#the arcana theory

[eelsinatub]

The Arcana- magic headcannon

(small spoiler for Julian's route) I was thinking about one scene in Julian's route, where MC is teaching Julian how to do magic. While drawing out a symbol to make fire, MC mentions how there are marks that make the whole thing work, and without it, it's just a decoration. So what if you could get tattoos of different symbols. Spells that hide your appearance, putting fire runes on your hands, things like that.

[soullessseraphim]

cat behavior

have this old sketch I was too lazy to update but not lazy enough to leave black and white

[taniahylian]

Vertin and Esperanto

So, first of all, there'll be spoilers for chapter 7 of reverse 1999 under the line. If you haven't finished it, I suggest you to come back to read it after you do.

Alright, here we go.

First, let's talk about the incantation Marcus recovered from Isolde's mind, the one Arcana spoke.

It's an incantation in a language that, Ulrich said, Laplace has no records of. Literally, Enigma argued that decoding it in 24 hours was impossible precisely because they didn't have the language or any clue as to what it could mean.

And yet...

Vertin can read it. Naturally. As if it was her first language. And not only that, she also adds that the incantation that unlocks the suitcase is in the same language.

And what language is it, you ask? Well, irl it's Esperanto.

However, it's doubtful that the foundation would've no records of Esperanto, so it's only logical to assume that this language doesn't exist in the game in the same way as it does irl. In fact, it's likely the original language of arcanum. However, knowing it's Esperanto, we can get some in-game clues about it.

There are mainly two ppl who use this language. The first is Vertin. Now, we don't really see her cast many incantations, but the few she does cast are in Esperanto.

Why is this relevant? Well, because it seems most arcanists cast incantations in their native language. Sonetto uses italian, Kaalaa uses Hindi, Sophia uses Greek, etc. What's interesting is that, even though Sonetto has resided in the Foundation since she was very young, and speaks English fluently, she still uses Italian. Maybe because arcanum only works if it somehow connects with the arcanist's own roots, or something like that.

This implies Vertin's native language, aka mother tongue, is... Esperanto. But who taught it to her? Was it her mother? Is there any character that naturally speaks this language?

Well... yes, there is.

When Vertin agrees to joing Manus Vindictae in chapter 2, Arcana is pleased and says the following:

However, although the text translates it to English, what she actually says out loud is bonvenon hejmen, which is, you guessed it, Esperanto.

And this isn't the last time she does it. Later, in the same chapter, when Vertin is reunited with her team and is about the leave the manus, Arcana says this before teleporting away:

Again, the text translates it, but what she actually says is "adiaŭ", which again is in Esperanto. What's interesting, however, is that in these two ocassions she's not using incantations, but simply speaking... kind of implying it's her native language.

Now, Arcana is a very ancient being, I think we can easily deduce this. Not only that, but her name is very similar to arcanum/arcanists. And she even speaks about how the the "first magic circle" came to be, so I wouldn't be surprised if she's somehow related to the origins of arcanum.

So... what if Esperanto is the original language of arcanum? Maybe that's why powerful spells, like the storm immunity ritual, are in this lost language. Although it's not the only one.

That's right, the teleportation arcane skil, Aferoj Around, is also in Esperanto. Not only that, but it's described as "an advanced arcane skill" both times it's mentioned.

However, what's interesting here is that the Foundation and Zeno know this skill. In fact, they even have a number for it. So, how could they not know the language of the storm immunity ritual? Well, I lied. Because the only reason Laplace had the correct pronunciation and spelling of the storm immunity incantation was because of paper sent to Lucy by the "White Marble House", which seems to be an independent and very important faction within the foundation, of which we know nothing about.

But that's a theory for another time. For now I'd just like to conclude saying that I think Vertin's mother taught the language to her (or maybe she was born knowing it somehow?), wether her mother is Arcana or someone else with great knowledge of arcanum (personally I think Bessmert), or maybe even both.

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think!

