Observatory

Source: Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024), page 343. Creator: Wizards of the Coast / D&D Studio.

Quick Reference

FieldValue
Facility typespecial
Required level13
Spaceroomy
Hirelings1
Bastion orderempower
PrerequisiteAbility to use a listed spellcasting focus: True.

Rules Text

Situated atop your Bastion, your Observatory contains a telescope aimed at the night sky.

Observatory Charm

You can use your Observatory to peer into the far corners of Wildspace and the Astral Plane. After spending a Long Rest in your Observatory, you gain a magical Observatory Charm (see ā€œSupernatural Giftsā€ in chapter 3) that lasts for 7 days or until you use it. The Charm allows you to cast Contact Other Plane without expending a spell slot. You can’t gain this Charm again while you still have it.

Empower: Eldritch Discovery

When you issue the Empower order to this facility, you enable yourself or the facility’s hireling to explore the eldritch mysteries of the stars for 7 consecutive nights. At the end of that time, roll a die. If the number rolled is even, nothing is gained. If the number rolled is odd, an unknown power bestows one of the following Charms on you or another creature of your choice that is on the same plane of existence as you: Charm of Darkvision, Charm of Heroism, or Charm of Vitality (all described in chapter 3).

Balance Notes

  • Compare this facility against other 13-level facilities before allowing homebrew upgrades.
  • Keep the listed Bastion order as the primary action loop; additional benefits should usually be narrative, temporary, or gated by downtime.
  • If this facility grants creatures, information, resources, crafted items, or empowerment, keep those outputs tied to Bastion turns rather than free adventuring actions.