Faction
Play System for DCC
This rule set governs the development of a
stable of "garrisoned" PCs as a faction within the game world. These
rules suggest using a combination of player characteristics, dice, and playing
cards. The result will include strategic, tactical, and random effects on the
faction's in-game story. To be
clear, this game is used as a way to drive a background narrative to enhance
the game's adventuring core. It might also create opportunities write game
session/setting material as elements of faction play unfold in the minigame,
creating dramatic tensions between players and setting (including other
factions, resources, locales, and so forth).
This sort of faction play should be a feature
of DCC from the point where a funnel character levels the very first time. It
should be on players' minds for their PCs. It should help to drive the story of
the campaign, but from the perspective of the guys who got left behind in
garrison. This means it also gives you an excuse to have a “stable” of PCs at
various levels, to continue running zero level funnels, and more or less to
keep your pipeline of new and developing PCs flowing. Most importantly, it
should be fun.
It also requires some outlay on the part of
the players on behalf of their respective PCs. Being in a faction requires some
payment of dues. Each PC put into garrison will pay 10% of his/her monetary
treasure into the Faction Coffers.
This money is not the same as money they might spend on establishing a
residence or stronghold as part of domain play. It is, however, representative
of the money it takes to make things happen in the game world, once one has a
place in it. The players should keep track of how much is there. It is spent in
the Card Game. Each play in the Card Game requires 10% ante.
The highlights of the system include the
following:
1.
Use of the Garrisoned
PCs' Dominant Alignment to Determine Which Dice Are Used: Lawful garrisons
get 3d4, which provide a very strong central tendency to reflect their
conservative nature; Neutral garrisons get 2d6, which is the baseline; and
Chaotic garrisons use 1d6 + 1d6! (exploding d6), to represent dynamic change. Idea for Further Development: Set up a way to use character attributes and/or expertise
of PC "leaders" and experts/resource personnel.
2.
The Dice Game: Roll the dice that
reflect the dominant alignment of the garrisoned PCs. The outcome determines
how many cards will be available to the faction in the Card Game.
3.
The Card Game: Would you like to
play a game? The GM and a player who represents the faction play a hand of
cards. The outcome of the game tells a story about what happened to the Player
Faction. It provides options through which they can influence the background
narrative.
Factions
for DCC
A player faction consists of all garrisoned PCs
in a given campaign. Even if a player leaves the campaign for a while, his or
her characters could contribute to the faction goals. These characters are
considered garrisoned, and thus are "on the shelf" until such time as
that player uses them again.
An NPC Faction is used in ways that are mechanically
identical to a player faction, but is controlled by the GM in the Faction Game.
The Card Game is where that interaction will play out.
All factions start off weak, but (if they
persist) grow in power. They add membership. Their ranks swell with veterans
and leaders. They add resources and assets. They become both more competent and
more visible. This means that they can attract the attention of other factions,
for good or for ill. The factions themselves are simply elements in a larger
storyline in which the PCs are involved. The GM and players both should develop
NPCs, factions, locales or interests as they develop that storyline.
What happens in the Card Game will tell as
story about the player faction, and it is up to the GM to scale such outcomes
to the faction in question. For example, a group of low-level PCs will be
dealing with people who take them seriously, but are not overawed or cowed by
them. That means the faction game will concern things that would conceivably
affect a group of low-level adventurers—e.g., things happening in their
neighborhood, rival factions of roughly similar power, NPCs who conceivably
would do business with them as equals, etc. In contrast, a higher level group's
faction play would likely deal with matters of consequence—e.g., regional and
global politics, nations and groups with which the First City interacts, and
NPCs who are very powerful and influential, princes, prominent religious
leaders, and mighty wizards. However, that is not to say that very powerful
people don't occasionally take notice of low-level types, just that it happens
rarely, and the effects of that notice usually play out through intermediaries
and catspaws.
The faction game begins with its first
subsystem: The Dice Game.
The Dice
Game
Purpose
This short dice game determines how many
options the player faction will have in the card game by adding/subtracting a
number of cards the base number of 7 cards. The player faction will play with
between 5 and 10 cards. The GM always plays with 7.
Alignment
Determines Which Dice are Used
The first thing you have to worry about it
the dominant alignment of your group. For each character in garrison assign a
value based on alignment: Chaos (-1), Neutral, (0), or Law (+1), and add the
total. If the total is:
Net
Positive
(+2 or higher) = Lawful (3d4)
Net
Neutral
(-1 to +1) = Neutral (2d6)
Net Negative (-2 or lower) =
Chaotic (d6+d6!)
