Table of Contents

Tarot of Many Things

Much like the real-world counterpart, the tarot of many things in Seronia has little hard evidence oconcerning its origins. Scholars cite a poem in Elvish lore that speaks of Tyalphayā, a game played with the soul by an elvish warrior from their destroyed homeland Ilubar, as the first possible reference.

The tarot of many things is one of, if not the most powerful magic item in Seronia. An adventurer that can find the deck and recognizes it could sell it to any kingdom of their choosing for a minimum of a king's ransom (the standard being a chest of gold worth 5,000 gold pieces)- that is, if they can avoid the card's curse and not simply be killed by the kingdom or another seeker of the artifact.

The Magician

• Description. The Magician stands by or over a table on which are various articles: swords, wands, pentacles, cups, dice, balls, bells, or others. One hand holds a double-ended wand toward the heavens, the other points to the earth; over his head is a lemniscate curve, the symbol of eternity/infinity. The table, which resembles an altar, is surrounded by growing things. Represented here is the rational mind, confident in its power and right to use the forces of the infinite to reshape the world of matter.
• Upright: The Magician signifies will, mastery, the ability to manipulate the universe through rational thought, selfconfidence, ability to manipulate others. Drawer gains 1 point of intelligence, 2 points to their spellcasting attribute if a magic-user.
• Reversed: he signifies ineptitude, failure of will, indecision; abuse of power; disquiet; mental illness. Drawer loses 1 point of intelligence, 2 points from their spellcasting attribute if a magic-user.

The High Priestess

• Description. The High Priestess sits enthroned in her temple, dressed in flowing robes that obscure the scroll or book of secret laws and wisdom she holds securely. She is the mother of wisdom, sometimes identified with Isis or Diana; the queen-protector of hidden knowledge and occult mysteries.
• Upright: she signifies serene knowledge, sagacity, intuition, foresight, inspiration; the power of the inner mind to heal, create, enlighten, and inform. Drawer gains 1 point of wisdom, 2 points if a cantor, physician, or has the Druid feat (Seronia, pg. 123).
• Reversed: she signifies superficiality, conceit, shallowness, a lack of depth, of perception, or of understanding; an acceptance of external and superficial knowledge, of trivialities. Drawer loses 1 point of wisdom, 2 points if a cantor, physician, or has the Druid feat; in the latter case, the drawer will receive proficiency in one gaming set of their choice.

The Empress

• Description. Royal and matronly, the Empress sits enthroned among rich fields, clad in rich garments, and crowned with a starry open crown. Befitting her position, she bears a sceptre, for hers is the realm of universal fecundity and wealth.
• Upright: she signifies material wealth, productivity for farmers and creative workers, profitability for merchants; practical application of knowledge. The next time treasures are divided, the drawer will receive some item which will turn out to be worth an extra 3d6 thousand gold pieces; but even the drawer will not notice until at least three days later.
• Reversed: she signifies poverty, sterility, inability to produce; waste or dissipation or resources. The next time treasures are divided, the drawer will receive an item which will prove to be worthless (a seemingly magical mace which actually has Nystul's magic aura on it, a ruby which is actually cut glass, etc.) as the largest part of his treasure share, but will not notice for at least three days.

The Emperor

• Description. Regal and fatherly, the Emperor sits upon his throne, with open space surrounding him for a domain. He wears kingly robes, and in his hands bears a sceptre and/or orb of rulership. His crown is simple but majestic. He is the active principle, the ruler of the visible, material world through law.
• Upright: he signifies leadership, strength of mind, dominance, law, control of natural drives, stability, power, conviction, protection, and the like. A lawful drawer gains 2 points of charisma; a chaotic drawer must make a successful Wisdom save of 20 or suffer confusion for 2d4 months (as per the spell, but cannot be dispelled or resisted); a neutral drawer is unaffected.
• Reversed: he signifies immaturity, confusion or loss of control, ineffectiveness, lack of self-control, irrationality, attempts to destroy one's authority or rights. Unless the drawer saves vs. death magic at disadvantage for lawful and neutral characters (no penalty for chaotics), over the course of four days he will gradually develop an Indefinite Madness in one of the following ways: manic-depressive, schizoid, dementia praecox, or hebephrenic.

The Hierophant

• Description. Established in state within his temple, the Hierophant is the embodiment of the church in the world, the external pomp and circumstance of organized religion; his elaborate crown, ornate robes, and sceptre of power establish him as a hierarch and potentate. He is the link between deity and worshiper, his is the role of mediator and medium. As the High Priestess is mistress of the hidden mysteries, The Hierophant is the master of external, manifest religion, law, and morality, usually depicted ministering to or being attended by, two lesser clerics, upon whom he bestows a blessing
• Upright: he signifies the outer form of religion; social relations with the world, ritualism; conformity, traditionalism, and orthodoxy; retention of outmoded ideas and attitudes; orderly hierarchies; mercy and forgiveness. Drawer gains 1 point of charisma (2 points if a lawful summist, cantor, or maledictor); Illuminated Mountain maledictors also gain 1 point of intelligence. If drawer belongs to any body of a hierarchical nature, religious or secular, which does not base rank solely on levels of ability, he will be promoted therein soon (5-25 days) after returning from this adventure/expedition. The Hierophant also serves as a remove curse spell for a drawer who is in need of one at a deific caster level.
• Reversed: he signifies overkindness, weakness; unconventionality, openness to novelty, unorthodoxy. Drawer has permanent disadvantage on saving throws against charm, suggestion, psychic and other mental attack forms involving will force; he will also gain proficiency with the Persuasion skill (or Expertise if they are already proficient). If drawer is a member of any hierarchic body (as described above), within 5-25 days of returning from the current adventure he will be demoted for ineffectuality and lack of authority. If drawer is an apostate Cantor, they will gain 1 point of wisdom.

