TEXT:  
   
   
   
   
   
  The Emperor’s Tarot 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  A supplement detailing psychic divination using the 
  Emperor’s Tarot 
   
  
   
   
   
  Copyright © 2013 by Green Knight 
  All Rights Reserved. This book or any portion thereof may freely be reproduced or used in 
  any manner by fellow gamers and Warhammer 40k fans, but do provide me with due credit. 
  This is a role-playing supplement. All characters and events and whatnot portrayed in this 
  book are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living, dead or not born yet is strictly 
  coincidental. Same goes for places, events and anything else you can think of. 
  This is a fan-made Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay supplement. It is in no way associated with or 
  endorsed by Games Workshop, Black Library and/or Fantasy Flight Games. As a fan-made 
  supplement it is non-profit; I’ve done it in my free time, without desire for compensation. 
  Available for digital download at: http://twilightpeaks.net and http://darkreign.org 
  Contact information: games@twilightpeaks.net 
   
  Designed and written by 
  Green Knight 
  Editing and proofreading (such as is)  
  Green Knight 
  Layout 
  Green Knight w/help from Messiahcide 
  Cover Art 
  Valentina Kallias 
  Interior Art 
  The Unknown Heretic 
  Tarot card design 
  Roddyhood30 
   
  TWILIGHTPEAKS PUBLISHING 
  www.twilightpeaks.net 
   
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  It is the 41st Millennium of Man.  
  For more than a hundred centuries the God-Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of Terra. 
  He is the master of mankind by right of his own indomitable will, the lord of a million worlds by the 
  might of his inexhaustible armies, and guardian of humanity's future by virtue of his unfailing wisdom 
  and foresight. He is a God to whom trillions of prayers are uttered every second. He is a rotting carcass 
  writhing invisibly with power from the Dark Age of Technology. He is the Carrion Lord of the 
  Imperium to whom a thousand souls are sacrificed every day, so that he may never truly die. Yet even in 
  his deathless state, the Emperor continues his eternal vigilance. Mighty Imperial battlefleets cross the 
  dreadful miasma of the Immaterium, the only route between distant stars, their way lit by the 
  Astronomican, the psychic manifestation of the Emperor's will. Vast armies give battle in his name on 
  uncounted worlds. Greatest amongst his soldiers are the Adeptus Astartes, the Space Marines, bio-
  engineered super-warriors. Their comrades in arms are legion; the inexhaustible armies of the Imperial 
  Guard and countless planetary defence forces, the unflinching enforcers of the Adeptus Arbites, the ever-
  vigilant Inquisition, and the tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus to name but a few. But for all 
  their multitudes, they are barely enough to hold off the ever-present threat from aliens, heretics, 
  mutants, witches – and worse. To be a man in such times is to be one amongst untold billions. It is to 
  live in the cruellest and most bloody regime imaginable. Forget the power of technology and science, for so 
  much has been forgotten, never to be re-learned. Forget the promise of progress and understanding, for 
  there is no peace amongst the stars, only an eternity of carnage and slaughter, and the laughter of 
  thirsting gods. 
  
  Introduction 
   
  First things first – I’m not a Tarot reader myself. Actually I 
  think Tarot belongs there on the Periodic Table of Irrational 
  Nonsense along with stuff like Psychics, Alien Abductions, 
  and Astral Projection.  
   
  The Emperor’s Tarot is another matter entirely. In the distant 
  dark future they’ve managed to come up with something that 
  actually works the way a RL Tarot is supposed to function 
  (incidentally Psychics also work, the Ordo Xenos battle 
  Aliens, and Astral Projection IS possible). If on our own Tarot 
  was like that – I would be taking classes!  
   
  I’ve been fascinated by the Emperor’s Tarot since that time 
  when I first read the Black Library novel Draco. Only it was 
  called Inquisitor back then, which was around the time there 
  was a novel called Space Marine where the Astartes 
  admitted to using las-weapons sometimes. Of course squats 
  existed as well, so it was a mad era really; must have been 
  back in M40 or something. 
   
  But I digress. I’ve been fascinated with the Emperor’s Tarot 
  for many years. And while there has been mentions of it in 
  various novels and RPG books there hasn’t been anything 
  definite; no list of cards, nor rules. Neither have I seen a 
  complete set of fan-made stuff. Bits and pieces only. A few 
  cards here, some rules there (quite a bit of it in French 
  actually – seems there is quite the French 40k community 
  out there).  
   
  So I decided to write something up. Based on the real world 
  Tarot to make things more recognizable. I also tried to work 
  with whatever suits and major arcana had already been 
  named. Ultimately, however, it didn’t quite fit, so I had to fill 
  in a lot of holes (and remove a few bumps). I think the end 
  result is pretty good. 
   
  Now, on the off chance that YMMV you can always reconcile 
  any differences between my version of the Tarot and any 
  other versions out there by applying the GW stance on what 
  is canon and not. See? That wasn’t so hard at all! 
   
  Puns aside; with millions of worlds over ten thousand 
  years…there is bound to be a huge variation on Tarot 
  design. Just look at RL Tarot on Earth. And 40k is ever 
  chaotic and mutable. So there is room for many Tarot 
  versions in 40k. Mine just happens to be the unofficial official 
  M41 Calixian version of the Tarot.  
   
  Special thanks to Deviantart and FFF-board member 
  roddyhood30 for making the actual Tarot cards based upon 
  my descriptions. Also thanks to messiahcide over at 
  darkreign.org (yes they still exist, but with a new URL) for 
  providing the document template. 
   
  Enjoy! 
   
  B. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Introduction 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  The Emperor’s 
  Tarot 
  Reading the Tarot 
  •  
  Major Arcana 
  •  
  Minor Arcana 
   
   
  
  Chapter I: 
  The Emperor’s Tarot 
   
  The Emperor's Tarot (also known as the Imperial Tarot) is a 
  pack of seventy-eight psychoactive liquid-crystal wafers that 
  are linked to the will of the Emperor.  
   
  The Tarot, commonly believed to have been designed by the 
  Emperor himself, is used throughout the Imperium as a form 
  of divination. Other forms of divination are also practiced – 
  but none have the universal application of tarot reading or 
  the implicit blessing of the God-Emperor. 
   
  New decks are crafted by Scholastica Psykana-trained 
  psykers all over the Imperium, but they are quite rare and 
  tend to be expensive, especially for high-end models made 
  by master craftsmen utilizing only the best of materials. 
  Decks are also thought to become more attuned over the 
  years, so that older and well-used decks are much sought 
  after – especially if they have been in the possession of a 
  diviner of some skill.  
   
  It is not normally advisable to mix cards from different sets 
  as the cards of a set are attuned to one another. Beware the 
  person who tries to make a reading with a mixed set, 
  especially one that’s recently been put together. Such a deck 
  can give wildly misleading reading or refuse to give any 
  meaningful readings at all. Consequently decks with missing, 
  damaged or defect cards can sometimes be had for lower 
  prices. 
    
  Since the Tarot is made from psychoactive materials, it is 
  meant to be used by psykers. Any psyker could potentially 
  use the Tarot, but training in its use is a prerequisite for 
  getting consistent readings and long experience is required 
  to arrive at meaningful interpretations. Imperial astropaths 
  are often skilled operators: They are psychically powerful, 
  are attuned to the Emperor's will through their Soul-bonding, 
  and possess the Psykana-taught skills needed to utilize the 
  Tarot to full effect.  
   
