The Year on Toril is very similar to a year on Earth. There are four seasons, twelve months of 30 days, with five days between those months during that year which are seasonal festivals celebrated differently depending on the location and culture found there; the main differences between Toril and Earth calenders are that each of the months has exactly 30 days, and they are divided up into three ten-day long segments, called Tendays, rather than weeks. Each of the twelve months has its astrological sign, and while the names are different, there are strong common aspects between the Astrology of Earth and that of Toril.
Now I absolutely must point out here that Astrology is not an aspect of the campaign setting that is covered in any official capacity in the campaign guides and various lore sources over the decades, which is something I found to be quite a shock, all things considered, while there are known stars and constellations, planets and such, astronomy in other words, there isn't any astrology, so, today I am going to show you how I would handle it, and the reasons why I have done things a certain way.
So, to begin, I go with a concept of sticking with 70% familiar and 30% strange, this means I am not going to deviate hugely from existing astrology, most people don't know much about it beyond what they see in newspapers and apps on their mobiles anyway, I just happen to have studied the subject fairly intensely way back in the early 1990's, so I have the advantage of already knowing the subject material pretty well to begin with, and being able to treat the subject with a bit of authenticity and respect. I'm not here to sell you on the idea of astrology, this is a nerdy video about a fantasy world, no more, no less, but, at the end of it, you should have a much better idea of how Astrology can fit very comfortably into the Forgotten Realms, and I hope, make good use of it to enrich your own games and world building.
To give you an example of how I would use it, imagine a Dwarven Master Stonemason who is selecting a new apprentice to train from a few youngsters in the clan, he's not familiar with them, they come from a very large clan, perhaps as many as 5000 dwarves living and working in a township, he knows their family names, but nothing much else about them, so naturally, he will ask some questions, and his first question is, what month were you born?
Young Thurngood is the first to answer, he says Flamerule, and the Stonemason nods, looking to the next dwarf who speaks up and says they were born at the beginning of Ches, to which the stonemason actually rolls his eyes a little and frowns before looking to the last dwarf, who says he was born on the second tenday of Eleasis, to which the Master mason looks relieved. He turns back to the other two and says to the individual born in the month of Ches, also known as the Claw of Sunsets "Thank you for coming in, you have some good work and your fathers tools are excellent, but you should know, this is not the life for you, oh, it may go well as you learn and face challenges, but come ten or twenty years, you will be deeply unsatisfied with this life, so no, I can't be leading you down the wrong road, you best be off, go see Fullgrun, she is looking for some recruits to her guards and rangers, that would suit you better, I appreciate your respect for your father's example but, you will never be the craftmaster he was, alright?" and turning to the first to answer, he looks the lad over, a fine dwarfen fellow, popular and motivated, no doubt. "Lad, I appreciate you coming in as well, but theres no fame and fortune to be made in this workshop, I'm very light with the praise and expect many long and back breaking hours of hard, boring work, which I don't doubt you could do, for a while, and do it very well, but again, in decades to come, you will be unfulfilled by this work, frustrated that nobody knows your name, tired of the same old faces and same old tools, day after day... no lad, there is only one choice from the three of you." and cutting off any objections, he held out a calloused hand and clapped the last candidate on the shoulder, "Born under the sign of the Anvil? Your heart craves the ring of hammer on chisel, your eyes find delight in a precisely fitting block, you want to learn the language of stone, don't you lad? Yes, yes, this is the life for you, as though Moradin put you in these mountains for just this, you were literally born to be a mason or smith, come take your tools inside, its time to get to work".
Dwarves are very traditionally minded, and to them it makes perfect sense that each dwarf is made by Moradin to be particularly well suited to a specific role in society, given a choice in the matter, there really was no choice between those three candidates for the master mason, and nobody would question his reasons. He could have gone against this logic of course, there are any number of other qualities which go into making a good mason, and if two of the applicants had been born in the same month, maybe he would have gone with more specific personal traits, but, in this case, the month they were born was all he needed to know.
