The Deck of Mortal Things - D&D 5e Supplement

The Deck of Mortal Things is a 22-card supplement specifically designed for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, intended to introduce dramatic, campaign-altering events. The deck is inspired by the concept of mortality and features artwork described as "stained-glass tarot cards," suggesting a visually distinct and thematic approach to its design. These cards are not for traditional divination but rather serve as narrative tools, each carrying "world-shattering effects" that can significantly impact adventurers and their ongoing campaigns.

Created by Paper Quest, a team of experienced TTRPG fans, the deck aims to provide Dungeon Masters with a unique way to introduce high-stakes scenarios and unpredictable elements into their games. The 22 cards align with the number of Major Arcana in a standard tarot deck, hinting at a structure that might parallel the archetypal forces found in tarot, but recontextualized for a fantasy role-playing setting. The focus is on creating memorable, impactful moments that challenge players and push the boundaries of their adventures.

The campaign emphasizes the "mortality in your hands" aspect, suggesting that the effects of these cards are profound and often irreversible, forcing players to confront the consequences of their actions or the whims of fate within their game world. This makes the deck a tool for enhancing narrative depth and player engagement, offering a structured yet flexible way to introduce epic challenges and moral dilemmas into D&D 5e sessions.

This deck is ideal for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Dungeon Masters (DMs) who want to introduce high-impact, narrative-driven events into their campaigns. It appeals to DMs looking for tools to create memorable, challenging encounters and to explore themes of fate, consequence, and mortality within their game worlds. Players who enjoy unpredictable elements and high-stakes storytelling will also appreciate the depth these cards can add to their adventures.

Paper Quest is a team of long-time TTRPG enthusiasts with extensive experience not only playing but also crafting intricate campaigns across various systems, including D&D 5e, Blades in the Dark, Pathfinder 1 & 2e, Delta Green, and Shadowrun 5e. Their passion for tabletop role-playing games drives their creative endeavors, leading them to develop supplements like The Deck of Mortal Things to enrich the gaming experience for others.