The Fated

Can we keep our bearing straight,

Or will we be blown off course?

Are we instruments of fate?

Do we really have a choice?

“Boat Song,” Woodkid

Born Different
The Fated are different from all other mortal beings. They are marked from birth with star-signs – constellation-shaped birthmarks – on their backs. No Fated has lived a mundane life, and every Fated has become part of an enduring legend. What they are fated to do, and by whom, is a mystery. Every communion with any god (save one) has received the same answer, even word for word.

“These Instruments are not mine to play.”

The only exception is the time god, Aanelustre, who simply ignores the question or responds with bewildering koans.

Actors Upon A Grand Stage
Legends of the Fated go back millennia; the earliest records of the Sevenfold Empire of Shevrandt that have been located by sages are believed to mention the Fated: “Our Kings bear the stars upon their backs; the Crown has chosen them.”

Fated can come of any race or background, from elven royalty to halfling vagabonds. What they all have in common is a peculiar physical marking: all Fated bear a birthmark on their back in the shape one of the thirteen Guiding Ancients, the most important star-signs. The connection between the Guiding Ancients and the Fated is, like many things about them, not well understood.

Fated are exceptionally gifted representatives of their race, even by the standards of champions and heroes. They show this talent early on, before they even enter training in the adventurous paths that they invariably choose (or which choose them). Furthermore, through some unknown means, the Fated can reach deep within themselves and actively attempt to alter their destiny. No other beings – not even the gods – are believed to be capable of this, and just how it is that the Fated accomplish this is unknown.

The Banner of Fate
All sapient, living things have a sort of “banner” in the Astral Plane, representing their destiny. The gods, and those who study esoteric methods for doing so, can perceive these banners. When multiple banners come together, they mingle into a larger one. When the banners separate, they leave little fragments in each other, as every meeting has an effect on the destiny of others. Most of these are insignificant, and the banners of most individuals are faint and difficult to see. However, the destiny of a Fated is larger and more obvious, more like a signal fire than a banner, and when they come together, they weave into a flame that can be perceived even by untrained but sensitive individuals. Even the gods take notice of these lights, and when they come into contact with others, the effect they have is usually significant.