The Lovers

• Description. A winged supernatural being hovers over a man and a woman, behind each of whom flourishes a different tree. The man looks at the woman, but she, though open to him, looks up at the supernatural messenger. The Lovers are emblematic of the necessity for the conscious mind (intelligence) to approach the supernatural and transcendent through the unconscious (wisdom), for a harmonious and loving life depends on the cooperation of both ports of the mind. (Writer's note: In older decks the Lovers are often shown as a young man standing between two women; some different divinatory meanings relate to this older symbolism.)
• Upright: they signify attraction, amativeness, love; difficulties overcome, tests and trials passed. The drawer's charisma increases by 1 point for every 6 points of wisdom or intelligence (whichever is lower), rounding up; in addition, the drawer has advantage on all Charisma (Persuasion) checks toward all persons (now known or encountered later) to whom they might be romantically inclined.
• Reversed: they signify tests failed; fickleness, unreliability, infidelity; a need to stabilize and harmonize the self, the possibility of a wrong choice. The drawer's charisma is reduced by 1 point for every 6 points by which his wisdom or intelligence (whichever is lower) falls short of 18, rounding losses up; in addition, the drawer has disadvantage on all Charisma (Persuasion) checks toward all persons (now known or encountered later) to whom they might be romantically inclined. Additionally, If the drawer already has a loved companion or spouse, their attitude moves to Indifferent.

The Chariot

• Description. A youthful and triumphant figure (a conqueror rather than a hereditary ruler) stands in a chariot, covered over by a starry canopy and drawn by two steeds (horses or sphinxes) of opposing colors and pulling in somewhat opposing directions. The charioteer bears a sceptre of dominion, but no reins; the Chariot must be controlled through dominion of mind. Here is represented the conqueror of the outer world, victorious yet not truly in control of the fullness of reality.
• Upright: it signifies triumph, success, conquest over the physical plane (including illness and one's own weaknesses) by the rational mind, intelligence rather than wisdom; also travel in comfort, state visits. Drawer is cured of all diseases, lycanthropy, deafness, blindness, curses, charms, etc., of which he is a victim, and will have advantage on all saving throws to avoid contracting them hereafter. Also, the drawer can Concentrate to increase their movement speed by 10 feet (as if they were Concentrating on a spell).
• Reversed: it signifies decadence, ill health, restlessness, victory through foul means, disputes, failure. Drawer, over the next seven days, will begin to manifest a severe and chronic disease, which can only be cured by a potion made from the brains of both an Androsphinx and Gynosphinx (MM, pg. 281-282). The disease will prove fatal in d100+40 days.

Strength

• Description. A calm and self-contained, yet clearly quite human, woman controls the jaws of a lion with her bare hands. Strength is both hers and the lion's. They are not struggling, for she has already subdued the beast, and they are now in a harmony of opposites: Hers is the Strength of the mind at one with itself; his is the Strength of passion and the carnal needs, which is unable to withstand a consciousness aware of its link with the infinite, and must submit to its control.
• Upright: the card signifies spiritual power overcoming material power, the fortitude of the self-aware mind; courage and magnanimity; the triumph of love over hate. The drawer gains advantage on saving throws against fear, charm, suggestion, illusion, psychic and other mental attack forms involving will force.
• Reversed: it signifies the dominance of the material and physical, lack of faith and moral force, failure of self-control, giving in to temptation, failure of will. Drawer suffers disadvantage to saving throws against the attack forms listed above.

The Hermit

• Description. A robed figure, the archetypal Old Wise Man, the Hermit stands alone. He leans on a pilgrim's staff and holds up the lantern of wisdom, offering light to those who are humble enough to seek it. He illuminates the path to wisdom for those who want to emerge from darkness
• Upright: he signifies prudent counsel, receiving wisdom or instruction from one more knowledgeable, guidance on the path to one's goal; circumspection and caution; a solitary nature. Within nine days of returning home from this adventure or expedition, drawer will meet a wanderer of his own faith, of a level higher than his own, who will offer instruction to the drawer, for the improvement of the mind, with a warning that the instruction will not be quick. After one month of study (if the drawer accepts the offer; this should be a decision of the player), the drawer will emerge with a 2-point increase in wisdom, but a 1-point loss in charisma. The wanderer will then give the drawer a hint to the location of a magic item, and depart for places unknown.
• Reversed: he signifies immaturity, folly, refusal to accept aging and growth. Drawer loses one third of his accumulated age, gains 1 point of charisma and loses 2 points of wisdom. When the drawer next seeks to gain a level in their current class, the process will require three times as much experience.