  A number of tarots can be found in private collections, 
  museums and such (frowned upon by the Adeptus Astra 
  Telepathica, but not exactly illegal). There is also a trade in 
  non-psychic copies of the Emperor’s – tarot reading is 
  something of a national pastime in the Imperium. Such sets 
  range from cheap polymer sheets printed with static images, 
  to elaborate set of holo-cards that try to duplicate a real tarot 
  set. Whatever their appearances such card have no power 
  to foretell the future, but that doesn’t prevent people from 
  believing in such readings. There is also no shortage of 
  people willing to pose as true readers of the Emperor’s 
  Tarot, when in reality they are nothing but charlatans. The 
  Ministorum has been known to come down hard on repeat 
  offenders. 
   
  To help a sanctioned user focus on the future and protect 
  him from malefic influences and to prevent abuse by non-
  sanctioned psykers, the Tarot cards usually has a form of 
  built-in defence: Each card contains within the crystal matrix 
  one or more devotional prayers (or something similar), which 
  repeats over and over in the mind of whomever holds the 
  card. Needless to say there are very few rogue psykers – let 
  alone Chaos sorcerers – that can endure this. 
   
  This common devotional prayer is found embedded in many 
  41st Millennium decks: 
   
  Adore the Immortal Emperor  
  For He is our Protector  
  Admire the Immortal Emperor  
  For His Sacrifice to Mankind  
  Exalt the Immortal Emperor  
  For His Strict Guidance  
  Revere the Immortal Emperor  
  For His Undying Guard  
  Venerate the Immortal Emperor  
  For His Holy Wisdom  
  Honour the Immortal Emperor  
  For His Eternal Strength  
  Glorify the Immortal Emperor  
  For His All-seeing Vision  
  Praise the Immortal Emperor  
  For His Enduring Rule  
  Hail the Immortal Emperor  
  For He is the Lord and Master  
  Worship the Immortal Emperor  
  For without Him we are Nothing 
   
  There are rumours that rogue psykers can find unwarded 
  Tarot decks on the black market. But given the fact that such 
  wretched heretics cannot feel the guiding light of the 
  Emperor their ability to read the future is much diminished.  
  Finally there are those dark-hearted and soulless villains 
  who have embraced sorcery. These cretins are known to 
  have their own ways of peering into the future – some have 
  even been revealed to use corrupted versions of the Tarot! 
  Xenos psykers may have their own methods of divination. 
  These alternate methods are all greatly inferior to a properly 
  handled Imperial Tarot!  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Reading the Tarot 
   
  The Emperor’s Tarot can be used to make many different 
  types of readings, ranging from making a reading of a 
  particular person, thing or place, to making readings 
  pertaining to future events. Having an astropath read you 
  using an astrological spread is quite popular in M41. Nobles 
  and other rich folks will sometimes pay handsomely to be 
  read by a particularly renowned diviner. Diviners in Imperial 
  service are often called upon to make reading regarding 
  momentous decisions or to foretell future dangers. 
   
  The psychoactive nature of the cards allows them to respond 
  to psychic currents; meaning that the cards do not always 
  depict exactly the same scene every time a card is drawn. 
  Usually there are only slight variations, but sometimes great 
  changes to the basic scene are uncovered, indicating that 
  the card in question has a slightly different meaning than it 
  usually does. The most drastic such variation is the reversal; 
  wherein the Major Arcanum has the opposite meaning. The 
  reversal is either seen as the original scene inversed in a 
  recognizable way or replaced altogether by an alternate 
  image (only in certain decks). 
   
  The cards are laid up-side down in one of several different 
  patterns (called spreads), and are then turned in a specific 
  order. As they are turned they are read and interpreted by 
  the reader. The absolute and relative positions of the cards 
  are taken into account, as are their values and whether they 
  are upright or reversed. Spreads used vary tremendously, 
  from the single card draw to elaborate patterns involving the 
  whole deck. 
  Each reader seems to have his own preferences and 
  interpretations, so making a complete list of spreads is 
  impossible. A number of spreads are nearly universal 
  though: The classic three-card Imperator spread, the seven-
  card Throne of Terra spread, ten-card Haloed Rosette, and 
  the twenty-four card Astro-Horoscope spread. 
   
  How accurate a reading is depends on many factors: The 
  skill and psychic abilities of the reader (skill is not the same 
  as strength, and not all kinds of psykers are equally adept 
  with the tarot), the quality of the tarot deck, and an 
  uninterrupted view of the Astronomican (the will of the 
  Emperor manifest) are all important. Most important, 
  however, is the object of the reading. The more specific the 
  question, the easier the reading (generally speaking). 
  Complexity is also a factor, but so is the relative greatness of 
  the event in question. Proximity in time and space can also 
  matter. Finally the reading of the future is particularly difficult. 
   
  Is my wife cheating? Is a simple, specific question that does 
  not require any reading of the future. A good diviner should 
  be able to answer this one. If the wife is present during the 
  reading it should be very simple. Will my wife cheat on me? 
  Is more difficult as it involves a reading of the future. Having 
  the wife present at the reading could help (but she might 
  also divorce you that very same day for being such a jerk). 
  Will my wife cheat on me with Jeb the Baker? Still the future, 
  but if the wife and Jeb was present at the reading it should 
  be manageable. What are the lottery numbers next week? 
  This is almost impossible: There are too many factors to be 
  taken into account. 
   
   
   
   
  More general questions regarding the future are possible. 
  What will happen if we enter the heretics’ den? Could for 
  example be replied to with either ‘woe’ or ‘weal’. If the 
  reading is weal Acolytes could still die and the main villain 
  could get away, but by and large the reading suggest 
  success. Just remember that the future is always in motion – 
  and that reading your future utilizing the Warp is always 
  going to involve a margin of error. 
   
  Major Arcana 
   
  The Major Arcana (plural) of the Imperial Tarot consists of 
  twenty two cards. Each Major Arcanum (singular) depicts a 
  scene, mostly featuring a person (but some cards – such as 
  the Immaterium – does not have any persons in the image), 
  plus multiple symbolic elements.  
   
