Ancient Symbolism

Ancient Symbols

One of the things that we were left with after the God’s War was a host of symbols. Some of them we have no clue what they mean, or even what they were used for. Others, we have taken for our own purposes. A few of the coon symbols are used throughout this work – the Flags, the Arenas, other places.

There are hundreds of them. Here are just a few of the symbols we don’t understand that one can commonly encounter.

IN some smaller settlements that have been around a while, these symbols have acquired a somewhat mystical quality to them, perhaps supernatural in nature, as we move ever further away from the days of the Ancients and their wonders.

They left them to us as a tool of great value, but even the Powers don’t describe them any longer, despite many of them being used as those Power’s symbols.

Symbolic Numbers

Symbolism is a scary word in a place where omens, portents, and bodes are all very real things (as those who adventure here will learn). Some symbolism is unavoidable, however.

The numbers 3, 5, and 7 are considered very positive and powerful numbers, while 4, 6 and 8 are considered bad. The numbers 25 and 125 have significant meaning and import as well.

1, 2, 9 and 10 all have significance, but are not considered particularly bad or good in and of themselves.

8, in particular, is seen as an unlucky number.

Symbolic Colors

There are 50 colors that can be achieved through assorted dyes and pigments, all of them named, and many have significant symbolic meaning. Some of these draw from the rumors of the Gates, others draw from the colors associated with certain planes (The Mortal is called Pearlescent), still others have some historic or noble association.

Some examples of common folklore include the equivalence of Red to death and Orange to infernal aspects. Funerals are often attended with red streamers and clothing. Red hair is considered to be a mark of “risky life”. This continues through the 12 metals, which are colors named after certain metals that share that color.

In terms of broader symbolism, each Power has three colors associated with them, and this carries over into the Houses, the Guilds, Heraldry, and more, always in groups of three. The formal order of these colors is key, as well. The first color is always the chief color. The second and third are used as complementary or accessory and accent colors.

Starting about 50 years ago, each city began to select two particular colors that it is associated with, more a fashion statement than anything intentional, but it has served well to mark the nobility, as they use it extensively in their dress.

It is difficult in this format to provide the appropriate luster and polish of the particular colors, or the metallic nature of them; however, these are the base metallic colors.