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Indian Poker Card (Anime)

A typical Indian Poker card, as seen in the anime.

Indian Poker (インディアンポーカー Indian Pōkā?) is a type of card which allows one to view the dreams of another.[1][2] Originally devised by Kuriba Ryouko based on work carried out at Clone Dolly Ideal,[3][4][5] they have been created and spread around Academy City.

Etymology[]

Indian poker, or blind man's bluff, is a poker game where the players see the cards of the other players except their own. Each player is dealt one card which is displayed to the other players, traditionally stuck to the forehead like an Indian feather, followed by betting as to whether they have the highest card based on the other player's cards and their bets.

Appearance[]

Indian Poker - Card Design

A typical Indian Poker card, as seen in the manga.

In the manga, Indian Poker cards are depicted as rectangular and light-colored, with a slightly darker hued strip running along the right border and two concentric arches of similar hue in the bottom-left corner.[1][6]

Most of the card's front is taken up by a box with an image. Many of the seen cards have two flower-like shapes, one in the top-left and one in the bottom-right, over a dark background.[1][6] Some high-ranked cards have a more shiny image.[7]

In the anime, the card's image has several concentric circles centred on the middle, with gaps at varying points along their circumference.[8][2][9]

This is akin to a QR code, and the circle patterns are unique for each card.[10]

The type of dream apparently affects the colors on the card, with orange supposedly being an enjoyable or happy dream.[1][11] Other colors include silver,[12][9] yellow,[2] purple,[2][9] dark red, dark blue, yellow-green, blue-green and magenta.[9] A blank card has a plain grey image.[13][14]

The original card used in Ideal, which Indian Poker was derived from, had a similar shape and image panel size, though below the panel it had a column of lines on the left and the box on the right.[4]

Principles[]

Indian Poker is a technology which allows people to record and experience dreams, stored on cards.[1][2] By sleeping while connected to a specially made machine, a person can record their dream onto a card, and by sleeping with a card on their forehead, a person can experience the recorded dream, recreated in their brain via stimulation (and resultant electrical signals) from the aromatic elements mixed and stored in the card.[1][2]

Aside from experiencing another's dreams, Indian Poker can also be used for a form of sleep-learning (睡眠学習 Suimin Gakushū?). By using a card with the dream of someone with proficiency in a particular area, a user can acquire a degree of that skill as they sleep.[11][7][9]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 00m 21s

Saten Ruiko demonstrating kendama skills learned through Indian Poker

For example, the dream of a professional bowler could allow one to learn a pro-bowling technique and dream of someone fluent in a language could enable one to speak it at a conversational level, in the course of a single night.[11][7][9] In a similar manner, the cards can be used to record one's knowledge as insurance.[15][14]

The cards' ability to pass on experience and skills to people via dreams has been noted as somewhat close to brainwashing,[16] and they have been described as a Testament in card form.[17][4] The original cards developed in Clone Dolly Ideal, from which Indian Poker is derived, were intended for mental doping and brainwashing,[3][4][18] and capable of influencing an esper's Personal Reality through Personal Reality extracts recorded from another esper.[4][18][5] In its regularly distributed form, Indian Poker does not have these capabilities,[3][5] however the potential power remains within the cards, even though it is quite weak.[5] With the right preparations, that capability can be drawn out.[19][5]

Production[]

The machines used to record dreams onto cards are not commercially sold, instead being handmade based on instructions and designs uploaded online.[1][2][3] They are made from combinations of parts from various toys,[1][2][3] such as a telekinesis mimicking toy with an earpiece which reads the wearer's brainwaves to control a ball.[1] There are multiple combinations of different toys which can be used to construct the card dispenser.[1][3]

Once the card dispenser is built and a blank card is ready, the supplier goes to sleep while connected to the machine and it will record their dream on the card, with the aromatic elements inside the card being mixed according to the contents of the dream and the color reflecting the type of dream (e.g. orange for joy and happiness).[1][2] One problem is that the supplier usually doesn't know what kind of dream they will have and be recorded. However, with esper abilities capable of manipulating the brain to a certain degree (such as Mitsuari Ayu's Mental Stinger and Shokuhou Misaki's Mental Out) and the right preparations, it is possible to control the sleeper's mind to make them have a specific dream, which aside from producing a card with the desired dream also allows for the production of multiple copies.[20]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 05m 36s