  In most decks, each major arcana card has a number 
  (usually in High Gothic numerals) and a name, though not all 
  decks have both, and some have only a picture. The earliest 
  decks bore unnamed and unnumbered pictures on the 
  Majors and the order of cards was not standardized. 
  Differences in appearances and card numbering/naming has 
  no bearing on the Tarot’s function or the accuracy of 
  readings. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  No. 
  M41 card 
  Interpretation 
  0 
  The Pilgrim 
  Picture of a humble pilgrim, about to set out on his journey. 
  Represents the new-born man, about to begin his journey in the service of the God-Emperor. The 
  Pilgrim is considered one of the most momentous of cards. 
  Standard: Beginnings, possibilities 
  Variations: Passion, thoughtlessness, rashness 
  Reverse: Indecision, apathy, hesitation 
  1 
  The Astropath 
  (the Sorcerer) 
   
  Picture of a blind robed Adept, lost in inner communion with the God-Emperor. 
  Represents man’s ability to transform the galaxy, overcome any difficulty and master the universe. 
  In some older decks this card is called the Sorcerer. It has opposite upright/reversed meanings. 
  Upright: Willpower, self-confidence, mastery 
  Variations: Transformation, ingenuity, improvisation 
  Reverse: Weakness, insecurity, delay 
  2 
  The Prophet 
  Picture of a holy man (or woman), preaching before a crowd. 
  Represents the wisdom of the God-Emperor and the infallible nature of the Adeptus Terra. The 
  reversed card is considered especially ominous 
  Upright: Holy wisdom, sacred lore, absolute truth 
  Variations: Intuition, purity, virtue 
  Reverse: Education, selfishness, shallowness 
  3 
  Holy Terra 
  Picture of Holy Terra, a dark orb of a million lights. 
  Represents the mother that gave birth to mankind. The Holy Terra card is held by many readers to 
  appear with uncommon frequency. 
  Upright: Fertility, abundance, home 
  Variations: Mother/sister/wife themes 
  Reverse: Vacillation, infidelity 
  4 
  The God-Emperor 
  Picture of the Emperor in his mortal guise (his face is never shown). 
  Represents the master and saviour of mankind. Consistently getting the God-Emperor reversed in 
  a personal reading is often thought to be a sign of hidden moral weakness. 
  Upright: Accomplishment, confidence, stability, leadership 
  Variations: Father/brother/husband, great achievements, a capable person 
  Reverse: Immaturity, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of character 
  5 
  The Ecclesiarch 
  Picture of a church elder (Sebastian Thor is a common figure in many decks, Goge Vandire less 
  so), the symbols of his office clearly visible. 
  Represents the ultimate truth of the Imperial Creed, and the absolute spiritual authority of the 
  Adeptus Ministorum. 
  Upright: Orthodoxy, tradition, dogma 
  Variations: Faith, selflessness, obedience 
  Reverse: Unconventionality, unorthodoxy, invention 
  6 
  Unity 
  (Compliance) 
  Picture of a lordly figure abasing himself before the feet of another. The image is thought to be the 
  Emperor receiving the surrender of the ‘final world’ during the Great Crusade. 
  Older cards have a scene of a burning world, ringed with metal leviathans bristling with guns. 
  These cards are called Compliance (if named). The meaning is largely the same. 
  Upright: Union, love, harmony, trust 
  Variations: Romance, optimism, a lasting relationship 
  Reverse: Unreliability, separation, fickleness, untrustworthy 
  7 
  The Crusader 
  Picture of a holy warrior with his armour and weapons displayed before him (very old decks may 
  have the Emperor or one of the Primarchs as the Crusader). Sometimes there are enemy dead or 
  prisoners in the image. 
  Represents the men and women who fight every day to protect the Imperium of Man. 
  Upright: War, conquest, conviction, command, bravery 
  Variations: Pride, adversity, turmoil, vengeance 
  Reverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure 
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  No. 
  M41 card 
  Interpretation 
  8 
  The Saint 
  Picture of an angelic figure, sometimes haloed and/or winged. The Saint can be both male and 
  female, but more commonly it has a sexless quality to it. 
  Represents the holy union between man and the God-Emperor. 
  Upright: Righteousness, intolerance, virtue, honour 
  Variations: Harmony, balance,  advice 
  Reverse: Impiety, falsehood, relativism 
  9 
  The Seer/Diviner 
  Picture of an Adept reading the Emperor’s Tarot. 
  Representative of the God-Emperor’s will made manifest, as well as His eternal vigilance and 
  limitless patience. 
  Upright: Divine guidance, vigilance, patience 
  Variations: Withdrawal, a loner, inner strength, prudence, caution 
  Reverse: Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity 
  10 
  Man 
  Picture of a man (or sometimes a woman). Some cards have man/woman as nudes, but most 
  sets are more sombre. 
  Representative of mankind and mankind’s manifest destiny to rule the galaxy.  Interpreting this 
  card correctly is seen as difficult by many diviners. 
  Upright: Destiny, good fortune, a special gain 
  Variations: End of a problem, unexpected events 
  Reverse: Failure, an unusual loss, outside influences 
  11 
  The Titan 
  Picture of an unusually large God-Machine (battle Titan) striding across the battlefield, smiting 
  all. 
  The card doesn’t really represent war or war machines, but inner and outer strength. 
  Upright: Strength, courage, conviction 
  Variations: Self-control, patience, determination, discipline, inner strength 
  Reverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, self-gratification , abuse of office 
  12 
  The Martyr 
  Picture of a human whose body has been broken, but whose mind is still at peace with the 
  Emperor. 
  Represents sacrifice and duty. 
  Upright: Perseverance, acceptance, sacrifice, duty, 
  Variations: Contemplation, inner harmony 
  Reverse: Unwillingness to make an effort, useless sacrifice, selfishness 
  13 
  The Reaper 
  Either a picture of a classic reaper figure or the God-Emperor standing in judgment over the 
  dead (common in modern decks). 
  The reaper is not necessarily a bad sign. Death is commonplace in the Imperium. All men must 
  eventually die and face the judgment of the God-Emperor. But the card also represents change, 
  and change is seldom good. 
  Upright: Transformation, making way for the new, change, death 
  Variations: Bad luck, loss, failure, illness 
  Reverse: Stagnation, immobility, a narrow escape, cheating death 
  14 
  The Imperium 
  There are several alternate images for this card: The Regent of Terra, another High Lords of 
  Terra, the Master of the Administratum, or Goge Vandire (only found in a few decks from his 
  reign). The common dominator if the symbols of the Reign of Man being prominently displayed. 
  Represents the unity of the Imperium, its strength, protection, and ever-lasting nature. 
  Upright: Moderation, temperance, patience, harmony 
  Variations: Good influence, confidence 
  Reverse: Discord, conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration, impatience 
  15 
  The Daemon 
  This card is always ill-omened. The image is of a monstrous shape where the viewer cannot 
  quite make out any details. 
  The Daemon represents all that is wicked and foul. Even its reverse meanings are no good. 
  Upright: Ravage, weird, downfall, violence, disaster 
  Variations: Controversy, conflicting duties 
  Reverse: Revelations, release, enlightenment 
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  No. 
  M41 card 
  Interpretation 
  16 
  The Hulk 
  Image of a space hulk (or more rarely a wreck of some other kind). 
  Like the Reaper it represents change, but the Hulk represents sudden or unexpected events, 
  whereas the reaper signifies the unavoidable or inevitable. The reverse often (but not always) 
  has a more positive side than the upright. 
  Upright: A sudden change, abandonment of past, unexpected events, 
  Variations: Disruption, bankruptcy, downfall, loss of money or security 
  Reverse: Following the old ways, learning by rote, following procedure, imprisonment, 
  entrapment 
  17 
  The Astronomican 
  Image of a bright light, alternatively a ray of light or a beacon of some sort. More rarely an image 
  of a psyker, one among mange, hooked into the Chamber of the Astronomican. 
  Represents hope, faith and inspiration. The Astronomican is one of the most positive major 
  cards. 
  Upright: Hope, faith, inspiration 
  Variations: Optimism, insight, love 
  Reverse: Unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, crushed dreams 
  18 
  The Immaterium 
  Image of a swirling mass of nothingness. Something half-seen things can be glimpsed within. 
  The Immaterium is an ill-omened care, generally signifying something bad regardless of 
  orientation and position. 
  Upright: Deception, trickery, error, danger 
  Variations: Travel, time 
  Reverse: Saved in the nick of time, trifling mistakes 
  19 
  The Golden Throne 
  Image of the Golden Throne of Terra. The Throne is always unchanging, but the symbolism and 
  lesser details many vary from reading to reading. 
  Symbolises the Pax Imperialis and the supremacy of the God-Emperor of Mankind. 
  Upright: Splendour, brilliance, majesty 
  Variations: Joy, assurance, accomplishment, success, 
  Reverse: Unhappiness, loneliness, cancelled plans, broken allegiances, a lack of friends, a 
  clouded future 
  20 
  The Judge 
  Image of an authority figure, often taken to be the God-Emperor. In his left hand he carries a 
  book of law, in the other a weapon of some sort. 
  Symbolizes the rule of law, the absolute authority of the Adeptus Terra in life, and the final 
  judgement of the God-Emperor in death. 
  Upright: Authority, submission, judgment 
  Variations: Awakening, renewal, salvation 
  Reverse: Fear of death, a hidden failure, possible loss 
  21 
  The Galaxy 
  The swirling disk of the Galaxy of Man, as seen from Terra or whatever world the deck was 
  made or the reader is currently on. 
  Symbolizes the ultimate and inevitable triumph of the human race. 
  Upright: Completion, perfection 
  Variations: recognition, success, fulfilment, triumph 
  Reverse: Imperfection, lack of vision, disappointment, failure 
   
