Pulling answers out of your astrology

[hcobb]

A wizard who uses astronomical observations as the medium for Scrying, Pathfinder, etc. The spells are obvious, but what is the talent?

• Mathematician, 2 memory points for a wizard at IQ 13?
• Astrologer, 6 memory points for a wizard at IQ 8?
• Priest, 2 memory points for a wizard at IQ 9?

Note that these variant spells with their reliance on clear night skies aren't popular with the Mage's guild who'd rather just use little silver trinkets.

[phiwum]

I wouldn't punish using a bit of flavor for one's scrying and pathfinder spells. At the very least, I would not charge triple for a wizard who uses astrology in his magic.

And if these talents are required for the thematic flavor when casting these spells, I'd try to give additional benefits for the character who spends valuable talent/spell points in this way. To be honest, mathematics is one talent that ought to produce real, tangible benefits but it's kinda hard to figure out how in Cidri.

[Shostak]

Originally Posted by hcobb

• Astrologer, 6 memory points for a wizard at IQ 8?

Since Mathematician includes Astrology and can be learned by wizards at normal cost, it seems reasonable to assume that Astrology can be, too.

I’d add that astrology relies on charts and calendars much more than it does clear skies.

[JohnPaulB]

Originally Posted by phiwum

I wouldn't punish using a bit of flavor for one's scrying and pathfinder spells. At the very least, I would not charge triple for a wizard who uses astrology in his magic.

I agree, as math and magic are closely allied, I can see that astrology could be considered closely allied also.

Originally Posted by Shostak

Since Mathematician includes western Astrology and can be learned by wizards at normal cost, it seems reasonable to assume that Astrology can be, too.

I’d add that astrology relies on charts and calendars much more than it does clear skies.

Why is Astrology included in Mathematics Talent?
Perhaps Astrology is a popular ways of framing mathematical questions.

• Calculate the entire period of mercury in retrograde. Show your work.
• Since there are a dozen zodiac signs, state all your answers in base 12.
• Divide up the dome into 30 degree sections and then draw lines connecting three of the houses that have conflicts.

As a by-product of teaching math, one accumulates general data on astrology. This would be the equivalent of using the bible as America’s first textbook for reading. You learned the bible as you learned to read.


Also, astrology contains a lot of data that can be attached to zodiac symbols and corresponding personality traits. This can become a code that two versed Astrologists might use to confuscate meddlers.

Originally Posted by phiwum

To be honest, mathematics is one talent that ought to produce real, tangible benefits but it's kinda hard to figure out how in Cidri.

There are some Mathematicians that think in terms of numbers and special geometries. These mathstars might automatically be given answers to any basic mathematics question and gain bonuses on logic equations, probability spreads and be both empirical and theoritical However, they may fail on questions of morality.