Peeling off the film to activate the card

To use an Indian Poker card, the film on card's front must be peeled off to activate it, then the card must be placed on a person's forehead and if the person is not already asleep, they must go to sleep.[1][2][12][21] The enclosed aromatic elements and electrical signals stimulate the sleeper's brain while they sleep to reproduce the dream inside their mind.[1][2] If the film is peeled off before the time it is intended to be used, it will be activated prematurely, reacting and releasing its contents, becoming useless in the process.[12][9]

In order to experience another person's dream, an image created by the brain during sleep, the actions of the original person's brain during sleep must be reproduced.[19] This means that the card's user experiences the same chemical reactions in their brain as the supplier.[19] Aside from the conditions enabling sleep learning,[11][9][16][19][4]

if the supplier was being affected by an external influence like invasive hypnotism at the time, the user will be also be subjected to the same influence.[19]

Certain espers are capable of either reading the information on an Indian Poker card,[6] or skimming and copying it to a blank card,[13][14] without actually using it.[13][14][6]

Dream Ranker[]

Those with the ability to create great dreams for others are known as a Dream Ranker (天賦夢路ドリームランカー Tenpu Yumeji (Dorīmu Rankā)?, lit. "Natural Talent Dreamer"). Those that can create useful cards are given ranks, with the highest being "S" or "A" rank, whose cards can sell for lots of money.[1][11][2] A similar ranking system is also used for the cards produced.[7][9]

Transactions[]

Normally, Indian Poker cards are exchanged between circles of friends without any monetary exchange involved. However, the demand for particular cards increases as the value of the card increases, allowing people to earn an income out of performing transactions involving Indian Poker cards. One notable exception is the high-ranking Dream Ranker known as BLAU, who distributes his Indian Poker cards for free.[11][2]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 05m 44s

A trader selling Indian Poker cards

For this reason, some people act as "traders", who mainly engage in transactions involving Indian Poker cards, notably the exchange of a single card of a particular rank for multiple low-ranked cards or the direct purchase of a card using money.[7][9]

With Indian Poker cards being sold online, certain people have taken advantage of it for a con, attaching a photo of an attractive girl to a card and claiming that it is part of the dream to sell it for a high price and make a profit.[22]

Background[]

Shundou Toshizou with the original card - Astral Buddy Ch15

Shundou Toshizou with the original card used in Ideal

The original cards which became the basis for Indian Poker were developed as part of the experiments being performed at Clone Dolly's third laboratory, Ideal.[4][5] Kuriba Ryouko, the creator of Indian Poker, visited Clone Dolly several times prior to its closure.[3] By recording and teaching an impure version of an esper's Personal Reality extracted through their dreams to alter multiple espers' powers in a desired direction, researchers hoped to guide them into creating the "ideal" power they sought, with Yuuri Senya acting as the core.[4] Shundou Toshizou had plans to spread the cards throughout Academy City after the experiment, but they were dashed by the experiment's disastrous outcome and the subsequent shutdown of Ideal after his Board sponsor pulled out (as part of a deal with Shokuhou Misaki).[18]

Long after the Ideal incident, following the conclusion of an experiment where she had been separated into two cyborgs for a year before being recombined, Kuriba Ryouko learnt of her mechanical doppelganger, supposedly another soul created as a side-effect of the experiment which had come to reside in the combined cyborg parts. Unable to come up with a solution to the problem with her own knowledge, she hoped that by distributing the method to create Indian Poker cards and spreading her knowledge through the cards, it would eventually mutate to produce a solution or find someone capable of achieving a breakthrough.[3][23] Around the same time as Indian Poker was spreading, persons associated with Clone Dolly Ideal, moved to make use of the cards to accomplish Ideal's unachieved goal.[5][20]

Chronology[]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun[]

Dream Ranker Arc[]

Main article: Dream Ranker Arc
Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 05m 12s

Saten explaining Indian Poker to Mikoto, who received a card from Hokaze.

