Ah! Forgive me, my lady, for I did not recognize you. Of course I shall advise you. No, there is no cost; all I ask in return is that you remember me when your time comes. Some claim that Fate's mark is on everything, even (and especially) the souls of the dead. Fatalism is the Arcanos that allows wraiths to read Fate's tapestry, to the extent of interpreting someone's past or future. Fatalism is a dangerous Arcanos; those who tamper with Fate's weaving can find themselves horribly ensnared in its webs. There shold be stiff penalties for abuses of this power; Fate does not take kindly to meddlers in her works.
The Guild
The Oracles' Guild enjoyed steady business it its heyday. Some say they directly served the Lady of Fate herself, others that even higher powers commanded their allegiance. Rumor aside, Oracles are prized as advisors on most matters, and were sought after as counselors by many Stygian lords. Their good fortunes lasted until Serenea, the Grand High Oracle, told Charon his fate was to be lost to the Tempest. In anger, he levied great punishments upon her, causing her to refrain from relating the remainder of her prophecy and angering her Guild. It was at this time that the Oracles threw in behind the Artificers' and Usurers' mad scheme, precipitating the coup. Despite knowing the inevitable price to be paid, the Oracles abandoned the other Guilds soon after the Usurers and Masquers withdrew from the revolution. These days, Oracles tend to associate with Chanteurs, Sandmen and even Spooks. Many find it best to not advertise their calling, advising only those clever enough to seek them out. There is a fierce unspoken loyalty between Oracles, but they avoid long associations with one another. Oracles prefer gaudy attire, and most have arcane markings or symbols of Fate inscribed on their foreheads and arms. These sigils appear on their own and cannot be removed, and many appear to dance or move on their own.
Botches
&nbs; Although many Fatalism botches result in misinformation, the Storyteller should not feel limited to simple misreadings. Perhaps the character sees a horrible momen, and his ability to concentrate is badly shaken for a scene or two. Or maybe Fate withholds its answers, and Fatalism itself will not work for the wraith for an hour or so. Remember tha tthose with Fatalism trust deeply in Fate's inevitable will, and dread losing what control or insight they have worked hard to possess.
Basic Abilities
Kismet: This is the ability to gauge a person, situation or a thing's importance in the grand weave. A practiced Oracle can easily perceive the forces at play around those with great destinies.
1 - Fatal Vision Those with Fatalism can read a person's deathmarks, the marks on wraiths and mortals fated to die soon. Deathmarks hint at the manner of a person's death, and appear on mortals shortly before they die. Some mortals, those doomed to die in particularly tragic fashion, manifest deathmarks months or even years before their deaths. Fatal Vision also reveals if a subject has been previously targeted by Fatalism.
2 - Foreshadow The wraith's attunement to Fate's interweaving strands allows her to sense when danger approaches, much as a spider perceives vibrations along its web. This art costs no Pathos, but the uneasiness it inspires grants the character 1 Angst for each succesfful use.
3 - Interpretation The wraith can interpret a person's fate or read into her past by means of this art. Interpretation is typically used with some form of divination paraphernalia (the Tarot or I Ching, ninecasting, astrology or the like); attempting this art without such props is far more difficult and like to backfire. Interpretation costs 2 Pathos.
4 - Guesswork As a wraith masters Fatalism, she can learn to read the interplay of Fate's forces more quickly, even in stressful situations. Guesswork allows a wraith to "read into" someone else's actions, and intuitively respond even before the target acts. This art costs 2 Pathos.
5 - Luck The secrets of the final level of Fatalism permit a wraith to make minor adjustments to Fate itself. By invoking Fate's blessing, a wraith can enjoy greater success in her efforts. This art cannot affect Harrowings, however, and may only be activated once per story. Activating Luck costs 2 Pathos and 1 Willpower.
