TarotDeck™ Engine (TDE)

A Thematic, Symbolic Card Engine for Horror, Occult, and Supernatural RPGs

The TarotDeck™ Engine is an in‑house system created by James Pearson, Jim Brooks, and Pete Ruttman — a tarot‑based RPG engine designed for games that thrive on symbolism, mystery, and the unseen. Built on the natural narrative power of tarot, TDE brings mood, tension, and thematic resonance to every draw.

While the QuestDeck™ Engine (QDE) is universal and works for nearly any genre, TDE is crafted specifically for supernatural, occult, horror, mythic, and high‑drama stories. If your game leans into symbolism, fate, prophecy, or the uncanny, TDE is the perfect fit.

Why TDE?

Tarot cards carry built‑in meaning, emotional weight, and narrative energy. TDE harnesses that symbolism to create a play experience where every draw feels significant. Major Arcana become forces, omens, or story beats. Suits become thematic channels. Court cards become personalities, archetypes, or supernatural influences.

TDE is ideal for:

• Horror and occult investigations
• Witchcraft, mysticism, and ritual‑based stories
• Mythic fantasy and supernatural drama
• Games where symbolism and fate matter
• Stories driven by prophecy, visions, or destiny

Similar to QDE — But More Thematic

TDE shares the same design philosophy as QDE: modular, flexible, and easy to learn. The core mechanics are simple enough for young players, yet deep enough for experienced designers to customize extensively.

The difference is tone. Where QDE is universal, TDE is atmospheric. Where QDE is adaptable, TDE is symbolic. Where QDE is neutral, TDE is charged with meaning.

If you want a system that feels like it was built for your supernatural setting, TDE delivers that experience out of the box.

Controlled Customization

TDE supports the same controlled customization philosophy as QDE. Designers can activate or deactivate certain suits, reinterpret card meanings, or define special triggers for Major Arcana. These adjustments let you tailor the tarot deck to your world without adding complexity or rewriting the engine.

The system remains intuitive and accessible, even when heavily themed.

Why Designers Love TDE

• Built‑in symbolism and narrative weight
• Perfect for supernatural, occult, and mythic settings
• Modular and skinnable, just like QDE
• Fast onboarding — tarot is familiar and evocative
• No proprietary components — any standard tarot deck works

Who TDE Is For

Game Designers

A thematic engine that brings mood and symbolism to your world without extra complexity.

Game Guides / GMs

A system that naturally supports tension, mystery, and dramatic reveals.

Players

A tarot‑driven experience where every draw feels meaningful and atmospheric.

Licensing & Publishing

TDE is not currently public, but it is available for creators.

License TDE for Your Own Game

Use the engine in your commercial or indie project with flexible licensing terms.

Publish With Us — Use TDE for Free

If you publish under our banner, you get full access to TDE at no cost.

Looking for a Universal System Instead?

If your game isn’t supernatural or symbolic, the QuestDeck™ Engine (QDE) may be a better fit. QDE is genre‑agnostic, modular, and perfect for nearly any setting.