Make a Reading (sage ability)

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Make a Reading is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Occultism. It enables the character to produce results from a chosen occult practice, as described below:

  • Astrology: the player will be expected to purchase an astrological book that will enable them to make astrological charts — and to make these charts of player and non-player characters in the setting as part of the cultivation of the discipline. The player does not have to believe in astrology, but the effects of making a chart will depend on the player's ability to demonstrate the accuracy and detail of what planets are in what houses at the time of the charted character's birth.
  • Bone Throwing: to read the bones, the character must purchase or be in possession of six 6-sided dice that are unique of each other, with images instead of numbers. Often called "story cubes." Add to these one 6-sided die that possesses pips. The manner in which the dice land determines the interpretation.
  • Numerology: requires little preparation, but does require the character keep continuous track of all dice rolled at a table in a given period to have any chance of making an observation. Depending on the die rolls, it is possible that no observation will result from this work that is done.
  • Tarot: the player must purchase a tarot deck. Results will form from the cards as they are pulled and set out during the reading.
  • Tea Leaf Reading: the player must provide loose tea and cup, as well as willingness to drink the tea and perform the ritual of tea reading in order to create the images necessary to make a proper reading.

The player will be required to study the pattern of the leaves and identify pictures therein.


This ability to read enables the player to state absolutely that the reading does take place and does have meaning; without that confirmation from the player, the process should not be granted any power. Take note, however, the onus is on the DM to ask, "Does this have meaning?" It should be made clear to the player that results cannot be described as having meaning once the false reading is put into effect.