Using an Arcana deck is not limited to Academic Magic, but it does have more of a prevalence in Thorne. This is because Thorne has the largest number of dedicated mages out of all of the territories. Tarot cards may be used with all schools of magic, however.
Basic decks are very affordable and are used by commoners for simple household spells. They're "lower" quality, though this doesn't mean they're ineffective. Rather, there are limits to the types of spells they can enhance. The decks may also need to be replaced more often - the equivalent of buying cheap shoes over quality leather. Ornate decks, custom sets, and those with additional enhancements would be more costly. A mage dedicated to their craft may save for years for such a purchase. Mages handpicked by Castle Thorne typically receive a high-quality deck as a gift.
The above applies to Solvunn, but only Elders and the Council would have higher quality decks. Such decks in Solvunn would not have any of the visual ornate decorations popular in Thorne - their designs would be fairly plain.
The Free Cities sells Arcana decks used in conjunction with New Magic, frequently purchased by inventors, artisans, and researchers. The average citizen with spare gold might purchase a deck as a novelty item while wealthier individuals may purchase or commission expensive decks to keep in a private collection. Some collectors might not actually know how to use a deck well, similar to someone owning a display of ancient swords.
There are also fraudulent decks in the Free Cities, which are sold at a high price for profit but still "affordable" enough to swindle the gullible. They would contain no effective enhancements. Inexperienced collectors have fallen victim these decks.
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Basic decks are very affordable and are used by commoners for simple household spells. They're "lower" quality, though this doesn't mean they're ineffective. Rather, there are limits to the types of spells they can enhance. The decks may also need to be replaced more often - the equivalent of buying cheap shoes over quality leather. Ornate decks, custom sets, and those with additional enhancements would be more costly. A mage dedicated to their craft may save for years for such a purchase. Mages handpicked by Castle Thorne typically receive a high-quality deck as a gift.
The above applies to Solvunn, but only Elders and the Council would have higher quality decks. Such decks in Solvunn would not have any of the visual ornate decorations popular in Thorne - their designs would be fairly plain.
The Free Cities sells Arcana decks used in conjunction with New Magic, frequently purchased by inventors, artisans, and researchers. The average citizen with spare gold might purchase a deck as a novelty item while wealthier individuals may purchase or commission expensive decks to keep in a private collection. Some collectors might not actually know how to use a deck well, similar to someone owning a display of ancient swords.
There are also fraudulent decks in the Free Cities, which are sold at a high price for profit but still "affordable" enough to swindle the gullible. They would contain no effective enhancements. Inexperienced collectors have fallen victim these decks.