Wyrd Cards: Whimsy Cards for Vikings

         For two years, I ran a role-playing campaign dubbed Vikings & Skraelings. It used a simplified variant of the RuneQuest rules, with the addition of home-made version of the Whimsy Cards from Lion Rampant. Since the game was about fatalistic Norsemen, they were dubbed the "Wyrd Cards" by the players. I made several changes to the deck to fit with the feel of the game. As part of analysis, I also grouped the cards into five categories:

• Positive Influence
• Negative Influence
• Emotion
• Plot Twist
• Strangeness

Positive Influence

First Impressions (new)

Someone is impressed by a first meeting with a character or group. It may be their appearance, or auspicious events, or just a quirk of mood. You may define what the impression is.

Second Chance

Spectacular Success

Unexpected Aid

Insight (new)

Circumstances give someone new insight into a character or a situation, revealing depths not previously understood. This may be a public display or it may be a personal brainstorm.

Popular Recognition (new)

Some action or speech attracts the attention of many people, either directly or by rumor. A heroic act may become reknown, an idea may become the talk of the town, or a dishonorable act may become infamous.

Negative Influence

Added Animosity

Bad Tidings

Double Jeopardy

Error of Judgment

Horrible Failure

Inopportune Arrival

Misguided Love

Misplaced Trust

Ominous Omen

Painful Injury (new)

Something results in a painful injury. This may be a blow in combat, or a wound-causing accident, or perhaps psychological trauma from some remark or circumstance.

Turn for the Worse

Emotion

Acceptance (new)

A character comes to accept things as they are for some reason. This may be fatalistic resigning to one's fate, or the character may have new feelings on the subject.

Bravery (new)

[to be written]

Change of Heart

Envy

Emotional Release

Extreme Caution

Greed

Jealousy

Joy

Malice

Pity

Rash Impulse (new)

Someone springs into action without thought or perhaps without care of the consequences.

Romantic Development (new)

The romance of two characters has a chance to develop. It may be the start of affection, or a twist in an existing relationship, or just reaffirming and deepening of feelings.

Sloth

Plot Twist

Internal Conflict

Lasting Impression

Moral Dilemma

New Role

Parting of Ways

Personality Clash

Pivotal Decision

Sacrifice (new)

A great gain is made, but at the cost of a great sacrifice. It may be giving up something cherished, or it may be that a character gives up life for loved ones or for a cause.

Sudden Reversion

Tables Turn

Things Are Not As They Seem

Trade Places

Ulterior Motive

Strangeness

Abrupt Change of Events

Bizarre Coincidence

Draw a Blank

Erratic Behavior

Silver Lining (new)

There is some positive gain that comes with a failure. The failure still occurs, but something good happens as well.

Something Missing

Special Circumstances

Unexplained Consequence

Unexplained Event

Vivid Detail

Wormy Apple (new)

There is a negative consequence to a success. The action still succeeds, but something bad happens as well. An enemy is slain but the sword stuck in the body; a target is convinced too well and becomes overly helpful; etc.