The
rolls determine whether any additional cards are dealt to (or taken away from) the
player faction during the Card Game.
Table
1: Number of Cards Used in Card Game
Result
|
Outcome
|
2-3
|
-2
|
4-6
|
-1
|
7-8
|
0
|
9-10
|
+1
|
11-12
|
+2
|
>12
|
+3
|
Again,
this is a very simple mechanic, and only based on one attribute of the PCs in
garrison. It could certainly be expanded at some point to model other factors,
based on class and attributes and so forth. However, there are other options to
make things interesting (see below, "Player Character Gifts and Flaws").
Option: Both PCs and GM
roll. GM should roll a d3 to determine Lawful, Neutral, or Chaotic dice, and
then roll on Table 1.
So,
now that we know how many cards the PCs will get, we can get straight to the
Card Game.
The Card Game
Purpose
The purpose of this subsystem is to use the
information and outcomes generated in the first two subsystems to play out the
Faction's "moves" for that turn and, by doing so, to determine
"what happened" in a narrative sense during the Faction Turn.
The Card Game simulates the player faction's
attempt to use its resources to affect its immediate concerns. Those concerns
may be about particular factions and interactions with them, or they may relate
to things that are happening in the world that could affect the player faction.
It also allows the GM, as needed, to play against the players, assuming the
role of various factions and their subtle interactions with the PCs. This
interaction is necessarily abstract. If the players want to attack a particular
person in a faction that is a part of the role playing experience in the
regular DCC adventuring experience, then they have to do it in that game, not
this one. The outcomes of the Card Game are used to create the narrative
surrounding the faction.
In any given hand of the Card Game, you may
play as many cards as the GM has available. However,
each time you attempt to take a trick, you must expend 10% of the treasure in
the Faction Coffers.
Suits and
What They Mean
·
Hearts: The suit represents the clergy and
religious factions. It may also signify relationships, emotions, and diplomatic
influence. This may take the form of making friends, soothing enmity, advancing
one's own political position or undermining that of an enemy faction. It is the
exercise of power through personal charisma and established relationships.
·
Spades: The suit represents warriors wisdom and the
ability to overcome obstacles. It may signify strength, power and authority,
but also responsibility, violence and suffering. These may take the form of
your faction's abilities in the art of conflict and its resolution, and their
skill at using it in ways that can intimidate or dominate foes. It is the
exercise of power through authority and ability to overcome obstacles.
·
Diamonds: The suit represents the bourgeoise (the
merchants, artisans, and guildsmen), and worldly matters in general. It may
signify material resources, practical matters or obligations. This represents
the ability to do a variety of things including monetary investments, ability
to engage in mercantilism or trade, ability to secure specific material goods
and ensure their quality. It is the exercise of power through playing by the
rules as-written.
·
Clubs: The suit represents the common people
(laborers, peasants, slaves, and urchins). It may also
signify creativity or action, subterfuge, trickery, and the like: The resources
of the oppressed. It is the exercise of power by cheating.
·
Jokers: These are wild cards, and when they are
drawn they result in a die roll (d22). That roll tells you which trump card
comes up.
Card Faces
and What They Mean
First,
to be very clear about this, the face of a card represents its value, and has
an effect in playing the Card Game. The highest card wins any trick.
·
Numbered Cards (2-10): are worth what they
say they're worth.
·
Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): these cards
represent the values 11, 12, and 13, respectively, and are all higher than the
number cards in value. They also represent specific NPCs, and the ability to establish
or call on the favor of some person or group. Once Assumed by a faction, these
are called "Assets" (see
below, "The Assumption Game"). Face cards are ranked by social class
as well as by the suit of the card. The Jack of Clubs could be, for example, a
lower-level thug, fence, dealer, pimp, etc. The King of Diamonds could be the
richest slaver in Ur-Hadad, and the King of Hearts may be a prominent religious
figure. In any case, these are NPCs and playing that card means that you are
establishing some sort of relationship or playing one out, if already
established. The "classes" represented by the cards are relative to
the PCs. 1st Level guys are not
going to control Kings. Use this element of the game to tell a story about who
those NPCs are and what they do.
·
Aces: Ace beats any other card, and may be played
out of suit to beat any other card. This is a defensive maneuver. It stops
completely the other faction's move. The Ace valued at 14.
While
the cards have mechanical values, they also represent things like character
archetypes and narrative tropes. They "tell the fortune" of the
faction in ways that enable incorporation of new narrative elements and
development of existing storylines. These are explained below ("Outcomes
of the Faction Turn").
