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Message: <blockquote data-quote="nopantsyet" data-source="post: 1186727" data-attributes="member: 3109">I think it could be mutually thrilling if you take an alternate approach.  Reading the title of the thread got me thinking of this idea, before I even read the post itself.  The idea of adding a deck to my game, but not for telling the story or adjudicating situations that rules mechanics already cover.  I'm talking about the real deal, what the cards are meant to delve into: Fate.And I mean that with a capital 'F.'  Big Fate.  I mean the fates of nations and rulers, the fates of gods and devils and the earth and sky.  Normally, the DM plays out "fate" and incorporates it into the adventure as he/she sees fit.  But fate in the mythical sense cares nothing for the best-laid plans; it can dash hopes and dreams without hesitation or remorse.  As a DM, you would have to be bold and committed to allowing your plans be drawn in different directions.So I'm thinking something like this.  At the beginning of each session, the DM draws a card from the Major Arcana and shows it to the players.  The interpretation need not be announced, but the DM must make an interpretation at that time.  It may signal the involvement of an unexpected individual, or the fate of an individual.  Reversed cards could be treated as a negative fate, a lesser manifestation of the card's meaning, or something that only indirectly affects the characters.  Cards may be interpreted either by following accepted Tarot interpretations, or simply thematically by following the pictures.For example, drawing The Empress could result in the Queen sending the adventurers a significant item as a token of gratitude for their service to the realm.  (The Empress: nurture, reward; also it's a picture of an empress, so a queen makes sense).Drawing Death reversed, could signal the start of a war.  (Death: transition, inexorable forces; plus it is death so war makes sense.)More ambitious DMs could draw more cards, major or minor, to add nuance to the fate.  One idea would for reversed cards to signify a subtext to the actual fate, represented by a second major arcana to be drawn.Then each player draws a minor arcana, this is their fate card for the session.  Number cards indicate a one-time benefit, to be used in a situation befitting the suit of the card.  It may be played for a bonus of card/2.  As a general rule, the suits could be applied as follows:  chalices: any WIS-based checkpentacles:  any STR- or CON-based checkswords:  any INT- or CHA-based checkwands:  any DEX-based checkDrawing a court card indicates a minor event.  Based on the role, rather than the degree of the card, and the theme of the suit, the DM comes up with a minor event significant to that player too occur during the session.  It should be an experience that, well-played, will grant an individual XP award.The Knave of Chalices could foretell a new and important relationship, possibly love.  (Knave: possibility and adventure, Chalices: relationships, intimacy)Since an ace an indicate a new beginning, drawing an ace indicates a major event.  Player draws one major arcana card.  The DM is called upon to come up with a major event for that character to experience.  Using the major arcana as the basis for the event, the suite of the ace shouldl add nuance.  If both cards are drawn in the same position, it means an overwhelmingly-strong fate, either positive (upright) or negative (reversed).  Opposed positions forebode conflict and challenge.The Heirophant and the Ace of Swords, both reversed, could result in a scandal (Ace of Swords: truth, justice) causing a Paladin's church (Hierophant: belief system, group, cause) to fall apart.This could be too much for a DM who has a tough time improvising a lot.  One solution would be to drop the major events and/or replace minor events with higher bonuses.</blockquote>

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