I started another project for Samhain, Oracle Cards. Taking inspiration from Mildred Payne's Oracle of Black Enchantment.This is not my only inspiration, as games like Tales of Argosa also have their Deck of Signs. Let alone Runehammers, ICRPG Think Deck which I used extensively for years to inform my games both in preparation and also at the game table. Using these sort of tools in game is what I am all about and I started to dream of my very own "oracle deck".

The deck I am working on will consist of 54 illustrated tarot size cards, at least at this point. The point is for the Harvest Master to interpret them as they feel unction or inspiration. The 54 cards will have themes relating to each Hexatic County of the Samhain Vale. Nine cards for each county.

I started going through my list of cards and drawing up what I am calling proof of concept cards that will really just end up being the cards. The First one is called The Harvester (above). I already need to change it up and will do so shortly. Initially I wanted the the card to have harvested pumpkins and then the reaping element a scythe. Now that it is drawn I realize that a scythe is not appropriate for this card and will be changing it out to a sickle then I'll draw the lantern into his forward hand. A scythe would be used for reaping grains and stalks such as wheat or even corn, and also grass and the like. The sickle will be much more in line with harvesting pumpkins. At least I think so, I am not a farmer.

I have also started to sketch out concepts while I am at my day job, I've done a few. Here are two that I have been working on. One called The Pumpkin Field and the other The Witch. I have a few tweaks to make when I bring it over to photoshop for the final rendering.

I am pretty sure to finalize 54 cards will take some time. The medieval wood cut style makes things a little more straight forward and gives a lot of character, IMO. Though they are simple drawings they will mostly be scenes so instead of just a single icon or subject I have to lay out all the different motifs. I think it is important to have more than one thing on the cards to give the Harvest Master enough to "interpret". There may be cards with single or a couple of objects, but most will be scenes.

It is a long road ahead but once it is done I hope it will be a welcome game aid not only for adventure design and inspiration, but also an in game artifact that can be used at the table in the setting itself. I can imagine the PCs visiting a seer or other type of NPC and they break out the cards lay three down and interpret the meaning in front of the players. It won't be as exact as say the Tarokka deck from Ravenloft with very specific things happening in the game depending on the what is drawn. That could be a way to use them, but I personally like to improv in my games, so leaving the cards drawn to interpretation at the table will be great fun.