"And on that night, the seventh of Rain's Hand, The Warrior overtook the (Thieve's) Hand and promised us a savior; Not a dirt collector nor a locksmith; The only key that remained in the sky that night was that of the key to our future. For the gods have deemed it so, and thus it would be so." - Darius Wittleborne, The Warrior King
The stars residing in the night sky of Alanor are said to be the creations of the divine themselves, potentially even portals to their domains and pockets through the weave where they are able to directly bless the inhabitants of Alanor itself. Over time, patterns were discovered in the sky, and the curious and insightful began to map out constellations to form tales of past acts or other symbols. In time, these were attibuted to the traits of heroes as a way to mark their deeds in legend, and give credence to why some were born with traits that others were not.
As this evolved, it became widley accepted that constellations that shined brightest in the night of a new birth would resemble the destiny and traits of the newborns born that day, as if the gods themselves were giving their blessings from the heavens. This alligns with the acceptance that the twin moons, Hexus and Tranquil, also fortell of changes in the world, for better or worse. While there is speculation and theory, it has never been confirmed that the constellations actually signify a newborn's traits, or that the twin moons fortell changes in the world. However, it is widely accepted as a tradition if nothing more by the citizens of Thirewyn. Rarer constellations that shine brightest often result in a special status within the newborn's community and can even lead to special treatment to the parents or give them insight on what upbringing the child should have to best achieve their potential.
Birth Sign Constellations:
Common:
Mark of the Astute
This constellation depicts a book and is said to mark the birth of a future historian or philosopher. Those born under this birth sign are often known for their intelligence and yearning for knowledge.
- You gain +1 to your Intelligence Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- When making an Intelligence-based Skill Check or Saving Throw, you may roll your initial Skill Check or Saving Throw with advantage. Each time this ability is used it expends one Mark of the Astute charge. You can have three Mark of the Astute charges at a time and will regain one Mark of the Astute charge per long rest.
Mark of the Beguiling
This constellation depicts a bag of coins and is said to mark the birth of a great bargainer. Those born under this birth sign are known for their ability to get the most 'bang for their buck'. Future shopkeepers are often born under this sign.
- You gain +1 to your Charisma Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- When making a Charisma-based Skill Check or Saving Throw, you may roll your initial Skill Check or Saving Throw with advantage. Each time this ability is used it expends one Mark of the Beguiling charge. You can have three Mark of the Beguiling charges at a time and will regain one Mark of the Beguiling charge per long rest.
Mark of the Nimble
This constellation depicts a weasle running in the forest and is said to mark the birth of an especially dexterous individual. Those born under this birth sign are more agile than most, and can more easily evade attacks or dangerous falls.
- You gain +1 to your Dexterity Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- When making a Dexterity-based Skill Check or Saving Throw, you may roll your initial Skill Check or Saving Throw with advantage. Each time this ability is used it expends one Mark of the Nimble charge. You can have three Mark of the Nimble charges at a time and will regain one Mark of the Nimble charge per long rest.
Mark of the Elder
This constellation depicts a bearded man and is said to be the image of one of the earliest priests to service the gods. Those born under this sign are said to be more insightful and reserved than most, and can make great spies or inquisitors.
- You gain +1 to your Wisdom Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- When making a Wisdom-based Skill Check or Saving Throw, you may roll your initial Skill Check or Saving Throw with advantage. Each time this ability is used it expends one Mark of the Elder charge. You can have three Mark of the Elder charges at a time and will regain one Mark of the Elder charge per long rest.
The Inspiring Leader
This constellation depicts a person giving a speech. Future politicians are often born under this birth sign, as well as future generals, guild leaders, and party leaders.
- You gain +1 to your Charisma Ability Score (to a maxumum of 20).
- When convincing, inspiring, or consoling you may roll your initial Skill Check roll with advantage. Each time this ability is used it expends one Inspiring Leader charge. You can have three Inspiring Leader charges at a time and will regain one Inspiring Leader charge per long rest.
The Seabound Soul
This constellation depicts a ship sailing on the waves. Many future sailors, dockhands, and pirates are born under this birth sign.
