance of the multiverse, and the players must work alongside Astral Kindred to restore harmony.
  • The Call of the Astrals: One of the players is marked by the Astrals for a higher purpose, leading to a quest that could change the fate of the multiverse.

Astrals in Combat

Astral Kindred are powerful combatants, wielding radiant energy and otherworldly abilities to overwhelm their foes. Their focus on balance makes them adaptable, able to support allies or neutralize enemies depending on the situation.

Combat Roles

  • Support and Healer: Heralds of Creation excel at healing and empowering allies, ensuring the party can endure prolonged battles.
  • Tank: Wardens of Preservation use their defensive abilities to shield allies and control the battlefield.
  • Controller: Agents of Equilibrium manipulate the flow of combat, using their abilities to hinder enemies and restore order.

Strengths

  • Radiant abilities make them exceptionally effective against undead and fiends.
  • Their versatility allows them to adapt to various combat roles.
  • High Wisdom and Charisma scores enhance their spellcasting and leadership capabilities.

Weaknesses

  • Their alignment with balance may lead to conflicts of interest, particularly in morally ambiguous situations.
  • Limited offensive abilities compared to other factions, relying more on support and control.

Optional Details

  • Visual Representation: Artwork of the Astral Plane could depict a vast expanse of shimmering starlight, with radiant beings weaving threads of energy to shape the cosmos.
  • Faction Symbol: A radiant, interwoven spiral representing the balance of creation, preservation, and equilibrium, surrounded by a halo of starlight.