I was wondering that now that the various fortunetelling practices of the Varisians have been detailed, has anyone begun implementing such skills (i.e. astrology, crystallomancy, cartomancy (using a harrow deck), and face-reading) for the (N)PC's with any crunch?
If a skill, I'd assume the related ability might be Wisdom or Charisma. Has anyone morphed it with a pre-existing skill (like spellcraft or Perform)?
Are these skills meant to be "for entertainment purposes only", or can actual fortunetelling take place? If actual fortunetelling happens, (as far as possible crunch) would it be like casting an augury spell (and with the accompanying price)?
I'm very fond of that Dragon article about using three-dragon ante to do your character's ability scores. If only there was some way to reverse-engineer (without massive hassle) a way to 'set' the deck and 'draw' your players' fortunes...
"Ah I see, the Gold Dragon represents your spirit... that explains much"
Um...do you mean a "Tarot" deck?
I'm very fond of that Dragon article about using three-dragon ante to do your character's ability scores.
Could you be so kind as to tell me the issue, and/or lead me to an index to help me find that issue? That sounds like a fascinating article.
On page 67, it mentions "Harrow Deck," but I assume it's intended to work like a Tarot Deck (since a pack of cards represents the lower arcana, they could work, too, in a pinch), and it can be fun to actually use a Tarot Deck as a live-action play-aid, but I'm looking for any crunch advice.
As it stands, I assume it either does absoltuely nothing (but used as a "Perform" skill, can earn Varisians a living with a good roll), or it works along the lines of an Augury spell.
I've come across ideas where DM's implement a luck bonus/ penalty depending upon the situation, a player might receive maybe a +/- 1 (or higher), etc.
What I also foresee is that, regardless if the skill is purely a con game, or if it has any substance to it, the notes clearly indicate that there are those in Golorian that *believe* such skills as potent vehicles of decyphering what the gods might have in store for someone. With that mentality, I foresee great potential for a high bluff, or Perform roll to get leaders, mayors, kings, etc. in the palm of one's hand. "I see great trouble, oh mighty king, unless you appease the wrath of the gods by abstaining from wearing blue for a week" kind-of-thing. It would be a great way to influence when battles happen, if they happen, when they stop, who to tax, etc.
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I'm very fond of that Dragon article about using three-dragon ante to do your character's ability scores.Could you be so kind as to tell me the issue, and/or lead me to an index to help me find that issue? That sounds like a fascinating article.
It's in Dragon 346.
I think it's an excellent little article.
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I'm very fond of that Dragon article about using three-dragon ante to do your character's ability scores. If only there was some way to reverse-engineer (without massive hassle) a way to 'set' the deck and 'draw' your players' fortunes...
"Ah I see, the Gold Dragon represents your spirit... that explains much"
That makes me wanna fiddle with it and see if I can make something up even now... the mortals and gods make a decent replacement for the High Arcana, and the Low Arcana would be nicely covered by the dragons themselves. It might be easier to make it work once we see that article on the Dragons of Varisia next month, though... (It is next month, right?)
I was wondering that now that the various fortunetelling practices of the Varisians have been detailed, has anyone begun implementing ... cartomancy (using a harrow deck)Oh... someone might have begun implementing that....
Ahh, but will it require Stonehenge? ; )
. . . will a GameMastery device also be potentially involved?? Holiday shopping is very close.
How I envision the evolution of the Harrow Deck mirrors the Tarot Deck. I can see how many symbols originated from ancient Thassilonia, and possibly from other even more ancient and alien sources, but now the symbols have come to mean something else, and have merged with more contemporary symbols as the Varisians have contacted other cultures and evolved their own over the generations. I can imagine that there could be *many* versions of Harrow Decks crafted by various prominant Varisians over time. Rare decks can become frightfully expensive. (This way, I can envision an actual product that can present many artists as different styles of decks. . . )
My mind gibbers with delight at the prospect of whatever develops. The dark secrets are very fascinating.
No way! I'm too curious and experimental and impatient to be a paladin.
James is a bard!