Fate and superstition

Fate is an ever-present shadow in the lives of the people of Helerin. From birth to death, fate weaves itself through stories, prophecies, superstitions, and decisions, shaping how people understand their place in the world.
Though none can say with certainty whether destiny is the immutable will of the gods, the belief in fate is a powerful force: an invisible hand guiding both the mighty and the humble.

The nature of fate

In Helerin, fate is perceived as an extension of divine will. Some believe it is predetermined, inscribed upon the soul at birth. Others see it as a shifting pattern of influences, where signs, decisions, and omens nudge a person’s life towards certain outcomes.
Fate is not seen as absolute or unchangeable. Many hold that while certain events or outcomes are destined, the path between them is shaped by personal will and the favour (or disfavour—of the gods. Fate is understood as a force to be revealed, interpreted, and courted - or, when necessary, placated.
Fate is not confined to temples or palaces, but permeates the rhythms of daily life. Farmers time their plantings based on lunar phases. Merchants consult astrologers before signing contracts. Soldiers carry charms into battle. Parents whisper prayers over cradles, hoping to nudge their children’s destinies toward happiness and away from ruin.
Ultimately, whether or not fate is real is less important than the fact that people believe in it.
See also: Religion and faith

Revealing Destiny

Prophecy and divination are Helerin’s primary means of revealing destiny.
Prophets, claiming divine inspiration from the gods of the heavens - Balcosh, Frenar, and (particularly) Lessada - speak of visions, dreams, and revelations. Astrologers chart the stars and interpret celestial movements, seeking patterns that may foretell fortune, danger, or the destiny of individuals. Augurs watch for signs in the natural world, seeking guidance in moments of doubt or crisis.
These practices are less about certainties and more about interpretation. A prophecy may be riddled with ambiguity, an astrological reading flexible enough to fit any narrative. The people of Helerin know this; they listen not because the answers are clear, but because they want clarity, hope, or warning. The power of prophecy and divination lies not in their infallibility, but in the belief that they might reveal something true.
See also: Prophecy and divination

Superstitions

Belief in fate gives rise to countless superstitions and rituals aimed at influencing or averting destiny. In a world where the gods are believed to intervene - and where natural signs might whisper of fortune or doom - Helerin's people adopt customs both grand and mundane to appease, bargain with, or cheat fate.

Protective charms

Worn around necks or doorways, these simple tokens—often inscribed with the signs of the gods or sacred symbols—are believed to ward off ill fate. Some believe a charm blessed by a priest carries stronger protection.

Naming rituals

Newborns are often named based on auguries or astrological readings. Birthsigns are seen as key to understanding a child's future fate, and the careful selection of names seeks align the child with favourable destinies, or to shield them from misfortune.

Oaths and offerings

Before embarking on major ventures - such as sea voyages, harvests, or political gambits - people make offerings at temples, leave gifts at roadside shrines, or swear oaths invoking the gods’ favour.

Avoidance practices

Certain days, star alignments, or omens are deemed unlucky. Marriages, contracts, or journeys may be delayed to avoid ill-fated timings. Some believe that even crossing thresholds with the left foot or speaking certain words at dawn can invite bad fortune.

Public displays

In times of crisis - such as drought, plague, or war - communities may hold ceremonies to plead with the gods for mercy or guidance, often blending elements of prophecy, sacrifice, and mass ritual.

Tension Between belief and reality

Despite its cultural weight, the concept of fate in Helerin is inherently unstable. Priests and prophets argue over true revelations; astrologers interpret the same skies differently; augurs contradict each other. Even rulers who consult star charts or seers often hedge their bets with bribes, alliances, and armies. Common folk, though outwardly reverent, frequently hedge their own beliefs with whispered skepticism.
The gods themselves - fickle, divided, and prone to meddling - add further complexity. If fate is shaped by divine will, whose will prevails when gods quarrel? If a prophecy fails, was it a misinterpretation, a trick of the mind, or a deliberate shift by the gods? The people of Helerin live within this ambiguity, crafting meaning from uncertainty.

Type

Metaphysical