Right or wrong, only time can tell, but with an average lifespan of three centuries, plenty of time is a luxury that all dwarves share, along with the practical wisdom of plenty of experience.
Lets get into the details now and go over the months of the year and the signs that govern them and here is where the 70% familiarity will become very clear to you.
Where the symbols, mythology and links to an individual's nature came from, we don't really know, the secrets of the ancient past and long lost empires is the whole point of The Forgotten Realms, but I like to think that even as far back as the Age of Thunder some 35 thousand years ago, when the Empire of the Serpent mages dominated a very different landscape and climate, the observations and symbols of Astrology developed alongside the study of Magic, with the Sarrukh Empires actively collecting, hoarding and delving deeply into the mystic wisdom of all other races they encountered and dominated. This deep history is the reason that almost all of the civilisations on Toril now share those same symbols and meanings.
In the month of Hammer, the equivalent of January, it is a month also known as Deepwinter on Toril, on Earth the star sign Aquarius is given to places, things and people who began or were born from January 21st to February 18th, but to keep it simple, anyone on Toril born in the 30 days of Hammer have the star sign called Elael, or The Songsmith in the common tongue and it is the equivalent to Aquarius the water bearer in its specific personality traits.
So lets go through them all, for all twelve months of the year.
Hammer or Deepwinter - Elael "The Songsmith" (January - Aquarius "The Waterbearer")
Individuals born under the sign of the Songsmith are creative, humanitarian, and independent, with a love of music, art, and self-expression. However, they can be aloof and seem cold-hearted. They are natural rebels, always seeking to challenge the status quo and create a better world through their imagination and innovation. Songsmith individuals are unconventional, unpredictable, and charming, always seeking to inspire and uplift others through their art and their example, they are also known to be very frank and honest people, intolerant of lies and deception. Elael is seen as the hope of spring in the pure white snow of winter. Their love of freedom and nonconformity can sometimes make them seem erratic or unpredictable, but their vision and creativity always guide them towards the path of progress and revolution.
The Songsmith is a constellation based on an ancient elven fable about a mage who crafts a song so pure and sweet that even the gods are humbled. It is part of the larger Alturiel (Lion) constellation, forming the voice of the lion. Most also call this sign The Bard, although bardic magic is comparitively very modern and a new invention on the world of Toril.
Alturiak or The Claw of Winter - Namarie "The Elfmaid's Tears" (February - Pisces "The Fishes")
Individuals born under the two teardrops sign of Namarie are deeply emotional and empathetic, with a strong connection to the spiritual realm. They are compassionate, imaginative, and creative, with a love of art, music, and drama. Namarie individuals are natural dreamers, always seeking to connect with something greater than themselves. Their intuition is strong, and they are often guided by their emotions and instincts. While they can be vulnerable to the whims of fate, their adaptability and resilience always help them navigate the ups and downs of life. The Elfmaid's Tears is a star constellation clearly visible directly over the city of Waterdeep and is mentioned in the novel The Dream Spheres by Elaine Cunningham, on page 17. Not much is known about the mythology behind the teardrops symbols, but, it's clear that the symbol is very old, even older than the history of the elves on the planet.
Ches or The Claw of Sunsets - Ieriynari "The Sailor's Star" (March - Aries "The Ram")
Those born under the sign of Ieriynari are natural adventurers, always seeking to chart new courses and explore the unknown. They are confident, courageous, and passionate, with a love of freedom and a disdain for routine. Ieriynari individuals are natural leaders, always taking the helm and guiding their companions through the challenges of life. Their impulsiveness can sometimes get them into trouble, but their quick wit and resourcefulness always help them find a way out.
Ieriynari, also known as the Sailor's Star, is a bright and steady star that guides sailors and travelers through the night. It is held sacred to Selunites and praised by sailors across Faerun. The star is also known as Y'landrothiel, the Traveler's Star, among the elves, who believe that humans first learned of the star's navigational uses from them. Those from beyond Toril are often struck by how much the symbol looks like a compass, and those from Toril who acquire maps from other worlds are often perplexed at the symbol for Leriynari appearing on them.
