Prognostication

Reading signs can take the form of observing and interpreting omens, to taking some action and interpreting the results.

Passive reading of signs include such things as observing comets whose "blazing fire of the baleful star--the comet which portends changes to monarchs." Such a sign is widely and generally regarded as a reordering of the celestial order by Haelyn himself. Such actions then introduce changes in this world according to the plan of the Lawmaker. Reading such events can be a skill check, from the widely known comet (DC 5) to interpreting strange behavior in cats (DC 25). Generally, a DM will want to place such a sign with the intention that it be understood by at least one member of the party. In such a case, the DC of the test to interpret it should be reasonably low.

Some types of characters, however, may seek to take some action and interpret the results. This might be reading cards, casting runes, or consulting the stars. An example of this can be found in the Astrology rules suitable for a character like Harald Khorien. Similar rules can be used for any kind of character who knows how to examine events that are linked to fate and can foretell the future. For example, the Rjurik favor a method of prognostication known as casting runestones. The nomadic Khinasi of the deserts favor the telling of fortunes with cards.

While signs are the physical, observable manifestations of the future seen now, some future events are not foretold in signs. Even so, spirits are always watching the daylight world from the spirit realm. If one knows how to consult them, one might be able to gain their insights into the future.

Some receive such information unbidden. Among the Rjurik this is known as the doom of prophecy. These visions might come to a person as visions or through dreams.

Other characters, especially those who specialize in divination or the Shadow World might seek spirits out and bid their advise. One example is the Seidhr class, which specializes in the spirit world.

Just like other examples, dreams can come unbidden with images of the future, or characters can practice lucid dreaming. A Dungeon Master can always send visionary dreams to share information with players in a fashion that is more character driven and involves the fantastic elements of the setting than does a DM to player, out of character, exposition.

The traditional method of prognostication familiar to players is through divination spells. This list of divinations offers important tools for any party seeking to learn the future (or the past or things occurring far away).

The use of skill based prognostication can be combined with spells to allow spellcasters to use their spells more effectively. At least when they are stumped by a mystery and are having trouble moving forward. Often, they already know where they want to use their spells, and the spells will be far more effective than the skills, and there is not much value in using both.

Using skills to make Prognostication checks can, as has everything discussed so far, between passive checks to interpret signs witnessed and checks made to reveal signs by taking some action, such as casting runes.

Witnessing signs, whether obvious, well recognized signs such as a comet, or attempting to discern the meaning of spotting a bird flying upside down can be handled with regular skill checks at a DC determined by the DM. The DM sends the sign to the characters, sets the DC, and so the DM is completely in control of such prognostication. Knowledge (arcana) is the obvious skill check, but others may apply depending on the sign.

Characters who wish to use such a power at will, to be able to call on a skill to know the future should require both the investment of skills and feats. Allowing the use of an existing skill generally makes it too valuable. One exception may be the Scry skill. It was present in D&D 3.0 but removed in D&D 3.5 Since scrying is prognostication using magical items or spells, its a fitting skill to use. For this general example, the skill used will be called Insight.

Given that a great deal of prognostication will involve domains, which have turns of a full month, no time limit has been established, but be advised that because beings have free will, the future is in motion and looking far in advance can only be based on things as they are now, if beings take unexpected decisions, the future changes. If this seems to powerful, one might require that for each rank of Insight you are able to see into the future only 3 days.

A DM might also decide that the ability to take 20 on an insight check is too useful, even if it takes a full day. A complete day is a long time on the adventure level, but is no obstacle at the domain level.

Modifiers
How a DM approaches modifiers depends on how they view the exclusivity of prognostication. One can give more modifiers, but select higher DC's making prognostication more common among those who can claim these modifiers.
One might give a bonus for:

• being a member of a class that uses divination, such as druids, clerics, wizards, or magicians.
  
• having a doom of prophecy
  
• having a bloodline of Vorynn and an appropriate blood ability
  

Three feats are available to characters who seek to foretell the future.

Basic Insight
Benefit: You can take actions using Insight checks that allow you to interpret signs and predict events in the natural world or determine a day that is favorable for a particular activity. Insight becomes a class skill.
Normal: You may not normally use Insight, or other skills to foretell the future.

Personal Insight
Benefit: You can make Insight checks that allow you to foretell the future of people.
Normal: You may not normally use Insight, or other skills to foretell the future of people.

Political Insight
Benefit: You can use Insight checks to determine the affairs within a region of a domain.
Normal: You may not normally use Insight checks, or other skills to foretell the affairs of domains.