Harrow Readings

[forger42]

I find it a bit ambiguous whether you should perform a single reading for the party or whether each PC should receive their own reading. I would go in the direction of a single reading for the party, but I know others have done one for each PC. Anyone have any insight into which it's supposed to be?

[Puna'chong]

Having run it three times, I've always interpreted it as a single reading for the entire party.

[MrVergee]

I also perform a single reading for each character. The readings are quite hard, though, I use an excel sheet with all the card and their meaning to make the reading go a bit smoother. Someone posted it on these boards somewhere and I translated it to my language.

If you find the readings too complex to perform a single reading for every PC, I would advise you to draw a single card for each PC rather than do a group reading. This way you keep the personal reading for each player, which is fun for them.

[Knick]

I did one reading for the whole party. To make it run smoothly I did the harrowing ahead of time, subbed in any cards I thought were thematically appropriate, and then stacked the deck. This way I had a prepared reading and it didn't take forever to muddle through card meanings and what they might all mean (which is exactly what happened the first time I did it--lesson learned, that was a terrible half hour of gaming.

[Askren]

Ahh, Harrow. Didn't know there was a thread about this.

I've actually written up my Harrow Reading HERE.

What I did for this was actually very simple; I dealt myself some cards, I wrote their meanings (copied from the Harrow Guide that comes with the card pack), and then just fluffed them up a bit in the descriptions so that every card could either A.) Hint at something that was going to happen in the campaign, or B.) Hint at something about a character/his past.

The thing about a Harrow Reading is that it's almost irrelevant what cards you draw, as you can always make them about something significant. However, I pulled a few specific cards out, rather than drawing them randomly, because I wanted to hint at certain details where a random draw just wouldn't do.

The important part, I think, is do not be specific. I've read write-ups where people use the Harrow drawing to literally tell a party where to go next, and I think that's a terrible idea.

Have Zellara sit the group around the table, and draw the cards one by one, flipping it over and interpreting it (read the description from the document) before moving on. Take it slow, add emphasis and drama where needed, and generally make the players feel like this is important, like this is information they may need, even if they don't know it yet. Gravitas is the name of the game.

Running a reading for each character is a complete waste of time, and I really cannot see the point, as what you'd be doing is giving a party of between 4 and 6 people each a different set of information, and each the idea that this information is important for them to follow. How do they then decide what to go on? What if bits of information conflict? Who's do they defer to? One reading for the whole party. The reading is not to give them direction or motive, it's to make them aware of dark tidings and possible great or terrible deeds they may take part in. It's all about the mystery.

That's my 2 cents. I have a recording of myself doing the Harrow Reading for my session if you'd like it.

[The Shaman]

This is a bit of a threadomancy, but I have recently started the game and did the initial reading. I would like you to tell me if you think it is too strong a hint or good enough.

Here is how the reading went.

Good future: The idiot (misaligned) - The fool is normally a bad card, but it shows in a good place. Once, you were in danger, but by appearing foolish or insignificant, the darkness passed. There is wisdom in appearing foolish and not baring your fangs needlessly. Storms that break ancient trees do not uproot the grass, and tall grass hides many things...

Good present: The bear (partial match) - the bear means raw strength without concerns for morality, and here it is in a strong place in your favor. Pure might may carry the day where intrigue or deliberation have failed. Trust your thews in the coming fight, and you can triumph. The greatest schemers may spend all their effort shielding themselves from the schemes of their peers, only to be undone by what they thought base and artless.

Good future: The courtesan (partial match) - the courtesan schemes and plots, hiding behind her mask. This is a fickle card, but in this place it shows that you can profit from your cunning or that of another, and profit much! Be aware though, since the courtesan is fickle in her affections - you must trust your instinct and will when dealing with her charms.

Uncertain future: The sickness - this is a sign of disease and malaise, but they need not be physical. Under this sign, the natural and strong weaken, and the unwholesome and corrupt take seed. Some, sometimes the diseased skin hides under a wholesome mask. It is a poor portent, as old and good things weaken - but what will supplant them, none can say.

Uncertain Present: The marriage (partial match) - there is power in unity of different people or ideas. This card is strong, but hard to define. You yourselves can benefit greatly from unity of your diverse talents, but so can your foes. Open yourself to strange ideas and comrades, and in them, you may find strength.

Uncertain future: The juggler (partial match) - fate is on your side, and the card is in a strong place, but its position is precarious. Much is at stake, and you can achieve great success, but it will not come without great challenges and maybe losses.

Bad past: The owl - there is wisdom and strength in the natural order, but it is not always a force for good. Buried evil is sometimes like a tree with strong woods - even if the tree is cut down, a new offshoot will grow, if the soil is fruitful. And for evil, the soil is ever fruitful (sighs).

Bad present: The trumpet (inversed) - tsk, a bad omen. Power and influence, but gathered for their own sake instead of for the good of all. Be wary of those who aspire to power, for their motives may not be pure.

Bad future: The winged serpent (inverse full match) - ay, ay, ay, now this is troubling. The feathered serpent strikes at the right hour and it is normally a force for good - but here appears in full reverse. Be careful - should you fail to seize your time and dawdle the consequences for you and yours will be poor indeed. Bad things are poised to make their move, and you will not get many chances or time to prepare. Do not wait for others to act or for the storms to pass - your salvation is in your own hands.

Here is an alternative overall reading:

Past: In the past, you have been underestimated and considered weak and foolish. This is a wise strategy where stronger forces are afoot, so sheathe your knives and do not bear your fangs to everyone. Remains of hidden evil - no demons or devils, but things of this world - have strong roots, and they will arise anew. What was good and strong has grown weak and sickly, and both strength and discretion are needed in the confrontations ahead.

Present: Trust in your strength - it may prove to be your best asset. Brute force can get you through where wit or cunning fail. Even better, however, is an alliance where different strengths can be united to a common purpose. However, your enemies may strive to do the same, and strive for power and glory for their own dark designs. Not everyone who claims to strive for the good of all is as innocent as they proclaim.

Future: There is a great fate before you - the way will not be easy, but great rewards await you if you succeed. Schemes and intrigues play out in the background, and if you are smart and quick, you can benefit from them. Be wary, though, for their masters and mistresses are fickle, and you should not overstay your welcome. There is a strong sign that should you fail to act when you should, you and yours will suffer greatly. An evil power is rising, and poised to strike. You will not get many chances, and should you miss them, bad things will come to you - but should you navigate the dangers well, great rewards await you.

So - would you say both readings are okay, or should I stick to the second one, and should I try to make it less, well, obvious?

[Ravenlynne]

Dotting this for later.