How to Play
the Card Game
The players Ante 10% of the treasure in the
Faction Coffers, plus 10% per extra card won in the Dice Game. [Note: The
players must contribute 10% of each PC’s monetary treasure each time he or she
is put into garrison status. This total is added to the Faction Coffers.
Option: The Ante is doubled and returned if the
player faction wins a trick in the suit of Diamonds while playing the Card
Game..
Deal a hand of seven cards each to GM and Faction. Based on the
outcome of the Dice Game, the players may have more or fewer than seven cards. The
other players work together to determine what cards are played and when.
Each side can choose, in addition, to hold
and/or play an Asset (i.e., an Assumed NPC) in its hand. These Assets are
virtual, in the sense that they exist in the hand, but do not preclude the same
card being drawn from the deck. It may be a Queen of Hearts, there's still a
Queen of Hearts in play.
Cards must be played in suit, when possible,
with the exception of Aces and Jokers, and any card representing an Asset. If
it is not possible to play in suit, any card except an Ace or Joker may be
played. This card is lost, and cannot win the trick.
All winning cards in a trick should be
recorded, and are considered "Active" in the final phase of the
Faction Game, when the cards are read.
Normal
and Reversed Cards
If the players win a trick, then the card
with which they won is Active and should be considered "Normal." If
the GM won the trick the GM's card is Active and should be considered
"Reversed." Keep track of which card won any trick and make note of
whether the result is Normal or Reversed.
Ending
the Card Game
Play continues until either the player
faction or GM is out of cards.
Some Strategies to Think About
Higher May
Not Be Better
While it may seem like "higher is
better" in terms of winning the Card Game, it's important to remember that
the cards will be given meaning later, after the hand plays out. Lower cards
can introduce interesting plot lines and ideas. It may well be that good
strategy in the Faction Game means trying to activate a lower face value card.
This can be accomplished by using an Asset.
Using
Assets
"Assets" are cards "won"
in prior Faction Game rounds, and take the form of "court cards"
(e.g., Jack, Queen, King) that represent NPCs or other resources. Assets can
substitute their own value in favor of another card played, and can be played
out of suit. That is, a faction could play a 2 of Clubs (a relatively weak card
signifying planning and preparation) and also play the Queen of Hearts (value
of 12) which would represent a relatively powerful member of the clergy. This
may be an NPC cleric known to the faction. For the endgame, both cards are
considered Active, and they are linked to each other (e.g., Maybe the storyline
is about how a priestess at the Metal Gods' temple helped in planning something
at which the player faction was victorious). Both cards are played at the same
time, and treated as one card. The Asset card is "virtual" in the
sense that it is imaginary. The same card still exists in the deck and can be
drawn normally, and does not necessarily represent that particular Asset.
The GM and Players play their hands against
each other, starting with the player faction. After that, the person who won
the last hand goes first.
Aces
The ace is the most powerful card. It can be
used to do the following:
·
To
beat any card played. It can be played out of suit to do so.
·
To
Assume a court card (e.g., Jack, Queen) in any suit, and a King in its own
suit.
·
To
cancel another ace. The last ace played counts, and cancels any previous ace.
·
To
Reverse a Trump's meaning.
·
In
the "reading" phase it represents the ability to introduce a new
storyline and/or faction.
Jokers/Trumps
The players and GM must play any Jokers held at
the start of the first turn.
·
Playing
a Joker means that a Trump card will be put in play. Any Trump played is
considered Active, just like the winning card in a trick, and will affect the
final outcome of the Faction Game.
·
If
both players and GM have Jokers, one Trump is played, but the result is
considered Reversed in meaning.
·
If
the players hold both Jokers, then roll twice for Trumps, as outlined below.
One of those Trumps is Normal and one is Reversed. Players choose which is
which.
·
A
Trump cannot be affected by any other cards. Once it is determined whether the is
reversed or not, roll d22 to find out which Trump card has been revealed (see
table). An Ace can be sacrificed to Reverse, as well. Any double Reversal
reverts to Normal.
The Assumption Game
Whenever a court card is played, it is
possible that the card will be Assumed by the player faction or the GM, and
become an Asset. By playing an Ace on a face card the players
"Assume" the face card played by the GM (or the GM Assumes the card
played by the players). However, a King can only be assumed by an Ace in its
own suit. So, an Ace of Clubs cannot Assume a King of Diamonds, only an Ace of
Diamonds can.