[biblicallyaccuratefangirl]

ꕥ Asra Headcanons: Jealousy ꕥ

If ever there was a healthy relationship, it would be one with Asra— it's something that is very important to him and something he actively works to maintain

Despite his willingness to spend his near every waking moment with you, he's very accommodating when it comes to you needing space

It's this same mutual trust and stability that makes him so comfortable with you spending time with other people

Despite his maturity and security, the beginning of your relationship (like any) was a period of heightened emotion. In the midst of it all, despite himself, Asra still had tiny inklings of self doubt and worry when it came to you being alone with people who had little reason not to be more than friends

He hated his anxiety about it, and felt guilty that there was still any part of his mind that struggled to trust you and your devotion to him

From the start, however, he'd never found himself feeling insecure when you two were together among other people. He always felt that being around you was very grounding, and you seemed to be able to restore all his sensibilities

By now his trust in you is unwavering, and he feels fully secure in the place he has in your heart. There are, however... a few small exceptions to his confidence

It hits the hardest when he's away for long periods of time. Every idle moment is spent thinking of you, and he makes sure to communicate with you as frequently as he can, but eventually the guilt of leaving you alone catches up

He has immense gratitude for the people in your life able to keep you company in his absence, but sooner or later the regret begins to take the shape of a benign jealousy that others are caring for you when he ought to be

He hates feeling so helpless, but the longer he's away the more that shame piles up on his heart. The muted envy that others are getting to do his job is never resentment, he's too grateful that you have support around you. But he certainly does wish he were there with you, reclaiming his responsibilities as your partner

Beyond that, there's little that could put a dent in his faith in your relationship. He knows any attempt to alter your mutual affection will be entirely unsuccessful

If someone does try to make a move on you, he feels in no way threatened, but he's quick to indulge in a little flaunting. A hand sliding down around your waist... Leaning close to your face to speak to you... A kiss to your knuckles... Standing close enough to you that his body brushes yours... All little ways to simultaneously flirt with you and deter those interested

Overall, he's nearly never jealous, and could hardly be a better partner if he tried 🫶

[snobgoblin]

erm I've actually been nervous to post my Arcana theories here but I really like this one if you'll fuck with me on this

I think that like, the way the characters use magic? is actually based on the Minor Arcana. let me explain

the suit cards, to my understanding, have an elemental association and an overarching thing they relate to in a reading. I'll list out the elemental association of each suit and the traits associated with it, to the best of my ability, drawing from multiple sources including the official Arcana tarot guide, and then when I'm done with that I'll explain how this correlates to the magic systems present in the game

Cups ☕️💧

this one is associated with water, and it relates to matters of the heart, emotions. as well as connections to other people, spirituality and adaptability

Swords 🗡🌬

is associated with air, and deals with internal dialogues, logic, and intuition. it also has associations with decision making and intelligence

Wands 🪄🔥

this one is associated with fire and emphasizes willpower, self reliance, and the ability to take direct action. there's a lot of strong emotions associated with this one, it's a passionate suit

Pentacles ⭐️🍃

is associated with earth and deals with the tangible things in one's life, physical things. it also represents hard work, stability, and practicality

NOW THAT IVE EXPLAINED THAT let me explain how this fits into the way characters will use magic

Asra 💧

i dont think *matters of the heart* represents anyone better than Asra, how about you 😉? not to mention his magic is described as feeling like rain, he communicates through water, he can MAKE water in the desert, in the gladiator battle they can control it too iirc, AND his personal gate is full of pools of water. their teachings also seem extremely emotion based in a way that's hard for me to explain, a very "believe it will happen and it will happen" kind of way to using magic (God I wish I could articulate this better but luckily the others will be easier to explain) all of this would mean they would be operating under the Cups magic system

Nadia 🌬

Intuition is her whole thing! of course she'd be the swords (also notable that Nadia is great with a sword) intelligence also screams Nadia, she knows 12 languages and when she first met the High Priestess all she wanted to do was figure out how the realm worked because it wasn't scientifically accurate to her. decision making is also fitting considering she is the Countess

Lucio 🔥

Lucio is actually a little bit bad at magic according to Asra, so I won't be relying on him entirely for this (you'll see) however, it should be noted that when Lucio summons Vlastomil, he does so by setting a fire and then cutting open the bottoms of his feet. this mirrors how Morga uses magic, like once she cuts open her palm to catch her own spear on fire, and there is no hesitation in the way Morga uses magic, like rushing into portals (not for recklessness, but because she's so sure of herself) and another time she breaks the Devil's chains via extremely precise spear throw, something Asra is impressed by. so! I think the wands suit fits just perfectly when we consider direct action and self reliance in reference to Morga, and I suppose by extension Lucio, if he practiced a bit more