Misaka Mikoto was introduced to Indian Poker by Hokaze Junko, who gave her a card in an attempt to apologize for causing a quarrel between her and Shokuhou Misaki, explaining it as a popular card used to peek into the dreams of someone. Seeing Mikoto's card, Saten Ruiko explained its purpose and how it was made. Using the card that night, Mikoto dreamt of a world filled with Gekota, which greatly pleased her. She frolicked with the Gekota until she was led to a castle by one of them and met the queen, who turns out to be Shokuhou. Mikoto was then forced to be her maid for the remainder of the dream, until her sheer rage allowed her to forcefully leave the dream.[1][2]

The following day, Saten told Mikoto about how the cards could be used for sleep learning. After Saten left, Mikoto met Hokaze again (though she did not tell her how she found the dream) and was invited to tea. On arriving, she found Shokuhou also there, displeasing both of them. Hearing Hokaze mention Indian Poker, Shokuhou told the two not to go any further with it, asking Hokaze to also tell the other clique members to stop.[11][2]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 13m 29s

BLAU's comeuppance

They then overheard Aogami Pierce, going by the Dream Ranker name BLAU, distributing erotic dream cards to other boys for free. After hearing about cards that involved them, the two Level 5s teamed up to destroy the cards, erasing electronic evidence and memories.[11][2]

During Shirai Kuroko's cooperation with Miyama Shaei, a young girl used knowledge obtained from Indian Poker to make a chemical which she thought would keep cherry blossom trees in bloom year-round, but ended up creating a highly flammable compound which caused a large fire in the park.[24][25][26][7][27]

Several days later the tea party and shortly after the fire, Mikoto watched Saten's skillful use of a kendama toy, learned through Indian Poker, with Saten looking to get a pen twirling one next. Shortly afterwards, she encountered a man who had set up a makeshift stand for trading and selling cards. Kinuhata Saiai was also present as the card trader's customer, looking for a story dream rather than a skill one. Mikoto did not seem to recognize her, and Kinuhata was off-duty and did not want to engage in unnecessary business. Still apprehensive after her previous experiences with Indian Poker, Mikoto kept her sentiments until the trader brought out his only S-rank card in possession, which he identified as the Bust Upper.[7][9]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 08m 00s

Mikoto and Kinuhata at odds over the Bust Upper

A short dispute between Mikoto and Kinuhata resulted in the trader's cards being scattered and mixed up, with the Bust Upper card lost among them. Buying all of the cards, the two teamed up to go through them all and find the information they wanted.[12][9] Outbursts due to several dreams resulted in the girls being forced to use an outdoor location and subsequently a crow made off with the shiny Bust Upper card while they were sleeping, with the card eventually ending up in the hands of a girl who had been at the trader shortly before the dispute. Saten and Uiharu Kazari later saw the girl, now apparently with a larger bust.[28][9]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E19 14m 05s

Saten, abducted due to her latest card purchase.

Scientists also began making use of the cards to record their knowledge as a form of insurance. News that information on the Tweezers had apparently been leaked via the cards came to the attention of School.[15][14] During their investigation, Yobou Banka used his ability to skim the contents of a card in a vault and copy them to his own blank one, while a team attempted to abduct Saten, who had previously posted about obtaining a card from 'someone who could use chopsticks to grab even the smallest things'.[15][13][14] Frenda Seivelun's intervention to save her led to School's sniper Yumiya Rakko being dispatched and a battle between the two which ended in the latter's defeat.[13][29][30][14][31] School ultimately managed to obtain information on where the Tweezers would soon be used, under a week before the events of October 9th.[30][31]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E21 05m 57s

A Judgement meeting concerning the information leaks caused by Indian Poker.

The proliferation of Indian Poker led to information previously restricted to School Garden leaking outside, with the nature of the card's production complicating the schools' efforts to prevent information leaks. After toys used to make the card dispenser were recalled by their manufacturers, likely under pressure from School Garden, an alternative design using different toys was uploaded. Judgment and Anti-Skill attempted to find the uploader without success.[3][32] Later, Judgment scattered plenty of fake instructions for making cards to reduce the use of Indian Poker.[33]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E21 08m 36s

Indian Poker all leads to Kuriba Ryouko.