The Wheel of Fortune

• Description. The Wheel of Fortune rotates eternally, bringing the great to naught and the humble to power, for a time. Descending (on the left) is an evil creature (often identified with Typhon or Set); ascending is a canine-headed being (often identified with Anubis, or Hermes Trismegistus); yet with another turn of the Wheel, the ascendant will descend and the descendant will ascend. Resting atop the Wheel (yet undisturbed by its rotations) is a sphinx casually holding a weapon, emblematic of the equilibrium which the enlightened mind manifests even in the midst of fortune's everchanging rounds. The sphinx, like the four winged beings of the apocalypse which occupy the corners of the field, is also a denial of the apparent randomness of the universe, and of the fatalism such false beliefs induce.
• Upright: it signifies success, fortune, felicity, an unexpected bit of luck, a change for the better. Drawer suffers disadvantage on all saving throws; in addition, one magic item Drawer possess becomes an Evolving Magic Item, gaining an immediate Very Rare property (CAO, pg. 79) ; finally, the next treasure discovered by the party will include a magic item of not less than 800 gold pieces nor more than 8,000 gold pieces in value, on which the arms, image, and/or name of the drawer are ineradicably engraved or otherwise incorporated in such a way as to mark it as predestined only for that person. If the drawer sells the item, both the card and the materials used to purchase it will disintegrate, and the drawer's disadvantage to saving throws will be negated.
• Reversed: it signifies unexpected bad fate, ill luck, setbacks or interruptions in plans, unwanted change. Drawer suffers disadvantage on all saving throws; in addition, one magic item (at random) belonging to the drawer will disintegrate (if he owns no magic, this will not apply).

Justice

• Description. Like the High Priestess and the Hierophant, Justice sits crowned and enthroned between pillars. In their right hand they bear a two-edged sword, its point toward the heavens; in their left hangs a set of balances. Firm and resolute, theirs is the power of moral strength and integrity, of righteousness (good) rather than rectitude (law).
• Upright: they signify justice, virtue, right judgments, the triumph of the good, just rewards, purity. Drawer of good alignment gain 8,000 experience points; drawer of evil alignment loses 8,000 experience points or three fourths of all experience points, whichever is greater; neutral drawer will be unaffected. The DM may reduce these gains or losses by up to 50% if the drawer has not been entirely consistent in following his alignment.
• Reversed: they signify bias, injustice, excessive severity; legal complications. Unless drawer has been acting in very strict conformance with their alignment (the DM should be very rigid in this evaluation), they are stripped of all property, effects, wealth, allegiance or loyalties of hirelings and trained animals, except for non-magical clothing being worn; and all but one eighth of their experience points. Drawer will also forget all spells received or memorized.

The Hanged Man

• Description. From a gibbet or tau-cross of living wood a youth is suspended by one leg; his arms form a triangle behind his back, and his free leg is placed behind his first one to form a cross (if viewed upside down, he seems to be dancing a jig). He represents Everyman, suspended by his own consent as a pause and decision point in the creation of an enlightened self. He is clearly in a contemplative state, not one of suffering, suspended between the old life and the new; he must create his new self knowingly and willingly.
• Upright: he signifies a pause, or suspension of ordinary activities; transcendence of material temptation; surrender to the purification of the self; spiritual wisdom, prophetic power; regeneration. Drawer goes into a contemplative state for 24 days, in which they are open-eyed, can walk at a Slowed pace, sustain themselves on an amount of food for a Tiny creature, but will not fight or otherwise interact with the mundane world; during this period he will also regenerate as if wearing a ring of regeneration. At the end of this period, the drawer will lose 1 point of strength, but will gain 2 points of wisdom. For a year and a day thereafter, they will refuse all wealth, whether earned or offered, except that necessary for their modest needs and those of their adventuring party, hirelings and trained animals.
• Reversed: he signifies absorption in the ego and material matters, unwillingness to sacrifice; false prophecies. Drawer goes into a trance as described above, but will snap out of it after 5d5 rounds, having lost 2 points of wisdom, but gained 1 point of charisma. He will seem to show a new ability to prophesy the contents of rooms, intentions of strangers, etc., but after five such detailed, correct visions, the supposed new ability will go horrifically and tragically awry (and will completely vanish after being discredited).

Death

• Description. Death, represented as a skeleton, regards a desolate plain strewn with his victims, who are of all ages and conditions, for Death has no favorites. He is sometimes shown wielding a scythe, sometimes terrible with banners.
• Upright: he symbolizes transit to the next stage of being, transformation; abrupt and unexpected change of the old self (not usually physical death), the end of security and old situations and the beginning of a new kind of life. Drawer dies. Body and effects burst into flame (which will do l0dl0 irreducible points of damage if a character is foolish enough to go into it); after 1d8 rounds the flames will die down and from the ashes the Drawer will step, reborn according to the Death Reincarnation table below (roll d100).
• Reversed: he signifies stagnation, mere existence, inertia or immobility, lethargy, sleep, petrification. Drawer falls under a permanent slow spell and will receive no experience points for this adventure. While slowed, drawer will age at half the normal rate.

