Mysteries of the Arcana
Webcomic about multiple fantasy universes connected to ours, each designated by one of the cards in the traditional Tarot deck. Follows a depressed Action Girl from Earth, her elf-like Dreamwalker friend Chrystalline, and Chrys's jackal-headed ex-boyfriend, William as they carry out missions for the mysterious owner of the Inn they all live in.
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Mysteries of the Arcana's genesis began back in the days of 2400 baud modems and dial-up bulletin board services as a roleplaying exercise. From that humble beginning it grew and meshed with J's interest in the tarot. At first, Arcana told the story of Chrystalline's father but, in time, the story became about Chrys and, finally, Chrys and Theresa. |
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Written by J Gray. Originally drawn by Keith W, then by Sarrah, then by Jessica "Senshuu/Miluette" Cantlope, and now by Gennifer Bonc.
Ambitious in number of characters and settings and plot points, and therefore somewhat slow-moving.
You can read the archives here.
- Action Girl: Theresa. Fighter William nicknames her "Man-Woman."
- Art Evolution: By Keith, the original artist, then by his three successors.
- Berserk Button: Theresa. "Unless it's to save my life, DON'T EVER TOUCH ME!" Chrys. "You used me! You devised a plan and included me without my consent!"
- Collection Sidequest: Story arc three, Two by Two.
- Druid: Chrystalline.
- Gayngst: Theresa. And Chrys.
- Heroic BSOD: Theresa. In a flashback, confronting her mercy killing her friend and lover Debby at 15
- Humanity Ensues: William's origin.
- Attack Its Weak Point: Theresa's super-power.
- Tarot Motifs: A prime example. Each universe is represented by a card. Even the page frames are Tarot cards.
- Stoic Woobie: Theresa, as shown over and over again in the first few chapters.
- Parental Abandonment: Theresa's parents. Chrys's father. before showing back up after Chrys is captured by pirates.
- The Chessmaster: Chrys's father. He gets himself captured and imprisoned by alien pirates so his family thinks he's dead - and later helps them lure his daughter Chrystalline into captivity - just so they can hide in their cell and plan against their mysterious enemies until the capturing aliens realize the bounty set up for himself and Chrys won't be paid. Chrys: "You want to use our friends - my mother - as bait?" Yep.