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Fortune

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Fate

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COSMIC DESTINY: FORTUNE & FATE Copy link

A Hero’s Cosmic Destinies do more than describe whether destiny favors or troubles them. They establish the recurring shape that destiny takes when the Hero’s personal stories return to play.

Every Hero carries two Cosmic Destiny tokens: Fortune and Fate.

Fortune represents opportunity, connection, revelation, preservation, and the unexpected ways circumstances may turn in the Hero’s favor. Fate represents complication, consequence, uncertainty, sacrifice, and the forces that make the Hero’s path more difficult.

Both tokens normally rest on their colored flame side. Fortune begins at 2V, while Fate begins at 0V.

When a Hero chooses Breakthrough during A Moment, the affected Destiny is empowered. The next time that token is drawn, it flips to its gold side, revealing its expanded power. Fortune increases from 2V to 4V. Fate increases from 0V to 2V, reducing the current drawn power by that amount.

The token remains Fortune or Fate regardless of which face is showing. The gold face represents that Destiny exerting a stronger influence upon the Hero’s immediate circumstances.

Destiny Events Copy link

Fortune and Fate also shape how a Hero’s Chronicles and Bonds return to the present.

When a Chronicle or Bond Event is triggered, determine whether the event was called forward by Fortune or Fate. The corresponding Cosmic Destiny then provides the Trigger Path for the current stage of that Chronicle or Bond.

A Chronicle or Bond normally develops through three stages. Beginning brings the story into the present. Middle changes, complicates, or deepens it. End resolves, transforms, or permanently alters it.

The Trigger Path does not dictate a predetermined outcome. Instead, it gives the WorldKeeper a direction through which to interpret the Hero’s existing Chronicle or Bond.

For a Chronicle, the path may shape the Hero’s history, mystery, inheritance, vow, loss, or another personal story carried into the campaign. For a Bond, the path shapes the relationship itself and the circumstances that surround it.

Fortune tends to open possibilities, reveal connections, restore what was lost, or create opportunities for transformation.

Fate tends to introduce complications, conceal truths, deepen burdens, demand sacrifices, or attach consequences to what the Hero values.

Neither guarantees success or failure. They describe the shape destiny gives the story when it returns.

Fortune Copy link

The Light That Follows You Copy link

FOR Destinies tend to open, reveal, reconnect, preserve, transform, or elevate a Hero's stories.

