SiderealsAcquaintancesSLinks

From Exaltedcursejar

Oh, Sidereal Astrology. So much awesome. So much "huh?"

In this modification of Sidereal Colleges and the Acquaintances background, we alter Arcane Fate somewhat, as well as using Astrological Colleges to create ties to Creation. Hello, plothooks!

Also, Persona nerdery. Because why not.

[edit] Astrological Colleges

Astrological Colleges are not just arbitrary divisions of stars. Rather, the nature of Creation, through the Loom of Fate, vibrates in sympathy with these colleges, and every mortal, Exalt, god, and elemental within the bounds of Fate falls under the purview of one of these Colleges. Typically, a being only resonates with the powers and trapping of a single college.

The Sidereal Exalted are truly unique because of this this. Upon gainig their shard, their connection to the loom of fate is shifted from that of a strand, to a hub within the loom. Thus, an Exaltation of the fivescore fellowship is akin to the number zero; empty, but at the same time possessed of infinite possibilities. Thus, the Chosen of the Maidens are able to resonate with every single astrological college.

However, this power does not exist in a vacuum, for the Sidereal must be tied to the aspect of fate he or she wishes to influence. These social links, relationships with significant persons under the purview of a college, strengthens the Sidereal's ability to alter Fate in ways that the College influences. Every College, therefore, requires a relationship with an NPC or PC.

On the character sheet, these social links are represented with dots, rating from 0-5.

• -: You hold no significant relationships with anyone under the purview of this College. You cannot influence Fate through this astrological sign.
• °: You have become acquainted with such a person. They know you by name, and are no longer influenced by Arcane Fate. You are now able to influence Fate in a manner consistent with the College in question. However, this relationship now requires some maintenance, lest Arcane Fate reclaim your connection.
• °°: Your relationship with this person has grown stronger. They likely consider you a new friend, a petty rival, or something else important, but not critical to their lives. Likewise, your ability to manipulate fate within this College has increased. This level takes a somewhat more active role in their lives.
• °°°: Your relationship has become truly meaningful in some way. It has become somewhat demanding, and might require shifting an already busy Vizier's schedule around more than he or she is used to. On the more positive side, the relationship now has some permanency; you might temporarily lose your connection with person, but it will never permanently sever.
• °°°°: You play a critical role in this person's life, at this stage. For the time being, at least, this relationship might be the entire scope of the sidereal's activities. As Fate itself is currently conspiring to keep the both of you connected, it becomes impossible to even temporarily lose this connection.
• °°°°°: The major event has been resolved and your relationship with this person has reached it's peak. It will never break, and no longer requires constant maintenance. You have the highest accessible degree of connectivity with this character's astrological sign, manipulating things within it's purview as if it were part of your fundamental nature.

[edit] Acquaintances

All Sidereals are not created equal. While it is true that Fate does ensure that they each their respective destinies, it is not a jourey that even Arcane Fate can force them to take without companions. That said, some Sidereals have opened themselves up to other far more than others. As such, the Acquaintances background represents the effort the Sidereal has made at maintaining nand strengthening social links. It grants extra dots at character creation for use in Colleges.

• -: Your power is relatively weak, still. Whether it's relative inexperience or some form of social anxiety, you have not developed any additional connections beyond what Fate and your Sifu have thrust upon you. You begin with only 7 dots in your Colleges.
• °: You have taken the first step on the path toward connectivity with the whole of Creation. While you possibly lack any real power outside of the purview of your Exaltation, you still are better off than many others. You have 9 dots of astrological Colleges and a few important dates.
• °°: A prominent face on the streets of Yu-Shan, you often have a very hard time going anywhere without someone trying to stop you for a brief conversation. This increased strength has manifested itself as a total of 11 dots of Colleges and quite the to-do list.
• °°°: Like an intricate dance, you move in and out of the social scenes of Creation. Whether it's a friendly face in every port, or a core of well-known and trusted friends, you certainly understand people, and the power they represent. You begin play with 14 dots of Colleges and very busy messenger god.
• °°°°: A social chameleon, you've developed many strong ties to the loom through your relationships. Though it might seem to be a hassle, to many of your colleagues, your friendships are enviable. You begin play with 18 dots of colleges and a great deal of social obligation.
• °°°°°: It's not often that a Sidereal can honestly claim to have touched the lives of so many in such a direct way. What answers have you uncovered? What secrets have you become privy to? You begin play with 22 dots of Colleges, and an almost comical amount of friends to balance against the work you are required to do.