Any NPC gained by Assumption becomes an Asset
for the faction that won it.The winner takes that card to name an NPC
appropriate to the suit. If an Ace has been used to Assume the card, it becomes
an Asset to an existing faction. Otherwise, the player faction or GM use that
as an opportunity to create a new faction or NPC. This new figure or faction
may be aligned against the players' faction, but may also be neutral toward
them (but is nonetheless a new power in their domain).
Determining the Outcomes of Faction
Play
After the GM lays down his or her last card,
the Card Game is over. At the end of play, all Active cards will be
"read" to determine the fortunes of the Faction. Essentially what
we're doing here is a stripped down tarot reading. I've included several tables
to help you figure out how to read the cards, but there are lots of resources
online if you need more.
Reading
the Cards
The use of the tarot form for this reading
results in a "fortune" of sorts. It is up to the players and GM to
make sense of it out of the framework provided by the Active cards. For each of
the cards activated by the player faction, the players get to control that
storyline. For the cards activated by the GM, he or she gets to develop the
storyline. We can assume that, in many cases, the interests of players and GM are
opposed, and that the GM uses control of story lines to set up obstacles and
threats, or thwart plans, or otherwise to raise the level of dramatic tension. The
players, on the other hand, use the story to resolve or modify existing
obstacles and threats, to hatch new schemes, to establish new resources or
relationships, and otherwise to enhance their power and influence.
However, the story need not be only about the
opposition between GM and player. It can also present opportunities for adding
things to the game world that are useful, fun, dangerous, weird, or otherwise
interesting to players and GM. Don't make it about head to head competition if
you don't want to. Cooperate in all cases to establish a story that is fun for
the group and helps players to get a better sense of their characters and the
campaign world.
The elements of the cards you need to pay
attention to are the Suits and the Faces, each of which helps to establish the
meaning of the card. The Suits are about the card's domain of power or action
(see Table 2).
Table 2:
General Meanings of Card Suits
Suit
|
General Meanings
|
Hearts
|
Emotions, feelings,
relationships, diplomacy
|
Spades
|
Thinking,
communication, canniness, power
|
Diamonds
|
Practicalities,
material world, sensibility
|
Clubs
|
Creativity, action,
deviousness, cunning
|
The
cards' faces tell you the specific function of the card within each Suit's
domain (see Table 3).
Table 3:
Values and General Meanings of Card Faces
Card
|
General Meanings
|
Ace (14)
|
Beginnings/Opportunities
|
2
|
Balance/State
of Becoming
|
3
|
Connection/Teamwork
|
4
|
Stability/Stagnation
|
5
|
Disturbance/Discord
|
6
|
Harmony/Achievement
|
7
|
Mystery/Contemplation
|
8
|
Movement/Action
|
9
|
Growth/Independence
|
10
|
Completion/Fulfillment
|
Jack (11)
|
Minor
NPC (underclasses)
|
Queen (12)
|
NPC
(working classes)
|
King (13)
|
NPC
(ruling classes)
|
These are very general themes that tell us
something about what the Suits and Faces of the cards mean, but are very
general. Below, there is a more comprehensive (but still simplified) table that
combines Suits/Faces (Table 4) At the back of this document, you will find a
longer table with all cards (including the Trumps), with both Normal and
Reversed meanings of the cards (Table 5). Use these as you please. Sometimes the
meanings attached to a card in the different tables are not exactly the same,
but that's because of differences in the source material (i.e., whatever I
found in a Google search). However, I also discovered that, in many cases, even
people who know a lot about the theory of divination still don't agree on
exactly what the cards mean. Don't worry. Just pick what makes the most sense
and run with it.
Player Character Gifts and Flaws
The storyline development step of the faction
game also can be used to create specific ties between the PCs in the player
faction and develop their specific connections to the game world. This is a
fairly simple matter, and is similar to the Aspects mechanic of the FATE system from Evil Hat Games, and
other systems like SFX! (from Joshua
Macy) that use story-telling or cinematic "scenes," constructing them
from archetypes, tropes, "shticks," or other cinematic/narrative cues
for particular varieties of people and the things they do, common situations
and topics, etc. By using these the faction game is a tool for developing the
meta story of whatever else happens when the PCs are off adventuring, but
doesn't have the same kinds of goals or consequences (e.g., killing monsters,
getting loot, getting wounded or killed) as the game mechanics used while
adventuring. However, the faction game serves to provide players and GM with a
sense of the PCs' connection to the game world and the things and people in it,
so it's important to develop specific points where those connections can be
made. How does that work?