   
   
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Minor Arcana 
   
  The Minor Arcana of the Imperial Tarot consist of fifty six 
  cards. It comprises four suits, most commonly named 
  Chalices, Batons, Swords and Thrones, although there are a 
  wide variety of different names and suit symbols used in 
  different decks. Learned adepts, for example, tend to use the 
  High Gothic names for the suits – Adeptio (Eagles), 
  Discordia (Batons), Excuteria (Swords), and Mandatio 
  (Thrones). The suits are sometimes associated with one of 
  the four classical, or alternatively the four 'modern' Imperial 
  elements (Immaterium instead of Fire, Quintessence instead 
  of Water, Aether instead of Air, and Materium instead of 
  Earth). 
   
  Each suit has 14 cards, made up from ten Common Cards 
  and four Court Cards. The Common Cards being the Ace 
  (1), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The four Court Cards are 
  Servant, Champion, Lord, and Master. One common 
  variation in some decks is the replacement of some of the 
  Court Cards, or even the inclusion of more Court Cards (at 
  the expense of the higher numbered Common Cards). The 
  higher the card, the greater is its significance – generally 
  speaking. The exception is the Ace, which is something of a 
  wild card – it can be of either great or small significance, and 
  can also alter the relative value of the other suit cards. 
   
  Decks made in the 41st Millennium often have the minor 
  arcana cards named and numbered (the Ace of Discordia is 
  named the Harlequin, for example), but older decks often 
  have no titles or numbers on the cards. The numbered minor 
  arcana cards usually have the appropriate number of 
  symbols for the suit depicted, and the court cards usually 
  have the corresponding person depicted holding the symbol 
  of their suit. Such modern decks will also often have a 
  symbolic scene depicted on the numbered Minors, although 
  this was generally not the case before the Age of Apostasy. 
  Before this, with only the exception of a handful of decks, the 
  numbered cards of the Minors showed merely a geometric 
  arrangement of the appropriate number of suit symbols. 
   
  Adeptio (Eagles): The suit of Adeptio is associated with 
  destiny, emotions and love (primarily taken to mean love for 
  the Divine Emperor and the endless devotion of the 
  Imperium's citizens). It is symbolized either by the old 
  element of Water (or Blood in some traditions), or by the 
  slow tides of Quintessence that dominate the nearer parts of 
  the Immaterium. The suit is often taken to represent the 
  members of the Adeptus Terra and their blessed works, as 
  well as the warrior-heroes, prophets and saints of the 
  Imperium (and the sacrifices they have made). The Eagle 
  (Aquila) symbol is also a common sight all over the 
  Imperium. It also symbolizes the Holy Communion between 
  the Emperor and his subjects, his unfailing wisdom and 
  ultimate authority over all humans. 
  Discordia (Batons): The suit of Discordia is strongly 
  associated with change and conflict, but also with energy 
  and growth. It is symbolized either by the ancient element of 
  fire or the raging chaos of the deep Immaterium. Discordia is 
  different from the other minor suits in that the upright 
  meaning of the card is mostly negative, while the reverse 
  meaning of the cards is usually positive (similar to the 
  Daemon, the Hulk, and the Immaterium major arcana). Since 
  a card is more likely to be drawn upright it means that the 
  appearance of Discordia cards in a spread is usually a sign 
  of trouble. The suit is also a representation of the masses, 
  the unguided voices of the many, and the dangers of 
  freedom and free will. The Baton symbol used for the suit is 
  eerily reminiscent of the Adeptus Arbites power maul; 
  symbolizing the need for control to be exerted over the 
  masses and for energy to be harnessed and given direction. 
  Excuteria (Swords): The suit of Excuteria is associated with 
  ephemeral things like the future and the unknown – and how 
  it can be overcome by persistence and sacrifice. It is 
  represented by Air, or the Aethry as scholars call it – that 
  airless space that exists between the stars which separates 
  the Terrestrial and the Immaterial. The suit also symbolizes 
  the martial prowess of the Imperium and the unflinching 
  guidance of its leaders; its warriors, scholars, explorers, and 
  Tech-priests – people with the drive and determination to 
  face both enemies and the unknown. The sword brings forth 
  martial images of war and duels, but is equally intended to 
  imply that these classes stand between the Imperium and 
  oblivion. 
  Mandatio (Thrones): The suit of Mandatio is often 
  associated with wealth and material possessions, as wells 
  as procedure, tradition and obedience (often taken to mean 
  that service and loyalty to the Imperium is worth more than 
  all the gold of the galaxy). Symbolized by unyielding earth. A 
  more modern representation is all of the Materium (as 
  opposed to the Immaterium). This suit covers all of mankind 
  – from the High Lords of Terra to the savages that live 
  outside the Imperium – and its manifest destiny to rule the 
  galaxy. The Throne can be taken both as a symbol of the 
  Golden Throne, from which the power of the Adepta flows, or 
  as a symbol of wealth – ‘Thrones’ is a common name for 
  Imperial currency. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Overview of the Minor Arcana 
  Overview of the four Suits of the Minor Arcana.  
  High 
  Gothic 
  Imperial 
  Element 
  Low 
  Gothic 
  Classical 
  Element 
  Association 
  Significance 
  Adeptio 
  Quintessence 
  Eagles 
  Water 
  Adepts and holy men 
  Destiny, love, obedience, sacrifice 
  Discordia 
  Immaterium 
  Batons 
  Fire 
  Enemies and conflict 
  Energy, growth, creativity, individuality, 
  conflict, chaos 
  Excuteria 
  Aether 
  Swords 
  Air 
  Warriors and leaders 
  Force, ambition, persistence, 
  exploration 
  Mandatio 
  Materium 
  Thrones 
  Earth 
  Citizens and rulers 
  Government, wealth, stability, tradition, 
  devotion 
   
