Divinatory Guidance

Greetings once more, seekers of arcane wisdom, as we delve into the profound mysteries of divination magic. In this chapter, we shall explore the intricate art of divinatory guidance that bestows insight, foresight, and revelations upon those who dare to peer beyond the veil of the future. 

Divinatory guidance spells, my inquisitive pupils, are the key to unraveling the cryptic tapestry of fate. They grant the caster glimpses into hidden truths, provide cryptic answers to burning questions, and offer foresight that can alter the course of events. These spells are the bridge between the present and the yet-to-be, a conduit through which knowledge flows.

Within the realm of divinatory guidance, you shall encounter spells that reveal the future through the casting of lots, interpret cryptic symbols and omens, or grant knowledge of the distant and unseen. Each of these spells unlocks a facet of the universe’s mysteries, offering a tantalizing taste of the secrets that lie beyond mortal comprehension.

Why do some practitioners of the arcane choose to specialize in divinatory guidance?

The answer, my inquisitive pupils, is a desire for insight, understanding, and control over the twists and turns of fate. Those who dedicate themselves to the art of divination recognize the value of knowledge, foreseeing the potential to influence destiny itself.

Diviners are the seers, the interpreters, and the seekers of truth. They are drawn to divinatory guidance spells like moths to a flame, yearning to unveil the obscured, decipher the enigmatic, and harness the power of knowledge to shape their destinies. In their hands, divination becomes a beacon of hope, a means to illuminate the darkest of paths. Now, let us embark on a journey through the annals of divination. Below is a list of Divinatory Guidance Spells, each accompanied by a brief description of its properties and uses.

Augury: 2nd-level

Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (specially marked sticks, bones, or similar tokens worth at least 25 gp)
Duration: Instantaneous

When cast, it’s like whispering secrets to the very universe itself, seeking’ guidance on a choice you’ll make in the next half-hour. But beware, for the answers you get are not always crystal clear. The spirits, they speak in riddles, offering’ four omens:

  • ‘Weal’ for good tidings
  • ‘Woe’ for trouble ahead
  • ‘Both’ for a mix of both good and bad
  • ‘Nothing’ for outcomes that aren’t much to speak of

But here’s the twist, my dears. If you cast this spell more than once before resting’ your weary soul, a shroud of uncertainty creeps in, like shadows in the night. Each time after the first, there’s a 25 percent chance that the spirits shall confound you with a random answer. And remember, the secrets of the cosmos, they don’t account for the twists and turns that life may throw your way.


Divination: 4th-level

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (incense and a sacrificial offering appropriate to your religion, together worth at least 25 gp, which the spell consumes)
Duration: Instantaneous

When cast, it’s as if you send a message to the heavens, seeking answers from a god or their divine messengers.

You see, you may ask one question about a specific event or goal set to unfold within the next seven days. And in response, the gods offer a truthful, yet often cryptic, reply. It might come as a short phrase, a riddle, or even an omen, veiled in divine mystery.

But beware, dear ones, for this magic cannot foresee all the twists and turns life may bring. It doesn’t account for changes that may arise, such as other spells cast or the coming and going of companions.

Should you be tempted to cast this spell repeatedly, know that with each attempt, there’s a growing chance, a 25 percent chance, that your answer becomes enshrouded in randomness, known only to the Game Master, as the divine mysteries can be fickle.


Commune: 5th-level

Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (incense and a vial of holy or unholy water)
Duration: 1 minute

It’s a direct line to the divine, a chance to ask your deity, or one of their celestial messengers, three burning questions, each answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ But beware, the gods themselves don’t always hold the keys to all knowledge, and ‘unclear’ might be their reply when the answer lies beyond their grasp. Sometimes, when a single word won’t do, they’ll give you a cryptic phrase to ponder.

But heed this warning, my dears. If you cast this spell more than once before resting your weary soul, the veils between this world and the next grow thin, and there’s a 25 percent chance, with each casting after the first, that the divine silence shall greet your questions. The Game Masters, wise as they are, makes this roll in secret, just like the secrets of the divine themselves.


Contact Other Plane: 5th-level

Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Self
Components: V
Duration: 1 minute

Now, gather ’round, dear ones, and let me share the tale of a most daring and dangerous spell, ‘Contact Other Plane.’ When you cast it, you’re reaching out to beings from realms beyond, seeking knowledge, but beware! Such knowledge comes at a price.

You see, you must first test your own intellect with a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw. Fail, and your mind bears the weight of 6d6 psychic damage, driving you to madness until you find solace in a long rest. In your madness, you’ll be rendered incapable of understanding speech, taking action, or even reading. You’ll babble incoherently until a Greater Restoration spell mends your fractured psyche.

But, if you succeed in this mental trial, you’ll gain the right to pose five questions to this extraplanar entity. These queries must be asked before the spell’s end. The answers you receive are cryptic, for they come in one-word riddles like ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ ‘maybe,’ ‘never,’ ‘irrelevant,’ or ‘unclear’ when the entity lacks the answer you seek. Beware the whispers from beyond, for their true meanings may be veiled in mystery.

Guidance on Using Divinatory Guidance Spells

The art of divination is a profound journey that requires not only the mastery of spells but also a deep connection to the mystical forces that shape the future. When delving into the realms of divinatory guidance, consider the following:

  1. Clarity of Intention: Approach each divination with a clear and focused intention. The more precise your question or purpose, the more insightful the guidance you will receive.
  2. Interpreting Symbols: Be attentive to the symbolism and imagery presented during divination. Often, the answers lie in subtle signs and cryptic messages.
  3. Respect for the Divine: When seeking answers from higher powers, show reverence and humility. Recognize the sacred nature of the knowledge you are seeking.
  4. Trust Your Instincts: Embrace your intuition when interpreting divinatory guidance. Sometimes, the true meaning lies beyond the literal interpretation.
  5. Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of the ethical implications of your inquiries. Respect the boundaries of the mystical realms and the wisdom they impart.

With these principles as your guide, you shall navigate the intricate web of divination spells and unveil the profound insights they offer. As you delve deeper into the mysteries of divination, you will unlock the hidden wisdom that shapes the paths of destiny.

 

In the pursuit of foresight and wisdom,

Old Nan