Temperance

• Description. A solemn angelic figure, a flower or sun emblem on its forehead, pours a fluid from one of a pair of different-colored chalices to the other; behind the figure are growing plants, and distant hills. The card represents the inner self, enabling one to balance the forces of the mind, to illuminate intelligence by wisdom and to clarify wisdom with intelligence.
• Upright: it signifies control of self, adaptation, tempering of extremes; harmonious and fruitful combinations, wise management of resources; cooperation. Drawer will gain 2 points of intelligence or wisdom (whichever of the two is presently the lowest) but will lose 1 point in whichever of the two is higher. If the two scores are equal, he will gain 1 point in whichever of his other characteristics is the lowest, with ties settled by player preference. Finally, the drawer becomes immune to effects that would cause them to attack or injure an ally such as crown of madness, dominate person, confusion, as well as features that cause redirection of attacks.
• Reversed: it signifies discord, hostility, failure to communicate, conflicts of interests, unfortunate combinations. Drawer gains 1 point in whatever characteristic is most useful for his class; but loses 2 points from whichever of his characteristics is the lowest. If there is a tie for lowest, the loss will be from the one of the lowest characteristics which the DM judges to be most generally useful for the drawer's class. In addition, the drawer has disadvantage on all Charisma (Persuasion) checks.

The Devil

• Description. Bat-winged, horned, donkey-eared, with hairy legs and eagle's feet, the Devil stands or squats upon a blocky pedestal (which sometimes resembles an altar, sometimes an anvil). Their right hand gives a cryptic salute; in his left is a weapon held in a bizarrely useless manner (a sword held by the blade, a torch which is upside down or burnt out). Connected by ropes to the altar are two figures (usually a cambion man and a woman); they are much smaller than the Devil, and appear strangely serene about their bondage.
• Upright: the card signifies the bondage of human nature to its own lowest needs and impulses, desires of greed and domination, sensation without understanding; fatality, disaster, violence; weird and destructive experiences; evil influences. Drawer is attacked by the Devil of the Tarot (see pg. 9). When either the drawer or the devil is slain, the devil will disappear with all of its effects, but the drawer will receive 18,000 experience points. If the drawer is killed in this combat, the experience-point gain is applied to the character's total if he is raised from the dead.
• Reversed: it signifies release from bondage to the material; conquest of pride and greed; the first steps toward spiritual enlightenment; freedom. Drawer gains 1 point of wisdom and is freed of all charms, suggestions, possessions, and other spells subjecting him to the will of another; he will give away all nonessential possessions at the end of this expedition (clothing and jewelry items of less than 500 bp value may be given to player characters or NPCs; all else will go to religion and charity).

Devil of the Tarot

Huge fiend (devil), lawful evil

The Tarot Devil appears as shown on the deck being used except that it has the face and gender of the drawer.

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• Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 310 (23d12+161)
• Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
25 (+7)	11 (0)	15 (+2)	6 (-2)	13 (+1)	14 (+2)

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• Saving Throws Str +13, Dex +6, Con +13, Wis +7
• Skills Perception +7
• Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons
• Damage Immunities poison
• Condition Immunities poisoned
• Senses Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 13
• Languages Infernal
• Challenge 17 (18,000 XP)

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Charge. If the devil of the Tarot moves at least 15 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a gore attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 38 (7d10) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 21 Strength saving throw or be pushed up to 20 feet away and knocked prone.

Magic Resistance. The devil of the Tarot has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Shocking Appearance. When the devil of the Tarot appears, the drawer and each creature that can see it must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw, being treated as Surprised on a failed save.

Actions

Multiattack. The devil of the Tarot makes three attacks: two with its fists and one with its talons.

Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage.

Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d8 + 7) slashing damage.

Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 45 (7d10 + 7) piercing damage.

The Moon

• Description. The crescent Moon radiates its deceptive brightness upon a dim and foreboding landscape. In the pool which fills the foreground lurks a crayfish (or other creature from the abyss); beyond this two dogs (or a dog and a wolf) bark and howl at the Moon, which sheds a cryptic dew upon them. In the background are two towers, and a path leads from the pool to the goal beyond these towers.
• Upright: it signifies the dark night of the soul: trickery, deception, secret foes; unforeseen perils; bad luck for a loved one; danger, darkness, terror, occult forces; danger of falling into a trap or being misled, great danger of making an error. Drawer must make a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw or gain an appropriate incurable Indefinite Madness that manifests during every full moon. If the save is made, drawer must then make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or succumb to lycanthropy (as a werewolf) during every full moon. If both saves are made, a hireling or appropriate NPC (at random) will become disloyal within the next hour, treating them as Hostile.
• Reversed: it signifies peace gained at a cost; instability; lesser degrees of deception or betrayal, trifling errors. The best magic item in the possession of the drawer is permanently drained of all magical properties; if drawer has no magic items, they will lose one level of their most recent class instead.

The Sun

• Description. The Sun in its splendor shines benevolently down, either upon a pair of children playing blithely and simply together, or upon a single child riding a white horse and waving a scarlet banner. The innocent children (pair or single) are playing in front of a walled-in garden which they have left behind.
• Upright: it signifies happiness, success, contentment (particularly in marriage); achievements and studies completed, liberation to enjoy the simple pleasures; devotion, friendship. Drawer immediately gains 10,000 XP and gains proficiency in Charisma (Persuasion) checks. If they are already proficient, they gain Expertise instead.
• Reversed: it signifies unhappiness, loneliness; plans and triumphs delayed; broken friendships or engagements; possible loss of a job or home. Drawer will lose all hirelings and spouses after returning from this expedition (they will leave town, take another leader, or otherwise leave for personal reasons; they will not become hostile). If drawer is a henchman or vassal of another, they will be dismissed, or stripped of their offices unless they make a DC 20 Charisma saving throw. Also, drawer is stripped of enough experience points to reduce him to the bottom of present level, but not more than 10,000 XP in any case.

