Astralari

**Origin in the Cosmos:**

Deep within the tapestry of the cosmos, amidst swirling nebulas and ancient constellations, the Astralari came into being. Formed from the very essence of stardust, their creation was a cosmic event, a confluence of astral energies and primordial forces. These beings of pure stardust were not birthed from stars or planets but from the interstellar medium itself, where elements of creation coalesce in the vastness of space.

**Descent of the Ethereal:**

Guided by an intrinsic cosmic melody, the Astralari embarked on a celestial voyage, descending from their lofty birthplace towards the material realm. As they journeyed through the void, crossing the threshold between the astral and the physical, their ethereal forms began to take on a soft luminescence. This descent was not swift but a gradual, almost poetic drift, marked by the light of distant suns and the pull of unseen gravitational forces.

**Awakening on the Material Plane:**

Upon their arrival, the Astralari found themselves in a world vibrant with life yet starkly different from their native realm. In this early stage, they roamed the landscapes as luminous phantoms, their forms barely more than shifting silhouettes against the backdrop of earthly beauty. They observed in silence, absorbing the essence of the world around them, their presence a serene yet enigmatic spectacle to the inhabitants of the land.

**Journey to Self-Discovery:**

This stage was the crux of the Astralari's existence. Each experience, each interaction with the world's elements, creatures, and energies, contributed to their evolving consciousness. It was a journey marked not by time but by experiences, each moment of learning and interaction causing the stardust of their beings to shimmer with newfound insights. In this process, they did not merely gain knowledge but also began to form a sense of self, a core identity shaped by their unique experiences in the material world.

**Formation of Features:**

As their understanding deepened, so did their physical manifestation. The stardust that composed their being, initially dispersed and indistinct, gradually coalesced into more defined forms. This transformation was not uniform; each Astralari's appearance evolved uniquely, reflecting their individual journey. A once featureless silhouette began to display hints of eyes, a semblance of a smile, or the outline of hands, each feature a testament to their experiences and growth.

**Guardians of Balance:**

Without a society or structured community, the Astralari naturally assumed the role of cosmic guardians. They became the stewards of equilibrium, weaving through the world in a silent dance of maintenance and preservation. Their purpose was not to govern or lead but to observe, influence, and subtly correct imbalances in the natural and cosmic order. This guardianship was not appointed or bestowed upon them; it was an intrinsic part of their very essence, as natural to them as the stars are to the night sky.

**The Celestial Connection:**

Though deeply entwined with the material realm, the Astralari never lost their connection to the cosmos. This bond was more than a mere link; it was a conduit through which they experienced the universe's heartbeat. They could feel the pulsation of distant novas, the gentle spin of galaxies, and the quiet birth of new stars. This profound connection imbued them with a sense of purpose and belonging, a constant reminder of their origins in the celestial vastness.

**The Legacy of the Astralari:**

In the world today, the Astralari are revered and mysterious figures. Their rare appearances are seen as omens or blessings, their ethereal presence a spectacle of awe and wonder. To some, they are celestial messengers, bearers of cosmic wisdom; to others, they are elusive guardians, protectors of the delicate balance of existence. Their legacy is written in the stars and in the hearts of those who have witnessed their quiet majesty.

**The Path of Stardust:**

Each Astralari's path is a unique tapestry of cosmic and worldly experiences. Their journey is one of continuous growth and self-reflection, where each new discovery about the world leads to a deeper understanding of themselves. In this never-ending cycle of learning and evolving, the Astralari embody the spirit of the universe – endless, mysterious, and beautifully complex.
**Astralari Race**

**Astralari Race**

**The Cosmic Birth**

In the infancy of the universe, when the stars were just beginning to sing their celestial songs, the Astralari were born. Emerging from the heart of dying stars, these ethereal beings were composed of the pure essence of stardust. They descended from the heavens, initially formless and ethereal, gradually gaining physical and sensory features as they interacted with the material plane.

**Physical Characteristics:**

* **Appearance:** Begins as ethereal silhouettes; develop distinct features gradually.
* **Size:** Medium.

**Ability Score Increase:**

* **Intelligence:** +2 (cosmic wisdom).
* **Wisdom:** +1 (insightful nature).

**Age:**

* **Ageless:** Linked to celestial events.

**Alignment:**

* **Typically Neutral:** Focused on cosmic balance and self-discovery.

**Speed:**

* **Base Walking Speed:** 30 feet.

**Darkvision:**

* **Prior to Eye Development:** Cannot see. Once eyes develop, can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light, only in shades of gray.

**Cosmic Resilience:**

* **Resistance:** To cold and radiant damage.

**Ethereal Step:**

* **Ability:** Cast "Misty Step" once per long rest (Intelligence as spellcasting ability).

**Stardust Revelation:**

* **Choose One Benefit at Creation:** Stellar Gaze (Perception skill), Luminous Intellect (Arcana, History, or Nature skill), or Nebular Charm (Persuasion skill).

**Light of the Cosmos:**

* **Ability:** Emit dim light in a 10-foot radius, extinguishable at will.

**Languages:**

* **Prior to Mouth Development:** Cannot speak. Once a mouth develops, can speak, read, and write Common and Celestial.

**Sensory Abilities & Communication:**

* **Stellar Sense (Blindsight):**
	+ **Before Eyes Develop:** 30 feet radius; perceive environment non-visually.
	+ **After Eyes Develop:** Gradually transitions to normal vision.
* **Cosmic Resonance/Vibrational Perception:**
	+ **Before Ears Develop:** Acts as a form of "hearing" by sensing vibrations.
	+ **Development:**
		- **Level 1-4:** 30 feet radius.
		- **Level 5-10:** Increases to 60 feet.
		- **Level 11-16:** Increases to 120 feet.
* **Astral Telepathy/Telepathic Reception:**
	+ **Primary Communication Method before Mouth Development:**
		- **Level 1-4:** Within 30 feet.
		- **Level 5-10:** Increases to 60 feet.
		- **Level 11-16:** Increases to 120 feet.

**Development Stages:**

* **Birth/Early (Level 1-4):** Ethereal form, Stellar Sense, Cosmic Resonance, Astral Telepathy (30 ft).
* **Adolescence/Discovery (Level 5-10):** Basic facial features emerging, Stellar Sense (20 ft), Cosmic Resonance and Astral Telepathy increased to 60 feet, beginnings of normal vision or speech (10 ft).
* **Maturity/Refinement (Level 11-16):** More defined features, Stellar Sense reduced to 15 ft with enhanced vision, Cosmic Resonance and Astral Telepathy increased to 120 feet, developing standard speech and hearing.
* **Elder/Wisdom (Level 17-20):** Fully formed celestial features, full normal vision and hearing, potent Astral Telepathy (120 ft), enhanced Vibrational Perception (120 ft).