February 2006, 20 years ago. Paizo released Dragon Magazine™ 340, which introduced a plethora of astrology-based information for D&D edition 3.5. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of such a fun expansion, and to fill the void rarely touched upon in D&D, I would like to introduce to you my Faerûnian astrology rules for 5th edition.
Much like our own world, astrology in the Forgotten Realms involves observing the movements and behaviors of stars and planets to predict events. It's also believed to be useful in identifying an individual's personality and future.
There are two known systems of astrology within the world of Toril. One of them is based in Kara-Tur, while the other (the Faerûnian system) is the one we will focus on here. Like some versions of the olden days of Faerûn, the current age of Toril-2 sees mechanical effects from a creature's star signs (both Faerûnian and Kara-Turan).
There are a total of 12 signs in Faerûnian astrology, one for each of the 12 main constellations observed as surrounding Toril. The dating system used within these rules follows the Calendar of Harptos.
- Beholder: Ches 20 - Tarsakh 19
- Harpy: Tarsakh 20 - Mirtul 19
- Ettin: Mirtul 20 - Kythorn 19
- Dryad: Kythorn 20 - Flamerule 19
- Stirge: Flamerule 20 - Eleasis 19
- Wyvern: Eleasis 20 - Eleint 19
- Dragon: Eleint 20 - Marpenoth 19
- Unicorn: Marpenoth 20 - Uktar 19
- Hydra: Uktar 20 - Nightal 19
- Chimera: Nightal 20 - Hammer 19
- Kraken: Hammer 20 - Alturiak 19
- Basilisk: Alturiak 20 - Ches 19
How Does It Work?
Every character has a date of birth, which can be determined randomly, the player can choose, or the DM may decide the signs for the players. However this decision is made, you will consult your date of birth with the list above to determine what your character's star sign is.
Each star sign provides a description of common personality traits shared by those born to them, changes to the character's ability scores, and three features. The first feature is your ideal career, and typically grants a skill proficiency or similar boon. The second is more specific and may grant unique abilities. The third feature is only accessible by people of the appropriate star sign when they are currently possessing a specific gem (a birthstone) worth at least 10 gp.
The Constellations/Signs
If you follow the links to the individual astrology signs, you will also find personality traits, ideals, bonds and flaws unique to each sign.
Note: the individual astrology pages with personality traits, ideals, bonds and flaws are still under construction. This note will be removed when all astrology pages are finalized.
1. The Beholder
Birthdates: Ches 20 - Tarsakh 19
Curious and perceptive, the Sign of the Beholder is defined by an unrelenting hunger for novelty, spectacle, and hidden truths. Those born under it are constant observers, and are drawn to mysteries. They are adept at unraveling puzzles, and are rarely satisfied with surface-level answers.
This constant state of analysis can create an air of detachment, however, as if they stand slightly apart from the world around them. Though, in conversation, they are captivating companions and are always armed with compelling stories and anecdotes.
If born under the Sign of the Beholder...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom, -1 Strength, -1 Dexterity
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Beholder tend to lean toward roles that reward observation and analysis such as scribes, investigators, codebreakers, and spies. You have a keen eye for patterns and hidden meanings. You gain proficiency in the Investigation skill. If you are already proficient in Investigation, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to checks they make with it.
Keen Awareness. Ever watchful and attuned to changes in their surroundings, you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks made to detect hidden creatures or objects.
Birthstone - Agate. Agate is associated with vigilance and perceptive clarity. While wearing or carrying an agate worth at least 10 gp, you have advantage on saving throws against illusions.
2. The Harpy
Birthdates: Tarsakh 20 - Mirtul 19
Charismatic and socially adept, those born under the Sign of the Harpy thrive where influence and creativity intertwine. They possess a natural instinct for politics, negotiation, and persuasion. They are see the world not as it is, but as it could be—and they rarely hesitate to guide others toward that vision.
Their charm can gather crowds of admirers and continuous contacts. Because they have a deep need of approval, they often push themselves tirelessly to meet expectations of others. Yet when frustrated or slighted, their sharp tongues can cut deep.
If born under the Sign of the Harpy...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Charisma, +1 Intelligence, -1 Dexterity, -1 Constitution
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Harpy tend to lean toward roles that reward charm and influence such as performers, diplomats, courtiers, negotiators, and cult leaders. Gifted with a resonant and compelling voice, you gain proficiency in the Performance skill. When making a Charisma (Performance) check involving singing or formal speech, you may add double your proficiency bonus to the roll.
Silver Tongue. A masters of persuasion and misdirection, you gain proficiency in the Deception skill. If already proficient, you instead gain a +2 bonus to Charisma (Deception) checks.
