When a star shard is removed from its resting place within the temple, the Starfall Guardian becomes aware and gains advantage on attack rolls against the creature that removed the shard. Additionally, it can use its reaction to make one melee weapon attack against that creature.
Slam
Action
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Combat Behavior
Tactics
• If alerted by a shard being removed, it will prioritize attacking the intruder immediately. • Uses its environment to block paths, preventing thieves from escaping with the shards. • In combat, the guardian will first attempt melee attacks, using the terrain to its advantage.
Combat Style
The guardian is a melee fighter that uses its slams to push back enemies while making use of its abilities to control space around its shards.
Morale
The guardian does not fear for itself but rather sees each battle as a challenge to its purpose. It stands firm until the end, prioritizing defense of its ward above all else.
Monster Description
The Starfall Guardian is a construct designed to protect the sacred remnants of old celestial beings within coastal ruins called Temple Sanctums. Adorned with intricate patterns that shimmer like the night sky, it appears as a humanoid figure crafted from a mix of metals and glowing stones, resembling fragments of stars. Local legends tell that these guardians were once great protectors of the fallen star shards, which possess immense power. Every guardian is bound to the shards they defend, programmed to act on any blasphemous interaction with their charge, ensuring that the lost celestial power remains untouched by greedy hands. They are often seen patrolling the sanctified grounds, vigilant and ready to strike against any intruders who dare challenge their sacred duty.
Monster behavior
In combat, the Starfall Guardian is relentless and focuses on the immediate threat at hand, using its advantage to threaten those who dare approach the shards. They utilize a mix of melee slams and tactical positioning to defend their blessed charge, becoming more fervent in their protection when a star shard is disturbed. They are not overly aggressive unless provoked, often simply watching intruders assertively. If threatened, they will attack, seeking to incapacitate rather than kill, as their primary goal is to deter rather than slaughter. If they deem a threat truly serious, they will unleash their radiant burst ability to drive attackers back, ensuring the shards remain safeguarded.
Ecology
Starfall Guardians are not typically found outside of their assigned temple sanctums. They can draw power from the star shards they protect, using them to mend themselves and regain energy. Because they are constructs, they do not require food or water, but rather draw energy from the shards directly. The remains of destroyed guardians may cause minor tremors, echoing the celestial nature they once possessed. In the vast realms of the Shards of the Hundred Isles, these guardians are a vital part of the ecosystem of magic and celestial energy that defines the region.
History
The history of the Starfall Guardian begins with the ancient civilization that first created the star shards, believed to be remnants from the heavens. It is said that the guardians were crafted as sentinels to protect the shards from civilizations seeking to harness their immense powers. Ancient records describe these rituals as taking place on the highest cliffs of the Hundred Isles, where celestial gates supposedly opened to endow guardians with portions of the stars’ essence. Over centuries, they have defended their sanctuaries from treasure hunters, cultists, and the occasional inquisitive mage, each encounter adding to the legend of their unwavering loyalty to the shards.
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