Tarot

The tarot is a popular card-based method of fortune-telling that some people make use of. These are also often seen as telling the journey of a person, from The Fool to The World, as they grow and change.

In Persona, the games tend to use the Major Arcana, twenty-two cards in all, to classify various entities.

The Major Arcana include the following cards: The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Justice, The Hermit, The Wheel of Fortune, Strength, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, and The World.

These can have other names in various decks (and in the games!), but for the purpose of the MUSH we are using the ones above in that order. Also of note: due to The World's meaning (completion of the journey) and significance in the games, it is not an available arcana for characters.

We are not using any alternate arcana that exist in certain Persona games on the MUSH. Feature characters who are associated with certain alternate arcana have been reassigned by staff; if you feel a different arcana is appropriate for these characters (and these characters only) and you want to apply for one of them, you may suggest as such in your application.

Characters who have more than one arcana should use their initial arcana. For example, Shinjiro Aragaki is associated with both Hierophant and Moon in P3P, but on VRM, Shinjiro is always Hierophant and not Moon.

While a few of the Persona series use the Minor Arcana as well, they're not used in this sense on Velvet Room MUSH.

Tarot and Characters

An Arcana can be thought of as a character's archetype at that particular point in time that they are played. It roughly represents the general tropes, themes, and traits of that particular character.

However, this is fluid: no character will fit a given arcana perfectly, and some might well suit more than one. In the end, it's about what you feel fits best into the given framework, and there's a lot of room for flexibility. A character's arcana may even shift outright as their role or story undergoes significant changes. For example, maybe Shinjiro eventually changes from Hierophant to Moon.

There are no mechanical benefits to any particular arcana outside Fool. The Fool arcana is a special case, which grants characters the benefits (and drawbacks) of the Wild Card.

Innately, characters do not know their arcana, but a character can freely learn their own arcana from Igor in the Velvet Room if they choose. Igor and other attendants might at times allude to it as well.

When selecting an arcana for your character, consider some of your character's main traits and themes. Do any of the arcana match the traits you want to highlight? What elements and themes do you want to emphasize in the story you want to tell about them?

It may be a good idea to check some of the feature characters and what makes them fit an arcana as well. Note that every character can probably fit any arcana at some stage in their life, but for this purpose, choose what aspects you want to emphasize if you feel like you can't decide.

If things still don't seem to be working, ask staff or another player for input. Most importantly, remember that arcana choice can be changed later, so don't worry too much about it.

Fool

"DAWN OF A NEW TALE"

In the Tarot, the Fool represents the beginning, the card that appears before all else.

For good or ill, many Fools tend to be blunt, naive or even 'foolish' in nature -- inexperience with the world and other people means they tend to behave or express themselves honestly, even when it's ultimately to their detriment. More than others, Fools are aware of the present, neither given towards dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

On the other hand, Fools can sometimes seem to be insincere, as if they don't care, due to their willingness to say exactly what they mean, and their apparent carelessness in their interactions with other people. Similarly, their inexperience can cost them -- they don't know what they don't know, and since they tend not to think things over, well…

More than shared character traits, though, what links all Fools is that a destiny: they have a story that they must complete to the very end, at all costs, or it -- and their power of the Wild Card -- will simply slip away from them.

Destinies naturally wrap other characters into the story, but destinies are also not a prediction of grandeur. After all, not all stories end with 'and they all lived happily ever after', and the same can be said for the sometimes unfortunate Fools.

Note: All Fools receive the ability of the Wild Card. Fool OC apps will receive more scrutiny than others due to their nature. Fools, FC or OC, must be able to involve others in their destiny, whatever it might be.

Keywords: Beginnings, Zero, Spontaneity, Rashness, Trust, Faith, Self-Belief, Void, Foolishness, Youth, Bluntness, Joie de Vivre, Leap of Faith, Honesty, Blind Faith, Changes, Folly, Quests, Taking a Chance, Simplicity, Inexperience, Miracles

Sample Feature Characters

• Naoya Toudou: The quiet leader of the motley group of high schoolers who managed to outwit Kandori during the SEBEC incident three years ago.
• Maya Amano: An optimistic reporter and editor with Coolest magazine who tries to think positively at all times.
• Minato Arisato: A quiet young transfer student to Gekkoukan High with a stoic nature that hides a mysterious past and an uncertain future.
• Minako Arisato: A cheerful young transfer student to Gekkoukan High with a boisterous nature that hides a mysterious past and an uncertain future.
• Ren Amamiya: An intense young transfer student to Shujin Academy, there on probation after being unjustly and falsely convicted of assault.