Judgment

• Description. An angel sounds forth the call to Judgment from a trumpet to which is attached a banner bearing a cross; the clouds from which it emerges radiate power. Below, a figure rises from a tomb while on each side a man and woman also rise; all these figures are as one in the wonder, adoration, and ecstatic awe which their whole bodies express as they answer the summons.
• Upright: it signifies rebirth, renewal, awakening; rejuvenation, change of personal consciousness; a life well lived and a work well done; atonement, judgment, the need to forgive and to seek forgiveness, sincere self-appraisal. Drawer becomes a young adult over the course of the next hour (if not one already) but without any changes in characteristics. To determine exact age, select a young-adult age randomly, then add half the difference between that age and maximum young-adult age, rounding down. If drawer is already a young adult, he will become 90% of the minimum young-adult age. If the drawer's behavior is judged by the DM to have been strictly consistent with his alignment and religion (observance of taboos, sacrifices, donations, etc.) he will also have their hit points raised up to the maximum possible number for that character.
• Reversed: it signifies weakness; stupidity; a sentencing; disillusionment, disappointment; indecision leading to procrastination and delay. Drawer permanently deals only half damage with weapon attacks that use Strength; the drawer is also henceforth subject to disadvantage on initiative rolls due to his inability to choose between alternatives.

The World

• Description. Surrounding by an elliptical wreath of living foliage is a female figure dancing joyously, a short wand in each hand. In the four corners of the card are the heads of the four beings of apocalypse, hovering protectively outside the wreath. Her legs form a cross, as do those of the Hanged Man, but she stands upright, supported by the ether, the very fabric of the World; her dance is of the sensitive life, of joy attained in the body, of the soul's intoxication in the World- turned-paradise.
• Upright: it signifies completion, success, triumph in all things, perfection, fulfillment; the path of liberation and enlightenment; the admiration of others. Drawer gains 1 point to each of his ability scores which is naturally 16 or lower.
• Reversed: it signifies imperfection, failure, lack of vision, failure to complete task; fear of change or travel, fixity, permanence, stagnation. After 1-4 days, drawer will begin to develop an increasing distrust of strange places (treat as Indefinite Madness): other cities or countries, dungeons, wildernesses, new taverns, etc. Within an additional 2d4 days this will become full-blown paranoia, with drawer believing that everyone and everything outside his home (eventually, his chambers) is out to get him, and that any so-called friend, or loved one, who tries to get the drawer to come out into the world is clearly part of the conspiracy. The character is permanently imprisoned by their own incurable madness in their chambers.

Wands

Wands generally represent enterprise and growth, progress, advancement, animation, inventiveness, intelligence, and energy. This is the suit of the magic-user, and of the laborer.

Seven of Wands

• Description. A youth brandishes a staff from the top of a hill, and is confronted by six more wands in opposition from below.
• Upright: it symbolizes a stand against unfavorable odds from an advantageous or superior position, the need to hold an unpopular stand or defy seemingly unbeatable opposition. In the next combat where drawer and party are outnumbered 2:1 or worse, the drawer's party will treat their initiative as 5 higher; they will also have a bonus of +1 on saving throws and AC.
• Reversed: it signifies indecision, ignorance, perplexity, anxiety, embarrassment, doubt, hesitancy. Drawer becomes indecisive; treat all initiative rolls for drawer and their adventuring party as 2 lower.

Eight of Wands

• Description. Eight wands fly through open space, but near the end of their flight; they will clearly fall to ground soon.
• Upright: Upright, it signifies swiftness, haste; that which is moving; approach to goals; travel by air; too-rapid advancement. When next attacked, drawer will be hasted for 2d4 turns, rest of party for 8 rounds; at the end of combat, the party must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or be aged five years (the drawer's throw will be at disadvantage).
• Reversed: it signifies delay, stagnation; quarrels and disputes. When next attacked, the entire party will be slowed for 8+1d8 rounds; afterward, those who do not make a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw will suffer discord (as per symbol), but they will not attack with lethal weapons.

Nine of Wands

• Description. A sturdy muscular figure, with a minor wound (already bandaged) grasps or leans on one staff and expectantly regards the surroundings. Behind are eight other wands, arranged as for a palisade or other sturdy boundary.
• Upright: it signifies a pause in struggle, strength to meet opposition, power in reserve, discipline, preparation for an encounter, delay or suspension. One time before the end of this adventure/expedition, drawer and party will be able to return to a designated sanctuary, stronghold, or guildhall (see CAO), as per the spell word of recall for a short rest. They may not pick up or drop anything, or communicate with anyone; at the end of the duration, they will reappear at the time and place they left from, in the same positions and carrying the same equipment.
• Reversed: it signifies obstacles, adversity, opposition, weakness, ill health, even calamity. Drawer's Strength and Constitution will be reduced to 8 during their next combat of Hard difficulty or higher, and will remain reduced for 8 turns.

