Navigation (sage ability)

Navigation Navigation is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Natural Astronomy, and an authority-status ability in Oceanography. It enables the character to maintain and monitor a chosen course, whether over land or sea, even in unfamiliar territory and without the aid of visible topographic landmarks. While a basic understanding of cardinal directions—north, east, south, and west—is fundamental, the true strength of the ability lies in the character's instinctive grasp of environmental cues: the alignment of stars, the arc of the sun, reflected light on water and terrain, the flow of wind or current, and other subtle indicators. With this skill, the character gains absolute certainty of the direction being followed.

This does not mean the character will always select the optimal or most advantageous path—only that the chosen route will be feasible and within the party’s capacity to travel. The ability does not provide insight into the locations of roads, passes, or precise wind conditions. Rather, it assures that the route selected is passable and sensible, relative to the group’s abilities. In most cases, players will be presented with multiple viable paths; it is up to them to choose among them. Only when a single path is clearly the only option will the course be evident without decision.

In practical terms, the knowledgeable character cannot become lost. Though the way forward may be dangerous or difficult, the path determined will be valid, allowing the party to cross unfamiliar terrain, navigate open waters, or return to previously visited locations with confidence.

Instruments

See also,
Celestial Navigation (sage ability)