Suit of Treasures

The suit of Treasures is one of the four standard suits in a deck of Galathan Playing Cards, also called the suit of Earth and the suit of senses. In a playing deck it is usually ranked first for trick-taking or scoring, above the Roads, Fires and Lairs.   In divinatory decks it represents the material and concrete, people and their possessions, analytical thought and the senses through which the world is perceived.  

1. Epitome - Gem

The Gem is characterised by the perfection of its many facets, each one as fine, but no finer than any other. It is flawless, clear and balanced.   Meaning: Physical perfection of any form, from a masterpiece of art to a beautiful creature or highly-skilled athlete. Mental focus or clarity of the senses. A clear and concise analysis of a situation or thing.   Reversed: A flawed form, however slight the blemish. Confusion of the mind, illusions veiling the senses. Mistaken perceptions leading to flawed conclusions.  

2. Duality - Key

The Key opens and the Key closes, making a wall into a passage or vice versa.   Meaning: The lynchpin, the inimitable factor which holds a successful relationship together. An unexpected connection between people or events. An understanding. A partnership between equals of very different abilities.   Reversed: Barriers to understanding or to a union. A state of misunderstanding. The point of contention in a situation.  

3. Division - Corpse

The Corpse is a body without sense, incapable of thought or action.   Meaning: The loss of physical possessions or the death of a person of importance. An injurythat reduces your abilities or agency.   Reversed: A magical or medical item is of vital importance to resolve a crisis.  

4. Triumph - Talons

The Talons reach to grasp the object of desire, but risk harm if they grip too hard.   Meaning: A treasure is claimed, especially one that was contested with another seeker. The treasure may be an object, the affections of some person or creature, or an academic or arcane work.   Reversed: Trying to hold too much, something is lost or destroyed. That which matters is abandoned for that which is desired.  

5. Vergence - Humanoid

The Humanoid makes plans, sending their mind and their senses ahead of their body to predict risk and reward.   Meaning: By study and seeking a path to gain is shown. An offer of payment for a service will be received. Something that you hold will fetch an unexpected price, if you are wiling to sell.   Reversed: You hold that which many will kill for. A cursed object will cross your path.  

6. Gambit - Tavern

In the Tavern tongues wag, heads are bent and fortunes wagered.   Meaning: Immediate gratification will halt the search for something better. Resist the shallow distractions that will derail your quest for meaningful treasure.   Reversed: A mismatch of similar objects causes confusion. Intoxication dulls the senses and the mind.  

7. Curse - Ruin

Ruin can strike the strongest and most careful without warning, without care for justice or desert.   Meaning: A devastating loss of property, senses or physical capabilities. A catastrophically poor choice brings you to a sorry end.   Reversed: You face the last throw of the dice. Even if all seems lost, you have one last coin to be spent, wisely or foolishly.  

8. Prentice - Jester

The Jester walks lightly, trustingly in the world, secure in the shield of their motley.   Meaning: A person in early training, too sure in their mastery of their physical or financial skill. A warrior's apprentice, labourer or merchant.   Reversed: Taking bad risks. Ignoring warnings of dangerous ground or unfavourable conditions.  

9. Journeyer - Expert

The Expert calculates and acts prudently. They know their own imperfection.   Meaning: A skilled trader, fighter or athlete whose reputation is their calling card. A trusted comrade in arms or an old foe of equal strength. A builder.   Reversed: Endurance in the face of pain or exhaustion. Discretion as the better part of valour.  

10. Adept - Aberration

The Aberration is an unknown, a capacity beyond knowledge and perhaps beyond understanding.   Meaning: A foe whose strengths cannot be met by yours. A superior in authority and knowledge whose limts you cannot judge.   Reversed: The bonds of duty. The chain of command. A mission.  

11. Ascendent - Euryale

The medusa Euryale stands above all feats of arms or cunning.   Meaning: An enemy that would rob you of your strength. A power loaned for the purpose of defeating such a foe. An artifact of legend.   Reversed: Commitment. Death before dishonour. A fight that matters.