Would you download a suppliment on Astrology/Astronomy?

[Deadguy]

In a nutshell yes, I would be interested, both as player and as DM, in a book about Astrology. I emphasise that term "Astrology", because I don't think that D&D typically needs something that details realistic solar system construction and planetary science!

But for most of human history (and indications are strong that even in pre-human times), the heavens have held a special place. The stars and planets are the guides of destiny, the holders of occult secrets and the maintainers of stability and truth in the world below. I think a book that explored how the astrological principles might be incorporated into a game (e.g. birthsigns, astrological influences on magic, prophecy, social interactions and influence guided by the stars, etc) would be a realy useful read.

And I would hope that the author could have a bit of fun with this as well. These are fantasy worlds we game in - we don't have to have 12 signs of the Zodiac; we can have weird astral phenomena; and they sky really is the limit.

So if you can spare the time, I'd read it Dave!

 

[333 Dave]

In a nutshell yes, I would be interested, both as player and as DM, in a book about Astrology. I emphasise that term "Astrology", because I don't think that D&D typically needs something that details realistic solar system construction and planetary science!

But for most of human history (and indications are strong that even in pre-human times), the heavens have held a special place. The stars and planets are the guides of destiny, the holders of occult secrets and the maintainers of stability and truth in the world below. I think a book that explored how the astrological principles might be incorporated into a game (e.g. birthsigns, astrological influences on magic, prophecy, social interactions and influence guided by the stars, etc) would be a realy useful read.

And I would hope that the author could have a bit of fun with this as well. These are fantasy worlds we game in - we don't have to have 12 signs of the Zodiac; we can have weird astral phenomena; and they sky really is the limit.

So if you can spare the time, I'd read it Dave!

Thanks for the support Deadguy! I'm just about ready to set my other projects aside to work on this (fortunatly I made my will save). Speaking of the other projects I think I'll go work on one of them....

 

[Lord_of_Doom]

If you do make this book, I suggest modeling it on MotP:

First, have a lot of mostly setting independent materials, like a Star Keeper presitige class, or a Lucky Birthday feat.

Have a detailed presentation of "real" (so to speak) astrology, that also adds D&D elements. For example, during Pisces, spells involving water might be automatically Maximized, or Saturn might be the planet that regulates the dwarves.

Also, present in a less detailed form several more exotic zodiacs, based on either the real world or fiction.

Finally, present guildlines for creating an astrological system to fit any campaign.

 

[Tonguez]

Astral Navigation might be a skill or somesuch... I don't really think a whole gaming book on it would be interesting... certainly not for me to write....

Oh well I always found the subject fascinating especially when expanded to include 'Land Finding' techniques- but to each his own (maybe I'll write this supplement someday)

PS I already have a Astral Navigator PrC in my notes (based on a combo of Ranger and Cleric) which might interest you - as a side bar

I'll consider adding things to this effect (of course, for the Galactic Year thing to be of any worth at all, it must be near its end, and there must be a way to divert the cataclysmic nature of it...)

You know of course that the Mayans (or was it the Olmecs?) based theit entire creation mythology on the Galatic year cataclysms and the rebirth of the World which occured in each cycle

You know that the Sphinx of Giza is aligned according to the Galactic Year and awaiting the completion of that cycle

You know that Stonehenge are similar sites are primitive observatories all waiting for the Galactic New year

Now just look at all the plot hooks in those places - gotta have these too

And I would hope that the author could have a bit of fun with this as well. These are fantasy worlds we game in - we don't have to have 12 signs of the Zodiac; we can have weird astral phenomena; and they sky really is the limit.

Ok
Chinese Zodiac - animal based
European Zodiac - Legendary figures
'Aztec Zodiac' - something like 360 animals for each degree on the Aztec Sun dial
Others real world?
Fantasy Zodiac

Come to think of Astronomy and Time needs to be discussed in there somewhere (just why are there 365 days in the year instead of the nice even 360 - and what dark forces stalk the land on those 5 non-days!)

 

[333 Dave]

If you do make this book, I suggest modeling it on MotP:

First, have a lot of mostly setting independent materials, like a Star Keeper presitige class, or a Lucky Birthday feat.

Have a detailed presentation of "real" (so to speak) astrology, that also adds D&D elements. For example, during Pisces, spells involving water might be automatically Maximized, or Saturn might be the planet that regulates the dwarves.

Also, present in a less detailed form several more exotic zodiacs, based on either the real world or fiction.

Finally, present guildlines for creating an astrological system to fit any campaign.

Seems to be the course of action I'll be taking.... though why would any planet regulate dwarves is beyond me....

 

[Paul Cardwell]

astronomy/astrology

Astronomy yes, astrology no. Or as John Boardman calls it ass-trology. According to the western system, I was under Taurus, yet the sun was still in that long extension of Pieces and hadn't even made it to Ares yet. In the Chinese system, my sign is a . Obviously, this whole thing is a and bull story and the whole thing is a bit fishy.

Considering the whole thing is a relatively recent invention (post medieval, although with some Babylonian roots, thus the lack of consideration for precession of the equinoxes), it doesn't fit the pre-medieval setting of most fantasy. There is a universe of divination systems of various cultures which will give far better fantasy color than astrology.

Paul Cardwell

 

[333 Dave]

Re: astronomy/astrology

Astronomy yes, astrology no. Or as John Boardman calls it ass-trology. According to the western system, I was under Taurus, yet the sun was still in that long extension of Pieces and hadn't even made it to Ares yet. In the Chinese system, my sign is a . Obviously, this whole thing is a and bull story and the whole thing is a bit fishy.

Considering the whole thing is a relatively recent invention (post medieval, although with some Babylonian roots, thus the lack of consideration for precession of the equinoxes), it doesn't fit the pre-medieval setting of most fantasy. There is a universe of divination systems of various cultures which will give far better fantasy color than astrology.

Paul Cardwell

Well Paul, I'm sorry you feel that way. Just because modern day astrology is total bs doesn't mean it would be in a fantasy setting. And there are a lot of post medieval concepts in D&D already (can you say rapier?). Astronomy and astrology went hand in hand for a long time and up untill relative recently there was no distinction. And your a taurus and not a pieces because idiots refuse to change the system devised over two thousand years ago when it was correct.
(I noticed you used the phrase "the whole thing" several times in your post, twice in one sentence in fact.)

 

[Ace]

Absolutely.

I would love a resource like that for my games.
I hope you make it kind of generic for best effect.

That way it will fit multiple worlds and maybe even multiple systems.

BTW 333 Dave I want to compliment you on your idea and wish you luck.

About two days before I saw your site listed on EN World I was mulling over doing more or less the same thing.

My partners and I have had a lot of talk talk talk about it. Of course nothing has happened yet.

Hopefully you will set a good example and get my partner his lazy butt moving so I don't have to do all the work.

 

[333 Dave]

Absolutly.
I would love a resource like that for my games. I hope you make it kind of generic for best effect.

Thanks and good luck!

 

[333 Dave]

Bump and current poll positions

Interesting that flat no is tied with a flat yes (as opposed to conditional no or yes) for first at the moment. The conditional yes If its not campaign specific is at second place. Strangely Other is beating out the conditional yes If its campaign specific.