Luck

Luck is not just an abstract concept thought up by mortals, it is a tangible cosmic force that beings have the ability to exert control over.

### Luck as a Skill ( *hamingja or Wyrd* )

Ive tried to remain in character as much as possible while writing this wiki, but I felt like this concept in particular needed to be addressed clearly. Nordic Folklore views luck very differently than we do, they called it *hamingja* they consider it a skill, and as much a part of a person’s identity as their body, talents or mind. Partly, it can be seen as one’s ability to act outside of their fate. This fits very well with the way that DCC use the luck stat.

### The Nature of Fate

Fate is not a linear concept, it is a web, or matrix of multiple possible paths that any individual may take. Even the simplest farmer may live a life full of many twisting branches, each one influencing the fate of those around him as well, all while never acting outside of his predetermined fate. As the choices and fates of those around you play out, certain paths that were once open to you may become more and more improbable, but with a strong *hamingja* you could overcome these obstacles and seize the path you desire, regardless of the influences around you. Freewill and luck allow mortals to choose how their stories play out, but many are still restrained within the bounds of fate. Should a mortal such as a peasant find himself completely outside of his place in the universe, due to the chain reaction caused by powers beyond his control, reality will almost inevitably twist and find a way to place him back where he is "supposed to be" no matter how improbable. However, mythic figures, such as gods or great heroes are exceptional beings, and as such possess exceptional luck or *hamingja.* Where as the average mortals use their luck to navigate the matrix of fate, these entities are capable of acting completely outside of it, their actions tearing the web of wyrd, forcing it to contort to their will, rather than them to it.

All things have fate, be they mortal, god or inanimate objects. This is how the alignment of stars and seasons influence the fates of those around them, and how mortals in turn influence them.

I have attempted to map out some examples of the machinations of fate here.

### Spirit Animals ( *fylgja* )

If luck is the power to rewrite fate, then the spirit animal is the implement from which this power is wielded. The fylgja, often referred to as a spirit animal, or luck wight, is not actually it's own entity. It is simply one part of a mortals soul, alongside other pieces, such as a mortals consciousness, or lifeforce, it just so happens to be the piece that exists outside of the body, which has mortals mistake it as something other.

While they are called spirit animals, its not entirely accurate, as its said there have been some who possess a humanoid or inanimate ***fylgja,*** and more than one bizarre fairytale of two humans being each other's fylgja.

The spirit animal travels the world, often places and times the body will one day travel, the spirit then returns with insight into the future which it shares through omens or dreams. The spirit animal can reflect either a family line, or a mortal's personality. A stubborn man might have a mule while a coward has a mouse. These manifestations give insight into the soul of the owner to anyone who observes them, even if the owner is unaware.