Known for being one of the most iconic modules and adventures in 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dungeons & Dragons, Curse of Strahd also has some📖 of the most interesting adventure mechanics available for DMs. One of these mechanics is known as the Tarokka Deck, which is used early on in🌞 the adventure to help customize the module to each individual table, making every player's experience unique.

But if you're diving into running Curse of Strahd for the very first time, this deck can prove💞 a bit confusing. That's why we've created this guide. Here's how to use th🥀e Tarokka Deck in Curse of Strahd.

What Is The Tarokka Deck?

The Tarokka Deck is a set of cards, similar to real-world Tarot Cards, that determines several elements of your Curse of Strahd adventure,♉ from the location of Strahd himꦺself to the location of several different treasures that are important to the module.

As a Dungeon Master, you'll use the Tarokka Deck to determine the following:

1. The location of the Tome of Strahd
2. The location of the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind
3. The location of the Sunsword
4. Strahd's Enemy
5. The location of Strahd in Castle Ravenloft

While most DMs use the Vistani NPC known as Madam Eva to perform🍬 the Tarokka reading, you can also use Ezmerelda d'Av🌌enir if players meet her first.

No matter what, remember, it's essential that you perform this reading for players as early as possible in their adventure so that you, as a DM, can prepare futur♚e sessions.

Emphasize the importance of this reading to your players so that they know that the information gleaned here is vital to th𓆏eir survival in Barovia.

How To Use The Tarokka Deck

Once players ask either Madam Eva or Ezmerelda to perform the Tarokka reading, you'll want to use either an actual Tarokka Deck (which you can purchase) or playing cards.

The Curse of Strahd module has rules for how to use a regular set of playing cards, and which playing c🎉ar🧸ds translate to each Tarokka card.

From there, perform the reading by first separating the high deck (marked by a crown symbol) and the common deck, shuffling separately.

Then, draw the top three cards from the common deck and lay them face down,ꦆ plac✨ing them in the following configuration:

1. Card #1 - Place to the left on the table
2. Card #2 - Place on the uppermost portion of the table
3. Card #3 - Place to the right on the table

From there, draw the top two cards from the high deck, placing them in the following configuration:

1. Card #4 - Place at the bottommost portion of the table
2. Card #5 - Place in the center of all four cards

If you've done this correctly, Card #5 should be in the center of the table, with all four cards on either side of the cent𓆏ral card.

If there are companions and locations that you don't personally want to run as a DM, feel free to remove these cards from the deck.

From there, follow the steps below for each card to reveal either the location of a key item or NPC. Refer to the Curse of Strahd module for more info on each location.

The Tome Of Strahd

Once you've placed your cards, you'll begin by flipping over Card #1.

This card reveals the location of the Tome of Strahd, whic꧃h reveals the nature of Strahd'💦s backstory and how he became a vampire.

The Holy Symbol Of Ravenkind

From there, flip over Card #2.

This card reveals the location of the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind, which requires attunement by 🥃a cleric or paladin, and can be used in combat against Strahd in various ways.

The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind has a limited number of charges, beginning with ⛎ten, and subsequently regaining 1d6 +4 charges each dawn.

​​​​​

The Sunsword

From there, flip over Card #3.

This card reveals the location of the Sunsword, a powerful wea♒pon that can also be used in combat against Strah🐻d.

It has the properties of a Sun Blade, dealing extra radiant d൲amage on various attacks.

The Sunsword is also sentient and has its own💛 stat block.🐻 See Appendix C: Treasures of Curse of Strahd for more details.

Strahd's Enemy

Next, flip over Card #4.

This card reveals the location of an important NPC who will follow the 🗹party on their journey toward def🎀eating Strahd, and increases their odds of survival.

These NPCs can function 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:almost like DMPCs, in that they work as a great vessel for DMs to join the party and impart wisdom should the party get stuck.

Each NPC has certain conditions that might preclude them from joining the party in earnest. Do your best as a DM to impart this condition when you do the reading.

The Curse of Strahd module gives DMs advice on what to say during the 🦂reading to hint at each NPC's condition.

Strahd

Lastly, flip over Card #5.

This card determines Strahd's location inside Castle Ravenloft when the tim🥀e comes for the party to pursue him and attack.

If you draw the Mists card (or the Queen of Spades), players get no hint as to Strahd's location.

If you have an expert-level party, consider using this card at least once throughout the reading for an extra challenge.

There are many locations where Strahd can be inside Castle Ravenloft, all of which can prove narrati✃vely exciting. However, remember that players will have to travel from this location to the crypts to put an end to Strahd and beat the module.