Muriel 🍃

his magic is actually described as feeling earthy at at least three different points, and the way he casts magic is very interesting as well. runecasting, which is described in the game as Muriel throwing a rock and interpreting the meaning. which is a very physical, grounded way to use magic. not to mention the myrrh and protection charms he uses- those are also extremely tangible things, naturey things so I think it aligns perfectly with the Pentacles. I would even argue that Mazelinka falls under this magic system, since she uses plants to make her potions- which is also a tangible way to do magic- pulling from your environment and such

so yeah I just thought that was interesting 🤔

[localbisexual333]

OMG SO AS IM REWATCHING ARCANE SEASON 2 CAUSE ITS AWESOME AND I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO WATCH I JUST REALIZED THE FIRST GLIMPSE OF EKKO IN THE INTRO HE HAS 2 SHADOWS AND ONE OF THEN MOVES TOWARDS THE OTHER LIKE A CLOCK

ITS FORSHADOWING EKKO CREATING TIMETRAVEL INTO THE PAST

[lala1236]

Summoners!!!!!!!!

So...it's me again and I want to encourage our enthusiastic fandom to keep creating more content for artw, even if Storytaco keeps starving us of content! I encourage everyone to create edits, make more bots on Chai and characterai and write fan fiction! We can't die yet!!!!

[sleepytwilight]

Theory #1

Spotlight: Sirrah and Alpheratz

Remember when Spica's butler said this? Has no one thought it weird?

Sirrah is Polaris lover. The first to imprint to Polaris yet, Alpheratz was Sirrah.

Polaris was still there when Alpheratz is a kid.

You probably think, "Maybe Sirrah died first?"

Nope, Sirrah was there to watch Polaris turned into a monster. Polaris died and Sirrah is there to witness his death.

Entry I

The memories got alternated because of Sirius using the forbidden magic, time magic. It could have messed with everyone memories.

Though, there's lack of evidence because Spica said he was saved by Polaris from drowning. If the memories did got alternated and Polaris already dead at that time, who the hell saved Spica and Alpheratz.

Entry II

Alpheratz might as well died from drowning.

Though I don't support my first theory

Entry III

Sacrifice.

Sirrah death was never mentioned, he was chosen by the constellation so he can't age.

Schedar knew Summoner was Polaris... He might as well knew Sirrah and Polaris were a thing.

Storytaco did follow the Greek story *cough* Pollux *Cough* Castor. Who knows they might as well follows the old urban legend. (There was a story I once heard about a mother killed her own son to bring back her husband to life by letting her husband be in her son's body...)

Anyway... As I was saying, knowing Alpheratz personality, he did mention he don't like Polaris sacrifice thing and think sacrifice for other people are just a pain.

If Sirrah actually died after Polaris death, Schedar might had to sacrifice his own grandson so Sirrah the sorcerer of Pegasus can live again.

He makes sure Sirrah won't remember this sacrifice... Yet Alpheratz always feel hinted of disgusted when it come to Schedar.

Also to the anon who gave me Mama's boy theory, THANK YOU IT WAS SO GOOD- I'll reply to it later okay?

[macabremayhem]

The Arcana (head)canon.

I have a strong opinion: Valdemar, because of their antiquity, was born in the land that has a lot in common with ancient Egypt. Not only because of their antiquity: the developers (NH, of course) said themselves about their inspiration for the Tarot history.

Okay, Renaissance, Arabic, but... Egypt? I have never seen any specific Egyptian motifs in the visuals of the game. But what if...

Okay, okay, Valdemar is an ancient being born as a human. Somewhere in the ancient kingdom like the Ancient Egypt in the Arcana world. I'm absolutely sure!