Tarsakh or The Claw of Storms - Khorni "The Horn" (April - Taurus "The Bull")
Those born under the sign of Khorni are practical, dependable, and determined individuals with a love of stability and security. They are patient, persistent, and hardworking, always seeking to build a strong foundation for themselves and their loved ones. Khorni individuals are natural craftsmen, always taking pride in their work and seeking to create something of lasting value. Their stubbornness can sometimes make them seem inflexible, but their loyalty and dedication to their loved ones are unwavering.
The Horn is a constellation representing good fortune, wealth, and fertility. It is associated with the goddess Waukeen, especially among the societies of Amn, Tethyr, and the Western Heartlands. The elves know this constellation as Shansibal, the mythic Cornucopia, and it is sacred to the priesthood of Aerdrie Faenya. The Hin, or Halflings, know this as the symbol of their creator goddess, Yondalla.
Mirtul or The Melting - Jestarin "The Jester" (May - Gemini "The Twins")
Individuals born under the sign of Jestarin are quick-witted, curious, and adaptable, with a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge. They are natural communicators, always seeking to share their ideas and connect with others. Jestarin individuals are mischievous and playful, always looking for the humor in life and the irony in every situation. Their restlessness can sometimes make them seem scattered or easily distracted, but their versatility and creativity always help them stay one step ahead of the game.
The Jester constellation shines brightest in Eleint, especially around Higharvestide. Humans and halflings know this constellation as the Jester, while among elves, It is associated with the myth of the Dancer, a figure that has become associated with Eilistraee, the Dark Maiden, Daughter of Lolth who seeks to reunite the elven people.
Kythorn or The Time of Flowers - Chaldirs "The Chalice" (June - Cancer "The Crab")
Those born under the sign of Chaldirs are nurturing, protective, and loyal individuals with a deep connection to family and community. They are emotional, sensitive, and empathetic, always seeking to care for and support those they love. Chaldirs individuals are natural caregivers, always putting the needs of others before their own. Their emotional depth and strong intuition make them highly attuned to the needs of those around them. On the other hand, they also tend to be blunt and are sometimes reluctant and moody when forced outside their comfort zone.
The Chalice is a relatively minor constellation known as "Chebelos" or "The Odalin" in ancient texts. Although the meaning of these words is lost, the texts indicate that the Chalice once played a more important role in the heavens.
Flamerule or Summertide - Svendorin "The Swordsman" (July - Leo "The Lion")
Individuals born under the sign of Svendorin are confident, passionate, and generous, with a love of drama and a flair for the dramatic. They are natural performers, always seeking to entertain and inspire others through their creativity and charisma. Svendorin individuals are warm-hearted and loyal, always standing by their friends and loved ones. Their pride and ego can sometimes make them seem arrogant or domineering, but their warmth and generosity always shine through in the end.
The Swordsman is a constellation that shares the same traits in cultures across Faerun: loyalty, guardianship, battle, and freedom. Many legends and myths have been attributed to the Swordsman through the ages, although most recent human ones center around Torm or Tempus's exploits.
Eleasis or Highsun - Kragnir "The Anvil" (August - Virgo "The Maiden")
Those born under the sign of Kragnir are practical, hardworking, and diligent individuals with a love of craftsmanship and a desire to create something of lasting value. They are precise, analytical, and critical, always seeking to improve and perfect their work. Kragnir individuals are natural craftsmen, always taking pride in their skills and seeking to create something of beauty and utility. Their attention to detail and perfectionism can sometimes make them seem nitpicky or overly critical, but their dedication to their craft is unwavering.
The Anvil is a constellation known as Jansreene's Throne to humans, named after the legendary Queen Jansreene of Asram. To dwarves, the constellation is known as the Anvil and holds great religious significance to them, especially in relation to the church of Moradin.
