The Alphabet of Outer Beings - H is for Holy Symbol

H is for Holy Symbol

Gods are holy, and their mortal worshippers often carry a token, a specific symbol, that summarizes their faith in their deity. These symbols are often stylized and representative of a core tenet of the deity's belief system. Clerics are most often associated with holy symbols as they must channel the divine magic of their deity through a symbol of their faith. Some clerics, especially clerics of war deities, may be able to wield an actual version of their god's holy symbol (if a weapon), or have the symbol emblazoned onto a shield or tabard. This free their hands to hold other items, but such is the exception not the norm.

Non-godly Outer Beings may have a symbol that their followers utilize in many of the same ways. While not technically "holy" these icons are a means for followers to show their devotion, and may aid in the use of channeling magics from their patron.

For each holy symbol roll once on Table H1 and proceed as indicated.

Table H1: Basic Shape of Holy Symbol (roll 1d6)

1. Animal (proceed to Table H2)
2. Body Part (proceed to Table H3)
3. A natural object (proceed to Table H4)
4. An abstract shape (roll 1d3 times on Table H5)
5. A tool or object (proceed to Table H6)
6. Mixed (roll again twice and combine, ignoring this result)

Table H2: Animal Type (roll 1d10 then proceed to Table H7)

1. Bird, predatory
2. Canine
3. Feline
4. Fish
5. Bird, non-predatory
6. Ruminant
7. Dragon
8. Horse
9. Serpent
10. Mixed (roll again twice and combine)

Table H3: Body Parts (roll 1d10 then proceed to Table H7)

1. Hand
2. Foot
3. Arm
4. Heart (anatomical)
5. Head
6. Eye
7. Mouth
8. Upper body
9. Full Human(oid)
10. Winged Human(oid)

Table H4: Natural Objects (roll 1d10 then proceed to Table H7)

1. Tree
2. Star
3. Sun
4. Animal (roll on Table H2)
5. Flower
6. Mountain
7. Water/Waves
8. Thunderbolt
9. Leaf
10. Mixed (roll again twice and combine)

Table H5: Abstract Shapes (roll 1d10 then proceed to Table H7)

This will require a little additional work. Roll 1d3 to determine number of component shapes and then 1d10 for each shape. Combine the results into your new symbol.

1. Heart 
2. Square
3. Circle
4. Triangle
5. Star (roll 1d4+3 for number of points)
6. Crescent
7. Teardrop
8. Line (curved/arc)
9. Line (straight)
10. Hollow shape (roll 1d6 to determine shape)

Table H6: Tools & Objects (roll 1d10 then proceed to Table H7)

1. Weapon
2. Anvil
3. Helm
4. Crown
5. Sickle
6. Cup
7. Chariot
8. Altar (or table)
9. Flame
10. Mixed (roll again twice and combine)

Table H6a: Weapons (roll 1d10)

1. Dagger
2. Sword
3. Mace
4. Flail
5. Hand Axe
6. Staff
7. Battle Axe
8. Spear
9. Shield
10. Paired weapons (roll again twice and combine)

Table H7: Specific Traits (roll 1d%)

• 10% of symbols must always be a specific color, continue to table H7a
• 10% of symbols must be made of, or contain, a specific material, continue to table H7b
• 80% of symbols have no specific traits required.

Table H7a: Color (roll 1d8)

1. Black
2. Sickly green
3. Bright red
4. Yellow
5. Royal purple
6. White
7. Deep blue
8. Fiery orange

Table H7b: Materials (roll 1d8)

1. Obsidian/Volcanic Glass
2. Metal (roll on Table H7b1)
3. Jade
4. Finely polished wood 
5. Animal Materials (Bones, skins, feathers, etc)
6. Human(oid) Bones 
7. Gems (roll on Table H7b2)
8. Mixed (roll again twice and combine)

Table H7b1: Metals (roll 1d6)

1. Cold Iron
2. Silver
3. Gold
4. Copper
5. Lead
6. Bronze

Table H7b2: Gems (roll 1d6)

1. Diamonds
2. Emeralds
3. Rubies
4. Onyx
5. Sapphires
6. Amethyst