The Chariot
Outlining the eighth major arcana card.
Keith Hiscox
2/15/20262 min read
Welcome back to the Fools Reborn Tarot Card Blog, where we're explaining the correspondences, rules and narrative links of each of our Collegia Magica themed tarot cards. We sincerely hope our new game will channel the driving energy of The Chariot, and achieve great success once it's released later this year, and that you will help us push forward by sharing this blog with others.
Card Meaning
Conflict, Victory, Ambition, Determination and Confidence are all closely linked with this card. The Chariot is like a medieval bulldozer, forcing its way through the obstacles standing in a character's path.
As a Yes/No indicator this card is usually a Yes, so long as there is full commitment behind the action being taken. Sometimes this card may be a bit of a Yes, But... Yes your character gets what they want but in the single minded drive to secure that aim something else might get broken or left behind as a result of your success.
Setting Specific Design
Sabria as described in Berg's novels is a multi-ethnic state where subjects of the king may have one of a range of skin tones. This reflects both the history of Sabrian occupation by other cultures and its more recent imperialist phase, conquering other nearby territories. It was therefore important to us that the Major Arcana, which are largely presented from a Sabrian perspective, contain representations of that ethnic diversity. The Chariot, taking inspiration from a particular soldier character found in the novels, is part of that diverse imagery.
Apart from that the cards imagery is largely typical of that found in Rider-Waite decks - the two horses suggest the need to balance competing forces in order move forward and achieve one's goals.
Mechanical Impact
The Chariot's presence during character generation may indicate that the character has fought many battles, literally or figuratively. It is therefore often associated with military or militant character roles such as the soldiers, guard or Agent Provocateur. If a martial bent doesn't fit with the other cards in the character generation spread then The Chariot may instead be indicating the character's drive, self-belief or ambitious nature.
A wildcard for those mundane characters that have purchased it for their deck, The Chariot also doubles the value of any Swords suited cards played alongside it. As Swords represent gross motor skills within the game, this card will help a character perform great feats of physical prowess. This is not limited to combat, although it will certainly help you in that context.
Next time we move on from the dynamism of The Chariot to examine the quiet competence of Strength.
