Beast Origins (sage ability)
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Beast origins is an authority-status sage ability in the study of Beasts, providing comprehensive knowledge of the moral and symbolic attributes associated with various known beasts, including their origin, role and significance within the game setting, and also religious and cosmological contexts.
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This knowledge also delves into the distinctive thought processes and characteristics that define these creatures, while offering the capabilities of these beasts and their distinction from non-beastly entities that characters may encounter.
Greater Beasts
Throughout the game setting, there are unique individuals among traditionally-sized beasts who are vastly larger and more powerful than their lesser cousins. The Ouruboros, for example, is a one-of-a-kind beast related to the amphisbaena snake, so gigantic that it must dwell upon the astral plane, for it's much too large to exist on Earth. Another such example would be the three-headed dog Cerberus. Such creatures are still "beasts," but their existence verges upon having a demi-god status, as well as considerable intelligence as well.
Knowledge of these beasts is also given to characters with the ability, offering insight into where these great beasts may be encountered, how they may be confronted or perhaps met with an expectation of peaceful negotiation. Having lived for a long time, these creatures often have knowledge of things that cannot be learned anywhere else.
Beast Alchemy
This reservoir of knowledge also presents a comprehensive inventory of valuable substances concealed within the bodies of various beasts, such as a unicorn's horn or the paws of an owlbear. While some understanding is contingent upon a knowledge of Alchemy, some knowledge is given regarding the potential uses of these components. Too, the character is able to successfully extract such fluids or parts from beasts, without disturbing their innate potencies.
Regarding the presence of a beast's eggs, or in cases where a live birth occurs, the character has knowledge of how best to proceed. A successful hatching of an egg can be managed, or a live birth aided, with a normal chance of success (typically 9 in 10).