Birthstone - Turquoise. Turquoise is associated with air, motion, and subtle protection. While wearing or carrying a piece of turquoise worth at least 10 gp, you gain a +1 bonus to AC against ranged weapon attacks.
3. The Ettin
Birthdates: Mirtul 20 - Kythorn 19
Restless and divided, people born under the Sign of the Ettin are marked by inner duality. They often seem pulled between extremes of life. They are capable of remarkable compassion in one breath and startling aggression in the next. Their emotions run deep and are fierce; joy, anger, love, and grief are all experienced at full intensity.
Dramatic, passionate, and instinct-driven, they are quick to act and rarely second-guess themselves. This impulsiveness draws others in just as readily as it provokes conflict. Whether offering unexpected generosity or charging headlong into confrontation, they would much rather trust their gut than wait through thoughtful deliberation.
If born under the Sign of the Ettin...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Strength, +1 Charisma, -1 Dexterity, -1 Constitution
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Ettin tend to lean toward roles that reward strength and endurance such as laborers, soldiers, caravan guards, pit fighters, and mercenaries. Guided by instinct rather than calculation, you possess nimble hands and quick reactions. You gain proficiency in the Sleight of Hand skill. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to checks made with it.
Focused Under Pressure. Accustomed to balancing conflicting impulses, you can steady yourself when it matters most. You gain proficiency with thieves' tools. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to ability checks made using thieves' tools.
Birthstone - Opal. Opal is associated with spontaneity and sudden fortune. While wearing or carrying an opal worth at least 10 gp, you gain a +1 bonus to AC against opportunity attacks.
4. The Dryad
Birthdates: Kythorn 20 - Flamerule 19
Steadfast and devoted, those of the Sign of the Dryad are defined by loyalty to family and home. Those born under it cherish the steady calm of home and community, often showing little interest in distant causes or grand ambitions. Mindful of passing of time, they tend to invest themselves where their presence matters the most, such as among their friends, family, and trusted companions.
Their reluctance to chase uncertain prospects can appear incurious or overly cautious to outsiders. Yet when their home or loved ones are threatened, their calm demeanor hardens into unyielding resolve, and may the gods have mercy on whoever crosses them.
If born under the Sign of the Dryad...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Wisdom, +1 Charisma, -1 Strength, -1 Constitution
Ideal Career. People born under the Sign of the Dryad tend to lean toward roles that reward harmony with nature such as herbalists, farmers, druids, foresters, and healers. A gentle presence and patient temperament allows you to soothe even temperamental beasts. You gain proficiency in the Animal Handling skill. If already proficient, you instead add double their proficiency bonus to Wisdom (Animal Handling) checks.
Nurturing Hand. Naturally attentive to the well-being of others, you gain proficiency in the Medicine skill. If already proficient, you instead add double their proficiency bonus to Wisdom (Medicine) checks.
Birthstone - Pearl. Pearls are associated with security, loyalty, and enduring bonds. While wearing or carrying a pearl worth at least 10 gp, you gain a +1 bonus to AC while at least one conscious ally is within 5 feet of you.
5. The Stirge
Birthdates: Flamerule 20 - Eleasis 19
Relentless in the pursuit of their purpose in life, a person born under the Sign of the Stirge is marked by an inner void that demands to be filled. Those born under it devote themselves wholly to whatever drives them—whether to their ideals, ambitions, relationships, or their passions.
One pursuit inevitably rises above all others, and they chase it with constant focus and determination. Labels such as hero or villain carry little weight to them; what matters is the objective. Whether it be it for knowledge, wealth, vengeance, mastery, or experience; this hunger drives them from dawn to dusk, sustaining an intensity that few can match.
If born under the Sign of the Stirge...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence, -1 Strength, -1 Constitution
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Stirge tend to lean toward roles that reward persistence and a bit of luck such as bounty hunters, scouts, thieves, debt collectors, and survivalists. Your fixation on precision and detail lends itself to careful experimentation and measured craft. You gain proficiency with alchemist’s supplies. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to ability checks made using alchemist’s supplies.
Unyielding Focus. Possessing remarkable mental discipline when engaged in a task, you gain advantage on Constitution saving throws made to maintain concentration on spells.
Birthstone - Emerald. Emerald is associated with clarity of thought and strength of will. While wearing or carrying an emerald worth at least 10 gp, you have advantage on saving throws against being charmed.
6. The Wyvern
Birthdates: Eleasis 20 - Eleint 19
A restless free spirit defines those born under the Sign of the Wyvern. They crave motion, danger, and new horizons, living in pursuit of the next thrill or uncharted path. Routine feels suffocating, long-term plans feel like chains, and permanence inspires unease.