  Cards of the Minor Arcana 
  The following cards make up the four Suits of the Minor Arcana. 
  No. 
  Adeptio 
  Discordia 
  Excuteria 
  Mandatio 
  1 (Ace) 
  The Inquisitor 
  The Harlequin 
  The Stranger 
  The Savage 
  2 
  The Scribe 
  The Heretic 
  The Soldier 
  The Citizen 
  3 
  The Administrator 
  The Mutant 
  The Sergeant 
  The Artisan 
  4 
  The Arbitrator 
  The Xeno 
  The Commander 
  The Guilder 
  5 
  The Sanctioned Psyker 
  The Rogue Psyker 
  The Captain 
  The Noble 
  6 
  The Tech-priest 
  The Vile Serpent 
  The General 
  The Fabricator 
  7 
  The Sister of Battle (the 
  Templar) 
  The Unclean One 
  The Navigator 
  The Speaker 
  8 
  The Assassin 
  The Lord of Blood 
  The Explorator 
  The Collector 
  9 
  The Preacher 
  The Great Deceiver 
  The Missionary 
  The Bishop 
  10 
  The Angel of Death 
  The Eye of Terror 
  The Arch-Magos 
  The Consul 
  Servant 
  The Custodian 
  The Soulless 
  The Paternova 
  The Senator 
  Champion 
  The Primarch 
  The Renegade 
  The Rogue Trader 
  The Cardinal 
  Lord 
  The Regent 
  The Usurper 
  The Chapter Master 
  The Governor 
  Master 
  The Warmaster 
  The Traitor 
  The Lord Militant 
  The High Lord 
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Suit of Adeptio 
  This suit is represented by images of the adepts and heroes of the Imperium.  
  No. 
  M41 card 
  Interpretation 
  Ace 
  (1) 
  The Inquisitor 
  Image of an Inquisitor of the Holy Ordos, his Rosette clearly displayed. His mien is fearsome 
  and his authority absolute. 
  Symbolizes: Authority, fear, secrecy, false appearances, agents of the Throne, Exterminatus 
  2 
  The Scribe 
  Image of a lowly Administratum scribe, bent over his work. 
  Symbolizes: Duty, diligence, repetition 
  3 
  The Administrator 
  Image of an Adept of Terra of intermediate rank, usually seen presiding over lesser adepts 
  and/or managing some task. 
  Symbolizes: Management, control, advancement 
  4 
  The Arbitrator 
  Image of an Arbitrator in full riot gear.  
  Symbolizes: Discipline, order, submission to authority, imprisonment, execution 
  5 
  The Sanctioned 
  Psyker 
  Image of a pentacle of robed psykers with clearly visible sanctioning marks.  
  Symbolizes: Psykers, psychic power, control, official approval 
  6 
  The Tech-priest 
  Image of one of the Tech-priests of Mars. 
  Symbolizes: Technology, machines, sins of the past, ritual, procedure 
  7 
  The Sister of Battle 
  (the Templar) 
  Image of a Sister of Battle, usually in full battle gear. Vanquished foes or objects under their 
  protection may be displayed. Prior to the Age of Apostasy this card was called the Templar, 
  but this terminology fell out of favour. 
  Symbolizes: Faith, devotion, love, righteous wrath, singularity of purpose 
  8 
  The Assassin 
  Image of a black-clad Imperial Assassin. 
  Symbolizes: Unseen danger, something hidden, sudden death, termination, a simple solution, 
  cleanliness 
  9 
  The Preacher 
  Image of a steadfast cleric of the Ministorum. Always preaching, sometimes chastising or 
  smiting. 
  Symbolizes: Faith, prayer, community, protection (especially from the Warp or psychic 
  powers), destruction of the unfaithful 
  10 
  The Angel of Death 
  Image of a Space Marine engaged in the work of an Angel of Death – destroying the enemies 
  of man. 
  Symbolizes: War, crusade, heroes of old, death in battle, excellence, duty 
  11 
  The Custodian 
  Image of one of the hallowed members of the Adeptus Custodes– the Emperor’s personal 
  guardians. 
  Symbolizes: Protection, duty, serving a greater purpose 
  12 
  The Primarch 
  Image of one of the Primarchs. Most decks contain the image of one Primarch, but some cycle 
  through more than one (even all). Some Primarchs appear but rarely.  
  Symbolizes: The ultimate warrior, victory against all odds, action, vitality, perfection 
  13 
  The Regent 
  (the Sigillite) 
  Image of Malcador the Sigillite, the first Regent of Terra. This card has many, varied and often 
  hard-to-understand meanings. This card is sometimes called the Sigillite. 
  Symbolizes: Ceaseless service in the shadow of one greater, great sacrifice, ability over birth, 
  the evolution of Man, rising in rank, rulership 
  14 
  The Warmaster 
  Image of the Emperor’s Warmaster (Horus) at the height of the Great Crusade. 
  Symbolizes: Unflinching loyalty, dominance of lesser men, a favoured son or servant, 
  boundless pride 
   
   
   
   
  peror’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Suit of Discordia 
  This suit is represented by images of the enemies of the Imperium. 
  No. 
  M41 card 
  Interpretation 
  Ace 
  (1) 
  The Harlequin 
  Image for a (presumably) xenos warrior in strange attire. The Harlequin card is said to be 
  particularly difficult to interpret if it appears in a large spread, for it alters the meaning of many cards 
  most subtly. 
  Symbolizes: A hidden enemy, the enemy of my enemy is my ally, unforeseen consequences 
  2 
  The Xeno 
  Image of a heinous xenos creature. Usually a ‘sentient’ variety, but sometimes a fierce xenos beast. 
  Symbolizes: Danger from without, invasion, attack, something unknown 
  3 
  The Heretic 
  Image of a human heretic. He appears much like an ordinary man, but his mien and his symbols are 
  those of an enemy. 
  Symbolizes: Danger from within, sedition, attack, traitors, treason 
  4 
  The Mutant 
  Image of an inhuman mutant. The mutant is easy to identify, for his inner moral weakness has 
  manifested monstrously on the outside. 
  Symbolizes: Weakness of character, moral corruption, bodily corruption, outcast 
  5 
  The 
  Witch/Warlock 
  Image of a rogue psyker. There are usually overt displays of psychic might. 
  Symbolizes: The dangers of freedom, unbridled ambition, forbidden knowledge 
  6 
  The Vile Serpent 
  Image of a figure that is either a woman or a man or both – it is hard to tell exactly which. 
  Symbolizes: Depravity, corruption, forbidden knowledge, secrets revealed 
  7 
  The Unclean One 
  Image of a man, riddles with diseases and covered in sores. 
  Symbolizes: Sickness, disease, corruption, immortality 
  8 
  The Lord of Blood 
  Image of a man, drenched in blood, standing upon a heap of bodies or skulls. 
  Symbolizes: Blood, death, carnage, suffering, pain, murder, torture 
  9 
  The Great 
  Deceiver 
  Image of a man, usually nearly naked, except for a loincloth and/or headdress of coloured feathers. 
  Symbolizes: Ruin, misfortune, plots, wheels within wheels, confusion, madness 
  10 
  The Eye of Terror 
  Image of the Eye of Terror. Usually as seen from Cadia, but different views are possible. Some 
  decks depict other lesser-known warp anomalies instead. 
  Symbolizes: The darkness beyond the Imperium, downfall of man, criminal organizations, dark 
  conspiracies, organized corrption 
  11 
  The Soulless 
  Image of a mechanical monstrosity.  A reminder that only humans have souls and that machine 
  intelligences may ape humans, but forever be denied true humanity. 
  Symbolizes: Superficial, unstable, unnatural, faithless, bad news to come 
  12 
  The Renegade 
  Image of Abaddon the Despoiler. Abaddon is an infamous Chaos reaver that has plagued the 
  Imperium since time immemorial. 
  Symbolizes: Discord, sudden anger, jealousy, narrow-mindedness, suspicion, the journey is 
  delayed, work interrupted 
  13 
  The Usurper 
  Image of Goge Vandire. Goge was a Master of the Administratum who also became Ecclesiarch. 
  He proved less than faithful and a usurper of power. 
  Symbolizes: Strict, domineering, a jealous and revengeful nature, deceit, infidelity 
  14 
  The Traitor 
  Image of Horus, the First Traitor. Horus was an important commander during the Great Crusade 
  who rebelled against the Emperor when the Master of Mankind called him to account for his selfish 
  and corrupt ways. 
  Symbolizes: Severe, unyielding, strict, intolerance, prejudice, quarrels 
   
