Page 244 - Curse of Strahd_Neat

APPENDIX E: THE TAROKKA DECK

The Vistani have long been masters of fortune-telling. In cards comes out in a casting and seems to contradict
the hands of a Vistani seer, a deck of tarokka cards can the prediction of an earlier card, the Vistani always as­
tell tales of the future and provide answers to many a sume that this card takes precedence.
dark and mysterious question.
Although the workmanship and artistic quality of the COMMON DECK
cards can vary from deck to deck, the ability of the cards The four suits and their respective cards are described
to call forth information about the future is far more in more detail below.
valuable than the monetary worth of a deck.
Anyone can craft a deck of tarokka cards, but only SWORDS
someone ofVistani blood can imbue the cards with This suit symbolizes aggression and violence. It is the
the gift of prophecy. Once they are crafted and empow­ suit of warriors, be they paladins, soldiers, mercenaries,
ered, they must be stored in accordance with ancient or gladiators. It also symbolizes the power of govern­
tradition, or they lose their efficacy. When not in use, ments and leaders, whether noble or corrupt.
tarokka cards must be wrapped in silk and stored in a
wooden box. STARS
This suit symbolizes the desire for personal power and
COMPOSITION control over things beyond the ken of mortals. It is the
A tarokka deck has fifty-four cards, each of which has its suit of arcane mages, sages, and intellectuals. It also
own name. Forty of them comprise the common deck, represents the triumph of magic, science, and reason
which is divided into four suits: swords, coins, stars, over religion, mysticism, and superstition.
and glyphs. COINS
Each suit contains cards numbered one through nine, This suit symbolizes avarice and the desire for personal
plus a tenth card that is called the master of that suit. A
card can be referred to by its suit designation or by its and material gain. It is also symbolic of gluttony, lust,
name. For instance, the three of glyphs is also known and obsession. On the side of good, this suit can suggest
as the healer, and the wizard card is also known as the the accumulation of wealth for the benefit of a charity or
master of stars. a just cause. On the side of evil, it embodies the worst
The remaining fourteen cards make up the high deck, aspects of greed. It speaks to the power of gold, and how
which symbolizes the natural forces of the multiverse. that power can build or destroy nations.
These cards are represented by a crown symbol and are GLYPHS
the most powerful cards in the deck. This suit symbolizes faith, spirituality, and inner
strength. It is the suit of priests and those who devote
HIGH DECK themselves to the service of a deity, a higher power, or a
The cards that compose the high deck aren't considered heightened philosophy. On the side of good, it represents
to be one suit, although they are often denoted with a willpower and dedication. On the side of evil, the suit
crown icon to mark their importance. Rather, each card signifies weakness of character, self-doubt, and betrayal
is an important power in its own right. If one of these of one's ideals or beliefs. It symbolizes health and heal­
ing, as well as illness and disease.
HIGH DECK
Name Represents
Artifact The importance of some physical object that must be obtained, protected, or destroyed at all costs
Beast Great rage or passion; something bestial or malevolent hiding in plain sight or lurking just below the surface
Broken One Defeat, failure, and despair; the loss of something or someone important, without which one feels incomplete
Darklord A single, powerful individual of an evil nature, one whose goals h�ve enormous and far-reaching consequences
Donjon Isolation and imprisonment; being so conservative in thinking as to be a prisoner of one's own beliefs
Ghost The looming past; the return of an old enemy or the discovery of a secret buried long ago
Executioner The imminent death of one rightly or wrongly convicted of a crime; false accusations and unjust prosecution
Horseman Death; disaster in the form of the loss of wealth or property, a horrible defeat, or the end of a bloodline
Innocent A being of great importance whose life is in danger (who might be helpless or simply unaware of the peril)
Marionette The presence of a spy or a minion of some greater power; an encounter with a puppet or an underling
Mists Something unexpected or mysterious that can't be avoided; a great quest or journey that will try one's spirit
Raven A hidden source of information; a fortunate turn of even.ts; a secret potential for gcJo�, \ //_::;, -�
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Seer Inspiration and keen intellect; a future event, the outcome of which will hinge on a clever mind
Tempter One who has been compromised or led astray by temptation or'f6oli;h·ness; .one who tempts cithersfor evil ends
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