Observatory of the Folded Sky

Nov 27

You stare through the lens. The sky blinks first.

GM Summary

The Observatory of the Folded Sky is an eldritch telescope in Mike’s Tavern’s D&D 5e homebrew world. It lets players peer beyond the stars for foreshadowing, unsettling truths, and eldritch visions.

The Observatory of the Folded Sky was built to see beyond the stars — not farther, but sideways. What it peers into ain’t space, nor future, nor past. It’s a layer beneath the firmament.

The observatory reveals what the sky tried to hide when the Starfall began. It’s perfect for:

Foreshadowing major campaign events
Delivering unsettling truths
Introducing eldritch or divine elements
Rewarding insight-heavy players with story-altering visions

It’s also where the stars last spoke clearly — and where one may speak again.

Description

The observatory’s dome is cracked — not from impact, but from inside pressure. The stone is scorched, warped like it tried to peel itself outward.

A massive telescope made from fused starmetal stands in the center, pointing not up, but down, aimed through a hole in the floor that looks into open sky where there should be dirt.

Every few hours, the sky beneath it folds like parchment — as if something is trying to turn the page.

The telescope hums.
It hums back if you hum first.

Sights, Sounds, Smells

Sight: Lights flicker in geometric patterns, like constellations collapsing into shapes
Sound: Mechanical clicking behind the eyes
Smell: Cold brass. Dust that shouldn’t decay. A sharp tang like ozone and forgotten voices
Touch: The lens is warm — unless you lie near it
Taste: Ink. Burnt feathers. Iron tension

Lore

This observatory was not part of the original Conclave. It appeared one day — or reappeared — built by no known hand.

The Starcallers don’t speak of it.
The Thirteenth won’t enter it.
And the Mirrorbound One claims it was the last thing they ever truly saw.

Some say it’s older than the stars themselves.
Some say it’s a memory.
Some say it’s a creature that learned to hold still.

Will You Peer Too Deep?

The sky don’t fold unless somethin’ underneath it wants to be seen. Let yer players choose to look — and reward or punish ‘em based on what they find.

Looking for the one who still hears the fold whispering?
The Mirrorbound One never truly looked away.

Want a celestial relic that hums when the sky stirs?
Try the Crown of Half-Light.

Need the only person brave — or mad — enough to explain the folded patterns?
Speak with Berenzaar the Archivist.

And if the players hear a voice whisperin’ from the lens?
You already know who it is.

Stargazing Mechanics & Sky-Bent Truths

The Lens Reacts to the Viewer

Each PC who peers into the lens experiences a vision unique to them. Pick based on class, flaw, or backstory — or roll 1d4:

They see themselves, slightly older, holding a child that glows faintly like a star.
They see a familiar NPC — only now with a constellation inside their chest, writhing.
They see the party dead… and something smiling where they once stood.
They see the sky blink — and blink again — and then the stars rearrange themselves around them.