Star Watcher (Investigator Archetype)
From magical subsystems to other archetypes, we’ve touched upon magical astrology on the blog before. Turns out whether you believe in the real-world equivalent, people love the idea of fantasy prophets that ask questions, and receive answers, from the stars.
While no divine seer, today’s subject uses a keen analytical mind to not only read the world around them, but the stars above. This marks yet another time when the investigator class uses an archetype to escape the initial theme of “genius detective”.
However, these investigators, if they can be called such, not only observe the threads of fate, but also work to change or reinforce them, depending on the prophesized outcome. In this way, they use their mystical blessings write or rewrite the future they foretell, becoming something akin to agents of those forces.
That being said, they don’t actually do much in the way of actual divination spells, though undoubtedly they master the art of lay prophecy and occult precognitive arts as well.
Unlike other investigators, star watchers do not invest their latent magical energies into alchemical concoctions, but rather, into astrological charts, penning various horoscopes for themselves and their allies to use. The result is that they still gain spells that require a physical object to use, but rather than learn to infuse them for others to use, they simply write them with a specific person in mind, allowing that individual to read the personalized contents and benefit from the spell contained. However, this does mean that they only work for that one person. This does, however mean that they understand little of the ways of alchemy, favoring instead this esoteric method.
As one might expect, star watchers are experts at identifying the stars and can even read people by interpreting how their astrological signs influence their personality.
Additionally, in place of the alchemy-themed talents and discoveries, these investigators can potentially learn a handful of useful talents tied to their profession.
One allows the star watcher to pen more permanent and user-friendly scrolls like many other casters, gaining knowledge of how to quickly understand other scrolls as well.
Another allows them to quickly prepare an unprepared horoscope to match their situation, almost as if they had known they would need it all along.
Mastering the weapon of a certain goddess of the stars, these brilliant minds learn how to use their canny observational skills to strike deadly blows with a starknife even when throwing it. Another talent even allows them to throw starknives in such a way that they return to their hand.
Something of a party buffer, this archetype uses the investigator penchant for gathering information and planning ahead to help decide which allies need which spells each day, able to pass out their horoscopes accordingly. Those that they keep for themselves help buff them up to join in the fray, studying foes to deal lethal blows to them. Indeed, much of what makes these investigators good in combat remains, so you can build to your heart’s content in most ways.
I imagine that the horoscope spells that these investigators use vary in nature between more subtle, magically-charged advice which empowers them, to actual invocation of the power of the stars for less subtle effects like breath weapons and the like. Think of fun ways to change up the alchemist/investigator spell list to adapt to the differing aesthetic of this archetype!
The War of Bloody Prophecy has been going on so long that traditional diviners are in short supply, but for those willing to look into alternate methods can enjoy the magic of astrologers. If only they would listen to the pleas to cease the fighting.
A brilliant agent, Mangela’s record is marred by his obsession with the stars and horoscopes, sometimes refusing jobs until the right “time.” However, there is no denying that his predictions carry a surprising bit of weight and certainty to them. If he says a job will succeed, then it most likely will.
Few realize it, but the prophet’s prediction of her death always comes true, even being devoured by ooze seems inevitable, unless the party finds some way to alter the thread of fate and the destiny of the land. Something more noble perhaps than the digestion of a choleric ooze swarm.
