ASTRONISM
Astronism is based on the influences of cosmic forces upon any individual’s life. At astronism’s core are the Cel-hadin, ten different constellations each of which lay in the path that both the sun and the moon appear to take in the sky. Each constellation, or ao, represents different values and concepts, and in turn, lend their influences to daily lives according to the astronists.
The concept associated with each ao is a domain that the patron rules and represents. Likewise, they also represent an attitude or emotion. The most significant time for any ao is when either the sun or the moon lays in that ao’s “house”. During that time, the specific ao is at its height, and greatest influence.
1. Dohtor the Architect of Legends – The Sky—Benevolence
2. Rayled the Chaos House - Society—Impulsiveness
3. Bajemin the Universal King - Exploration—Curiosity
4. Nilloc the Harper-Lord – The Arts—Passion
5. Tamban the Spirit-Caller – The Dead—Care/Safety
6. Maruce the Scholar - Knowledge—Open-Mindedness
7. Titan-Queen Theia - Law—Loyalty/Sacrifice
8. Minos and Sturches, the Twin Emperors – Fertility and Birth—Joy
9. Ritob the Sky-Wall - Protection—Boldness
10. Saint White - Guidance—Submissiveness
Astronist powers, the ones commonly associated with cosmic magic, are dependent on the moon for power. As the moon moves through the Cel-hadin, it enters an exits each house. This phase is divided into two parts. In residence, and in transit. In the first, the moon is wholly in that ao, and the ao’s powers are granted to the astronist. When the moon is in transit, it is found between constellations, and the astronist receives no powers. The entire passage takes about three and a half days, where three of the days are spent in residence, and half a day in transit. From there it transits to the next one on the list. The entire cycle takes one month to complete.
Astronism is both misunderstood, and incomprehensible. The power of the Cel-hadin is a living force of a kind, that seems to randomly seek out individuals. The powers always manifest on one’s Moonday, the day of their 19th birthday. The powers come swiftly and violently, like a dam bursting and blasting the surrounding countryside. This power is uncontrollable at first, and highly destructive. It is for this reason that astronists are feared in the Morrowan Pact. Generally, this initial flow of power occurs in one single burst. More bursts can follow, but these are rare and generally indicative of the strength the ao’s grant to the person. One burst is normal. Two is uncommon. Three is rare, and four is almost unheard of.
Distance Control
Distance control involves the manipulation of space . With it, the astronist can alter relative distances to and from objects.
Examples
Travel overland at high rates of speed
Trip an enemy and alter the distance they fall to several miles
Increase the distance between you and a gunman, letting their shot fall short.
Fluidity Manipulation
This manipulation involves altering of a being’s sense of movement and control. Actions they take are greatly exaggerated from normal, creating a cloud of clumsiness.
Examples
Manipulating someone’s footsteps. They’ll take too large of a step, overbalance and fall.
Manipulating a sword attack. The oppent will swing too hard and break the sword into a nearby object, or send it flying from their grasp.
Manipulating a bowshot. The afflicted will draw the bow too far and snap the string.
Gravity Control
The astronist alters the relative gravity in a region, either increasing it or nullifying it.
Examples
Pinning an opponent to the ground.
Lowering the gravity on heavy objects to carry them
Launch someone into the ceiling
Sense Manipulation
This ability, also called selective synesthesia, allows the astronist to use one sense to detect another. This means the astronist can see sounds, hear light, and see smells.
Examples
Seeing someone’s scent and tracking them
Blind fighting by seeing an attacker’s noise
Hear someone from across a field by sight alone.
Sound Control
The astronist can control sound, both dampening and creating it.
Examples
Mimicking someone’s voice
Using sound to break down a wall
Static Control
The astronist controls the force of friction, either eliminating it or increasing it.
Examples
Removing the friction on someone’s clothing, instantly causing it to fall apart.
Increase the friction on someone’s shoes, igniting them from the friction as they move.
Organic Manipulation
Also jokingly called sub-contractual bodily functions, this ability lets the astronist transfer or steal bodily functions with other persons, or multiple people.
Examples
Transferring one’s breath to start breathing in a dying comrade
Stealing brain functions from surrounding people to boost one’s cognitive ability
Transferring the desire for rest, or stealing someone’s wakefulness in order to stay awake.
Speed Transference
The astronist can transfer kinetic energy from one source to another. It is dependent on 1/2mv^2, so the energy is conserved.
Examples
Stealing the energy from a speeding cart, and transferring it to an arrow, giving it powerful speed and striking power
If one was falling, the astronist could transfer the falling energy to the planet, allowing a safe landing.
Exo-sense
This ability, also known as luck manipulation ,works off the principle of possibility. If there exists the possibility that the astronist can accomplish a task, then it happens should they focus on it. A normal person can get a safe combination right the first time, but they cannot fly.
Examples
Run into a melee with swords swinging, and parry every incoming blow while striking every opponent.
Pick a lock on the first try
