Four of Swords

[pyraxis]

Photoshop and MotionComputing Tablet

The Four of Swords is a card about retreat and contemplation. In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, a young knight in armor is resting on a coffin. It's said (I couldn't find any references for this other than aeclectic.net) that knights would commission a sarcophagus before going off to battle, and if they came back alive, they would lie down inside it to meditate in thankfulness and humility for their safe return.

On Karn the place of retreat for the griff is different. Griff are fiercely solitary, and often disappear for days or weeks at a time into the remote mountains. A griff will stake out a lone campsite and respectfully avoid the camps of others. Woe betide the one who tries to disturb a griff in his place. Not only is it a gross social taboo, but chances are you'll end up in pieces at the bottom of a nearby cliff.

Alone, a griff can heal his mind and body. He can reflect on the struggles he has overcome and the fights still to come. It is a much-needed breather from the noise and chaos of life.