   
   
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Suit of Excuteria 
  Represented by images of the military, leaders, explorers and guides of the Imperium. 
  No. 
  M41 card 
  Interpretation 
  Ace 
  (1) 
  The Stranger 
  Image of a perfectly normal person. He’s either turned away so you can’t see who he is or you can 
  see his face but you’re sure you’ve never met. 
  Symbolizes: 
  2 
  The Soldier 
  Image of one of the many soldiers of the Imperium of Man. Perhaps a Guardsman, perhaps a 
  Commissar Cadet, or maybe one of the voidsmen of the Navy. 
  Symbolizes: Service, duty, sacrifice, the greater good 
  3 
  The Sergeant 
  Image of a non-commissioned officer or equivalent. A veteran Guardsman sergeant for example. 
  Symbolizes: Lifelong service, resolute action, execution of orders 
  4 
  The Officer 
  Image of a commissioned officer. 
  Symbolizes: Command, giving orders, an intermediary 
  5 
  The Captain 
  Image of the Captain of an Imperial Naval vessel. Alternatively it could be another ranking officer, 
  such as a regimental commander of Guards (the meaning of Captain is leader of men). 
  Symbolizes: Ultimate mastery over a limited area, a means to an end, loss is acceptable, failure 
  is not 
  6 
  The General 
  Image of a ranking officer, such as a General of Guards or Admiral of the Navy. 
  Symbolizes: Planning, intelligence, the greater picture 
  7 
  The Explorator 
  Image of one of the Adeptus Mechanicus Explorators (or more rarely another kind of Imperial 
  explorer, surveyor or scout). 
  Symbolizes: The unknown, expansion, mysteries 
  8 
  The Navigator 
  Image of one of the Navis Nobilite. He appears human, save for the third eye in his forehead. 
  Symbolizes: Leadership, decisions, authority 
  9 
  The Missionary 
  Image of a member of the Missionaria Galaxia, spreading the faith to the heathen. 
  Symbolizes: The holy word, the supremacy of man, the Imperial truth 
  10 
  The Arch-Magos 
  Image of an Arch-Magos of Mars. 
  Symbolizes: Mastery of a craft, machines, old ways 
  11 
  The Paternova 
  Image of a Paternova of the Navis Nobilite. 
  Symbolizes: Diplomacy, negotiation, a breed apart 
  12 
  The Rogue Trader 
  Image of a Rogue Trader in all his splendour. This card has many meanings. It has no reverse 
  image, but many variations. 
  Symbolizes: A headlong rush into life, a strong man, bravery, a skillful and clever person, an 
  unexpected coming or going of a matter, a troublemaker, a crafty and secretive person 
  13 
  The Chapter 
  Master 
  Image of a Chapter Master of Adeptus Astartes. 
  Symbolizes: A quick and confident decision, cruelty out of necessity, one who can bear their 
  sorrow, narrow-mindedness, an obstinate person 
  14 
  The Lord Militant 
  Image of a Lord Militant of the Imperium. 
  Symbolizes: A judge, a powerful commander, a firm friendship, some who is cautious but 
  confident, a wise counsellor, willingness to sacrifice the lives of others, to do what must be done 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Suit of Mandatio 
  Represented by images related to Mankind's divine mandate to rule the galaxy. 
  No. 
  M41 card 
  Interpretation 
  Ace 
  (1) 
  The Savage 
  Image of a savage man: A savage is a human who is not part of the Imperium or have heard of the 
  God-Emperor. Those who reject him or oppose him are heretics instead. 
  Symbolizes: Outsiders, something different, loneliness, loss, lack of respect, lack of civilization 
  2 
  The Citizen 
  Image of a ‘typical’ Imperial citizens – can vary a lot, but the symbology is mostly the same. 
  Symbolizes: Balance, foundation, stability, infinity/something large 
  3 
  The Artisan 
  Image of a craftsman. The type of craft displayed has a bearing on the exact meaning of the card. 
  Symbolizes: Learning a trade or profession, employment is coming soon, skill, handiwork, small 
  money gain 
  4 
  The Guilder 
  Image of a member of one of the great commercial houses, the Guilds Commercia. 
  Symbolizes: Hoarding, gratification, wealth, trade, social mobility 
  5 
  The Noble 
  Image of a member of the ruling class; he/she need not be noble in the absolute sense, but is worlds 
  apart from lesser citizens in terms of power and wealth. 
  Symbolizes: Good fortune, well-being, head of the family, head of the household, someone to be 
  obeyed, the way of things 
  6 
  The Fabricator 
  Image of an Adeptus Mechanicus Fabricator (factory manager). 
  Symbolizes: Efficiency, transformation, vigilance, a stern master, no room for error 
  7 
  The Speaker 
  Image a Speaker for the Chartist Captains. The speaker represents the commercial vessels that bind 
  the Imperium together. 
  Symbolizes: Travel, strength through unity, interdependency 
  8 
  The Collector 
  Image of an Imperial Auditor (tax collector responsible for setting the tithe). 
  Symbolizes:  Effort and hard work will cause growth, a pause during development, re-evaluations 
  9 
  The Bishop 
  Image of a church elder, such as a bishop of the Imperial Creed. 
  Symbolizes: The wisdom of your elders, the Imperial truth, the sanctity of man 
  10 
  The Consul 
  Image of a Consul of the Administratum. 
  Symbolizes: Height of professionalism, difficult choices, numerous tasks to be completed 
  11 
  The Senator 
  Image of a Senator of the Imperium. 
  Symbolizes: Legislation, consensus through debate 
  12 
  The Cardinal 
  Image of a Cardinal of the Adeptus Ministorum. 
  Symbolizes: The importance of faith, dogma and ritual 
  13 
  The Governor 
  Image of an Imperial Governor 
  Symbolizes: Mother/father figure, stern but fair, between the rock and hard place 
  14 
  The High Lord 
  Image of one of the High Lords of Terra. 
  Symbolizes: A wise ruler, guidance, planning for the future, council, closeness to the Emperor 
   
   
   
   
  Chapter I: The Emperor’s Tarot 
  
   
   
   
   
  Role-playing the Tarot 
  •  
  Gaming the Tarot 
  •  
  Common Spreads 
   
   
  Using the 
  Tarot 
  
   
   
   
   Chapter II: 
  Using the Tarot 
   
  If you want to use the Tarot in your 40k role-playing games 
  you need to decide upon something important: 
   
  Are your players going to be able to use the Tarot or is it 
  strictly a plot device?  
   
