The Ynnic Zodiac is part of the Ynn River Worship faith, based on the four-year cycle of the Ynn River, known as Stuir Balia, during which it swells for two years and contracts for two years. Historically, monitoring this cycle was necessary for the maintenance of the Great Ynnic Dams as well as agriculture. The river is believed to be the source of all life and so each Stuir Balia is associated with one of 16 animals in order. Together these compose one 64-year Kyuvir or great cycle. The Ynnic Zodiac calendar was formalized across the Ynnic Empire from 640AA to 649AA along with standardizing the practices of Ynn River Worship. It is also commonly believed in Ynnic River Worship that anyone who is born in the year of a certain animal is influenced by it.
Animals of the Zodiac[]
The animals of the Zodiac arranged in order:
Antler Horse[]
The wild horse of the northern Ynnic Forests characterized by its crown of antlers. The antler lords would fashion their crowns after this beast. Those born during the Antler Horse Stuir Balia tend to be ordered in their manner and they make for righteous rulers. However, such rulers can often be seen as cruel in their distribution of justice.
Snapping Otter[]
Known for its elongated snout, the snapping otter is a very clever animal often trained for fishing by the Sarda. Those born during the Snapping Otter Stuir Balia tend to be seen as good-natured towards their peers and are likely to seek new business opportunities. However, they can be found secreting money away for themselves despite their good nature.
Sabertooth Tiger[]
A powerful and wily beast, Veykodans are known to tattoo large eyes on the back of their heads to ward off these predators' surprise attacks from behind. Those born during the Sabertooth Tiger Stuir Balia tend to be more outgoing, ready to 'conquer' their foes. They also make for bold combatants in the field. However, their diplomacy is lacking and they are likely to rush into a perceived advantage.
Woolly Rhino[]
This beast is hunted in Veykoda to make bowstrings of its hair and to carve ornaments from its horn. Such artefacts are considered holy by the natives. Those born during the Woolly Rhino Stuir Balia tend to be more enduring than most, both in their values and their morals. However, this resistance to new ideas can cause them to be too sure of themselves in unfamiliar territory.
Direwolf[]
Sets of glowing eyes in the night, direwolves stand as tall as a ruinborn elf on all fours, larger than even a sabertooth tiger. Those born during the Direwolf Stuir Balia tend to be good at outmaneuvering their opponents and seeking out leadership positions. However, it is rare to find that such individuals wield their influence to selfless ends.
Giant Beaver[]
Inhabitants of many of the tributaries of the Ynn, giant beavers have been known to flood entire villages with their dams. It is believed these animals inspired the first Ynnic dams. Those born during the Giant Beaver Stuir Balia tend to have a mind for building and a work ethic to see projects to completion. However, in these pursuits, their visions often are influenced by a need to build personal wealth.
Ynnea Pig[]
Believed to have curative and fertility properties by proximity, the humble Ynnea Pig is often kept as a pet by the upper classes of Sarda and Dolindha. Those born during the Ynnea Pig Stuir Balia are known to be compassionate and like their animal counterpart will have many kids in their lifetime. However, they are not the most clever of individuals and will make a fool of themselves in social situations.
Four-Horned Sheep[]
A staple source of food and wool and sturdy enough to be a pack animal, the four-horned sheep was the first animal to be domesticated in the Ynn. Those born during the Four-Horned Sheep Stuir Balia will be more likely to be watchful of what they say and to tolerate ideas that run counter to theirs. However, this tendency not to fight back often leads to the perception of cravenhood.
Thunderbird[]
Said to be the cause of lightning and born from thunderclouds, thunderbirds are large enough to lift an elf and can be found soaring above the Epednan Expanse. Those born during the Thunderbird Stuir Balia long to be free from the constraints of others and can talk themselves out of most commitments. However, their arguments are often laced with more truth than should be revealed
Whitetail Fox[]
Ynnic myth states that the whitetail fox taught the elves how to rebuild their society after the great flood. Their bushy tail is as large as their body. Those born during the Whitetail Fox Stuir Balia are known for their gregarious attitude towards others, finding many opportunities through these personal connections. However, these opportunities can be squandered due to losing sight of the bigger picture.
Poskawa Whale[]
An ever-present danger along the Epednan Expanse and the Dalairey Range, the land whale ambushes travellers and has become a symbol of misfortune and instability across the Ynn. Those born during the Poskawa Whale Stuir Balia share an ominous fate. Eleven is an unlucky number for Ynnics and this zodiac can be taken advantage of to unnerve opponents. However, this only goes so far as this treacherous behaviour is seen as sinful.
Mishipeshu[]
Sudden and deceptive, the aquatic panther of the Ynn river can take even the most seasoned fisherelf by surprise. Constant vigilance is a must out on the water. Those born during the Mishipeshu Stuir Balia tend to be adept at subterfuge and relentless in their pursuits often making them staunch defenders of the faith. However, this zealousness does not prevent them from succumbing to more base pleasures.
Stone Fish[]
These creatures disguise themselves amongst the rubble of the river floor. They are covered in small poisonous barbs but make for a delicious meal if prepared properly. Those born during the Stone Fish Stuir Balia are sturdy in all things, be it their view of leadership or their commitment to the procedure. However, a stiff tongue often leaves them wanting for the right words.
Water Serpent[]
No two are exactly alike so much so that some wonder if the water serpent is actually many kinds of beast. While some resemble large land snakes, others are too horrible to describe. Those born during the Water Serpent Stuir Balia are known to take whatever position the context calls for whether they believe what they say or not. This can frequently give them the upper hand in negotiations. However, this arbitrary nature can harm others without regard for their well-being.
Owlbeast[]
The Owlbeast is a creature of solemnity and might. Lacking wings, this bird walks on four taloned legs and though it is not usually violent, its beak can crack an elf's skull. Those born during the Owlbeast Stuir Balia live for scholarly pursuits which gives way to their esoteric nature. However, this preoccupation with the abstract can distance them from friends and lovers alike.
Dragon[]
Whether feared or revered, the dragon is one of the most intelligent and powerful forces in all the world. Even so, the Alliance of Knightly Lords slew Drozmagog, proving that these creatures are neither divine nor invincible. Those born during the Dragon Stuir Balia strive for achievement. They make the most powerful mages and the best generals. However, this perpetual ladder climbing leaves them looking greedy in the eyes of others.