| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Razz |
Posted - 09 Jun 2010 : 03:49:50
I am sure this topic may have come up at some point in the past on here, but I am curious about this.
Has there ever been official discussions of generally accepted astrology in Faerun? How about anything official on the differing nations practice and studies of astrology?
Does Faerun have a zodiac system?
Is there an official listing of all known constellations or celestial bodies of Faerun? (besides the planets, of course) |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Alystra Illianniis |
Posted - 14 Jun 2010 : 16:55:55
That's a shame. I'd like to see more of both. I love stuff like this, as it gives the world a more "real" feel! |
| The Sage |
Posted - 11 Jun 2010 : 01:11:31
quote:
Originally posted by Razz
I see. Alright, thanks to you all! I'll make use of what is here and make up anything as I go along. I am surprised after all these years something like this hasn't gone into much more detail. 
Knowing Ed [and judging from his past replies on the subject], it probably has been well-detailed. However, it's likely that this kind of lore that hasn't really found a worthwhile place in published sources because not every Realms fan would find it interesting. Kinda like the reason why details re: deity-related rituals haven't received much attention in published Realmslore. |
| Razz |
Posted - 10 Jun 2010 : 22:00:03
I see. Alright, thanks to you all! I'll make use of what is here and make up anything as I go along. I am surprised after all these years something like this hasn't gone into much more detail. |
| Thauramarth |
Posted - 09 Jun 2010 : 12:41:12
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
It's important to note, also, that the constellations themselves aren't identified in mainstream Faerûnian religion with the gods, though they have religious associations and portents among sky-gazers and mystics, and among animist cultures such as the Bedine.
Zakhara has a group of mages called "astrologists" (wizard kit detailed on The Complete Sha'Ir's Handbook, which allows the wizard to memorise additional spells (up to 3 at a time, I think) by "hanging" them on a constellation that's visible in the night sky at a given moment. |
| Cleric Generic |
Posted - 09 Jun 2010 : 07:58:53
Cool link! all kinds of other fun (if unofficial) stuff floating around in there. |
| Brix |
Posted - 09 Jun 2010 : 07:14:42
Another source is Spelljammer >> Realmsspace |
| The Sage |
Posted - 09 Jun 2010 : 04:24:16
quote:
Originally posted by Razz
Has there ever been official discussions of generally accepted astrology in Faerun? How about anything official on the differing nations practice and studies of astrology?
Ed's shared a few tidbits in his replies over the years. A thorough search of the "So Saith Ed" archives should reveal some info. [I think I've still got an astrology-related question pending for Ed, too.]
quote:
Does Faerun have a zodiac system?
No.
So Saith Ed:-
quote:
Hi again, everybody. Ed sails into Wooly Rupert’s question: “I was reading the Dragon Magazine article on fantasy astrological signs, earlier this eve... It made me ponder a couple of things. Though both topics have been discussed, I don't believe anyone has ever thought to ask Ed. So... Does astrology exist in the Realms? Is there a zodiac? And what constellations exist in the Realms?”
Ed replies:
Yes, Wooly, there’s astrology in the Realms, though not by that name and not as we know it. Rather, soothsayers and fortune-tellers use the position of the stars (and sometimes, especially in the Shining South and Calimshan, by the position of tokens tossed blindly onto a star-chart) as one influence in predictions and divinations. There’s no zodiac by that name, nor are people deemed to have characteristics because of the “sign they’re born under” (as real-world astrology has it) or “year they’re born in” (as in real-world Chinese beliefs). Rather, individuals are said to be marked by a “guiding star” or “falling star” (comet or meteor shower), or by a conjunction of constellations that may have occurred at their birth (particularly if this conjunction is rare, or has a fell reputation).
There ARE constellations in the Realms, and I’ve provided some sketchy star-lore in print over the years, Elaine and others contributing more. As Eric said, AJA has done a very good job of gathering it all together (as well as weaving in his own lore) - - and I’m afraid I can’t comment too much more on the constellations, because, again, TSR is sitting on paid-for but unpublished Ed Greenwood lore, so an NDA applies.
quote:
Is there an official listing of all known constellations or celestial bodies of Faerun? (besides the planets, of course)
No detailed listing. But bits and pieces of constellation-related info have been scattered throughout the majority of Realms products. Here's a webpage compiling information on them:- http://web.archive.org/web/20050427104236/ www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Castle/2566/stars.htm
[Cut and paste the link above into your address bar and delete the space between the "/" and the "www"]
And Ed's touched on the subject of specific constellations in his previous replies. I suggest you perform a search through the compiled reply files.
It's important to note, also, that the constellations themselves aren't identified in mainstream Faerûnian religion with the gods, though they have religious associations and portents among sky-gazers and mystics, and among animist cultures such as the Bedine. |
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