Ten of Wands

• Description. A weary figure stumbles toward a city or castle, oppressed by the weight of ten wands he is trying to carry.
• Upright: it signifies oppression, testing by work and pain; also force, energy, or power misused and applied to selfish ends, the burden of ill-controlled power. An employer, liege, ruler, supervisor, or other person with power over the drawer, will soon (2d10 days) begin to overwork and overburden the drawer. If the drawer bears up under the oppression (which will not be unendurable, merely irksome in the extreme) for 1d10 weeks, he will be relieved of the oppression, and will receive a reward of 1,000 xp per week of suffering.
• Reversed: it signifies loss, separation, immigration; intrigue. Drawer is teleported a distance of 1d4 levels in a dungeon-type setting, or 2d10 miles in a city or wilderness setting, to a place he is not familiar with at all. At least one party member must urge that the rest of the party consider the drawer deceased, and that his possessions (if any) being carried by party members be considered extra treasure for the survivors.

Page of Wands

• Description. The Page is a fair youth with blond hair and light eyes, who stands boldly upholding a wand as if ready to deliver a message or proclamation (the Page is often a bearer of tidings, good or ill).

Knight of Wands

• Description. A handsome young man in plate armor, the Knight, wand in hand, rides across the plains in haste. His hair is blond, his eyes pale, and he is fair of complexion.
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Queen of Wands

• Description. The crowned Queen sits on her throne, a wand in her hand, a black cat (her familiar) at her feet. She is a fair blonde with pale eyes.
  
  
  
  

King of Wands

• Description. The King sits in royal robes upon his throne, a crown and cap of maintenance upon his head. A staff is in his right hand; a little alchemical salamander is at his feet (it is a wonderous figure that makes the King immune to fire), which looks like a small black lizard. He is a mature man, blond and fair with pale eyes

Cups

Cups generally represent love, happiness, deep feelings, gaiety, joy, and wisdom. They hold water or wine, symbols of pleasure and happiness. This is the suit of the cantor and the minstrels.

Seven of Cups

• Description. A startled figure is confronted by seven cups overflowing with fantastic visions: castles, dragons, jewels, and other sights more bizarre.
• Upright: it signifies daydreaming, dissipation, wishful thinking, ephemeral or illusory success. Drawer has disadvantage on saving throws vs. illusionary magic permanently.
• Reversed: it signifies resolution, determination, strength of will, intelligent choice. Drawer has advantage on saving throws vs. illusions permanently; summists will gain one level instead.

Eight of Cups

• Description. A dejected figure with a pilgrim's staff leaves eight neatly stacked cups behind, and trudges up a barren moonlit mountain into the distance.
• Upright: it signifies abandonment of success, disappointment in material gains, the discarding of what has been achieved for a higher goal; journeying from place to place. Over the remainder of this expedition, drawer will feel an increasing discontent and an increase in religious interests concerning the Anima Mundi. Within 1d8 days of returning home from this adventure, they will sell all nonportable properties, abdicate (or at least take leave from) all official positions, and enter a religious retreat in the wilderness for at least 8 + 4d8 weeks (after donating half of all their worldly goods to the faith). If drawer is eligible, they may gain the Druid feat (Seronia, pg. 123). Cantors of appropriate faiths, ovate summists, Order of The Servus Dei maledictors, and hunters may choose to stay in religious retreat for a year and a day, emerging with 5,000 additional experience points. Those who do not or cannot will emerge from retreat with renewed spiritual connection to the world and 1,000 additional experience points.
• Reversed: it signifies feasting, joy, striving for material success, gaiety, a less spiritual outlook. After this current adventure, they will be feel increasingly restive and frivolous permanently. They can only take the Carousing downtime activity, stopping only after money starts running low or succeeding on a weekly DC 20 Wisdom saving throw. Depending on alignment, deity, and profession, this debauchery may require atonement by the drawer.

Nine of Cups

• Description. A prosperous figure, having feasted happily, rests before a counter on which nine cups, plenteously filled, have been neatly arranged.
• Upright: it signifies success, satisfaction, all the good things of life, well being, the granting of wishes. Drawer gains one immediate wish, which can only be used for the base effects listed.
• Reversed: it signifies misplaced confidence, false assurance, material loss, imperfections, mistakes, disputes, failure to fulfill a wish. Effects as above, but the wish will have a mistake or flaw built into it that may be disastrous, but should not be fatal (at least instantaneously).

Ten of Cups

• Description. Ten cups in a rainbow appear as in a vision; beneath it a couple raise their arms in joy and ecstasy and two children dance together blithely; a home stands in the background.
• Upright: it signifies contentment, repose of the heart, perfection of love and friendship, peace. The cost of hirelings for the drawer and friends is permanently reduced by +20% and they gain a Keep (CAO, pg. 29).
• Reversed: it signifies betrayal, loss of friendship, waste, criminal behavior, strife, hatred, resentment. The cost of hirelings for the drawer and friends is permanently increased by +20% and up to 12 building spaces currently owned by the party is ruined.

Page of Cups

• Description. A fancily dressed youth of medium coloration, the Page stands lightly, contemplating the fish or other curious image(s) emerging from the Cup being carried.

Knight of Cups

• Description. Stately but not martial, the Knight carries his Cup firmly as he approaches a stream. He wears mail and plate armor, with a winged helmet; he is a young man, of medium coloring.

