Sorcery Without Master: A Tarot Mod
Sorcery Without Master is a modification for Epidiah Ravachol’s Swords Without Master. Instead of the standard two six-sided dice, this mod uses a Tarot deck to drive the narrative and determine the tone of the game.
The Mechanics of Fate
By incorporating the Minor and Major Arcana, the game gains a new layer of interpretive depth:
- Minor Arcana: The value of the card determines the success or difficulty of an action. For example, a 5 is a “stymie,” adding a layer of complication to the hero’s path.
- Major Arcana: When these powerful cards appear, they dictate the moral or thematic tone of the scene. Cards named for people (like The Magician or The High Priestess) represent “morals” that the characters must contend with.
Why Tarot?
The use of Tarot allows for a more evocative and atmospheric game sessions. The imagery and traditional meanings of the cards provide immediate inspiration for both the players and the Overlord, turning every action into a shared act of storytelling.