Cosmic Destiny	Beginning — The Story Appears	Middle — The Story Changes	End — The Story Resolves
The Returning Flame	Something thought lost, ended, or extinguished returns.	Its return reveals that renewal is possible, though it may not be unchanged.	What was lost is restored, reborn, or given a new purpose.
The Promised Heir	Someone or something recognizes the Hero's significance or inheritance.	The meaning, legitimacy, or burden of that inheritance is tested.	The Hero accepts, rejects, fulfills, or redefines what they were meant to inherit.
The Open Gate	A hidden route, opportunity, truth, or means of access appears.	What lies beyond that opening reveals a deeper layer of the story.	The final barrier is crossed, opened, or understood.
The Witnessed Soul	The Hero or the subject of the story survives something that should have ended it.	Survival reveals why the story still matters.	What endured emerges changed and carries meaning forward.
The Star-Touched	An omen, celestial event, or strange alignment becomes connected to the story.	The pattern becomes clearer and begins pointing toward meaning.	The omen is fulfilled, understood, or revealed to mean something unexpected.
The Harmonized	Opposing people, truths, or forces discover a point of connection.	Their relationship proves deeper or more complicated than simple opposition.	Something divided reaches reconciliation, balance, or meaningful coexistence.
The Living Echo	Something from the past resurfaces in the present.	Past and present begin to mirror or answer one another.	The older story is understood, answered, or consciously repeated differently.
The Lantern-Bearer	Someone seeks guidance, safety, or certainty from the Hero.	The Hero's guidance changes the direction of the relationship or story.	Another finds their way because of what the Hero carried or taught.
The Fatebreaker	Something expected or believed inevitable fails to happen.	The story reveals that its supposed ending was never truly fixed.	An expected fate is broken, rewritten, or escaped entirely.
The Last Scion	A forgotten inheritance, lineage, tradition, or sacred remnant resurfaces.	Its true significance—and what survival has cost it—is revealed.	The Hero preserves, transforms, passes on, or becomes its legacy.
The Dawn-Marked	Hope appears where the story seemed finished or hopeless.	That hope is challenged and must prove whether it is real.	Something survives, begins again, or becomes possible because hope endured.
The Deep Listener	Something hidden, unspoken, or emotionally buried reaches the Hero.	The deeper truth behind it begins to emerge.	What could not previously be said or understood is finally known.
The Unburned	Something survives destruction, loss, or catastrophe.	Survival creates a new responsibility, opportunity, or unforeseen consequence.	What endured becomes the foundation for what comes next.
The Veilwalker	A hidden boundary, distortion, memory, or unseen layer becomes perceptible.	The Hero learns what exists beyond or between what was previously understood.	The boundary is crossed, repaired, understood, or permanently changed.
The Bound Soul	A meaningful connection forms, returns, or unexpectedly deepens.	That connection begins influencing choices and consequences.	The bond becomes defining, transformed, fulfilled, or willingly released.
The Remembered Name	The Hero's name, deeds, or history arrive before they do.	Reputation begins shaping the story in unexpected ways.	The Hero's actions become part of another person's history or a larger legacy.
The Pilgrim Star	Travel or circumstance creates a meaningful encounter.	That encounter redirects the journey or reveals why the meeting mattered.	The road ultimately brings the Hero somewhere—or to someone—they needed to find.
The Mirror Heart	The Hero recognizes another perspective or emotional truth.	Conflicting truths become harder to divide into simple right and wrong.	Understanding permanently changes the relationship, conflict, or Hero.
The Chosen Witness	The Hero is present when something important begins or is revealed.	They discover why witnessing it matters.	What they witnessed becomes something they must preserve, reveal, or carry onward.
The World-Spark	The Hero's involvement begins changing the story around them.	That change grows beyond its original intention.	The Hero leaves a permanent mark upon the person, place, relationship, or world involved.

Fate Copy link

The Shadow That Follows You Copy link

AGAINST Destinies do not simply make a story fail. They cause it to fracture, conceal, burden, entangle, corrupt, or demand a cost.