Magician

"TO DO IS TO BE"

The Magician, out of all the cards in the Tarot, represents action and the power inherent within the self.

Those defined by The Magician have their lives marked by their ability to leap into action, as well as their ability to at least appear as if they know what they're doing or have confidence in themselves through their ability to act boldly. Magicians may be flexible thinkers as well, and many possess a keener understanding of human nature than they might suggest.

On the flip side, The Magician struggles with self-discipline, can be prone to overconfidence, and often has little regard for the consequences of their actions. They often attempt to deflect focus on themselves to their actions instead. Magicians may be prone to frustration, and might give up when challenged too much.

Keywords: Action, Forceful, Consciousness, Concentration, Procrastinating, Personal Power, Practicality, Arrogance, Energy, Shrewdness, Creativity, Movement, Scattered, Conviction, Manipulation, Self-Confidence, Amoral, Being Objective, Impatience, Initiative

Sample Feature Characters

• Yuka Ayase: Carefree and blunt, she rarely shies away from letting others know exactly what's on her mind.
• Junpei Iori: A class clown of a high school student at Gekkoukan who wants to show everyone what he's really made of.
• Morgana: A sassy talking cat who claims he's originally human, he just lost his memories and human form while exploring Mementos.

Priestess

"PIERCE THE VEIL"

In the Tarot, the High Priestess, known in some decks as The Female Pope, represents intuition and mystery above all else.

While The Magician moves to take action, The High Priestess stops and considers carefully what they might do next, relying upon their intuition to guide their decisions. Sensitive, they excel at patience and planning, and may seem as if they're far wiser than most. The High Priestess more than most has a deeper sense of their own inner world.

On the other hand, this same patience and consideration can cost The High Priestess: they hesitate when they should move ahead, and their fondness for a soft touch can mean that important things go unsaid. They tend to put a wall between themselves and others, and may come off as aloof, or worse.

As a note, nothing prevents a male character from being of The High Priestess arcana.

Keywords: Intuition, Fearful, Non-Action, Mystery, Distant, Calmness, Silence, Inner Voice, Deep Understanding, Discretion, Sensitivity, Distance, Stability, Wisdom, Aloofness, Unconscious Knowledge, Patience, Uncertainty, Contemplation, Subjective Mind

Sample Feature Characters

• Maki Sonomura: Once the human center of the experimental DEVA System that could manipulate reality, she now works as a psychiatrist's assistant, hoping to somehow undo the hurt she feels she's caused.
• Fuuka Yamagishi: A quiet high school student at Gekkoukan who possesses keen perceptive abilities.
• Makoto Niijima: The serious, diligent student council president of Shujin Academy who nonetheless drives a motorcycle and loves shounen manga.

Empress

"THE FUTURE STARTS TODAY"

Within the Tarot, the concept that The Empress demonstrates best are the concepts of cultivation and maturity.

The Empress is seen by others as being in control and cultivating their own spheres. In tune with their senses, The Empress is aware of the world around them. The Empress is not one to hold back or stay at a remove: when time comes to support those around them, they're the first to step in. More than others, the Empress seeks to provide guidance to those around them.

However, The Empress' very own nature makes them a meddler par excellence, which many people tend not to appreciate. In their desire to protect their charges (or what they view as their charges!) they can smother them instead.

As a note, nothing prevents a male character from being of The Empress arcana.

Keywords: Mothering, Jealousy, Nurturing, Openness, Sexuality, Abundance, Cultivation, Material Manipulative, Maturity, Harmony, Smothering, Comfort, Power, The Right Path, Inaction, Nature, Delight, Desire, Needy, Health, Sensuality, Beauty, Satisfaction

Sample Feature Characters

• Yukino Mayuzumi: A ex-delinquent big sister type in her high school days, who has gone on to become an assistant photographer at Coolest magazine.
• Mitsuru Kirijo: A mature senior at Gekkoukan High and heir to the Kirijo Corporation who bears a heavy burden as the commander of SEES.
• Haru Okumura: A sweet senior at Shujin Academy who keeps it a secret from her classmates that she's the wealthy heiress to Okumura Foods.

Emperor

"THE DIE IS CAST"

In the Tarot, The Emperor represents most of all the elements of control and authority.