At the very beginning of the faction game (at
1st level, in most cases), each player needs to figure out some
character background for each of his or her PCs. Ideally, it will be something
that has already occurred in gameplay, but that's not necessary. For each level
of the character, he or she will select one Gift and one Flaw. These
are narrative elements that add flavor to that PC's story or personality. A
gift might be additional background or it might be some unique trait, and could
be anything from "He's the eighth son of a minor noble," to
"She's good with knives," to "She was a cook in the Grand
Vizier's palace before she took up adventuring." It literally could be
anything that reflects a potential resource or obstacle. And, at each new
level, a PC should choose an additional Gift and Flaw. When the players and GM
read the player faction's "fortune" they may attempt, as much as
seems reasonable, to make connections between the emerging story line and the
PCs' Gifts/Flaws.
Example Gifts/Flaws
Vane Barbute (2nd Level Warrior),
one of the characters in the Metal Gods of Ur-Hadad campaign, might select,
"Never says no to a good time" and "Has a soft spot for street
kids," for his flaws. For his gifts, he might have "Balls of Steel"
(because he is fearless… and because he cuts off enemies' balls and keeps them
as trophies), and "In the thick of things" (because he literally charges
into battle without hesitation or forethought).
Such Gifts and Flaws are something that the
GM can use in the Card Game to connect the emerging story lines to one or more
of the PCs. These emerging storylines are happening because of (not despite) the PCs' backstory. The Gifts/Flaws might
also be used by the player faction to alter or subvert the GM's story line.
Likewise, the GM also might use the PCs' Gifts/Flaws to create drama between a
particular PC and some element of the storyline when he or she controls the
narrative.
Example Use of Gifts/Flaws
Let's say that GM or players wish to use Vane
Barbute's Gift, "Has a soft spot for street kids." This would make
sense if one of the Active cards being read is the Jack of Clubs, which is an
lower-class NPC. Perhaps this means that Vane has befriended the members of a
local street gang. Now the player faction can draw upon the gang (or its
leader) because Vane is in garrison. Option: The NPC could be attached to a
particular character and only available when that character is in garrison.
Alternately, the NPC becomes universally available to the player faction,
regardless of which PCs are in garrison.
In any case, this faction play game is simply
a tool. There is no "right" way to use the framework it provides.
Compete, cooperate, do both, whatever. Just have fun doing it, and try not to
be a dickhead.
Tables follow, below.
Table 4:
Simplified Table of Cards and Their Meanings
Hearts
|
Spades
|
Diamonds
|
Clubs
|
|
Ace
|
New friendship, romance
|
New insights, realizations
|
New project, job, home, win
|
New idea, business, action
|
Two
|
Deepening attraction
|
Failure to communicate
|
Juggling resources, waiting on results
|
Planning and preparation
|
Three
|
Joy in company, friendship, celebration
|
Miscommunication, misunderstanding
|
Teamwork, improving skills
|
Leadership, exploration
|
Four
|
Turning inwards, apathy
|
Recuperation, recovery, contemplation
|
Miserliness, possessiveness
|
A goal achieved, rest from action
|
Five
|
Loss, despair
|
Discord, dishonor, hollow victory
|
Loss of possessions or job or money
|
Competition, disagreement, irritation
|
Six
|
Childhood, nostalgia, good memories, an old friendship resumes
|
Moving on, travel, mentally getting to a better place
|
Giving or receiving money, a pay-rise, obtaining resources
|
Victory, achievement, passing exams
|
Seven
|
Daydreaming, wishful thinking, choices
|
Lying, deceitfulness, theft, irresponsibility
|
Reassessment, turning point, mild dissatisfaction
|
Defence, conviction, strong belief
|
Eight
|
Emotional detachment, leaving love behind, making a hard choice
|
Illusion of being trapped, powerlessness
|
Paying attention to detail, focus, practice
|
Organization, moving quickly, pregnancy
|
Nine
|
Satisfaction, sensual pleasure, spiritual growth
|
Nightmares, problems, worry, guilt
|
Independence, self-reliance, increasing wealth
|
Continuing a battle, endurance, physical strength
|
Ten
|
Contentment, fulfilment, joy, family
|
Giving up, victim, martyrdom
|
Great wealth, family property, inheritance
|
Carrying burdens, responsibility, debt
|
Jack
|
Falls in love easily, romantic, chatterbox
|
Rebel, fights for a cause, intellectual, political
|
Reliable, hard-working, quiet, hidden depths
|
Unreliable, hotheaded, risk taker, athletic
|
Queen
|
Emotional, dependent, empathic
|
Sharp, intelligent, ruthless, insightful, organized
|
Practical, warm, dependable, motherhood
|
Energetic, career-minded, untidy, disorganized
|
King
|
Wise, tolerant, diplomatic, feeling, patient
|
Introspective, ethical, communicator, stern
|
Self-made, business owner encouraging, enjoys the fruits of his
labors, jolly
|
Creative, forceful, entrepreneurial charismatic, hot-tempered
|
Table 5:
Extended Table of Cards and Their Meanings (Including Trumps)
Hearts
|
Usually
predict emotional connection, relationships, etc.
