Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DM_Dracophile 05-16-07, 09:01 PM	Has there ever been an article, posting, or book dealing with Astrology and its role in Eberron? Thanks!
Psionycx 05-16-07, 09:36 PM	There's references scattered throughout the ECS and other books. Dragons, druids and others have a history of building giant observatories and trying to discern hints of the Prophecy from the movements of the Ring of Siberys (by far the most noticeable celestial phenomenon in Eberron's sky) as well as the twelve moons. Some also take into account the movements of the thirteen orbiting planes and how their proximity or distance effects the world. Astrology/cosmology are hot topics on Eberron, since they are believed to relate to the all-important Draconic Prophecy.
DM_Dracophile 05-16-07, 10:47 PM	Thanks! I also could've sworn I once saw a program on the WotC site...or somewhere...that showed a representation of the planar movements in Eberron. Any idea where that is?
DM_Dracophile 05-16-07, 11:01 PM	Answered my own question: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/eb/20040309a Then I found this: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050307a Is there a direct correlation b/n specific moons, specific Planes, and specific Dragonmarks? I'm sure I'm a couple years behind the curve here, so be gentle :D
Psionycx 05-17-07, 12:12 AM	I vaguely recall reading somewhere that there were those who believe that there is a correlation although none was proven. Can't remember where I read it though. The natures of the 13 planes don't all correspond neatly to the known dragonmarks' powers, so any connection is just conjecture I think. Nor do the moons seem to have a direct connection. So far the only known link to the dragonmarks is that they never appeared on races living in places where Eberron dragonshards were not found. Thus humans on Sarlona have never manifested them, only developing marks after moving to Khorvaire. Page 130 of the ECS says that dragonmarks appearing on geological features (as opposed to on features) can sometimes only be viewed during certain celestial alignments. There's some cool pics of a druid observatory on page 171 and a dragon orrery on page 254 of the ECS. An observatory in Argonnessen is detailed on page 115 of the Explorer's Handbook. If you're running a Prophecy-focused campaign then Astrology is going to play a big part in it, as it certainly does for NPC's with an interest in the Prophecy like the dragons of the Chamber.
tallric_kruush 05-19-07, 01:47 PM	Answered my own question: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/eb/20040309a Then I found this: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050307a Is there a direct correlation b/n specific moons, specific Planes, and specific Dragonmarks? I'm sure I'm a couple years behind the curve here, so be gentle :D If you think those articles were cool, check this one out. I have it in my favorites, and intend to reference it in my next game. http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebwe/20041129a It doesn't exactly answer your questions, but I thought you'd enjoy it.
DM_Dracophile 06-02-07, 10:49 PM	Ok, let me know if I'm doing this right... I've found that there are (at least) Eleven major constellations in the skies over Eberron. One for each of the Draconic deities. We also know that there are Twelve moons. IF I wanted to make a system of astrology which was based on the interactions b/n the 12 moons and the 11 constellations...that would give a bare minimum of 132 permutations...is that right? Of course, there are 8 recognized phases of a moon (earth moon anyway)...though they can be narrowed down to 5. Bare minimum, that would bring us to a ridiculous number of permutations. Way beyond what I'm interested in fleshing out. So... Let's see if we can come up with a more simplified system, that still calls on those 11 constellations and 12 moons. Heck, even real world systems of astrology can be simplified (I'm a virgo!) or horrifyingly complicated (with Mars in the second house and...blah blah blah). Any particular suggestions? Moon based, or constellation based...or something else entirely? Thanks guys Draco
taski 06-03-07, 06:55 AM	You don't have to flesh out every permutation, just have rules that govern them. For example, if you go with moons and constellations, you could say that the moons are, I don't know, internal aspects of X (what defines X from other things), and the constellations external aspects (what connects X to other things). Then, you can figure out what signing a treaty when Vult is in Chronepsis might mean, if it ever comes up.. and you don't have to make it all up ahead of time! Starting with the rules also ensures a fairly consistent system, whereas not having the rules would leave you with something that even Xoriat would find confusing. (Then again, consistency only matters if your players want to understand and use astrology themselves. If they don't, just BS it.) I personally think the planes' positions should be fairly significant. They have some very obvious effects on the world, and their movements can mean all the difference. When Irian is coterminous, the Thranes are better at healing their wounded. Signing a treaty when Daanvi, the Plane of Order, is remote might not be such a good idea. When Risia is coterminous in winter, you really don't want to invade Karrnath.
Darakhoranon 06-03-07, 01:00 PM	... whereas not having the rules would leave you with something that even Xoriat would find confusing. Of course, THAT would allow you to include (completely unnecessary) complications everytime you feel like it. And since even a Daelkyr wouldn´t be able to understand the - non-existant - rules... To quote one of my favorite books: "The system is highly inconsistent, but for some reason I can get my hands on every piece of information I want in under one hour." In other words: Having "rules" tends to be overrated. After all, sooner or later, a situation WILL come up where you need a combination of omens, influences etc. that would break all the rules - so why bother with the rules? Just make it up on the spot when you need it. If one of your players wants rules, just tell him: "You want rules for astrology in Eberron? Fine. Define them. And please include all 12 moons, 11 constellations, a 145,3 year-cycle and, while we´re at it, the number Pi!"
DM_Dracophile 06-03-07, 05:13 PM	LOL all good stuff. What I was really looking for was something that might have an influence on the PC's destinies/careers/proclivities. Much as saying 'I'm a Virgo' comes with certain expectations and potential. I really like the idea of including the movements of the planes as well... Perhaps I'll use that planar 'movement' utility, nail down birthdays for each of the PCs, and give some sort of Action Point related effect based on the planes that are closest and furthest from Eberron.
Darakhoranon 06-06-07, 06:02 AM	That might work. If someone born while Syrania was coterminous can use e.g. feather fall once for the cost of 3 APs every time the plane is coterminous again, it would probably influence his behaviour quite a bit. On the other hand, a bonus to certain skill checks, e.g. +2 on Survival for people born while Lamannia was coterminous might be less powerful but still useful - at least for certain characters, which would make said person more inclined to become, say, a ranger, thus tying into the "people born under the sign of Lamannia show a (super-)natural gift for hunting"-theme...
DM_Dracophile 06-06-07, 09:17 AM	Perfect! Thanks Darak
DM_Dracophile 06-08-07, 08:16 PM	For your thoughts: What might you suggest for characters born under the following Planar situations: 1)Kythri was Coterminous 2)Kythri was Remote 3)Kythri AND Dollurh were Coterminous Thoughts?