A male counterpart of sorts to The Empress, The Emperor similarly is a master of their domain in the world, though where The Empress guides and cultivates, The Emperor controls. Skilled at bringing order and stability to many areas of life, they are sometimes seen as being natural leaders.

However, The Emperor can present as domineering to some if they don't take care to modulate their message. Prone to being more self-centered than most, The Emperor can miss what is going on around them, only to realize too late what it has cost them.

As a note, nothing prevents a female character from being of The Emperor arcana.

Keywords: Fathering, Stability, Cruelty, Authority, Power, Control, Discipline, Command, Self-Righteous, Over-controlling, Status Quo, Order, Structure, Egocentrism, Tradition, Rigidity, Leadership, Experience, Inflexibility, Conservative Ways, Organization

Sample Feature Characters

• Akihiko Sanada: A quiet, persistent member of SEES, constantly looking for a means to gain true strength.
• Yusuke Kitagawa: An eccentric young man who has dedicated his life to art. All else is a means and an end for his inspiration.

Hierophant

"DO UNTO OTHERS"

The Hierophant, in some decks called The Pope, highlights the themes of experience and tradition.

Above all else, The Hierophant represents society, the status quo, and maturity, and so too do many who fall under its sway. This nature might not be readily apparent: sometimes the adherence to "The Rules", as they were, lies concealed. The Hierophant typically values education and passing on knowledge to others, particularly those younger than they.

The Hierophant can be too hidebound to their rules and expectations to their own detriment. There are also times where The Hierophant's experiences prevent them from seeing new possibilities, and they can have a tendency to put themselves above those who they think are in need of guidance.

As a note, nothing prevents a female character from being of The Hierophant arcana.

Keywords: Education, Unchangeable, Knowledge, Status Quo, Institution, Conservatism, Discipline, Maturity, Formality, Deception, Power, Respect, Duality, Intolerance, Social Convention, Belief Systems, Group Identification, Experience, Tradition, Dogmatism

Sample Feature Characters

• Kei Nanjo: The skeptical, intelligent heir to the Nanjo Group and an up-and-coming businessman.
• Shinjiro Aragaki: After his Persona went out of control one fateful night, he is determined to make sure no one else makes the same mistake he did.

Lovers

"EMBRACE YOUR FREEDOM"

Of the cards in the Tarot, The Lovers most represents the concepts of connection and choice.

Where The Hierophant might suggest the rules of society, The Lovers goes on to ask how one interacts with that society. More than anyone else, The Lovers understands the power of bonds, and the difficult problems and decisions that arise from those connections with other people. Emotional and sensual people, The Lovers seek meaning in their personal lives.

However, The Lovers' focus on the personal in their lives might make them appear to be self-absorbed, flighty, or shallow to others. Their emotional nature might give them a trend towards the dramatic, and there are times when their desires -- already strong -- might threaten to outright overwhelm them.

Keywords: Love, Doubt, Relationships, Union, Passion, Sexuality, Pleasure, Dilemma, Humanism, Desire, Personal Beliefs, Confusion, Individual Values, Physical Attraction, Connection, Affinity, Bonding, Romance, Heart, Choice, Difficult Decision, Temptation

Sample Feature Characters

• Lisa Silverman: An energetic student at Seven Sisters and up-and-coming singing idol who is attempting to discover her next step in life with her friends.
• Yukari Takeba: Seemingly cheerful at first, she keeps people at a certain distance, afraid of becoming too close.
• Rise Kujikawa: A middle school-aged idol, nicknamed "Risette" by her fans, who's gaining fame by doing commercials.
• Ann Takamaki: A beautiful model who is nonetheless lukewarm on the model business, more interested in being an inspiration to others.

Chariot

"KNOCK 'EM DEAD"

In the Tarot, the concepts that The Chariot resonates with most are assertion and willpower.

The Magician might suggest motion and The Emperor control, but The Chariot takes both these concepts and brings forth in turn assertion and determination. For The Chariot, there is only win or lose, and they intend to win. They appear to outsiders to be people of great conviction and bravery, striding in where others might turn aside.

The Chariot though is also a person who is marked by impulsivity: they do what feels right as long as it measures up to their inner standards. They tend to think in terms of themselves, and what they should accomplish, before thinking of others. Often, The Chariot can be inflexible in their way of thinking.

