Difference between revisions of "Beast Origins (sage ability)"

From The Authentic D&D Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
 
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Provides full knowledge of the moral and symbolic qualities that beasts possess, including stories of their origins, their place and reason for being, the manner in which they fit into the religious milieu and construction of the universe and ultimately how they "think."  The knowledge also clearly defines what a beast is capable of, and what creatures that may be met by the character are most definitely not beasts.
+
[[File:Beast Origins (sage ability).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
 +
'''Beast origins''' is an [[Knowledge Points|authority]]-status [[Sage Ability|sage ability]] in the [[Sage Study|study]] of [[Beasts (sage study)|Beasts]], providing comprehensive knowledge of the moral and symbolic attributes associated with various known [[Beast|beasts]], including their origin, role and significance within the game setting, and also religious and cosmological contexts.
 +
__TOC__
 +
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.
  
Intelligent beasts often have forms that are double, or even triple in size of the better known manifestation of a given beast.  These "great beasts" have some aspects of demi-god status, but they are almost always mortal (immortality occasionally being granted to a particular beast by a greater god).  The knowledge gives clues to where such great beasts may be found, to be parleyed with (as they are triple in intelligence and age, also), or to be fought and destroyed.
+
== 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|amphisbaena snake]], so gigantic that it must dwell upon the [[Astral Plane|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-gods (sage study)|demi-god]] status, as well as considerable [[Intelligence|intelligence]] as well.
  
The knowledge also includes a litany of information about the valuable substances that may exist within the bodies of beasts, such as the unicorn's horn or the paws of an owlbear.  However, while some knowledge may be had of what use these things serve, it does not empower the character to make use of the thing (see [[Alchemy (sage study)|Alchemy]]).  The relevant part of the beast may be successfully extracted, however ... and in the case of an egg, or the live birth of a thing (depending on the creature), the character is potentially able to ensure the egg's hatching or the live birth's survival.
+
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 [[Parley & Negotiation|negotiation]]. Having lived for a long time, these creatures often have knowledge of things that cannot be learned anywhere else.
<br>
 
<br>
 
See Also,<br>
 
[[Beast|Beast (list)]]<br>
 
[[Beasts (sage study)]]
 
  
 +
== 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|unicorn's]] horn or the paws of an [[Owlbear|owlbear]].  While some understanding is contingent upon a knowledge of [[Alchemy (sage study)|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.
  
[[Category: Lacks Image]]
+
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).
 +
 
 +
[[Category: Sage Abilities]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 18:58, 8 November 2023

Beast Origins (sage ability).jpg

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.

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).