Queen of Cups

• Description. Beautiful and dreamy, the Queen contemplates an extremely elaborate cup by the shore; she is quite capable of turning those dreams into actions. She is of medium coloring.

King of Cups

• Description. Solemn, level-headed, and responsible, the King sets the great Cup upon his right knee, Of medium coloring, he is a fair and lively-minded man.

Swords

Swords generally represent courage, boldness, violence, force, strength, authority, aggression, ambition, activity, accomplishment of goals (for good or ill); sometimes misfortune and disaster. This is the suit of fighters, fusiliers, and of the gentry.

Four of Swords

• Description. The image of a warrior lies upon a tomb or altar; alongside it is one sword, and three more hang in the background.
• Upright: it symbolizes repose, release, hermit's retreat, solitude, exile, replenishment (not death). After this adventure is completed, drawer will refrain from adventure and take 4 weeks of Relaxation downtime activity, regardless of inducements offered. The period of repose will be spent in solitary study and meditation, at the end of which the drawer will roll 4d4; if the resulting number is less than the drawer's wisdom, he will permanently gain 1 hit point per level, 2 in the case of fighters, fusiliers, gentries, and hunters.
• Reversed: it signifies circumspection, precautions, a need for careful administration, economy, prudent action. Drawer gains a permanent 10% increase in the chance of success of divination spells (such as divination, commune and the like); but the drawer has disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to avoid ambushes and being surprised.

Five of Swords

• Description. A scornful youth watches as two dejected figures slouch away; two swords lie on the ground, two more are slung over the youth's shoulder, and he holds the fifth confidently, pointed toward the ground. The sky is clouded and stormy.
• Upright: it signifies defeat, dishonor, loss, degradation, infamy, destruction, conquest, cruelty, failure. In their next conflict with beings not evil in alignment, drawer and party will be defeated and will surrender rather than be slain. They will be stripped of all weapons, valuables, and supplies, but no lives will be lost.
• Reversed: it signifies more or less the same, plus sorrow, weakness, funerals, loss of a friend. Effects as above, but the drawer will suffer some form of humiliation or injury, possibly including the slaying of a trained animal, hireling, or loved one.

Six of Swords

• Description. A ferrykeeper conveys solemn passengers to a further shore across calm waters. Six swords stand hilt-up along the edge of the boat.
• Upright: it signifies a departure, breaking away, travel, success after anxiety, voluntary separation, water journey. The drawer gains a swim speed of 30 feet and can take the Disengage action as a bonus action while in water.
• Reversed: it signifies outcry, lack of immediate solution, staying in place. When the drawer takes the Disengage action, creatures can still attack them at disadvantage. Drawer also has disadvantage on saving throws against spells that deal thunder damage.

Seven of Swords

• Description. A scurrying figure rushes away with five swords, while two other swords are left behind.
• Upright: it signifies partial success, a plan that may fail, plots and schemes, tricky endeavors. The next encounter in which the drawer takes part will be a partial success, with only half the normal treasure and XP being rewarded.
• Reversed: it signifies wishes soon to be fulfilled, chance of unexpected success; sound counsel, instruction. The next ability check by the drawer which has a Nearly Impossible DC (30) will be an automatic success.

Eight of Swords

• Description. A female figure, her eyes covered, stands alone, surrounded by the swords of the card.
• Upright: it signifies restriction, bondage, betrayal, imprisonment; chagrin; calumny or censure; temporary sickness. Drawer will be taken captive (and stripped of gear, weapons, etc.) by the next opposing group the party meets of greater power than their own.
• Reversed: it signifies prior treachery, disquiet, unforeseen mishap, fatality. Drawer will encounter wandering monsters at twice the normal chance until the end of this adventure, at which point their Downtime will be plagued by double the amount of Complications. This last until the start of their next adventure.

Nine of Swords

• Description. A woman, racked with despair, is surrounded by the swords of the card; she is blanketed with roses, but feels only their thorns.
• Upright: it signifies utter desolation, despair, misery, death, failure, disappointment, miscarriage or delay, deception, doubt, illness, loss. Drawer falls prey to melancholia (as per Indefinite Madness in the DMG) after 9 turns; if they makes a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw , the melancholia will last for ld10+2 months; if not, it will be permanent. During this period, they will have disadvantage on saves against disease and resisting Open Wounds.
• Reversed: it signifies doubt, suspicion, shame, patient suffering, time heals all wounds, timidity, reasonable fear. Drawer will lose immunity to fear-based effects and have disadvantage on saving throw against them for 2d4+1 weeks; additionally, if they receive or cause any healing during this time, reduce that healing by 50%.

Ten of Swords

• Description. A body, pierced by ten swords, lies upon a desolate plain beneath a blackened sky.
• Upright: it signifies defeat, darkness, disaster, woe, loss, and desolation (but not death). Drawer loses the affection of all lovers, hirelings, and trained animals (they can only be made Indifferent), with the rest of the drawer's party feeling uneasy around them and wishing to get rid of the drawer as soon as they can do so without endangering the party. Any home, guildhall, or stronghold the drawer owns will be destroyed or taken from them, as will 80+ld20% of their material wealth.
• Reversed: it signifies benefit, profit, success, favor, etc., but of a passing and impermanent sort. Drawer increases their maximum hit points by 10 and has two additional hit die for the next ten days.

