Based on the metaphors for life’s journey found in cultures across the globe, Fortuna puts players through the paces of navigating life’s ups and downs while on the path to wisdom and maturity. Decisions are influenced by a player’s ability to collect information, apply experience and weigh options. One's path is determined in response to other players’ actions or at the hand of Fate.

A traditional deck of Tarot Cards provides gameplay structure and lends a sense of meaning. Players navigate a maze-like board, acquiring gold nuggets and action cards along the way. The first player to acquire 5 action cards and arrive at the board terminus wins the game.

Background
Caillois was a major influence on our design as he postulated that games had rich and anthropological meanings infused in them.

Audience
Ages 15 and up.

User Scenario
Three to four players are dealt 5 suit cards that are used to acquire five life passage cards (the winning condition). On each player's turn, actions might include bidding on a needed card, playing action cards against opponents, acquiring gold nuggets and navigating the board. Chance is introduced through the roll of the dice and through the distribution of cards via a stockpile.

Implementation
Implementation involves the fabrication of an original game board and game pieces using tarot card images, packaging of the game and preparing a rules sheet.

Conclusion
Game design is tough, especially if you try and incorporate narrative and meaning.