|
|
Card
|
Meaning
|
Reversed Meaning
|
Ace
|
The
beginning of love, joy, beauty, or good health, a new relationship.
|
Hesitancy
to accept the things that come from the heart, love under a selfish
grasp, egotism
|
2
|
A new
romance, a well balanced friendship is beginning, harmony, cooperation
|
A loss
of balance in a relationship, a violent passion, love turning
bad, a misunderstanding
|
3
|
A good
fortune in love, a happy conclusion, unknown talents are discovered, a
sensitive and sympathetic person, hospitality
|
Pain,
gossip, unknown talents remain hidden, overindulgence
|
4
|
Reevaluation,
a dissatisfaction with success, kindness may come from others
|
New
relationships possible, new goals, new ambitions, action
|
5
|
Sorrow,
loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, disillusionment, vain regret
|
Return
of hope, new relationships are beginning, return of a loved one, courage is
summoned from within
|
6
|
A gift
from a childhood acquaintance, happiness and pleasure brought from the past,
good memories, a new friendship, a gift from an admirer, new opportunities
|
Living
in the past, outworn friendships, disappointment
|
7
|
A
long-worked imagination, unable to choose one's direction in life, illusory
success
|
A good
use of determination, will-power, a definite path will be chosen
|
8
|
An
abandonment of one's current path in life, disappointment in love, misery and
repining without cause, desire to leave one's success for something higher
|
Search
for pleasure, seeking joy or success, a new love interest
|
9
|
An
assured future, physical well-being, a wish may come true
|
A lack
in money, overindulgence, illness, a wish may not come true
|
10
|
A happy
family life, true friendships, lasting happiness
|
A family
quarrel, loss of a friendship, children may turn against their parents, waste
|
Jack
|
Intelligence,
romantic dreamer, the coming or going of an emotional matter
|
Trickery,
fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful person
|
Queen
|
Imagination
out-ways one's common sense, a good wife or loving mother, happiness, gentle,
a good natured person
|
Trickery,
fraud, sensuality, idleness, an untruthful person
|
King
|
Imagination
out-ways one's common sense, a good wife or loving mother, happiness, gentle,
a good natured person
|
An
over-active imagination, perverse, pleasure and happiness may turn
bitter
|
Spades
|
Usually
predict aggression, force, ambition, courage, strife, misfortune
|
|
Card
|
Meaning
|
Reversed Meaning
|
Ace
|
Beginning
of a victory, ability to love and hate with ardor, a valiant leader may be
born
|
Caution
when trying to use power to gain an ending, obstacles, tyranny
|
2
|
Well
balanced emotions are needed, indecision, trouble ahead, in need of direction
|
Release,
beware when dealing with the unscrupulous
|
3
|
Affections
may experience "stormy weather", lovers separated, possible civil
war
|
Disorder,
confusion, loss, sorrow due to loss
|
4
|
Rest
after strife, retreat, temporary exile, a change back to the "active
life"
|
Renewed
activity, social unrest, labor strikes
|
5
|
Failure,
defeat, cowardliness, cruelty, an empty victory
|
A
lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory, unfairness in dealings
|
6
|
A
journey, passage away from sorrow, harmony will prevail
|
Journey
will be postponed, no way out of present obstacles or difficulties
|
7
|
An
unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying, possible failure
|
Excessive
help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen items are returned
|
8
|
Restricted
action, indecision, censure, temporary illness, weakness, a prisoner
|
Relaxation,
new beginnings possible, freedom
|
9
|
Suffering,
doubt, desolation, illness, injury, death of a loved one, suspicion, cruelty,
misery, loss, dishonesty, pitilessness, slander
|
Healing
over time, unselfishness, patience, good news of a loved one
|
10
|
Sudden
misfortune, ruin of plans, defeat, failure, pain and tears
|
vil
forces are overthrown, courage, some success, better health
|
Jack
|
A
headlong rush into life, a strong man, bravery, a skillful and clever person,
an unexpected coming or going of a matter
|
Tyranny,
a troublemaker, a crafty and secretive person
|
Queen
|
A quick
and confident decision, a widow, one who can bear their sorrow
|
Cruelty
due to keen observations, a sly and deceitful person, narrowmindedness, a
gossip
|
King
|
A
judge, a powerful commander, a firm friendship holder but often overcautious,
a wise counselor
|
Evil
intentions, an obstinate person, decisions or judgments may seem unfair
|
Diamonds
|
Usually
predict money, industry, and material gain
|
|
Card
|
Meaning