Page of Swords

• Description. An alert, lithe, and energetic youth of dark coloring, the Page holds the Sword ready for action while walking briskly over rough ground.

Knight of Swords

• Description. A dashing and chivalric young man of dark coloring, the Knight rides full tilt across open storm-swept country. Brave and proud, he brandishes his Sword at unseen foes, or from sheer spirit

Queen of Swords

• Description. Dark and grim, the Queen sits on her throne beneath a clouded sky and brandishes her Sword as if to say Approach who dares!

King of Swords

• Description. The crowned King, dark and sternlooking, sits on a throne of judgment beneath stormy skies; his Sword is held in a manner which makes it menacingly clear that he is familiar with its use, for good or evil.

Pentacles

Pentacles represent material and financial matters, money, occupation, material gain, business development, and involvement in the world. This is the suit of the rogue, and of the merchant.

Seven of Pentacles

• Description. An intense young man leaning upon his staff hovers protectively near seven pentacles attached to the greenery of the garden-like space he is tending.
• Upright: it signifies speculative pauses, fretting, anxiety, success not yet attained, disappointment. During the Downtime Activity the drawer is engaged in which takes a long time (training for a new skill, enchanting an item, etc.; anything requiring 10 downtime days or more for completion), he must make a DC 20 Wisdom save once each week. Failure means that the drawer has ruined the process through overanxiousness, and must begin anew or pay whatever penalty is imposed for such interruption. Such interruptions because of this card will not exceed seven in number; and on each saving throw after the first, the drawer will have a cumulative +1 on the roll (thus, the second roll will be at +1, third at +2, etc.).
• Reversed: it signifies impatience, apprehension, suspicion, especially in money matters. Drawer will have a permanent disadvantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks with strangers and casual acquaintances when asking for favors or acting in any way suspicious; the target also has advantage on opposed checks when asking for loans, bartering, or other financial favors.

Eight of Pentacles

• Description. An artist sits happily carving out a pentacle; other completed examples are racked neatly nearby.
• Upright: it signifies work, craftsmanship, skills (perhaps still at an apprentice level); job or commission to come. Drawer gains proficiency in all artisan's tools.
• Reversed: it signifies vanity, thwarted ambition, greed, usury, skill in cunning and intrigue, sharp practices. In 8d8 days, Drawer will be shortchanged or hoodwinked in a major transaction, losing at least 800 but not more than 8,000 gold pieces. If drawer is a rogue, he will gain proficiency in Wisdom (Insight); if a merchant, they will also gain Expertise with Wisdom (Insight).

Nine of Pentacles

• Description. A stately woman stands in a flourishing vineyard, presumably part of her manorial domain. On her wrist is a tame hawk; she is otherwise alone, and seems serene in her isolation.
• Upright: it signifies security, prudence, wealth, self-sufficiency, love of gardens and home, comfort in material matters. For the rest of this expedition or adventure, any Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) attempts upon the drawer will fail (although the thief will not be caught); and until the drawer returns, his home, guildhall, and stronghold will be safe from robbery, burglary, and banditry. Drawer also gains proficiency with the herbalism kit. If they are a magic-user with no familiar, the next time the drawer is in an outdoors setting a hawk will come to him tamely to serve (as per find familiar). The familiar can be resummoned as per the ritual.
• Reversed: it signifies robbery, loss of things treasured, roguery, danger from thieves. Caution is advised. There will be a burglary, robbery, or bandit raid on the drawer's home, guildhall, or stronghold during their present absence; much but not all (60-90%) of the drawer's property therein will be stolen, including at least one item precious to the drawer, but not necessarily intrinsically valuable.

Ten of Swords

• Description. A man and a woman stand in the entryway of a house; a child and an elderly man each pet a dog contentedly.
• Upright: the card symbolizes gain, security, riches, family, home, stability. In 5d10 days, drawer will gain a Large house (CAO, pg.29), free of encumbrance; this may be gift of a ruler or patron, an inheritance or dowry, or whatever is natural for the campaign.
• Reversed: it signifies loss, robbery, family misfortunes; elderly people may become a burden. In 5d10 days, drawer will become obligated for the care of his parents, clan/ guild/village elders, feudal dependents, or other aged persons to whom drawer is obligated (whether he knew of the obligation or not).

Page of Pentacles

• Description. A Pentacle rests lightly in, or hovers over, the hands of the Page, a very dark youth who moves slowly through a flourishing field, his gaze seemingly fixed upon the lone symbol in studious reverie

Knight of Pentacles

• Description. Sturdy, laborious, and patient, the Knight rides placidly through a freshly plowed field. A thorough-going materialist, he looks upon but not within the Pentacle of his suit. He is very dark and earthy in coloring.

Queen of Pentacles

• Description. Very dark of coloring and meditative of expression, the Queen contemplates her Pentacle on a throne in a fertile bower; her serious, even, melancholy mien suggests that she sees curious things indeed within that symbol.

King of Pentacles

• Description. A dark and courageous, yet somewhat lethargic figure, the King sits stolidly upon his throne within a flourishing garden, and placidly the Pentacle he holds upon his knee; a short rod or wand is his sceptre.

Appendix: Credits & Bibliography

Art by Dragon Age: Inquisition concept team, led by art director Matthew Goldman.