The following system was designed as a replacement for the race system in Shadowdark RPG. I run one of those boring campaigns, where everyone must play as humans, but I didn't want to remove the character creation choice race provided—So I wrote this set to fulfill the same game function. All of the racial abilities from the base game are present here, as well as six or seven more of my own invention. I have no idea what use this would be for people playing other games, but I hope you get something from this!
For centuries philosophers and clerics alike have studied the stars and constellations for to discern what role they play in shaping mortal lives.
The crashing wave represents the goddess Ilia in the form of pure chaos, before Anomon made her his wife. For those born under the wave it is often a great struggle to find harmony in any sort of community, as one's emotions become an untenable force.
This raised hand represents Anomon's left hand of judgement, with which he passes dooms from his holy throne. People born under Manus are always well disceplined and socially minded, serving some sense of structure, be it for better or worse.
The cow is a symbol of Ilia, wife of Anomon, goddess of the earth and of physical forms. Those born under the cow may struggle with the arbitrary spirit of organized societ, thriving rather in spaces where they are able to more fluidly follow the whims of nature.
Two trees standing next to each other, representing the first woman and man, carved from oak by the titan Nemos. Most who are born under Arbores spend their lives confused and struggling to find purpose, yet still persevering the slings and arrows tossed by fortune.
The serpent is a follower of Livida, who envied the goddess Moina for her husband Imbros, and so poisoned the man, that none might have him. The serpent is also an enemy of Simos' tranquil gardens. Those born under the serpent can be fixative to an unhealthy degree, though things still tend to often go their ways.
The sign of the boar serves to represent the god Imbros, once a worthy hero, who has lived a life of pride and excess since Livida poisoned his mind. Those born under this sign tend to live life to its fullest, acting brashly where others temper themselves. They love all, and are loved by all in return.
The sign of the flame is associated with the god Fafros, who tends the holy forge. Those born under the flame are often quiet and industrious, honing their craft for their own passion and disdaining the praise of others.
The nightengale is said to be the earthly form of Vola, daughter of Amora and Fafros, who now lives in the land of dreams. Those born under Luscinia are often quiet and gentle, easily lost in fancies, often becoming artists of some sort.
The sign of the chariot is said to represent the goddess Amora riding into battle on her chariot drawn by seven bulls. People born under this sign are focused and driven; they see what they desire and move towarad it with all their strength.
The dragon here is that which Antaeus slew at the gates of Mamae. Those born under this sign tend to be highly emotional but also confident and self-secure.
The hero Antaeus, who slew a dragon and bore the goddess Amora's second son. People born under this sign stand steadfast and loyal, brandishing their strengths to aide their compatriots, keeping few ambitions of their own.
The wolf is a close friend of the god Simos, a stoic and beautiful huntsman, the son of Amora and the hero Antaeus. To be born under the wolf often means to be patient and observant, moving through the world with careful deliberation.
Ancient philosphers write of a 13th constellation depicting, the vast and beautiful city of Cleopolis, however during the Great Sundering, the last war where gods and titans fought upon the mortal earth, these stars were destroyed, leaving a void of darkness in our nighttime sky. The fates of those born under the void of stars is unseen by the heavens, and they are free to mold their own sense of self.
The stars are always watching their chilaren. Once each day during the season of your sign, you may negate the effects of a critical failure. (You still fail your check, but it is treated as a normal failure.)
Contact me at LechterDoily@gmail.com!