Keywords: Conquest, Honor, Victory, Conflict, Energy, Egocentrism, Self-Confidence, Conviction, Anxiety, Willpower, Self-Assertion, Hard Control, Recklessness, Discipline, Inflexibility, Success, Recognition, Impulsivity, Command, Bravery, Pride, Effort

Sample Feature Characters

• Masao "Mark" Inaba: A former class clown with a drive and eye for art of all forms.
• Aigis: The only 7th generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon known to still exist, she is determined to ensure the well-being of her friends, especially one she encountered over a decade ago.
• Ryuji Sakamoto: A former track athlete whose sports career ended when a crooked teacher broke his leg, he fights to help protect those oppressed like he was from "shitty adults."

Justice

"VANQUISH EVIL"

Among the cards of the tarot, Justice is most associated with the ideas of logic and cause-and-effect.

The key feature shared by almost all of the Justice arcana is a logical mind: they seek to organize and make sense of the world around them in a variety of ways. Many of this arcana also share a strong sense of, yes, justice: the idea that the universe is fair on a cosmic level and what comes around goes around. Justice also tends to have a strong sense of responsibility.

However, Justice's very nature can keep other people at bay: some might view their preference for objectivity and reason to be cold and distant. Sometimes narrow minded, Justice can lose sight of the fact that cause-and-effect applies to themself as well.

Keywords: Impartiality, Distance, Coldness, Justice, Objective Mind, Criticism, Being Clever, Insensitivity, Decision, Intellect, Analysis, Realism, Severity, Responsibility, Rationality, Clear Vision, Logic and Reason

Sample Feature Characters

• Hidehiko "Brown" Uesugi: An inveterate comedian who uses logic and reason to make sense of a scary world, he currently works as a talk show host.
• Katsuya Suou: A straight-and-narrow police detective assigned to the JOKER serial murder case.
• Ken Amada: A precocious Gekkoukan elementary school student who seeks to avenge his mother's death.
• Goro Akechi: A pleasant high school detective popularly known as the second Detective Prince, currently pursuing the mystery of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

Hermit

"WHO AM I?"

The Hermit, in the tradition of the Tarot, is associated with introspection and guidance.

A quieter card than some, The Hermit is no less felt in the world for their tendency to focus on their inner world first. Some may play the role of guide to others who walk a similar path, and a teaching or mentoring role is natural to The Hermit. While they come off as loners, the fact is that whether by preference or circumstance they tend to interact with people on their own terms, through filters if necessary.

However, The Hermit, even more than The High Priestess, is marked by a tendency to retreat and withdraw from other people. Many of The Hermit arcana may struggle with a sense of self-superiority and seek their own vindication. Their focus on the self can cause The Hermit to be uncompassionate and uncaring about the struggles of others.

Keywords: Introspection, Silence, Guidance, Reflection, Solitude, Looking Inward, Discernment, Being Quiet, Sadness, Inner Search, Deep Understanding, Pessimism, Independence, Values, Lighting the Way, Mono-focus, Prudence, Retreat, Philosophical Attitude

Sample Feature Characters

• Jin Shirato: Devoted to his leader, he is the rational right hand (or left) of Strega, knowledgeable in both various types of information gathering and explosives.
• Futaba Sakura: A brilliant but socially inept self-taught hacker, she is a shut-in searching for the truth behind her mother's apparent suicide two years ago.

Fortune

"CARPE DIEM"

Fittingly, The Wheel of Fortune is the card in the Tarot most associated with possibility and destiny.

Twists and turns mark the lives of those in the arcana of The Wheel of Fortune, for good or ill. Whatever the changes and however they think about it, those in this arcana have the opportunity to either struggle against the pattern of their lives, make the most of it, or go with it.

On the other hand, the heavy hand of chance and destiny in their lives means that many things that happen in the lives of those in the arcana of The Wheel of Fortune are just out of their control. Some things aren't meant to be, no matter how they might want them, and how they cope with this is again the true defining point in their personal narratives.

Keywords: Turning Point, Optimism, Chance, Opportunities, Accident, Irony, Adaptation, Possibilities, Destiny, Fate, Pessimism, Superior Forces, Movement, Development, Activity, Surprises, Expansion, Sudden Events, Speed, New Developments, Life Cycles, Luck

Sample Feature Characters

• Jun Kashihara: A thoughtful, flower-loving Kasugayama High student who's decided to become a teacher like his father.
• Takaya Sakaki: The ghostly leader of Strega, who sees the Dark Hour as a gift that enables him a means to gain power--and perhaps more...
• Naoto Shirogane: Famous since childhood as the (original) Detective Prince, yet struggles with getting taken seriously by the police due to that youth, among other things.