Eleint or The Fading - Tymori "The King's Coin" (September - Libra "The Scales")
Individuals born under the sign of Tymori are charming, gracious, and social, with a love of beauty, harmony, and balance. They are natural diplomats, always seeking to create peace and understanding between opposing forces. Tymori individuals are cooperative, adaptable, and conciliatory, always seeking to find common ground and resolve conflicts through compromise and negotiation. Their love of luxury and comfort can sometimes make them seem superficial or materialistic, but their sense of fairness and justice always guides them toward the path of righteousness.
The King's Coin is a brightly shining, yellowish star that forms the "pommel" of the sword in the Swordsman constellation. It is traditionally held to foretell the lives of Faerun's rulers, and many tales through the ages tell of the Coin glowing brightly at the birth of rulers destined for greatness. Elven legends, however, take a much darker view of the star, knowing it as the "Kingslayer" and associating it with the goddess Tymora, the chaotic good deity of good fortune, skill, and adventurers in the Faerûnian pantheon.
Marpenoth or Leaffall - Maerizik "The Serpent" (October- Scorpio "The Scorpion")
Those born under the sign of Maerizik are intense, profound, and transformative individuals with a love of mystery and a fascination with the unknown. They are passionate, private, and perceptive, always seeking to penetrate to the heart of any matter. Maerizik individuals are natural alchemists, always seeking to transform and transmute base materials into something of greater value. Their power and intensity can sometimes make them seem overwhelming or intimidating, but their compassion and empathy always guide them toward the path of healing and growth.
The Serpent is a constellation named by the inhabitants of ancient Raurin. In their legends, Maerilzoun was a huge, evil serpent that would one day descend from the skies at the end of the world to devour the sun. To the nomads of the Shaar, the Serpent is the godly counterpoint of Uerdyl, the Lion (personified by the Swordsman constellation). The Serpent is associated with the cycle of transformation and renewal and with the gods of magic, including Azuth and Mystryl.
Uktar or The Rotting - Ulazirin "The Wizard's March" (November - Sagittarius "The Archer")
Individuals born under the sign of Ulazirin are adventurous, optimistic, and expansive, with a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge. They are natural explorers, always seeking to explore new horizons and discover new wonders. Ulazirin individuals are enthusiastic, freedom-loving, and principled, always seeking to inspire and uplift others through their example and their teaching. Their love of adventure and exploration can sometimes make them seem restless or easily distracted, but their vision and idealism always guide them toward the path of progress and discovery.
The Wizard's March is a grouping of three stars known collectively as The Wizard's March. Although the name of the constellation has passed into common lore among the peoples of Faerun, it is believed that their origins lie to the east, in the lands of Rashemen and ancient Raumathar.
Nightal or The Drawing Down - Labraini "The Archer" (December - Capricorn "The Goat")
Those born under the sign of Labraini are ambitious, disciplined, and responsible individuals who love a good challenge and a desire to achieve greatness. They are natural strategists, always seeking to create and execute a plan with precision and skill. Labraini individuals are patient, persistent, and practical, always seeking to build a strong foundation for themselves and their loved ones. Their reserve and caution can sometimes make them seem aloof or distant, but their loyalty and dedication to their goals is unwavering. On the downside, those with the sign of the Archer can be sticklers for rules and ferocious when upset.
The Archer is a constellation often seen as a companion to the Swordsman, whom he faces across the nighttime sky. The elves also call this constellation Labraen, and each elven enclave seems to have its legends and stories about him.
And that is all twelve of the star signs; as you can see, they are just copies of our familiar star signs because we really don't need to reinvent the wheel, and I think players will automatically feel a connection to the idea thanks to their star signs being represented. It's a perfectly valid bit of character creation to write down what star sign they are, since you can combine Astrology with the character's other traits, such as Alignment and background flaws or boons. It does nothing but add to the game's richness and complexity.
In the Realms, Nobles and merchants consult astrologers regularly to choose auspicious dates for key events like treaties, battles, and weddings, believing celestial alignments affect luck, wealth, and power. Commoners, too, follow these signs for decisions in daily life—when to plant crops, start a journey, or even pick a spouse.
I hope you enjoyed this video and the Astrology concept, my name is AJ Pickett and as always, I will be back with more for you, very soon.
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