The Devil
Outlining the sixteenth major arcana card.
Keith Hiscox
6/15/20261 min read
Card Meaning
The typical reading of this card relates to The Subconscious mind as well as the concepts of Addiction, Attachment, Desire and Intimidation. Basically the Devil has poor impulse control.
Setting Specific Representation
We debated changing this card’s title to “The Soul Eater”, for it is he who is represented here. Eventually, as with the Hierophant, we came to the conclusion that retaining the traditional tarot nomenclature was more important that bolstering the thematic links with the world of the Collegia Magica. Instead we have focussed on showing those links within the art itself.
This is David Ledesma’s depiction of the Soul Eater figure within Sabrian religion, an entity ruling over an icy hell dimension who snatches tardy souls away from Ixtador’s journey in order to torture and feed upon them. We like to imagine that this is the kind of religious art that one might see featuring in important locations around Sabria, whenever the artistic patron wants to drive home a warning about the risks of leading a dissolute life.
Mechanical Impact
When drawn as part of character creation the Devil may represent the medieval roles of Criminal, Con Artist, Outlaw or Rebel.
In line with the depiction of the Soul Eater as a commanding presence, the Devil cards special effect doubles the Face Value of all other cards in the Meld when it is played to intimidate or command others.