Strength

"FORGIVENESS IS DIVINE"

In the Tarot, Strength is thought to be the card most strongly connected with perseverance and self-control.

Kin to The Chariot in many ways, Strength takes the same self-assertion The Chariot possesses and directs it inwardly. Those of this arcana appear to be open and solid in their values. To withstand through force of will is the greatest talent of Strength, abiding whatever might come with all the serenity and composure one can muster, as shown by its usual depiction of a lady calmly opening the mouth of a beast.

However, this same power can lead to Strength being abused and put upon. Sometimes one must struggle, and mere endurance simply isn't enough. At other times, Strength's control slips and the beast runs rampant, revealing exactly what they've sought to keep managed. Strength is not just the lady after all: Strength is also the lion.

Keywords: Self-Control, Repression, Openness, Stubbornness, Being Solid, Patience, Compassion, Composure, Effort in Vain, Stability, Perseverance, Kindness, Gentleness, Slowness, Manipulation, Serenity, Comprehension, Helplessness, Inner Strength

Sample Feature Characters

• Koromaru: A good boy. Perhaps, even, the best boy.

Hanged Man

"NOW OR NEVER"

Perhaps fittingly, The Hanged Man is the Tarot card most connected with the concepts of suspension and sacrifice.

Those of The Hanged Man typically go through some great tragedy or ordeal, or have some ongoing trouble. The mark of this arcana is in the way that hardships can turn to wisdom, if only accepted and withstood, but it's never simple or painless. Seemingly paradoxical by nature, The Hanged Man is often misunderstood by others as they seek to find where their path lies.

On the other hand, since their path is so counter-intuitive, even to them, it can be difficult for The Hanged Man to work out what they should or shouldn't do; false starts and stops are common to them. Some of this arcana might become easily frustrated as a result. Holding onto negative emotions is also common for The Hanged Man; renunciation isn't easy, even for them.

As a note, nothing prevents a female character from being of The Hanged Man arcana.

Keywords: Sacrifice, Letting Go, Surrendering, Apathy, Ordeals, Suspension, Acceptance, Renunciation, Patience, Frustration, Intuition, New Point of View, Higher Wisdom, Delusion, Contemplation, Inner Harmony, Conformism, Trials, Reflection, Stubbornness

Sample Feature Characters

• Baofu: A shady rumormonger and the webmaster of Darkside who has a mysterious grudge against Tatsuzou Sudou.
• Chidori Yoshino: A deadpan young woman with a mysterious past, she is a part of Strega, and considers her Persona possibly her only true friend.

Death

"THE END OF THE WORLD"

Despite its appearance, Death is the card in the Tarot associated with change and loss.

Loss and change can be painful, but it's necessary to move forward, and these elements typically mark the lives of those of this arcana. Change may push them forward once they understand it, and those of the Death arcana can seem more than most to be urged to keep moving. Intensity is another common trait that Death shares, as if they're intent to live life to the fullest.

On the other hand, deep change might cause those of the Death arcana to wonder who they really are. They might even seem to others to be flighty: not accustomed to putting down roots. Change and loss might be familiar to those of this arcana, but some might come to fear both, and their intensity and gusto for life can make others uncomfortable.

Keywords: Ending of a Cycle, Loss, Conclusion, Sadness, Inertia, Transition into a New State, Psychological Transformation, Clean Break, Finishing Up, Regeneration, Elimination of Old Patterns, Being Caught in the Inescapable, Goodbyes, Deep Change

Sample Feature Characters

• Eikichi Mishina: A boisterous student and would-be rock star at Kasugayama High who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Temperance

"QUE SERA, SERA"

Of the cards in the Tarot, Temperance stands out for its presentation of the concepts of synthesis and unification.

It takes effort to balance on a point between two extremes. If asked, others might name Temperance calm and collected, but the same could be said of them as of a swan gliding across the water: a lot of work is happening down below. More than many others, Temperance is capable of planning ahead, and takes care with how they step even if it might not seem that way to others.

On the other hand, Temperance is inherently a creature of contradiction: the stillness projected outwards might just be the eye of the storm. Their tendency to balance conflicting things in their life can be misjudged or mistimed: some things should not mix, and sometimes there are no two sides to a discussion. Too much care can lead to someone being, yes, off-balance in a crisis.