Please don't tell me who they are: AMAB or AFAB, I really HATE THAT subject. And I really hate any kind of "AMAB Valdemar" or "AFAB Valdemar". They are NON-BINARY. They were non-binary as a human, they are non-binary as a demon and eldritch horror. That's it. Also, I love the fact that Vulgora and Valdemar are demons and have never considered that a "bad representation". Sorry, but as a non-binary person, I really want to have the ability to fully transition as an option. I want nothing to do with any option of human genitalia. And I have the strongest gender envy for the Vulgora and Valdemar. They're not human anymore, they can turn their bodies into anything they fucking want and they can live as they feel. Not AFAB. Definitely not AMAB. But Ȩ̵̙̟̬͚̊̿̉͌͜͠l̷̶̡͙̼̗̳̃̑̄͒͡d̶͒̍ͤ̓͏̴̦̮̲͓͝ŗ̛̯̪̠̤ͬͯ͂ͫ̕͠i̴̵ͪͥ̄̎͜͏̭͎͕̗ẗ̵̨̹̻̥̹ͥ̂̆͜͡ç̝͚̗̗̃̍̔ͬ͘͠͝h̆̌͛̔҉̴̧̦̲̘̪͢ ̵͚̤̲̮ͫ́̀̔̀͘͜H̴̡͙̥̩͔ͩ͛͐͛͟͞o̢̢̖̳͉͕͛͂ͫ͌͟͞r̵̞̮̮̮̄͑ͭ̃̕͢͟r̒͗̒̒͏̢͏҉̯̠̝͚o̯͔̭̝ͦ̔ͣͬ́̀͞͡r̍ͫ̔̄͝҉̛̺̺̗͔́ ̏͊̃ͮ҉̸̷̢͈̲͍̝.

Okay, let's go back to the Ancient Egypt theme. I'm sure - the developers should have had that reference, and maybe when they were building the Arcana world they had that thing in mind.

Also. I love learning something (or use my knowledge) and turning it into the Arcana reference. Ancient history is the best thing for that entertainment. So...

Meet the goddess Sekhmet. She's beautiful, she's angry. According to the myths, she wanted to destroy humans because they had humiliated her father, the Supreme God Ra.

And the goddess Sekhmet was a... patron goddess of medicine. She was a patron goddess of medicine, and the same time she had the power to command the diseases and especially the plague.

Plague!

That was her, shall we say, "crown curse sign". Medicine in ancient Egypt was also extremely advanced (for the ancient world, of course). The first time, I swear, I headcanoned Valdemar as a priest of Thoth (for the reasons). But the connection between medicine, plague and the goddess Sekhmet is amazing.

Thank you for coming to my Ted-Talk. :D With all my love for the world of Arcana, Lunatic Sun.

[aaliillustrate]

TOUCHSTARVED AND THE MAJOR ARCANA

this is something that I just noticed but please educate me if I got something wrong or the way I formatted things is incorrect. Those will be noted in the future.

So the Major Arcana right?

I think that the Senobium is the Tower card. Not only because the Academia is literally the long tower in Eridia, it's probably because the tower is a disaster card.

"A lightning bolt strikes the tower which sets it ablaze. Flames are bursting in the windows and people are jumping out of the windows as an act of desperation."

"They want to escape the turmoil and destruction within." This probably theory at Vere wanting to escape the Senobium.

"The Tower is a symbol for the ambition that is constructed on faulty premises." There's a theory about Kuras giving knowledge to the Senobium and the Senobium used at some point?..

I could already guess that Leander is The Magician Card. It sort of fits his description and could also predict what kind of person he is.

"This is a rather complicated phrase, but its summarization is that earth reflects heaven, the outer world reflects within, the microcosm reflects the macrocosm, earth reflects God. It can also be interpreted here that the magician symbolizes the ability to act as a go-between between the world above and the contemporary, human world."

"..he takes the potential innate in the fool and molds it into being with the power of desire. He is the connecting force between heaven and earth, for he understands the meaning behind the words "as above so below" - that mind and world are only reflections of one another. Remember that you are powerful, create your inner world, and the outer will follow." AS ABOVE SO BELOW where did we hear that from?

"... reversed Magician is a master of illusion. The magic that he performs is one of deception and trickery. You may be lured in by the showmanship of his arts, but behind that there may be an intention to manipulate for selfish gain. It might mean that there is someone who pretends to have your best interests at hand when the opposite is true." Remember when Leander's magic flower is just an illusion?

But yeah, that's all.

