Arcana

Overview

Arcana is the card pool for power used directly. Its cards throw elemental damage, raise energy barriers, and reshape what the scene is made of, which makes it the domain most likely to end an encounter loudly rather than quietly. Druids draw from it alongside Sage, and Sorcerers alongside Midnight. Both of those classes lead with Instinct, so Arcana magic at the table is magic felt rather than researched: the character reaches for the energy and it answers. The pairing decides the flavor, with the Druid running Arcana through living nature and the Sorcerer running it through raw will.

How it works

Classes: Druid (paired with Sage) and Sorcerer (paired with Midnight). Every class has exactly two domains and draws cards from both at creation and at each advancement. Card Types: Elemental and force attacks, protective wards, and effects that alter terrain, objects, or the flow of energy in a scene. The strongest options generally ask for Hope to activate or stress to push past a limit, and stress has only five slots before a breakdown. Themes: Raw magical energy, elemental forces, and arcane manipulation.

Tips and playstyle

Best for: Sorcerers who want maximum damage output and Druids who want a hard answer when shapeshifting and healing are not enough. Character concepts: Storm channeler, elemental vessel, wildfire warden, a scholar who stopped reading and started reaching. Synergies: Instinct is the trait both Arcana classes roll, so trait points spent there pay twice. Arcana plus Midnight (the Sorcerer) covers damage and escape, while Arcana plus Sage (the Druid) covers damage and recovery. Keep an eye on stress: Arcana cards are the ones most likely to fill slots you will need later in the same fight.

Frequently asked questions