The GMs Tarot - Story Telling Made Easy

The GMs Tarot is a unique tool developed by Wartorn Games for Game Masters of tabletop role-playing games, offering a flexible, system-neutral approach to story generation. It aims to simplify the process of creating engaging plotlines and unexpected encounters, whether for traditional campaigns or on-the-fly improvisation during a session. The deck is structured around three core card categories: Locations, Encounters, and Hooks, which can be drawn and combined to spark creative ideas.

Designed for versatility, the GMs Tarot has been playtested across various game systems, including 5th Edition D&D, A Song of Ice and Fire, Pendragon, The Dresden Files RPG, and Desolation RPG. This broad compatibility ensures that GMs can integrate the deck into their preferred gaming environment without system-specific limitations. Beyond initial campaign plotting, the cards are also useful for generating ideas when players deviate from expected paths, handling unexpected pick-up games, or even simulating scrying and precognition abilities within the game world.

The initial "General" deck provides a vast number of thematic combinations, with additional "Wilderness" and "Urban" themed decks offered as stretch goals to expand the variety of settings and encounters. The cards themselves are produced with durability in mind, printed on Heretic 305um Black Cored Playing Cardboard in full color with a matte laminate finish. This focus on robust materials ensures the deck can withstand frequent use over many gaming sessions.

This deck is ideal for Game Masters (GMs) of tabletop role-playing games, particularly those who need assistance with session preparation, plot generation, or on-the-fly improvisation. It caters to GMs who run system-neutral games or those who want a versatile tool compatible with various RPG systems like D&D 5th Edition, Pendragon, or The Dresden Files. It also appeals to GMs looking for a physical aid to spark creativity when players go off-script or for simulating in-game divination.

Wartorn Games designed The GMs Tarot as a practical tool for Game Masters, born from the need to streamline plot and encounter generation in tabletop RPGs. Their vision was to create a system-neutral deck that could be easily integrated into various gaming environments, from D&D to A Song of Ice and Fire. The project prioritized durability and quick production, opting for a UK-based manufacturer to ensure timely delivery to backers.