100 Superstitions for a Fantasy Setting

Publisher: Azukail GamesThe world is full of strange tales and half-believed stories. There are some who say the souls of dead sailors are carried on the wings of sea birds, and others who are certain that a hagstone can bleed the bad thoughts and worries out of one’s head if its left beneath their pillow of a night. Whether there’s any truth to these kitchen witch practices and cultural beliefs is hotly debated. But it’s said those in dangerous professions tend to cling to superstitions harder than most, and there are few professionals more surrounded by danger than those who take up the call to adventure.This PDF supports Adobe layers and the page backgrounds and images can be disabled to make printing easier.Here are some sample results:
White is the color of death in the Fasterlings, and it’s considered madness for a warrior to wear it into battle. Those who take to the field in white are said to seek death, and to fight with no regard to their own survival. However, no one fights harder than someone with nothing to lose, and the irony is that warriors who do wish to live may avoid one wearing white out of fear, denying the white-clad fighter the chance to earn a valiant death in battle.
To seal an argument in Lanagar both parties must toast and drink a small glass of trak. This harsh liquor is strong enough that it’s said to kill any bitterness that might linger on the tongue, and that those who share it in good faith may wipe their slate clean to move forward. Others have said that only those who are truly willing to do whatever it takes to leave a disagreement behind them would be willing to imbibe such a revolting brew, which is why so few who engage in this custom ever go back on their words.
A tattoo of a skull on the back of the left hand is said to ward off death among Tandorian blade dancers. The left hand is the parrying hand among these duelists, and it’s not uncommon for one to bat aside thrusts that get past their initial guard. It makes no matter if the tattoo is simple or elegant, crude or beautiful, its presence is considered the mark of a serious bladesman. While some may adopt the symbol as a way to seem tougher than they are, the mark tends to draw far more challenges than it discourages, and those who bear a skull are expected to relish any opportunity to unsheathe their steel.
It’s said by the Adorapo people that one should never trust a stranger who does not smile or laugh. This superstition comes from the legends of the eaters of the dead; terrible creatures who devour flesh, have the strength of a dozen men and who can change their forms and faces like smoke. Whatever form an eater of the dead takes, though, it cannot hide its sharp fangs that glisten in the firelight like steel. As such, those who approach strangers often do so with a wide smile, showing they mean no harm, and that they are not hiding anything.
Women traveling alone in the Carnesto Valley are always safe, despite the bandits who call that particular area home. It’s said that road is stalked by White Hair Malraeza, and that the old hag will wreak vengeance on any who dare harm a woman that walks her road. Something like a patron protector, small shrines dot the path with locks of hair and sweets left on them as offerings. Some have even claimed that men wearing the ragged red of the Blood Eagles, or the heavy tattoos of the Outcast, have acted as guides and escorts for women in hopes that it will earn the favor of Malraeza should her evil eye ever turn their way.
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