Keywords: Harmony, Alchemy, Calm Before the Storm, Health, Moderation, Contradiction, Concentration, Joining Forces, Well-Being, Recovery, Equilibrium, Transcendence, Care, Caution, Flow, Unification, Synthesis, At Odds, Bringing Together Opposites, Feeling Secure

Sample Feature Characters

• Tamaki Uchida: A veteran Persona User who works at Kuzunoha Detective Agency, she's both confident and friendly, which helps her with her Demon associates.

Devil

"KNOW THE DEVIL INSIDE"

In the Tarot, The Devil stands for concepts such as obsession and passion.

Those with the arcana of The Devil are typically passionate people: once they pledge to a cause or a person, there's little chance of them turning away without good reason. They tend to live by their instincts, going by feel in life, though they might find plenty of rationale when the time comes to explain.

On the other hand, The Devil is someone who is prone to temptation -- what they want is what they want, and there's no two ways about it. Their passionate and obsessive nature means that when they make mistakes, they don't tend to back down, and their tendency to bind themselves to causes and people means that they can easily go down with the ship.

Keywords: Materialism, Self-Bondage, Lust, Power, Egoism, Obsession, Passion, Compulsion, Instinct, Temptation, Attraction, Pessimism, Misjudgment, Repression, Material Success, Making of Mistakes, Force, Pettiness, Security, Loyalty

Sample Feature Characters

• Reiji Kido: A low-ranking salesman with a fearsome aura, who does his best to bury the mistakes and secrets of his past.
• Chizuru "Wang Long" Ishigami: A popular and beautiful fortune-teller who uses Wang Long fortunes, which is based on twelve Dragons associated with the months of the year.

Tower

"PENANCE OR PRETENSE?"

As befits the image on the card, The Tower exemplifies the concepts of disruption and revelation.

What those of this arcana come to understand that to first create you must destroy. Whether what they take for granted in their lives has already come undone or not, it's this explosive impact in their lives that will shape them for good or ill. While the experience is uncomfortable, it serves as a potential source of wisdom and even freedom for The Tower with the will to see beyond their crash.

However, this same destructive chaos that marks their lives can also leave The Tower worse for the wear. Some are just razed to their foundations, and others might become disillusioned and world-weary. There's also the risk that others can become pulled into The Tower's collapse.

Keywords: Chaos, Sudden Change, Impact, Hard Times, Crisis, Revelation, Disruption, Realizing the Truth, Disillusion, Pride, Act of God, Crash, Burst, Uncomfortable Experience, Liberation, Downfall, Ruin, Ego Blow, Explosive Transformation, Freedom

Sample Feature Characters

• Kenta "Toro" Yokouchi: A friendly rumormonger and highly motivated salesman whose Persona is of no use in combat but excellent use in his sales success.
• Hisataka Shinjo: A capricious researcher, nominally attached to Tatsuzou Sudou and Nanjo Laboratories, who appears to be involved in dangerous research.

Star

"TRUST IN YOURSELF"

Within the Tarot, The Star is thought to best represent the ideas of hope and trust.

Whatever might come, those with the arcana of The Star hold out hope. Dreamers to the last, The Star often wishes to do something with their life, or at least to be more than they are right now. The Star is liable to keep going no matter what, despite what good sense might say otherwise. The Star typically prefers the company of others to being on their own, and dislikes loneliness.

On the other hand, The Star typically can't see what it is that makes themselves shine, and might spend considerable time trying to figure out what they should be doing. Sometimes their tendency to keep going can land them into trouble, and their preference for groups over solitude might make some think they aren't self-reliant.

Keywords: Calmness, Free-Flowing Love, False Hope, Trust, Uncertainty, Peace of Mind, Wishes, Hope, Inspiration, Yearning, Generosity, Guiding Light, Thinking Positive, Reaching High, Slowness, Faith, Regeneration, Goodwill, Optimism, Harmony, Renewal of Forces

Sample Feature Characters

• Ulala Serizawa: A flashy lingerie saleswoman who wants to get married and constantly seeks to make something of herself.
• Kasumi Yoshizawa: A polite, cheerful Shujin Academy high schooler and aspiring Olympic gymnast.

Moon

"A LONG SHADOW CAST"

Within the Tarot, The Moon is thought to best represent the concepts of illusion and dreams.