|
Reversed Meaning
|
Ace
|
A new
business venture, the beginning of prosperity, beginning of happiness or
pleasure
|
Possible
greed or misery, money may not be everything
|
2
|
The
ability to handle multiple situations, harmony is maintained during change,
new projects may be difficult, expect a helpful message
|
Difficulty
with handling problems, expect a discouraging message
|
3
|
Reward
for skills or abilities, approval, success through effort
|
Quality
in workmanship is neglected, good work is expended due to a
preoccupation with money, common place ideals or ambitions
|
4
|
Love of
power or money, a lack of give-and-take, miserly or ungenerous nature
|
Some
earthly possessions may be lost, obstacles or delays in business affairs, a
spendthrift
|
5
|
Loneliness,
destitution, loss of possessions, poor health, despair due to spiritual
impoverishment
|
New
employment, revived courage, a new interest
|
6
|
Sharing
of prosperity, one will soon receive what is rightfully theirs, charity,
gifts, philanthropy, three-fold
|
Bribes,
unfairness, prosperity is threatened, jealousy, miserliness
|
7
|
Effort
and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development, reevaluations
|
Little
progress, impatience, anxiety, investments may be unprofitable
|
8
|
Learning
a trade or profession, employment is coming soon, skill, handiwork, small
money gain
|
Skills
are not being used properly, a dislike of hard work, ambition is void
|
9
|
Well-being,
things in life are enjoyed alone, solitude, a green thumb
|
Loss is
possible, danger from thieves, caution
|
10
|
Stable
family, gain in wealth, property is acquired
|
Family
misfortune, caution, mind is dull, slothfulness
|
Jack
|
Trustworthy,
a heavy and dull outlook, patience, accepting of responsibilities, an animal
lover, a nature lover, the coming/going of a matter
|
Irresponsible,
impatience, timidness, carelessness, a standstill in affairs
|
Queen
|
Intelligence,
thoughtfulness, a creative person, talents are used well, melancholy
|
Too
much dependence, neglected duties, mistrust, suspicion, not a very creative
person
|
King
|
A chief
of industry or a banker, a reliable person, a married man, solid, steadiness
|
Materialistic,
slow to anger, 'head is on the ground", bribes
|
Clubs
|
Usually
predict energy, growth, enterprise, animation, and glory.
|
|
Card
|
Meaning
|
Reversed Meaning
|
Ace
|
A
creative beginning, a new business venture, a profitable journey, an
inheritance, a new career, a birth in the family
|
Selfishness
may spoil the venture, setbacks for a new enterprise, a journey may be put
off, a lack of determination
|
2
|
A kind
and generous person, an interest in science, patience, creative ability,
courage, good things to come
|
Caution
is advised against impatience, a possible domination by others
|
3
|
A
cooperation in business affairs, trade and commerce, success brought by a
good partnership, practical help may come from a successful person
|
A
tendency to scatter energies, mistakes are made through carelessness,
disappointment, caution against pride and arrogance
|
4
|
The beauty
of the harvest home, perfected work, prosperity, peace, celebration after
labor, end of romance in marriage, happy holidays to come
|
Learning
to appreciate the little things in life, beauty of nature, peace, harmony
|
5
|
Competition,
possibility of a lawsuit or quarrel, obstacles, courage
|
Harmony,
new opportunities, generosity
|
6
|
Good
news, victory, success after labor, helpful friends, leadership during
journey
|
Rewards
are delayed, postponed trip, bad news, an insolent winner, pride in
riches/success
|
7
|
The
ability to "hold one's own" against adversaries, stiff competition
in business, a fight won, a fight one may have to face soon, victory, energy,
courage
|
The
threat will pass by, don't let others take advantage, caution against
indecision, patience
|
8
|
A Goal
is approaching, new ideas, a journey by air, love will find its mark, love of
open air, gardens, meadows
|
Jealousy,
violence, quarrels, domestic disputes, a force of courage or boldness is
applied to suddenly
|
9
|
Preparedness,
eventual victory, good health, strength in reserve, tendency to obstinacy
|
Unpreparedness,
refusal to fight, weakness in character, ill health, bending over adversity
|
10
|
An
oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete failure
|
Strength,
energy, a desire to ruin the happiness of others, a clever person
|
Jack
|
An
impetuous nature, generous friend, a lover, haste, a journey, the coming or
going of a matter is of much concern
|
Discord,
work interrupted, jealousy, narrow-mindedness, suspicion, the journey is
delayed
|
Queen
|
A
