Stars (Promptober 2025 #14)

Comet at Sunset.

People look up and see a sky full of stars at night all the time. But how do people react to a star growing hair? How about one with a long tail?

Hairy stars or comets on Earth were treated as anomalies sent from the gods as some sort of omen, either good or ill. With science and observation, we now know that comets appear with regular frequency in predictable parts of the sky. But in a fantasy world, maybe it has a more direct effect on anyone who observe it.

I seem to be on a random table kick lately, so let's make another one for mystical effects of observing a comet. You can use this in several ways:

1. Roll once per comet, and the effects persist for 2d4 days.
2. Roll every night the comet is visible in the sky. Effects fade the next morning.
3. Roll every time someone sees the comet. Effects last for 1d4 hours.

Similarly, you can vary the area of effect from individual characters to everyone who sees it. These minor effects shouldn't break your game, except perhaps the Royal Death result for PCs with noble backgrounds or titles. Alternatively, you can use these as quick fortune telling or other omen results when appropriate.

How does the comet affect you?

1d8	Comet Portents and Effects
1	Royal Death. Nobles suffer an additional 1 HP damage per attack.
2	Bountiful Birth. Treasure hoards discovered gain +5% value.
3	Hidden Machinations. Gain a bonus to stealth and a penalty to locks/traps.
4	Hallowed Sanctuary. Gain a bonus to defense (+1 to Armor Class).
5	Confounded Communications. All social skills suffer a penalty.
6	Divine Messenger. Divine magic spells gain +1 level when cast.
7	Adversity Ascendant. Combat encounters become more difficult.
8	Joyful Celebration. Enchantment spells become easier to resist.

Part of the Promtober project for 2025.