Two of Diamonds

2D (Sniper) - a target down with another hot on his heels; buying seconds, one shot at a time; payday is coming, but not today

The shot struck home. You're safe now, but hostile forces encroach faster than ammo replenishes. There's a moment of lost opportunity and vulnerability, the cost of having to reset the mechanism. Judge carefully - you may need to draw your sword instead, or flee if you can.

In play: Your first bolt takes the raider leader off his horse; while you span the crossbow, the rest scatter into the tree line with their plunder.

Crossed - a gap exploited; forced to rely on unfamiliar methods; a rival gets a second wind

The reload is where the field turns. Whatever the shot achieved, the silence after is an invitation, and something has accepted: closing the distance, changing cover, using the seconds you cannot shoot to rewrite the problem. The next card draw is not about aim - it's about what reaches you before the bowstring is taut again.

In play: The bolt lands, and the two nearest riders mark where it came from - they are halfway up the ridge before your next quarrel seats.

Mira in the Market

There is an excellent blade...but it's a resale, and needs care. The merchant names a price she can almost afford - once he's ground out the nicks and put a proper edge back on it. She'll have to throw in her own sword, and close the deal now. In the meantime, she is left with only her dagger for the day, and the Hiloman gang has been seen in the area.

Crossed - There is an excellent blade...and a scout for the Hiloman gang saw her trade her own sword for the promise of a better one tomorrow. He's made a mark, a pretty girl with some other very nice equipment and no proper blade to defend it. He's going to follow her right now and watch for an opportunity.