Creativity is one of the key strengths that The Moon brings to the table: well-acquainted with dreams and beliefs, The Moon has an imaginative and inquisitive mind. Masters at keeping up appearances -- whatever they might be -- The Moon may often appear socially adept. It could be said that many of The Moon arcana 'fake it until they make it'.

However, beneath whatever face they might project to the world, The Moon is often more troubled than they might let on. Whether or not they have swallowed their own illusions hook, line, and sinker depends on the individual, but it's not uncommon for those in this arcana to at least appear to have rather unrealistic ideas about the world.

Keywords: Magic, Lack of Clarity, Tension, Mad Genius, Doubt, Mystery, Fantasy, Deception, Artistry, Psychological Conflict, Visions, Confusion, Creativity, Illusion, Fear, Imagination, Worry, Romanticism, Anxiety, Apprehension, Unrealistic Ideas, Eccentric, Dreams

Sample Feature Characters

• Takuto Maruki: A clumsy but compassionate therapist who was brought on as a temporary guidance counselor at Shujin Academy after its recent scandal.

Sun

"YOUR LIFE IS YOUR OWN"

Within the Tarot, The Sun is thought to best highlight the concepts of growth and purpose.

There's a reason that the Sun is so often associated with children; the clarity of purpose and energy of youth is their defining trait. They believe in what they are doing, and are sincere for better or worse. With that sense of purpose behind them, it's unsurprising that some might view The Sun as a born leader.

The same self-confidence, though, can lead to The Sun being too assured: where others might turn for assistance, The Sun might pridefully decide to go it on their own. Similarly, their energy and enthusiasm can be too much, as can their belief in their cause, sometimes reaching a pitch that is difficult to back down from. The Sun is also capable of being very irrational and might be viewed as childish.

Keywords: Growth, Arrogance, Optimism, Vanity, Radiance, Positivity, Purpose, Pride, Enlightenment, Vitality, Renewal, Innocence, Blazing, Confidence, Union, Childishness, Energy, Splendor, Happiness, Enthusiasm, Youth, Charisma, Warmth, Rashness

Sample Feature Characters

• Tatsuya Suou: An aloof high school student at Seven Sisters who just hasn't seemed to be himself lately.

Judgement

"THE COMEDY IS OVER"

Judgement stands out as the card in the Tarot representing decision and absolution.

Judgement is the next-to-last card in the arcana, but what it represents the most is an unfolding of life for those under its sway and the many decisions and options open to them. Those marked by Judgement have everything they need before them -- if only they will reach out to take it into hand. Judgement calls for self-evaluation, whether one is ready to do that or not. Those of this arcana may seem gifted at making firm decisions in their lives.

On the flip side, Judgement can be prone to making decisions with sometimes unnecessary force (i.e., 'this but never that').

There's also the risk of making a hasty judgement in one's life: a swift decision may be needed, but it's possible to move too quickly. Working to call one's own past into account also can risk one dwelling on the past in a negative fashion.

Keywords: Judging, Dwelling on the Past, Inner Calling, Absolution, Rebirth, Restart, Absolution, Facing Consequences, Karma, Forgiveness, Renewal, Remorse, Reconciliation, Regrets, Accepting Past Mistakes or Actions, Self-Pity, Hope, New Beginnings, Redemption, Decision, The Choice to Change

Sample Feature Characters

• Eriko Kirishima: Sophisticated and intelligent, she's an up-and-coming model with a passionate interest in the occult.

World

"THE ROADS WE HAVE WALKED"

If the Fool is the start of a journey, then the World is the end of it: one has come a long way and experienced many things, and become much wiser and worldlier for it. The World encompasses all the lessons one has learned and trials one has overcome, yet while it is an ending, it is also a new beginning--an opportunity to cross into a new world where one can start fresh all over again. It is the graduation at the end of college: you've made great strides and accomplished something great, but your work is far from over. Still, your hard work has meaning, and you can stop for a moment to breathe it in and celebrate what you've done before you move on.

Keywords: Possibilities, Mastery, Voyage, Route, Emigration, Flight, Change of Place, Realizations, Completion, Achievement, Fulfillment, Sense of Belonging, Connection, Wholeness, Harmony, Outcomes, Totality, Unity, Success, Attainment, Integration

Sample Feature Characters

• No played character may be of The World arcana. The World is the journey's destination, not its beginning.