The Oracles

"It is said, it is written, the oracles can use their odd mystical talents to see into the future. However, take care. There is no telling if what they see is what they tell you."

— Saira Whitesun, Imperial Arcanist

Among the many things in the world, there are still mysteries even the learned do not understand. The Oracles are one such matter. While the consensus used to describe them as talented hedge-diviners, studies into the numerous Oracles which have existed (and yet still exist) suggest they are something else entirely. None of their methods seem to align with known divination rituals, either arcane or divine, yet in several cases these have been shown to be strikingly accurate. A few among the learned still are convinced they are charlatans and frauds due to the methods used not working for anyone else - but even they may grudgingly admit to occasional predictions which cannot be explained away.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Known Oracles are almost exclusively female humanoids, and the majority of those take on the form of some sort of old crone with less care for their appearance than their solitude. The race, and other visible characteristics, seems to vary wildly and completely through any humanoid species on Erisdaire. Any who are not of the crone appearance still have minor things which set them apart from other average members of their race. A few of these characteristics follow, though it should be noted the aberrations are not limited to these examples.

• Eyes of odd coloration or luminous appearance in the absence of light sources. In many accounts this has been compared to "eyes of a cat" or similar, and usually is coupled with a steady and almost unblinking gaze.
• Long nails which are more than simply untrimmed, but likened to talons or claws.
• Sharper and/or longer teeth than average members of their race, lending an almost predatory look to the individuals. This also tends to result in unusual verbal tics or pronunciations due to slightly different movements of the mouth and tongue.

Among the crones, the appearance usually is similar in scope. Descriptions vary on particulars, but they are always described as being slender to the point of seeming just bones and skin brought to life. The hair is either kept cut short or allowed to be long, seeming either damp or oily at all times.

Genetics and Reproduction

Among many of the other oddities about Oracles are how they reproduce. That is to say, they do not seem to have mates of any kind, as many of the opposite gender find them repulsive in that manner. Even those who respect them or might even call them friend seem to have a mental block over imagining an Oracle in a sensual or intimate fashion. There are records of 'blighted' children born to many races, suggesting there are Oracles born in an aberrant way to all races and may mature into these beings. Oracles do not often respond to inquiries into these matters, laughing it off or making iron-clad refusals to even entertain the question as one to be answered.

Ecology and Habitats

Oracles do not enjoy the comfort of cities, nor do they seem to enjoy the simple wilderness often embraced by other outcasts. The common folk might think of it as a hovel in a swamp or twisted forest, but caverns in deep ravines and dark labyrinthine alleys are also known to be places Oracles have been found. The common factor is quite simple, once information had been compiled. Oracles seem to choose their dwellings in the idea of discouraging those who seek their knowledge merely on a whim. In every case of a dwelling being studied, it is notably only decayed or dilapidated in appearance; there is nothing inherently unsafe in those homes, only a few belongings which may be dangerous under certain conditions.

From time to time, Oracles are known to migrate - in a sense - choosing to change places if their presence attracts undue attention. These migrations are almost always done secretively, and lends more credence to the mystical air these beings cultivate through their divination procedures.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Depending on the race of an Oracle, their senses may be sharper or duller than the average human. Tests have shown they potentially might be able to sense more than is proven, however, so caution should be taken. The famous (or infamous) nature of Oracles and their arts are the chief difference between them and other members of their apparent race. Each Oracle has a particular method and procedure to entering an "oracular trance" which permits them to look into the future. There are limits to this, naturally, though it is not readily apparent how limited this foresight is. Compared to arcane or divine divination magic, it is seemingly much broader in scope while lacking finer details to give a full view of the future.

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

Among the stories told of Oracles are a trio of tales about spectacular examples. Of these, two have been proven to be real, and one a mythological exaggeration. The myths concerning the Oracle of Moonsilver involve a small order who served to tend a shrine on a large mountain. Offerings would be brought to the Oracle, who would answer only one question about the future. Asking a question carelessly would be met with a justly delivered comeuppance, while questions were often asked which the petitioner didn't truly wish an answer to. These myths and tales are wildly variable, both in content and tone. Sometimes the tone of the piece is lighter and more comedic, as in the case of 'Lord Talboth and the Golden Oar'. Sometimes the tone is much more somber, and cautionary, such as the tale of 'Libelia's Lament'.

The legend told across the broadest amount of regions concerns a tale where the leader of an army stopped to offer tribute and ask if he would win the next engagement with the enemy. The Oracle replied simply "victory shall not belong to you". After he left, the leader of the opposing army arrived with a tribute of the same size and asked whether he would win. Again, the Oracle replied "victory shall not belong to you". Shaken much the same as his counterpart, both leaders returned to their respective armies and each departed the area in belief they would lose. As the Oracle had said, victory belonged to neither of them.