Divination charts
Much more detailed than a simple starchart, the celestial charts are a collection of star maps, charts, calculations and algorithms, some vellum celestial charts are used by Moon Mages as a divination tool. Most often used by those of the Celestial Compact, the charts take an unusually logical approach to fortunetelling. By studying the current positions of heavenly bodies and plotting out their course, mages are able to determine how the movements of the stars will affect future events.
Properties
- Availability: Leth Deriel.
- Visual: No visible indication for skill understanding.
- Durability: Very low
- Bond Rate: Very high
- Power Precision: Very high
- Duration Precision: Extremely high
- Sect Affinity: Celestial Compact
Use
For general information on how predictions work see the Prediction article.
Like all prediction tools, before use the mage must know the ALIGN ability (learnable at 4th circle) and have made a successful observation. Furthermore, before the first use, the charts must be RUBbed to bond them to the user. Syntax is to ALIGN <skill/skill set>, and then to STUDY the charts. In order to predict on another the mage must STUDY CHARTS WITH <target>.
Example
- You look over your celestial charts and pull out a large sheaf filled with intricate diagrams and markings. Doing a few calculations in your head and referring to several other sheets, you are able to plot the course of a small grouping of stars into the latter part of the month of Akroeg the Ram. On yet another chart, you determine that the relative positions of the planets indicates a negative influence on an undetermined expertise. You feel a strengthening of the bond between you and your charts.
Interpretation
- The mass relates to the magnitude of the prediction; the more massive the celestial object the stronger the prediction.
- The duration is determined by the distance between the time given, and the current date. The break between early and late seems to be 20 days into the month (On the 20th of the month it will be possible to see the early part of that month, indicating the longest possible prediction).
- The influence indicates the polarity of the prediction. "Beneficial" indicate a critical success, which will improve the tool quality (and is always a positive prediction).
- The expertise indicates the skill.
- Any additional messages have to do with quality changes.
So the example given is a fairly weak, fairly short (This prediction was taken late in the year), negative prediction on an unspecified skill. Furthermore the bond with the charts improved.
Qualities
When LOOKed at charts have seven qualities. Qualities are listed from best to worst. As with all tools each message indicates a range. Italics indicate a potential starting value when purchased.
Physical Qualities
is written in dark ink with clear lettering
is well and clearly annotated
is well-written and easily understood
seems precise
has a few corrections to aid the user
is quite legible
has some slightly faded writing
has a few smudges
has a couple of noticeable smudges
is mostly legible
is barely readable
Experience
an excellent chance
a very good chance
a good chance
a reasonable chance
a better than average chance
a chance
a moderate chance
a decent chance
a small chance
a slight chance
a barely noticeable chance
Age
| Age | Predictions |
|---|---|
| looks brand new. | 0 |
| is in very good condition. | >10 |
| is in good condition. | >20 |
| has a few wrinkles and creases. | >25 |
| is very creased. | >50 |
| is a bit tattered and dog-eared. | >100 |
| has some tattered and torn edges. | >200 |
| is torn in a few places. | >400 |
| is ragged and falling apart. | >650 |
| is nearly shredded to pieces. | >800 |
| looks likely to blow away with a strong gust. | >1000 |
Explanation
The Zodiac Map controls magnitude, the Planetary Alignment controls duration, and Stellar Algorithms controls accuracy with experiences modifying the chance of misreading of each of these respectively. Celestial Anomalies controls the polarity of predictions. Age indicates indicates the number of predictions performed and is related to breakage changes. There is no visible indicator for how likely you are to understand the skill.
Messages
Mass (Power)
| Mass | Bonus |
|---|---|
| a few stars | >=0 |
| several stars | >10 |
| a small grouping of stars | >20 |
| most of a constellation | >30 |
| a small constellation | >45 |
| a medium constellation | >60 |
| a large constellation | >80 |
| a small mass of stars | >100 |
| a large mass of stars | >115 |
| a few small constellations | >130 |
| a handful of constellations | >155 |
| several constellations | >170 |
| several large constellations | >180 |
| half of the visible constellations | >190 |
Calander (Duration)
- Akroeg
- Ka'len
- Lirisa
- Shorka
- Uthmor
- Arhat
- Moliko
- Skullcleaver
- Dolefaren
- Nissa
Note: Duration is roughly equal to 10 minutes per month.
Special
- a beneficial influence - Critical success, improves physical qualities.
- You feel a strengthening of the bond between you and your charts. - Generic increase in experience.
- You feel a weakening of your bond with the charts. - Generic weakening in experience.
- You notice a small error in the charts, and jot a note correcting it for later readings. - Generic physical improvement.
- Your hand stumbles slightly, smudging the ink on the charts. You try to clean it up, but it's definitely going to leave a mark. - Generic physical damage.
- A sudden miasma of fear grips you as the future goes very dark. It slowly clears and you look down to see your charts crinkled in your tightened fist. - Fumble, damages all physical qualities.
- The charts rip violently, leaving them unusable.
Notes
- RP verbs that can be used with charts: BEAM, BLINK, BREAK (destroys the charts), EAT, GASP, PAT, ROLL, SCREAM, SHAKE, TRACE, TURN, UNROLL, and WAVE.
- RP verbs that only work or message differently for members of the Compact: ARRANGE, CLENCH, HUG, HUM, READ, and STARE.
- Note: While ROLLed up most verbs act differently, and the charts cannot be used to predict."Moon mage" is not in the list (None, Bard, Barbarian, Cleric, Empath, Moon Mage, Necromancer, Paladin, Ranger, Thief, ...) of allowed values for the "Guild association is" property.