woman, fondness of nature or of the home, attraction, command, someone who is
well liked or honorable
|
Strict,
domineering, a jealous and revengeful nature, deceit, infidelity
|
King
|
A
gentlemen, father, passionate, generous, noble, a good leader
|
Severe,
unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice, quarrels
|
Jokers/Trumps
|
Roll d22 for Trump Card
|
Roll d22 for Trump Card, Reversed
Meaning
|
1
(The Magician)
|
Originality,
creativity, skill, will-power, self confidence, dexterity, sleight of hand
|
Weakness
in will, insecurity, delay, no imagination
|
2
(The High Priestess)
|
Wisdom,
knowledge, learning, intuition, purity, virtue, a lack of patience, a teacher
|
Ignorance,
lack of understanding, selfishness, shallowness
|
3
(The Empress)
|
Action,
development, accomplishment, mother/sister/wife, evolution
|
Vacillation,
inaction, lack of concentration, indecision, anxiety, infidelity
|
4
(The Emperor)
|
Accomplishment,
confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband,
achievement, a capable person
|
Immaturity,
indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of strength
|
5
(The Hierophant)
|
A
need to conform, social approval, bonded to the conventions of society
|
Unconventionality,
unorthodoxy, an inventor
|
6
(The Lovers)
|
Love,
harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a meaningful
relationship/affair
|
Unreliability,
separation, frustration in love, fickleness, untrustworthy
|
7
(The Chariot)
|
Perseverance,
a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil, vengeance
|
Unsuccessful,
defeat, failure, last minute loss, vanquishment
|
8
(Strength)
|
Strength,
courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism, virility
|
Weakness,
pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith, abuse of power
|
9
(The Hermit)
|
Counsel,
inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience, withdrawal,
annulment, a loner
|
Imprudence,
hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity
|
10
(The Wheel of Fortune)
|
Destiny,
fortune, a special gain, an unusual loss, end of a problem, unexpected
events, advancement, progress
|
Failure,
bad luck, interruption, outside influences, bad fate, unexpected events
|
11
(Justice)
|
Harmony,
balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a considerate person
|
Bias,
false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse
|
12
(The Hanged Man)
|
Suspension,
change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement,
rebirth
|
Unwillingness
to make an effort, false prophecy, useless sacrifice
|
13
(Death)
|
Transformation,
making way for the new, unexpected change, loss, failure, illness or death,
bad luck
|
Stagnation,
immobility, slow changes, a narrow escape, cheating death
|
14
(Temperance)
|
Moderation,
temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence, confidence
|
Discord,
conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration, impatience
|
15
(The Devil)
|
Ravage,
weird or strange experience, downfall, unexpected failure, controversy,
violence, disaster, an ill-tempered person
|
Divorce,
release, handicaps are overcome, enlightenment
|
16
(The Tower)
|
A
sudden change, abandonment of past, ending a friendship, unexpected events,
disruption, bankruptcy, downfall, loss of money or security
|
Following
old ways, a rut, entrapment, caught in a bad situation, imprisonment
|
17
(The Star)
|
Hope,
faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure, balance
|
Unfulfilled
hopes, disappointment, dreams are crushed, bad luck, imbalance
|
18
(The Moon)
|
Deception,
trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealing
|
Deception
is discovered before damage can be done, trifling mistakes, taking advantage
of someone
|
19
(The Sun)
|
Satisfaction,
accomplishment, success, love, joy, engagement or a happy marriage
|
Unhappiness,
loneliness, canceled plans, broken engagement or marriage, a clouded future,
a lack of friends
|
20
(Judgment)
|
Atonement,
judgment, the need to forgive, rejuvenation, rebirth, improvement,
development, promotion, efforts are rewarded
|
Delay,
disappointment, indecision, procrastination, theft, worry
|
21
(The World)
|
Completion,
perfection, recognition, honors, the end result, success, fulfillment,
triumph, eternal life
|
Imperfection,
lack of vision, disappointment
|
22
(The Fool)
|
New
beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited
possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashness
|
A bad
decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty choice
|
Sources
Tarot
Cards
How
to Read Tarot with Playing Cards
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