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

Charts are often considered a "beginner" tool due to their simplicity. Notable features include:

• Fairly straightforward to interpret
• Rapid bonding
• Low curse rate
• Sect Affinity: Celestial Compact

Use

Like all prediction tools, before use the mage must know the ALIGN ability (learnable at 4th circle) and have made a successful observation. Like all tools before the first use the charts must be RUBbed to bond them to the user. Syntax is to ALIGN to the desired skill or 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

1. The method of searching the charts will vary, but is meaningless.
2. The mass relates to the magnitude of the prediction; the more massive the celestial object the stronger the prediction
3. The duration is determined by the distance between the time given, and the current date. The break between eary 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).
4. 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).
5. The expertise indicates the skill.
6. 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. Known qualities are listed from best to worst. Italics indicate a potential starting value when purchased.

Zodiac Map

seems precise
has a few corrections to aid the user
is quite legible
has some slightly faded writing
has a few
has a couple of noticeable smudges

Zodiac Experience

a reasonable chance
a better than average chance
a chance
a moderate chance
a decent chance

Planetary Alignment

seems precise
has a few corrections to aid the user
is quite legible
has some slightly faded writing
has a few
has a couple of noticeable smudges

Planetary Experience

a reasonable chance
a better than average chance
a chance
a moderate chance
a decent chance

Stellar Algorithms

seems precise
has a few corrections to aid the user
is quite legible
has some slightly faded writing
has a few
has a couple of noticeable smudges

Celestial Anomalies

seems precise
has a few corrections to aid the user
is quite legible
has some slightly faded writing
has a few
has a couple of noticeable smudges

Age

Overall, the set of charts looks brand new.
Overall, the set of charts is in very good condition. (10 predictions)
Overall, the set of charts is in good condition. (15 predictions)
Overall, the set of charts is in decent condition. (20 predictions)
Overall, the set of charts has a few wrinkles and creases. (25 predictions)
Overall, the set of charts is very creased. (51 predictions)
Overall, the set of charts is a bit tattered and dog-eared. (101 predictions)
Overall, the set of charts has some tattered and torn edges. (202 predictions)
Overall, the set of charts is torn in a few places. (402 predictions)

Explanation

The exact difference between the quality and the bond of the Zodiac and the Planetary is not yet determined. It seems the Zodiac controls power, Planetary controls duration, Stellar controls the polarity and Celestial controls the skill. However this is all currently conjecture. The Age acts as a counter and controls the breakage chance.

Messages

Mass (Power)

a few stars
several stars
a small grouping of stars
most of a constellation
a small constellation
a medium constellation
a large constellation
a small mass of stars
a large mass of stars
a few small constellations

Calander (Duration)

Akroeg
Ka'len
Lirisa
Shorka
Uthmor
Arhat
Moliko
Skullcleaver
Dolefaren
Nissa

Method

Rummage
Scrutinize
Flip
Sort
Search
Peer
Thumb
Inspect
Shuffle
Look
Gaze
Leaf
Peruse
Stock
Glance
Examine
Rifle
Peek
Rake

Influence

a positive influence
a negative influence

Special

a beneficial influence - Critical success, can improve any physical quality.
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 any physical quality.
The charts rip violently, leaving them unusable.

Notes

• RP verbs that can be used with mirrors: WAVE, TRACE, SHAKE, TURN, STARE, ROLL, UNROLL. Note: While ROLLed up several verbs act differently, and the charts cannot be used to predict.
• According to GM Lohkrian charts have no critical success message, but this still does good things for the chart. This has never been observed by the author.

Also See

• Vellum Celestial Charts"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.