Editing Tarokka (section)

==Using the Tarokka==
For players and DMS unfamiliar with performing tarot readings, we'll refer to the [[Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition]] mechanics from the [[Ravenloft]] [[Dungeon Master's Guide]] for 3.5.

The quick and easy way to perform a Tarokka reading is to use what's called ''The Basic Cross''. To make this, draw five cards; place the first in the center and then the other four around it going clockwise, so that's left (2), above (3), right (4) and below). In order, these cards represent the ''Focus'', the ''Past'', the ''Present'' and the ''Outcome''.

A more in-depth version is ''The Divergent Cross''. Start by making a Basic Cross, as above. Then draw six more cards; the sixth through eighth are placed from left to right below card #5, and represent ''Beginnings'', ''The Far Past'' and ''The Near Past'', which collectively serve to indicate historical information. Then place the last three cards above card #1 from left to right; these indicate the three possible futures coming as a result of this reading, depending on what the players do to influence things (or don't do).

The Basic Cross is a lot easier for DMs to wing stuff, especially if you're actively drawing cards by chance and not stacking the deck; it makes it easier to bullshit your preferred explanation. The Divergent Cross is tougher, but it lets you provide a lot more clues and hooks to your players.

The [[Books of S]] also offer alternative uses for the Tarokka to play in-universe card games, similar to how our real-world card games ultimately evolved from the Tarot deck.