The Template

At the beginning of their journey in a story, the Template has no ontological purpose until she finds one. She can become anything at all, following the river of fate and the march of time. When drawn, it symbolises her boundless potential; reversed, she becomes one-dimensional, existing only for the sole purpose she exists as and has no further need for evolution.

Ⅰ - The Scavenger

With nothing of value on hand, the Scavenger must leverage her knowledge and improvisational skills to gather what tools, allies, and help she can to further her journey. When drawn, it symbolises her resourcefulness; reversed, it reveals a lack of foresight and planning.

Ⅱ - The Sycophant

When one is thrust into a bigger world, figuratively or otherwise, one must either stand strong or find a patron to shelter beneath. The Sycophant is a follower first and foremost, biding her time while under the protection of greater powers. When drawn, it symbolises her willingness or need to follow in another's lead; reversed, it decries her lack of initiative.

Ⅲ - The High Queen

Gaining a taste of power when before she had none, the High Queen remembers her prior powerlessness, and believes that she must use her great strength for good. When drawn, it symbolises her nobility and duty; reversed, her sense of responsibility overrides the wishes and will of those under her protection - she knows what is best for them.

Ⅳ - The Goddess

Growing used to her power, the Goddess gains in confidence and puissance. Her lessers are no longer important to her beyond the validation of her exalted status. When drawn, it symbolises her decisiveness and authority; reversed, tyranny and an unwillingness to accept other, lesser points of view.

Ⅴ - The Herald

Should the Sycophant not seek to achieve power of her own, she becomes the Herald: a loyal retainer and follower truly devoted to her benefactor beyond, and sometimes to the detriment of, her own personal benefit. When drawn, it symbolises her loyalty and devotion; reversed, it represents the smothering comfort of the status quo.

Ⅵ - The Lovers

If, in her journey, she encounters a kindred soul and forms an equal relationship, she becomes neither the submissive Sycophant nor the dominant High Queen; instead, they become the Lovers caught in each other's orbits. When drawn, this symbolises her interpersonal relationships and the harmony therein; reversed, the balance of power is skewed one way or another.

Ⅶ - Shrinking

Diminishing in stature, whether it be on a personal or relative scale, often comes with a dramatic shift in perspective. Shrinking to a lesser station in life, she must take on new roles and learn new ways to adapt to her now-greater surroundings. When drawn, this symbolises her new experiences and perspectives; reversed, it depicts her powerlessness in the face of insurmountable difficulties.

Ⅷ - Growth

Growing in stature, on the other hand, often brings about a sense of giddiness and advancement. Growth is often equated to her direct or indirect empowerment, and greater profits. When drawn, this symbolises her empowerment and climb up physical, social, or economical ranks; reversed, it becomes megalomania and overconfidence.

Ⅸ - The Mirror

Civilisations great and meek throughout history often coin the phrase "know thyself". In the Mirror, she sees herself for who she really is, though the image may be warped should the reflective surface itself be imperfect. When drawn, this symbolises her introspection and self-awareness; reversed, she becomes self-absorbed and apathetic of other individuals.

Ⅹ - The Crossroads

At the Crossroads of fate, there are many roads she can choose from. Not all are beneficial, nor are any guaranteed to further her own goals, but choose she must regardless, lest she let the time slip by. When drawn, this symbolises turning points and significant choices in her life; reversed, the potential straying from her path.

Ⅺ - Nature

The path of least resistance is seldom the best choice, but it more often than not appears reasonable. By letting Nature run its course, she takes what comes for good or for ill like a leaf on the wind. When drawn, it symbolises her ability to go with the flow and adapt; reversed, it demonstrates the uncaring vagaries of life.