The Tarot of Loka

The Tarot of Loka is a unique card game from River Horse, designed by Alessio Cavatore and illustrated by Ralph Horsley. It draws inspiration from the historical use of tarot decks for card games during the Renaissance, aiming to re-emphasize this gaming tradition over modern divinatory associations. The deck is set in Cavatore's fantasy world of Loka, blending its lore with the classic imagery of medieval tarot.

Designed primarily as a four-player family card game, The Tarot of Loka features easy-to-learn rules and sophisticated team-based gameplay. The campaign highlights its versatility, stating it can be used for its dedicated game, as a traditional tarot deck for readings, or as a standard set of playing cards. This multi-functionality is a core aspect of its design, appealing to both gamers and those interested in the historical roots of tarot.

The deck includes over forty new pieces of artwork by renowned fantasy artist Ralph Horsley, known for his work on titles like Magic the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. Printed by Lo Scarabeo in the EU, the project emphasized ethical production and high-quality components. The campaign successfully funded in 2013, demonstrating interest in its blend of fantasy art, gaming, and historical tarot homage.

The artwork by Ralph Horsley is characterized by a classic fantasy art style, reminiscent of illustrations found in role-playing games and collectible card games. The campaign images, though limited, show detailed, painterly illustrations with a rich color palette, featuring dynamic figures and fantastical elements. The style is robust and traditional, aligning with the 'medieval tarot' inspiration mentioned in the blurb, while incorporating elements from the Loka fantasy world. The overall aesthetic is serious and immersive, designed to evoke a sense of adventure and epic fantasy, rather than a whimsical or overly stylized approach.

This deck is ideal for board game enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate fantasy art, particularly fans of Ralph Horsley's work or the Loka universe. It also appeals to those interested in the historical gaming origins of tarot, offering a functional card game alongside its potential for traditional tarot use. Readers seeking a robust, art-driven deck with a strong fantasy theme will find it engaging, especially if they value versatility and a connection to gaming culture.

The Tarot of Loka was created by River Horse, a company known for board games like Loka, Shuuro, and Turanga. The project brought together renowned illustrator Ralph Horsley and games designer Alessio Cavatore, who also created the fictional world of Loka. Their inspiration stemmed from a desire to revive the historical gaming aspect of tarot, which dates back to the 15th century, before its widespread association with divination. The team aimed to create a deck that honored this original use while integrating it into a rich fantasy setting.