Interpretations

From Ars Arcanum Wiki

Traditionally, Reversed cards signify the meaning of the card is altered slightly.

However, in Ars Arcanum, having a Reversed card only means that your character is on the side of Technology, rather than Magic. This can make traditional interpretations rather confusing, especially in a setting where archetypes are important.

Thus, the cards have two new attributes: Clear and Shadowed.

Clear - The standard 'Upright' meaning applies.
Shadowed - What would normally be considered the 'Reversed' meaning applies. This can take several forms:

• The meaning is inverted.
• The energy of the card is somehow blocked.
• The negative (or for negative cards, positive) aspects of the card are highlighted.
• Whatever the card symbolizes is being denied by the person it's drawn for.
• The attributes of the card are inappropriate/unhealthy for the person.
• The qualities shown in the card are just the facade the person shows to the world -- they're not heartfelt.

These don't impact gameplay in any significant fashion, but they exist to give a character some wiggle room as far as their card archetypes, and to add a bit of color.

The Oracles will use either the Clear or Shadowed meanings in their interpretations when they draw a card for someone, and a character can move from the Clear archetype to the Shadowed archetype without being out of harmony with the card.

Clear cards appear normal -- Shadowed cards are somewhat darker-looking, and your character may see shadows across the surface that appear to be moving. As a character shifts between the Shadowed and Clear interpretations, they may notice the colors on their card change subtly. This can aid in roleplaying, or be completely ignored. It's up to you.