(note: all quotations made was from LABYRINTHOS https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list)

[star-arcana]

Pokemon Horizons and SV dlc's parallels! SPOILERS FOR HORIZONS AND POKEMON SV DLC'S

Hello everyone, now that Horizons is on the verge of discovering the truth behind Lucius, behind the Woman who seems to Own Terapagos and Gibeon, I have a bit of a theory here, some parallels even to a story from Gen 9, that could really well be compared to the one Horizons might try to tell us:

The Woman that holds Terapagos, if she is truly it's former trainer and died due to a dispute between Gibeon and her friends, would thus be like Ogerpon's former trainer and Terapagos would be like Ogerpon!

Lucius, who is implied to be Liko's ancestor due to looking like him, as well as her grandmother having had a pendant containing Terapagos, he would be the Mask Maker in this story who kept the truth and thus seemingly passed down something very important to his descendants...he is a friend to that woman and Terapagos, just like how the Mask Maker was one to Ogerpon and it's deceased trainer and friend!

Gibeon, who is assumed to be the killer of that woman and being leader of an organization that used to be friends to a hero would be Pechurant here, not only have they the same derpy face, they also use a substance to gain power and lust after objects with gemstones(Laqurium and the Masks respectively). Also Pechurant was the leader of the Loyal three, it's henchmen, which fits with Gibeon being a leader as well to the Explorers, his own version of the Loyal 3, but in greater numbers than the trio. Yeah the weakest comparison, since Lucius and his friends other than the explorers are remembered as heroes, Ogerpon was remembered as monster and the mask maker nearly as a heretic for telling the truth!

So that means:

Diana = Yukito, Grandparents with knowledge of the story of their ancestor (even if Diana probably doesn't know) and of a legendary Pokémon tied to them. Also their first Pokémon are Arcanine and Arbok respectively, one is red/scarlet and the other purple/violet, mirroring the games and each other as counterparts. Yukito's Wheezing also exists, but it is not based on any animal and airborne, and thus can be easier compared to with Squawkabilly, a normal/flying type. So I go with Arcanine and Arbok here respectively for now.

Liko = Kieran: Descendant of a hero and want to bond with the legendary Pokémon in question (does that mean that Kieran is not in Horizons, because Liko is his counterpart?). Also they have a Cat Starter (Floragato/Incineroar), two Galar mon that are direct counterparts to one another and fight defensively to mitigate damage (Hattrem/Grimmsnarl), their hair has colored underlines (Blue and Purple, when combined, it is Indigo), and finally want to get closer to a Legendary Pokemon(Terapagos/Ogerpon) important to their family's history, and are highly sensitive and empathic with Pokémon (yes Kieran had a dark phase, but he is usually a sensible boy, even by his Grandpa's admission, hence why Kieran knew deep down the truth of Ogerpon).

For Carmine, we have either Lucca as female family figure that takes care of the hero, or we have Amethio, an older teenager that serves as obstacle to the heroes's goals of being friends with the Legendary Pokémon. The comparison with Lucca is right now not interesting enough to mention here, so I go here with a comparison between Amethio and Carmine.

Amethio Carmine, who like her, has an ace that has a secondary Ghost type (Ceruledge/Poltchageist-Sinistcha), who were born from the regrets of a person who failed in their mission. Similiarly to Liko's and Kieran's Cat Starters as well, Amethio's and Carmine's aces have primary Fire type and Grass type respectively, so that checks it out. Also they each have a Galar mon that also look rather dark (Corviknight/Morpeko, especially it's hungry form).

I think I cracked a code, or this is the best coincidence ever, tell me what everyone thinks about it?

[just-1-scorpio]

Spoiler for chapter 6.

So who is the Guiding One, that Forget Me Not mentiond in the 23th stage, when he told Isolde that he has to report that she killed Heinrich because it was ageinst the rules?

Is this a name for Arcana, or is it someone else? Doas that mean that Manus Vindictae, has a council, or there is someone who has a higher renking in it, then Arcana? Who is this Guiding One? Or I just forgot something?

[soullessseraphim]

I'll have the audacity to tell you I don’t like the color green but then my brain will start fixating on these two

"But Valdemar is actually a desaturated orange-"

✋️💥

Desaturating orange requires blue

Orange is a mix of yellow and red

Yellow and blue make green

There is green in there

You will not take it from me I will defend it tooth and claw fight me,, fight me come on 🤺🤺

[taniahylian]

Marta and the three Fates

Spoiler warning for chapter 7! Last chance to get out of here and come back after you finish it.