  The latter solution is quite simple. You can use the info 
  provided here to help describe the use of the Tarot: How the 
  players’ Inquisitor uses it for divination from time to time. 
  How the players are warned by the old astropath about great 
  dangers to come. Or use it to highlight the variant cards 
  found in a confiscated deck – a plot hook to get them 
  involved in a ring specializing in the distribution of corrupted 
  Tarot decks. 
   
  The former solution requires a little more though. If you are 
  going to allow your player to actually use the Tarot you need 
  to consider a number of things: How accurate are readings 
  going to be? Are there any particular prerequisites involved? 
  Can the Tarot be used in any place, at any time, to answer 
  any question? Or must the player enter a séance trance in 
  his sanctum, requiring hours of preparation and leaving him 
  mentally and physically exhausted? Should the use of the 
  Tarot tie into the skill system? Perhaps the Psyniscience skill 
  will be used? What about talents? Not every psyker should 
  be an accomplished Tarot reader. Should there be talents 
  that govern the use of the Tarot? Perhaps in conjunction with 
  the Psyniscience skill? 
    
  Personally I use the Tarot primarily as a plot device like I 
  described above. But if one of my players wanted to play a 
  DH sanctioned psyker or a RT astropath then I’d work with 
  them to bring the tarot into my games mechanically speaking 
  – if they wanted to. If the player wanted to keep things vague 
  I wouldn’t force game mechanics upon him. More likely both 
  the player and the GM would like to have something a little 
  more concrete, so I’ve written up a set of relatively simple 
  rules that cover the use of the Tarot within the context of 
  Dark heresy games. 
   
  Role-playing the 
  Tarot 
   
  Regardless of how you want to do it you should probably do 
  some reading on the subject of the Tarot on internet: There 
  are much info on the real life tarot out there. Or you could 
  buy a book or two if you’re really into using Tarot in your 
  games. All of it is complete hogwash of course, but it can still 
  give you great input as to how the tarot is read. I suggest 
  you learn the basics of the Celtic Cross, then describe IC 
  how the mysterious seer makes the ‘ten-card Haloed 
  Rosette’ spread and interprets the future for the PCs. It’s 
  very effective in setting a good 40k atmosphere. 
  You can take it one step further: Get hold of a real Tarot 
  deck. Make a spread and then interpret the result for the 
  players, staying in character all the time. And yes, the GM is 
  allowed to ‘cheat’ by arranging cards as desired behind his 
  screen before he dose the spread. Alternatively the GM can 
  just make the spread and then interpret it normally; since 
  you already know the setting and the scenario it shouldn’t be 
  too hard to get things to fit. Some interesting permutations 
  might even crop up, giving you some fresh ideas for how the 
  adventure can play out. 
   
  For your physical Tarot you can use any commercially 
  available set. Personally I’ve use an old tarot set from Mage: 
  The Ascension (White Wolf). It works quite well, even if none 
  of the images are 40k-related. Or you can print out the 40k 
  inspired Tarot cards provided with this supplement; they 
  were made by another 40k fan, based upon these rules (see 
  credits section). The quickest way to use them is to print on 
  relatively thick high-quality paper, cut out the cards and then 
  use them directly. If the paper is sufficiently sturdy the cards 
  will last for a while. Laminate them and they will last until the 
  41st Millennium. Alternatively you can print out the cards and 
  then glue them to an existing set of Tarot card 8and then 
  laminate). 
   
  Gaming the Tarot 
   
  The following rules are intended to help GMs with the game-
  mechanical aspects of Tarot reading. In the most basic 
  interpretation Tarot use is a Psyniscience skill check. I’ve 
  added some permutations to make things easier to 
  adjudicate and more interesting to use. 
   
  Psychic potential 
   
  To properly use the Tarot you have to have a Psy rating of at 
  least 1. For every point of Psy rating used for the reading 
  you gain a +5% bonus to you skill check; the more power the 
  better! 
   
  Normal people can take a Tarot and make a spread, but it 
  won’t have any particular effect (though they are of course 
  free to try to pretend that it works for them). 
   
  Blanks (or even worse, Pariahs) shouldn’t touch a Tarot at 
  all. They will leave the deck scrambled and hard to use for a 
  period of time determined by the GM. 
   
  Psyniscience 
   
  Psyniscience - This is the skill the diviner uses to make the 
  actual reading. The psyker connects psychically to the Warp, 
  using the Tarot deck as a sort of warded gateway. More 
  specifically the reader tries to interpret the Will of the 
  Emperor as it manifests across the galaxy. Needless to say 
  this isn't an exact science. 
   
   
   
  Chapter II: Using the Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Time taken  
   
  Laying an actual spread can be done in mere seconds (1 
  round) for a very quick and simple 3-card spread (provided 
  you already have the cards in hand). A more typical rushed 
  spread would require at least a minute, giving the reader 
  more time to interpret the cards’ meaning. A quick spread 
  can be done in about 5 minutes; including retrieving your 
  deck, unpacking it, laying the spread on a suitable surface, 
  turning the card, and making the assessment. Any serious 
  reading of a larger spread will require from 10 minutes to half 
  an hour. A full séance would take at least 1 hour, plus some 
  preparations beforehand or the use of a consecrated 
  sanctum.  
   
  Difficulty 
   
  The base difficulty for Tarot reading is Challenging (+0%). 
   
  The following modifiers apply (the list is not exhaustive): 
  Scrap deck (made from several sets) -10 to -20% 
  Poor quality or slightly damaged deck -5% 
  Typical Tarot deck +0% 
  Superior deck +5% to +10% 
  Ancient and revered deck +20% 
  Chaos sorcerer -30%  
  Corrupt individual (40+ CP) -20% 
  Rogue psyker -10% 
  Sanctioned psyker +0% 
  Soul-bonded +10% 
  Rushed (1+ rounds) -30% 
  Quick (1+ minutes) -20% 
  Normal (10+ minutes) -10% 
  Séance (1+ hour) +0% 
  Extended (several connected séances) +10% or more 
  Vague questions -10% or more 
  Dealing with the future -10% or more 
   
  Decrees of Success 
   
  If the GM trusts his players to not use meta-game 
  information like the result of a dice roll the skill check can be 
  made openly. If not the GM should make this roll in secret; 
  make sure you tell the player, in general terms, how 
  confident he is with the result. 
   
