Star Signs

Effect: +1 effective value on the first check of each combat.

Born under the sign of the spark that ignites a wildfire. Those touched by the Ember excel at first strikes, opening moves, and seizing momentum. The first action you take in combat carries fate's blessing—whether it's a sword swing, a spell, or a desperate leap to cover.

Effect: +1 effective value on opposed checks when you are the defender.

The Mirror reflects force back upon its source. When someone contests you—whether in an arm-wrestling match, a battle of wills, or resisting a grapple—you gain the advantage. You are stronger when reacting than when initiating.

Effect: +1 effective value on checks to navigate, track, or find hidden things.

The Compass guides those who seek. Whether you're following footprints through a swamp, reading a cryptic map, or searching a room for concealed doors, fate leans your way. You were born to find what others miss.

Effect: +1 effective value on checks to heal, calm, or protect an ally.

The Lantern shines brightest in darkness. When your allies are wounded, frightened, or in danger, you become their light. Healing checks, calming a panicked companion, or shielding someone from harm—these actions carry fate's favor.

Effect: +1 effective value on the first Strike you make each combat.

The Blade cuts true when the moment demands it. Your opening attack in any fight is guided by fate—sharper, faster, deadlier. This applies to the first basic Strike you make, not Techniques.

Effect: +1 Guard during the first round of combat.

The Tower stands unmoved. When violence erupts, you are stone—unshakable and hard to harm. Your defenses are stronger in the opening moments of battle, giving you time to assess the field and position yourself.

Effect: +1 effective value on checks to perceive, investigate, or read a situation.

The Crow sees what others ignore. Noticing an ambush before it springs, analyzing a crime scene, reading body language during a negotiation—your eyes and mind are sharper than they should be. Information finds you.

Effect: +1 effective value on checks made to resist status effects.

The Chain binds, but it also holds fast. When someone tries to poison you, charm you, knock you prone, or inflict any debilitating condition, your resistance is bolstered. You refuse to be controlled.

Effect: +1 effective value on checks involving deception or disguise.

The Mask hides truth behind a false face. Lying, bluffing, forging documents, wearing a disguise—these come naturally to you. You were born knowing that identity is performance, and you perform flawlessly.

Effect: +1 effective value on checks to endure, survive, or resist physical hardship.

The Root grows deep and refuses to break. Forced marches, starvation, extreme temperatures, resisting poison or disease—when the world tries to grind you down through sheer physical suffering, you endure longer than anyone expects.

Effect: +1 effective value when your deck has 15 or fewer cards remaining.

The Comet blazes brightest before it burns out. When you're exhausted—when your deck is thinned and every draw feels desperate—fate leans in your favor. You are most dangerous when you're nearly spent.

Effect: +1 effective value on Technique activation checks.

The Wellspring flows with power. Your Techniques—whether magical, martial, or spiritual—come more easily than they should. When you activate a Technique (any Technique, from any Trait Tree), add +1 to your effective value before comparing to the target's defense.