Cosmic Destiny	Beginning — The Story Appears	Middle — The Story Changes	End — The Story Resolves
The Ash-Cursed	Something connected to the story begins to decay, burn out, or suffer loss.	The damage spreads or creates consequences beyond the original problem.	Something is permanently lost, ruined, or must be rebuilt from what remains.
The Hollow Heir	A broken, forbidden, or incomplete inheritance resurfaces.	Its missing truth or hidden flaw is exposed.	The Hero must bear, repair, reject, or finally end that inheritance.
The Fractured Soul	A contradiction enters the Hero's understanding of the story.	Two identities, loyalties, truths, or desires begin pulling against one another.	The Hero must choose, reconcile, or accept a permanent fracture.
The Omen-Bearer	A troubling sign accompanies the Chronicle or Bond.	Events increasingly resemble or confirm the warning.	The omen manifests—though its true meaning may differ from what was feared.
The Forgotten One	Recognition fails where it should naturally exist.	Memories, records, or emotional connections begin slipping away.	The Hero must reclaim, redefine, or accept what it means to be remembered.
The Devoured Name	Evidence of the Hero or the story begins disappearing.	Something appears to be actively erasing its place in history or memory.	The Hero's identity is reclaimed, transformed, hidden, or partially lost.
The Open Scar	An old wound, grievance, or unresolved fracture reacts to the present.	The wound opens wider and reveals what truly caused it.	It heals, consumes something important, or becomes a permanent part of the story.
The Endless Witness	The Hero survives or remains when someone or something else does not.	Survival begins carrying guilt, responsibility, or obligation.	The Hero must decide what to do with what only they remain to remember.
The Unquiet Bloodline	Ancestry, family history, or inherited wrongdoing intrudes upon the present.	Its debts, enemies, secrets, or expectations become personally consequential.	The Hero answers, redeems, inherits, or severs the legacy of their bloodline.
The Veiled Truth	Something essential is concealed when the story begins.	Decisions are made while that missing truth continues creating consequences.	The truth arrives after it can no longer leave everything unchanged.
The Burdened Crown	Someone places a role, expectation, duty, or identity upon the Hero.	The expectation becomes increasingly difficult or impossible to satisfy cleanly.	The Hero fulfills, rejects, transforms, or destroys the role imposed upon them.
The Empty Reflection	Something causes the Hero to question who they are within the story.	Their understanding of themselves grows unstable or contradictory.	They must define themselves without the certainty they once relied upon.
The Wither-Marked	Corruption notices the Hero or something connected to the story.	It learns where the Hero is vulnerable, tempted, or emotionally exposed.	The Hero resists, purges, transforms, or carries the corruption's mark forward.
The Broken Path	The expected route toward resolving the story fails or closes.	Alternatives prove stranger, more costly, or less certain.	The Hero reaches resolution by another path—or discovers the destination itself has changed.
The Storm-Followed	Conflict gathers around the Chronicle or Bond.	Other tensions, enemies, or pressures become drawn into it.	The resulting upheaval permanently changes what survives.
The Nameless Hunger	An unexplained need, obsession, desire, or compulsion enters the story.	Pursuing it reveals a deeper need or hidden cost.	The hunger is understood, mastered, transformed, or allowed to consume something important.
The Shattered Memory	A memory connected to the story becomes questionable.	Evidence contradicts what the Hero believed happened.	The truth is recovered—or the missing truth itself becomes part of the Hero's identity.
The Exiled Flame	The Hero is rejected, excluded, mistrusted, or kept outside something meaningful.	That exclusion becomes personally or practically consequential.	The Hero returns, creates belonging elsewhere, or accepts exile on their own terms.
The Bound Doom	Another person's fate becomes dangerously entangled with the Hero's story.	Choices concerning one increasingly affect the other.	The shared fate is fulfilled, severed, transferred, escaped, or paid for.
The Final Witness	The Hero discovers that something important has already gone wrong.	They learn the catastrophe is larger—or less complete—than first believed.	The Hero cannot undo what happened, but determines what survives, what is remembered, or what happens next.

Using the Trigger Path Copy link

When a Chronicle or Bond is selected for a Destiny Event, look at its current stage.

If Beginning is unchecked, use the Destiny's Beginning prompt and then mark Beginning.

If Beginning is already marked, use Middle and mark Middle.

If Beginning and Middle are already marked, resolve the event through End and mark the Chronicle or Bond complete.

Completion does not mean the subject vanishes from the campaign. It means its current story has reached a meaningful resolution. A completed Chronicle may become history, transform into a new Chronicle, or create a new Bond. A completed Bond may deepen into something new, permanently change, or end altogether.

Chronicle and Bond events are already intended to bring the Hero's history and relationships actively back into the present rather than leaving them as static backstory.

Interpreting the Path Copy link

The Destiny should guide the event without dictating its exact outcome.

The Open Gate means something becomes accessible; it does not promise that what waits beyond the gate is good.

The Returning Flame means something returns or renews; it does not guarantee that it returns unchanged.

The Final Witness means the Hero encounters consequence after something has already occurred; it does not mean they are powerless to affect what happens next.

The Veiled Truth means revelation comes late; it does not predetermine whether that revelation helps or harms the Hero.

This allows Cosmic Destiny to remain consistent across an entire campaign while still producing different stories every time it touches a Chronicle or Bond.

The Chronicle or Bond tells you what story fate has touched. Beginning, Middle, and End tell you where that story stands. Cosmic Destiny tells you what shape fate gives it next.

Additional Fortune InspirationsCopy link

My Heroes also offers these optional narrative names. They are creative prompts, not new token values or additional guaranteed effects. Unlike the Cosmic Destiny path tables above, these inspirations do not define fixed Beginning, Middle and End instructions. Custom Destiny names are welcome; agree their meaning with the WorldKeeper.

