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Known for being one of the most iconic modules and adventures inDungeons & 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 the 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 himself to the location of several different treasures that are important to the module.
As a Dungeon Master, you’lluse the Tarokka Deck to determine the following:
Whilemost DMs use the Vistani NPC known as Madam Evato perform the Tarokka reading, you can also use Ezmerelda d’Avenir if players meet her first.
No matter what, remember, it’s essential that youperform this reading for players as early as possible in their adventureso that you, as a DM, can prepare future sessions.
Emphasize the importance of this readingto your players so that they know that the information gleaned here is vital to their 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 touse 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 cards 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 deckand lay them face down, placing them in the following configuration:
From there,draw the top two cards from the high deck, placing them in the following configuration:
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 central 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 cardto reveal either the location of a key item or NPC.Refer to the Curse of Strahd modulefor more info on each location.
The Tome Of Strahd
Once you’ve placed your cards, you’llbegin by flipping over Card #1.
This card reveals the location of the Tome of Strahd, which 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.
Details
Hold Vampires
As an action, you can use a charge of the Holy Symbol to hold vampires and Vampire Spawn in place.
Turn Undead
If you are a cleric or paladin who can turn undead, you can use this feature, expending three charges, to force disadvantage on the save.
Sunlight
you’re able to expend five charges to shed bright light that functions like sunlight for the purposes of Strahd’s stat block.
The Sunsword
From there,flip over Card #3.
This card reveals the location of the Sunsword, a powerful weapon that can also be used in combat against Strahd.
It has the properties of a Sun Blade, dealing extra radiant damage on various attacks.
The Sunsword is also sentientand 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 NPCwho will follow the party on their journey toward defeating Strahd, and increases their odds of survival.
These NPCs can functionalmost like DMPCs, in that theywork as a great vessel for DMs to join the partyand impart wisdom should the party get stuck.
Each NPC has certain conditionsthat might preclude them from joining the party in earnest. Do your best as a DM toimpart 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 Ravenloftwhen the time 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 oncethroughout the reading for an extra challenge.
There are many locations where Strahd can be inside Castle Ravenloft, all of which can prove narratively 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.
