Astromancy
Spell, Astrology, level 1
A night-sky reading that yields one of three divinations: an individual's condition or whereabouts (Fate), a yes/no verdict on a course of action (Wisdom), or a yes/no on whether an event happens within 24 hours (Destiny).
From the book
The astrologer studies the stars at night to carry out one of three divinations. Fate reveals how a single person is faring or roughly where they are: whether they are safe, in grave peril, close at hand or a long way off. If the caster wishes, it also shows the general direction in which that person can be found.
Wisdom weighs up one planned course of action before it is taken, such as crossing a swamp in daylight or trying to bribe a town magistrate; the reply is only ever yes or no. Destiny asks whether a particular event or situation will come about within the next 24 hours, for instance whether the wizard will be home in his tower tomorrow night or whether the party will run into goblins in the forest. Again, only yes or no is given.
If the Game Judge is not sure of the answer, he or she may say that the matter is unclear for now. Otherwise the reply must be truthful, and it should be kept as short as possible.
At a glance
- Options
- 1 Fate; 2 Wisdom (yes/no only); 3 Destiny (next 24 hours, yes/no only)
- Requires
- Study of the night sky
- Special
- Game Judge may answer that the question is unclear; otherwise must answer truthfully and briefly
- Save
- None
- Spell type
- Non-variable
A scene
The fisherman's widow waits on the roof of the Acheron Institute of Astrology while Meritamun reads the sky over the Great Canal. She has asked about one person only: her son, who shipped out with a Tartessian trader in the spring. Near midnight the astrologer lowers her eyes from the stars and chooses her words with care. The boy lives, but he is in grave danger, and he is very far away. Then, because the mother is still gripping her sleeve, she points south and west, past the lighthouse, toward the open sea.