Fortune	Narrative invitation	Example in play
The Unexpected Witness	Someone observes or remembers something important, bringing a useful perspective into the story.	A quiet bystander might remember who carried away the missing ledger.
The Open Door	A new opening becomes available; deciding whether to enter it still belongs to the Hero.	A former rival might offer entry to a meeting that was previously closed to you.
The Shared Burden	Help becomes possible when someone shares a responsibility rather than carrying it alone.	Neighbors might help repair a shelter that your Hero could not restore alone.
The Patient Guide	Someone offers perspective or guidance, leaving room for the Hero to choose their own course.	A traveler might explain a local custom, helping you decide how to approach a difficult host.
The Remembered Kindness	An earlier kindness returns through recognition, assistance, or a renewed connection.	Someone you once helped might recognize you and offer a place to hide.
The Honest Bargain	Clear terms and mutual understanding create a useful opportunity.	A merchant might clearly explain the risks of a commission, letting you negotiate with open eyes.
The Timely Return	A person, object, or opportunity returns when it can matter again.	A missing companion might return with information just as your search reaches a dead end.
The Unfinished Gift	Something freely given still has a purpose or connection waiting to emerge.	An old gift might contain a map to someone who can help with your current trouble.
The Renewed Promise	A promise gains another chance to become meaningful through action.	You might meet someone who gives you another chance to keep an old promise.
The Safe Crossing	A way through danger becomes possible through care, preparation, or assistance.	A local guide might reveal a careful route through a dangerous marsh.
The Welcome Stranger	An unfamiliar person offers a connection or perspective that opens the story.	A newcomer might recognize a symbol that everyone in your village has overlooked.
The Unexpected Ally	Support emerges from someone whose involvement was uncertain or overlooked.	An old competitor might help protect someone you both care about.
The Second Beginning	A setback or ending leaves room to begin differently.	Losing a workshop might lead you to rebuild it alongside a new community.

Additional Fate InspirationsCopy link

Fate	Narrative invitation	Example in play
The Convenient Lie	An attractive explanation conceals something important, making later choices more difficult.	A reassuring explanation might hide who actually benefits from a missing shipment.
The Unpaid Debt	An unresolved obligation returns with a claim on the Hero’s choices.	Someone who once sheltered you might ask for help when leaving town would be easier.
The Broken Passage	A familiar route or means of access fails, requiring another approach.	The bridge you relied on might be gone, forcing a detour through an uneasy settlement.
The Absent Witness	Someone whose testimony matters cannot be reached, or their account is missing.	The person who could clear a friend’s name might have left without explanation.
The Borrowed Authority	Influence depends on a role or permission that may be challenged or withdrawn.	A gatekeeper might question whether the permission you carry is still valid.
The Hidden Condition	An offer or apparent solution carries a condition that has not yet been understood.	Safe passage might be offered, but its terms later require you to carry a dangerous message.
The Divided Household	Competing loyalties or needs pull an important group in different directions.	Two trusted relatives might ask you to support incompatible plans for their home.
The Forgotten Warning	An overlooked warning becomes relevant as its consequences approach.	An old warning about a sealed cellar might matter when a friend decides to open it.
The Unwanted Inheritance	A legacy arrives with responsibilities or consequences the Hero did not choose.	A family property might come with an obligation to shelter someone you distrust.
The Delayed Apology	An unresolved wrong complicates the chance to repair a relationship.	An old companion might refuse needed help until you acknowledge a past wrong.
The Guarded Threshold	Access to something important depends on trust, permission, or a difficult concession.	A community might withhold entry until you earn the trust of someone you once disappointed.
The Unfinished Reckoning	An earlier conflict or consequence returns before it has been meaningfully resolved.	An abandoned dispute might return when its other participant becomes your only available guide.
The Misplaced Trust	A relied-upon person, belief, or arrangement proves less certain than expected.	A supposedly safe arrangement might rely on a promise that its keeper cannot fulfill.