They would rather wager everything on a single bold strike than secure a cautious future. To risk all is, in their view, the only way to truly live.
If born under the Sign of the Wyvern...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Dexterity, +1 Strength, -1 Intelligence, -1 Charisma
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Wyvern tend to lean toward roles that reward aggression and dominance such as raiders, cavalry, monster hunters, sellswords, and gladiators. A lifetime of wandering fosters resilience and self-reliance. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill. If already proficient, you instead add double their proficiency bonus to Wisdom (Survival) checks.
Untethered Movement. Constant motion is second nature to you. You gain proficiency with land vehicles and with the Animal Handling skill when controlling a mount.
Birthstone - Sapphire. Sapphire is regarded as a traveler's safeguard. While wearing or carrying a sapphire worth at least 10 gp, you gain a +1 bonus to your AC during any turn in which you move at least 10 feet before the end of that turn.
7. The Dragon
Birthdates: Eleint 20 - Marpenoth 19
Majestic and keenly aware of their own significance, people born under the Sign of the Dragon are marked by ambition and passion. They are driven to acquire wealth, influence, knowledge, or loyalty; but their desire for legacy often manifests in building something that outlives themselves.
They possess formidable determination and inventive minds, constantly shaping and expanding the world around them to make it their own. Whether that 'world' is a household, an enterprise, or a band of adventurers, leadership is essential to their sense of fulfillment. Though they seek authority, they rarely rule through cruelty; instead, they invest their time and effort into strengthening and uplifting those who follow their lead.
If born under the Sign of the Dragon...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Intelligence, +1 Dexterity, -1 Wisdom, -1 Charisma
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Dragon tend to lean toward roles that reward authority and intellect such as rulers, generals, archmages, nobles, and high priests. A refined sense of style and sharp instinct for value makes you a natural judge of worth. You gain proficiency in the Investigation skill. When determining the value, rarity, or authenticity of an object, you may add double their proficiency bonus to the check.
Watchful Sovereign. Ever attentive to the needs and safety of those under your protection, you gain proficiency in the Perception skill. If already proficient, you instead add double their proficiency bonus to Wisdom (Perception) checks made to hear distant sounds or cries for help.
Birthstone - Garnet. Garnet is associated with renown, leadership, and enduring legacy. While wearing or carrying a garnet worth at least 10 gp, you gain a +1 bonus to your AC until the start of your next turn whenever you use the Help action to aid an ally in attacking a creature.
8. The Unicorn
Dates: Marpenoth 20 - Uktar 19
People born under the the Sign of the Unicorn are bold, direct, and often carry an uncompromising conviction. Those born under it possess a natural heroism, guided by a firm belief in right and wrong. They view the world in clear moral lines, valuing duty, loyalty, and self-sacrifice above manipulation or political maneuvering.
Their reluctance to entertain compromise can create friction, and they are rarely suited to delicate diplomacy or long-term scheming. Yet their sincerity, courage, and unwavering principles earn them admiration and steadfast allies.
If born under the Sign of the Unicorn...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Charisma, +1 Constitution, -1 Strength, -1 Dexterity
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Unicorn tend to lean toward roles that reward grace and inspiration such as knights, healers, artists, emissaries, and champions of noble causes. Fearless in the face of danger and steady at great heights, you gain proficiency in the Athletics skill. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to Strength (Athletics) checks made to climb.
Explosive Vigor. Driven to push beyond ordinary limits, you gain a bonus to your Athletics checks equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum 1).
Birthstone - Topaz. Topaz is associated with vitality and physical resilience. While wearing or carrying a topaz worth at least 10 gp, you have advantage on saving throws against poison and disease.
9. The Hydra
Birthdates: Uktar 20 - Nightal 19
Those born under the Sign of the Hydra tend to be upbeat, resilient and unbreakable. They it recover quickly from setbacks, meeting adversity with renewed confidence and steady optimism.
From an early age they are often praised for their positive outlook and refusal to dwell on defeat. They cultivate an image of strength and composure, presenting their most capable face to the world even in difficult times. Like the many-headed creature for which the sign is named, they seem to rise again no matter how often they are struck down.
If born under the Sign of the Hydra...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Constitution, +1 Wisdom, -1 Strength, -1 Dexterity
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Hydra tend to lean toward roles that reward resilience and adaptability such as explorers, troubleshooters, wilderness guides, commanders, and monster slayers. A personable demeanor paired with tireless persistence allows you to draw out rumors and hidden truths from people. you gain proficiency in the Persuasion skill. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to Charisma (Persuasion) checks made to gather information in settlements.
