- For Sha'ir version, see Astrologer - Sha'ir (Character Kit).
Astrologer[]
Description: The Astrologer is the priestly version of the Astronomer mage kit. Instead of pursuing deep magical or factual truths in his explorations, the Astrologer seeks the hand of the gods in the structure of the universe.
To the Astrologer, the crystal spheres, the planets, and the stars all speak of the power of the gods. Even the great starbeasts demonstrate that the power of the true gods is beyond human comprehension.
Role: The Astrologer studies the movements of the spheres to determine the will of the gods. Thus, his strength lies in his knowledge of Known Space and his understanding of the principles upon which the universe itself is built.
Clerics and specialty priests may become Astrologers. The faiths of Arts, Darkness/Night, Dawn, Elemental Forces, Everything, Evil, Fate/Destiny, Fertility, Fortune/Luck, Good, Light, Magic, Messengers, Moon, Nature, Oracles/Prophecy, Peace, Seasons, Sky/Weather, Sun, and Time are likely to attract those with the interest in the universe to become Astrologers.
To abandon the Astrologer kit, a priest must accept the limits of his ability to understand the divine plan. He immediately loses all benefits of the kit, as his expertise is maintained through constant study and contemplation of the spheres. The hindrances of the kit are also lost immediately.
Secondary Skills: Determine as normal for the campaign.
Weapon Proficiencies: As per the class of the priest.
Nonweapon Proficiencies:
- Bonus: Navigation (Phlogiston), Planetology.
- Recommended: (Priest) Ancient History, Astrology, Ancient Languages, Reading/Writing, Religion.
Equipment: Astrologers purchase their equipment normally.
Special Benefits: Astrologers are familiar with much of Known Space. On a successful Intelligence check, an Astrologer can identify the sphere he is in and relate something of its physical characteristics and the gods that are worshipped there. The Astrologer must spend one hour studying the configuration of the planets and sphere before making the check. As with the Astronomer, the DM may assign a bonus or penalty to this roll depending on how heavily traveled and distinctive the sphere is.
A failed roll indicates that the Astrologer cannot identify the sphere. A roll of 20 exactly causes the Astrologer to misidentify the sphere.
Special Hindrances: Astrologers see the hands of the gods in all of the features of the universe. They spend much of their time in contemplation, considering the true meaning behind the wondrous sights of space. This sense of distance causes warriors and other action-oriented people to have a -2 reaction to Astrologers.
Wealth Options: Astrologers receive the normal starting wealth for a character of their class.
Races: Of the demihuman races, elves and half-elves are most likely to be Astrologers. Among the nonhumans, the hadozee, grommam, and dracons may be Astrologers.