- When completing a Skill Check on a ship, such as knotting, navigating, using the eyeglass, or other ship tasks you may roll with advantage.
The Dancing Fox
This constellation depicts a prancing fox joyously moving to the tune of a song. Those born under this birth sign often grow up to be free-spirited and refuse to walk the paved road infront of them. Many musicians, artists, and barkeeps are born under this sign.
Those born under this sign may choose
one of the following:
- You gain proficiency with a musical instrument of your choosing. For any Performance Skill Checks that utilize a musical instrument, add a +5 modifier to your roll. This modifier can be used in addition to any other existing modifiers, and does not have a limit per day for Performance Skill Checks it is used for.
- Your keen eye for detail allows you to notice traits about others that most would ignore. Once per day, when rolling an Insight Skill Check you may roll the dice with advantage and take the higher amount.
- Bard Only: When giving Bardic Inspiration the recipients will roll two Bardic Inspiration Dice instead of one. The recipient must choose the higher amount of the two dice.
The Thieves Hand
This constellation depicts a hand with a key. Those born under this birth sign often become renown thieves, tricksters, or practical magicians.
- When examining a trap, lock, cypher, or attempting to disarm a trap or unlock something, you may roll your initial Skill Check roll with advantage. Each time this ability is used it expends one Thieves Hand charge. You can have three Thieves Hand charges at one time and will regain one Thieves Hand charge per long rest.
Uncommon:
Mark of the Favored
This constellation consists of a pair of six-sided dice and indicates the chance to combat failure. Those born under this birth sign have a knack for getting out of situations that do not go their way.
- Once per long rest, when you roll for an Attack, Ability Check, or Saving Throw, but before you know the outcome, you may re-roll your d20. You may only re-roll for the core Attack, Check or Saving Throw; Additional Dice you rolled as modifiers cannot be re-rolled. You must use the higher d20 roll.
Undying Resolve
This constellation depicts a wounded warrior who refuses to give up. Those born under this birth sign won't go down without a fight to their last breath and are more strong-willed than most.
Those born under this sign may choose
one of the following:
- Once per long rest, when a damage dealt would have downed you, you instead remain at 1 HP. The next single attack that you make is made with advantage, but at the cost of the next attack made against you during the encounter also being made with advantage.
- Once per long rest, when rolling a Death Saving Throw you may choose to automatically succeed your first Pass/Fail without the need to roll. All subsequent rolls will be made as normal.
Volaris's Gift
This constellation resembles a flowing vortex of magical energy. Those born under this birth sign are granted magical abilities even if they are not a magic oriented class or species.
- Choose one cantrip of your choice; You can use your chosen cantrip at will per it's details as if you were a Wizard or Sorcerer, without needing to take a level in a magic Class. If you already have a free cantrip from your Species you must choose a different cantrip.
Legendary:
The Warrior
This constellation is said to fortell the birth of a great warrior who will bring peace to a dire conflict. Those born under this birth sign are said to be those of great fortitude and willpower, but who will require the traits of others to help them in their journey.
- You gain +1 to your Strength Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- You gain +1 to your Constitution Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- You gain -2 to either your Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma Ability Score. Alternatively, you may divide this negative modifier to two seperate Ability Scores.
The Guardian
This constellation is said to fortell the birth of a resolute guardian who will protect their home. Those born under this birth sign are said to be steadfast in their way of life and will guard it from conflict at all costs.
- You gain +1 to your Constitution Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- You gain +1 to your Wisdom Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- You gain -2 to either your Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Charisma Ability Score. Alternatively, you may divide this negative modifier to two seperate Ability Scores.
The Whispering Lady
This constellation is said to fortell the forming of a great plot or secret. Those born under this birth sign are said to be naturally cunning and can use their charisma and intelligence to coalesce power and influence, often from the shadows.
- You gain +1 to your Intelligence Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- You gain +1 to your Charisma Ability Score (to a maximum of 20).
- You gain -2 to either your Strength, Constitution, or Wisdom Ability Score. Alternatively, you may divide this negative modifier to two seperate Ability Scores.