Alright, so this time I want to talk about this mysterious person called Marta, who was residing on the Island of Aperion, had the same appearence and voice as Bessmert and, to top it all up, was also blind. To me, these all indicate they are the same person, so I was very intrigued, and honestly, with good reason.

First off, let's look at what Marta says just before the storm, after Vertin asks her what she'll do. Note that Marta was in the safe zone with everyone else before Vertin said anything, and only then did she ask 6 for advice.

What's even more puzzling however, is 6's answer.

At first glance one might think 6 is simply telling her to decide for herself, but honestly I think it's a lot more complicated than that and 6 knows something we don't. Why is she calling Marta "fate"? Does it have something to do with her soul number and its meaning? Does 6 have that information? But also... could these be an allegory to Greek folklore? This chapter is full of those anyways.

Then I remembered the myth of the Three Fates. Basically, in Greek Mythology, there's three women who decided the life, destiny and death of every living person, and I think each has a counterpart in the game.

The first Fate is called the "Spinner", often represented with a loom or spinning wheel, who is the one who waves the threads of ppl's lives, basically deciding who is blessed by destiny and who is doomed. This imo is Vertin. Not only does she have the spinning wheel with ppl's lives represented by threads, but she's basically deciding their fate when she invites them into the suitcase, therefore saving them from the storm.

The second Fate is the "Allotter", who measures ppl's lives and decides how long they'll live. I think, based on 6's comment, this is Marta. Also, in my interpretation at least, this seems to be the most neutral of the Fates; simply measuring the threads without actually interfering with their trials and tribulacions, or the way they'd die. This would fit in with Bessmert, if we assume she and Marta are the same person, as she is a historian that simply records past events without interfering one way or another.

The third Fate is the "Inevitable", aka death. She cuts the thread of life and choses the way ppl will die, regardless of their age, status or anything else. Imo this is Arcana, since by accelerating the storms, she's basically cutting ppl's lives short and deciding how they'll die.

Now, of course, in chapter 7 Arcana "died". I don't believe this for one second, and I also don't think Marta was disolved in the storm. The first point is obvious; Arcana wanted to die, meaning she probably had some ulterior motive/plan we're not yet aware of.

As for Marta... what 6 said is very suspicious, and given what happened, we are led to believe Marta chose to be reversed. However, if you have read my theory about Bessmert, I think she's likely immune to the Storm, much like Vertin. So... where did she go then? We saw her be reversed, didn't we? Not exactly. Let me explain.

During the prologue, Vertin finds Regulus in London and pushes her into the suitcase right before the storm. We then get a short animated scene from Regulus' POV when the storm happens, and it seems like everything around them disappears and they find themselves in Chicago, 1929.

But wait... Chicago? Weren't they in London? Yes. The storm transported them, not only through time, but also space, exactly to the epicenter of the next storm. Now, at first I thouht this was just a visual representation with some artistic license, but then when they finally get out of the suitcase, Sonetto mentions they're only two blocks away from their target and they can go there by bus, which would be impossible if they were still in London.

So yes, I think this is what happened with Marta; she got transported to the epicenter of the next storm, and we will probably see her as Bessmert/The friend from afar in the future, wether in the main story or another event.

And, just one last thing to conclude my speculations about Marta/Bessmert: I really think she's the Biographer Urd.

He adds he doesn't know much more cuz the memories of 1999 are blurred, like everyone else's. However, we know that the biographer Urd published her travel note about Aperion in 1999, and we also know "The Friend from Afar" traveled to the Balkan peninsula before the storm in 1996, which gives me yet another reason to think they're the same person, which would explain the "unique" soul number (She's vertin's mother).

However, we also know Marta hasn't been in Aperion for much longer than Vertin (probably since after the storm in 1966). I think she likely decided to go back to Aperion to reseach more about the cave, but no one remembered her because the last time she was there was in 1999.

But anyways, what do you think? Thanks for reading my crazy theory! I guess time will tell if I was correct or not XD.

[polluxverse]

ARCANA TWILIGHT ENTHUSIAST WE RISE!!

WE ARE SO BACK OMG, I'M GOING INSANE. IT'S 12TH FLOOR SOON, THE ANGST- I CAN FEEL IT COMING

[snobgoblin]

hes just thinking "I'm gonna hit this guy with my stick one day" and then he does