Serpentine Agility. Nimble and difficult to pin down, you gain proficiency in the Acrobatics skill. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks made to move through a hostile creature’s space or avoid being grappled.
Birthstone – Diamond. Diamond is associated with endurance and fortitude. While wearing or carrying a diamond worth at least 10 gp, when a creature scores a critical hit against you, you can use your reaction to turn that critical hit into a normal hit. Once you use this property, you can’t use it again until the next dawn.
10. The Chimera
Birthdates: Nightal 20 - Hammer 19
Typically gracious and even-tempered, those born under the Sign of the Chimera carry a preference for unity. Those born under it possess an instinctive understanding of differing perspectives and an uncommon ability to weave them into common purpose. Natural mediators and diplomats, they are quick to sense the needs of others and eager to see them met.
Though some may bristle at their tendency to insert themselves into disputes, their warmth and sincerity often smooth lingering tensions. Authority may find its way to them even when it is not actively sought, and when it does, they must balance harmony and empathy with justice and the recognition that not all conflicts can be neatly reconciled.
If born under the Sign of the Chimera...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Strength, +1 Dexterity, -1 Intelligence, -1 Wisdom
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Chimera tend to lean toward roles that reward versatility and unpredictability such as inventors, alchemists, adventurers, privateers, and arcane researchers. Skilled at navigating personalities and easing tensions, you gain proficiency in the Persuasion skill. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to Charisma (Persuasion) checks made to negotiate agreements or resolve conflicts.
Careful Footing. Accustomed to moving delicately through fraught situations, you gain proficiency in the Stealth skill. If already proficient, you instead add double their proficiency bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to move quietly.
Birthstone - Amethyst. Amethyst is associated with foresight and timely awareness. While wearing or carrying an amethyst worth at least 10 gp, you have advantage on Dexterity saving throws against spells and other magical effects that deal damage.
11. The Kraken
Birthdates: Hammer 20 - Alturiak 19
Patient and calculating, those who are born under the Sign of the Kraken are associated with strategy and cold cunning. They approach life always watching, always planning. They delight in contingency planning, preferring layered strategies and hidden safeguards over bold gambits.
Their interests are rarely narrow; instead, they extend their reach widely, cultivating networks of allies, informants, and quiet obligations and debts. The full breadth of their influence is seldom visible, and that is precisely how they prefer it.
If born under the Sign of the Kraken...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Constitution, +1 Strength, -1 Wisdom, -1 Charisma
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Kraken tend to lean toward roles that reward patience and long-term planning such as crime lords, naval captains, masterminds, merchants, and political manipulators. Comfortable in fluid and unpredictable conditions, you gain proficiency in the Athletics skill. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to Strength (Athletics) checks made to swim.
Veiled Presence. Accustomed to working from the shadows, you gain proficiency in the Stealth skill. If already proficient, you instead add double their proficiency bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide.
Birthstone: Aquamarine. Aquamarine is associated with the sea and adaptive movement. While wearing or carrying an aquamarine worth at least 10 gp, you gain a +1 bonus to AC against melee attack rolls made as part of a grapple or against spell attacks that require a melee attack roll.
12. The Basilisk
Birthdates: Alturiak 20 - Ches 19
Very deliberate in everything they do, people born under the Sign of the Basilisk are defined by their wary, independent outlooks on life. Those born under it often anticipate the worst, yet this skepticism grants them sharp foresight and practical judgment.
Stubborn and immovable in their convictions, they are slow to change their minds, and grudges may persist for years. While their aloofness can keep others at a distance, their tenacity, problem-solving skills, and common sense make them reliable in any crises.
If born under the Sign of the Basilisk...
Ability Scores. The following changes are made to your ability scores: +2 Wisdom, +1 Constitution, -1 Intelligence, -1 Charisma
Ideal Career. Individuals of the Sign of the Basilisk tend to lean toward roles that reward caution and decisive action such as judges, executioners, sentinels, wardens, and assassins. Possessing a commanding presence and a gaze that unnerves others, you gain proficiency in the Intimidation skill. If already proficient, you instead add double your proficiency bonus to checks made with it.
Keen Judgement. Naturally skeptical and discerning, you gain proficiency in the Insight skill. If already proficient, you instead gain advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks made to assess the intentions of others.
Birthstone - Ruby. Ruby is associated with strength, protection, and steadfastness. While wearing or carrying a ruby worth at least 10 gp, you gain advantage on saving throws against transmutation effects or spells.