  Fumble If you fumble the GM will do his best to give you 
  false information or otherwise trick you. 
  Failure You get nothing; the spread is there, but you know 
  that you didn’t properly connect to the Will of the God-
  Emperor.  
  +0 The reading is vague. You’re not really comfortable with 
  providing anything but the most general of answers based 
  on this outcome. 
  +1 The reading is vague, but you feel confident enough to 
  give some general advice based on the outcome. 
  +2 You get a strong and clear return, but the cards indicate 
  several possible outcomes and you cannot be entirely sure 
  which is correct. 
  +3 You get a strong and clear return, only this time you’re 
  pretty sure what the cards are trying to tell you.  
  +4 Doesn't get much better than this. You get unusually 
  accurate and detailed information. So accurate is the reading 
  that you might start to doubt its authenticity. 
   
  No matter how many decrees of success you get the answer 
  is never entirely accurate. If the question was at all complex 
  or ambiguous the reply will be even more so. The accuracy 
  of your readings is also influenced by the time you take; a 
  rushed spread will always be more ambiguous than a full 
  séance, even if the since success chance was similar. 
    
  Fatigue 
   
  Reading the Tarot is taxing. Any reading, no matter the 
  duration, causes 1 point of Fatigue. 
   
  Psychic Phenomena 
   
  Because of the nature of the Tarot cards there is a risk of 
  Psychic Phenomena (and by extension Perils of the Warp). If 
  you use the Rogue Trader rules of psychics the 
  Psyniscience roll determines the outcome. If using the older 
  Dark heresy rules you must roll 1D10 per Psy rating used 
  and count the 9s. 
   
  Talents 
   
  Psykana-trained Reader (200XP, Elite advance): Tarot 
  reading is rather safe compared to ordinary psychics – if you 
  know what you’re doing. If you have this talent you can 
  disregard one ‘9’ rolled when using the Tarot (if using RT 
  rules you can use your Unfettered Psy rating w/o risk of 
  Psychic Phenomena). 
   
  Light of the Astronomican (300 XP, Elite advance): Only 
  applicable for Astropaths (or other beings with the 
  Astrotelepathy ability). Being able to sense the distant will of 
  the Emperor as it shines forth across the warp is beneficial 
  to Tarot reading; you gain a +10% bonus to all Tarot checks.   
   
  Meditation (New effect): You can enter a deep meditative 
  divination trance. For a reading of normal or longer duration 
  you get a +10% bonus to readings, but take twice as long as 
  normal.  
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter II: Using the Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Common Spreads 
   
  Here are several spreads used in the 41st Millennium; they 
  are just examples, there are many, many more out there!  
   
  The Imperator 
  This quick spread is best used to answer quite simple and 
  specific questions. To begin the reader typically focuses on a 
  specific problem or question put before him. He then lays out 
  three cards next to each other in a neat row. He then flips 
  the card, starting on the left and going right. 
   
  The second card represents the nature of the problem, the 
  essence of the matter, the current state of events. The card 
  to the left tells you something about the past, how the 
  problem came to be. The right-hand card (called the 
  Imperator, after which the spread is named) suggests the 
  solution to the quandary or a possible outcome of the event 
  being divined. 
   
  The Branch (Traitor or True) 
  This is a variant of the Imperator. The idea is that the reader 
  can introduce a second variable into the question, or explore 
  which of two possible choices is the better.  
   
  Legend has it that each of the Primarchs of old was in turn 
  visited by an old crone that did a reading for each of them, 
  based upon a simple question: Should I remain loyal to the 
  Emperor or turn Traitor. The crone would tell them what fate 
  awaited them down each road, based upon her readings. 
   
  The first two cards are laid down next to each other as in the 
  Imperator (and have the same meaning in this spread). The 
  next two cards go into a single column next to the first two 
  cards (describing the forces at work and the options 
  present). The final two cards going into a second column, 
  but are separated a bit (representing the branching future, 
  how your choices can point you in either of two directions). 
   
   
  The Imperator 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  The Branch 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter II: Using the Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  The Throne of Terra 
  The Throne of Terra (‘the Throne’ for short) spread is closely 
  related to the Imperator spread. Its main purpose is to add 
  additional detail and depth by utilizing additional cards. The 
  reason for the spread’s name is lost to history. 
   
  The cards are laid out in an inverted ‘V’ or alternatively a 
  semi-circle. The first two cards have the same meaning as in 
  the Imperator/Branch (past/present). The third card is much 
  the same as the corresponding Branch card; it reveals what 
  is hidden, the things/influences/events the querent or subject 
  cannot see or has overlooked. The same applies to the 
  fourth card; it tells of obstacles or challenges that will present 
  themselves. The fifth card adds additional details about the 
  surroundings; the environment, people, influences, etc. that 
  can come into play. The sixth cards present advice; the best 
  course of action to follow. The seventh and final card tells of 
  the outcome; what will happen if the advice is heeded. 
   
   
   
  The Astro-Horoscope 
  The Astro-Horoscope is a very complex spread 
  favoured mostly by those who understand the Tarot but 
  poorly. It is used for complex readings of individuals, or 
  more specifically of their potential futures. This is as 
  close as you get to a 40k version of a horoscope. 
   
  There are many ways of laying the cards; rows and 
  columns, a great circle, concentric circles, a star, etc. 
  The shape of the spread isn’t what is important; it’s the 
  Tarot and the reader and his subject. 
   
  If the GM wishes to include the spread just find a 
  pattern that looks nice and describe the reading as 
  desired. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  The Throne of Terra 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter II: Using the Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  The Haloed Rosette 
  This is the 40k variety of the Celtic Cross, except that 
  instead of the column of cards to the right they are laid out in 
  a row over the cross (the ‘Halo’ over the ‘Rosette’). Of all the 
  spreads of the Emperor’s Tarot this one is perhaps the most 
  ‘serious’ and widely used one.  
  Card 1: The present situation revealed. 
  Card 2: The immediate challenge facing the querent. When 
  you pull a "good" card here, examine it carefully because it 
  will still represent a challenge. 
  Card 3: Distant past, foundation. This card should indicate 
  the root of the subject matter of the question 
  Card 4: More recent past, including events. This will indicate 
  events taking place, even if only indirectly connected. 
  Card 5: The best outcome that can be hoped for.  
  Card 6: The likely state of the immediate future.  
  Card 7: Factors or inner feelings: Compare this against Card 
  1 in order to understand underlying forces/trends.  
  Card 8: External influences. People, energies or events 
  beyond the querent’s control which will affect the outcome. 
  Card 9: Hopes or fears around the situation; often indicates 
  something the confuses the situation 
  Card 10: Final outcome. Fairly self-explanatory. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter II: Using the Tarot 
  
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable cards 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Printable  
  Cards 
  Major Arcana 
  •  
  Adeptio 
  •  
  Discordia 
  •  
  Excuteria 
  •  
  Mandatio 
  •  
  Backs 
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
  Major Arcana 
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
  Adeptio 
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
  Discordia 
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
  Excuteria 
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
  Mandatio 
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
  Backs 
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
   
   
   
   
  Chapter III: Printable Cards 
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Warhammer/40k/UNSORTED (help requested)/Roleplaying Games/Dark Heresy/40k_roleplay_-_the_emperors_tarot_supplement_v1_24.pdf