Around the same time, Keitz Nokleben had identified Kuriba Ryouko as Indian Poker's creator for Shokuhou Misaki, who had recognized the theory behind the cards and intended to crush the one who had spread them.[3][32] Learning of the experiment she was involved in, Shokuhou asked Mikoto for assistance,[3][34][32] after teasing her about the previous incident, having read the trader's mind.[35][32] The two made contact with Kuriba shortly after her doppelganger had escaped,[3][34][22][23][32][36] two months before the point where Kuriba calculated she would get a solution.[37] The ensuing events led to the doppelganger's termination, ending the problem the cards were meant to help solve.[38][39]

Jailbreaker Arc[]

Main article: Jailbreaker Arc

Following the resolution of the problem faced by its creator and with the card supply cut off, Indian Poker started to die off. Saten managed to buy a card for a youth Olympics level running long jump right at the end, and hoped to use the skill in the Jailbreak Trial, but never got the chance to do so during the competition.[40] She did use it later during her infiltration and rescue attempt following Uiharu's abduction by Shundan Kimi's group.[41]

Astral Buddy[]

Astral Buddy Arc[]

Main article: Astral Buddy Arc

At some point, Mitsuari Ayu, a former subject of Clone Dolly Ideal, came into contact with Indian Poker. Recognizing it as a remnant of Ideal, she sought to realize its intended goal and approached former Ideal researcher Houjou Seigo for help, both having been deeply affected by the failed experiment.[4][20][42][43] Using her ability to control dreaming minds and create custom cards,[20] she managed to bring out the potential inherited from the original card,[19][5] developing and reproducing a card that subjected users to invasive hypnotism and made them act on their desires.[19][44]

Around the time of Hokaze Junko's encounter with the disembodied Yuuri Senya in late September, several people had been manipulated to act on their desires (hearing a voice telling them to go for it and having their feelings explode inside them), with actions against Shokuhou Misaki's clique.[45][46][47][44] An urban legend concerning a 'whispering evil spirit' was also circulating at the time.[6] During her inquiries, Hokaze heard about the urban legend variety of Indian Poker from Saten Ruiko and visited a trader with her.[6]

Recognizing signs of Clone Dolly in the cards,[16][6][48][49] Shokuhou asked Keitz Nokleben to look into Indian Poker's distribution routes.[6] She also read a number of the cards with her ability but was not able to read one, only sensing a powerful malice.[6] However, her caution ended up leading her into a trap, resulting in her being knocked out and abducted by Yumiya Iruka (herself under manipulation) and Houjou Arei (working with her brother for Mitsuari).[47][48][49][44][20][42][47] While unconscious and drugged, Shokuhou was subjected to the malicious Indian Poker card.[48][21][49][50][19][44] While she was resisting its influence, Yuuri managed to possess her body and helped her to escape,[49][50][19][51] eventually reuniting with Hokaze and the clique members who had moved to rescue her and deal with the kidnappers.[50][52][53][54][44]

Signs of Ideal - Astral Buddy Ch23

Signs of Ideal, seen by Sogiita Gunha

A few days later, in early October, urban legend cards involving Yuuri Senya and created by Mitsuari Ayu had been distributed with the goal of making the former into an urban legend and using rumours to guide peoples' thoughts and AIM diffusion fields.[44][5][20][55] As a result, more people became connected to the developing system behind Ideal, with some going out of control due to feedback.[44][5][20][42] Around the same time as battle footage from the kidnapping incident was shown in the city, the perpetrator of an attack in Konoha Avenue blamed an evil spirit whispering in his ear and using a card for his actions, saying that the voice would not go away.[44] Dealing with a number of affected people and seeing signs of the Ideal system, Sogiita Gunha made a connection between the cards and incidents, but ended up starting a fight with Hokaze Junko due to a misunderstanding.[44][5][56][20]

Shortly after the battle, Yuuri's AIM form was swallowed up by Ideal and spirited away from Hokaze's side.[5][56][20] During the subsequent rescue and resolution efforts, while the meme and sightings were spreading, more people started to go berserk from feedback, with the locations of the spreading incidents centred around the former Clone Dolly.[20][42] Though Judgment and Anti-Skill helped deal with the affected people,[42][57][58] Shokuhou did not mobilize her clique, as many of them had used Indian Poker and could potentially be affected.[42] While simultaneous battles were being fought,[57][59][60][58] acting on Shokuhou's idea relayed by Kuroko, Uiharu Kazari managed to counter Ideal's memetic support by spreading fabricated articles, giving a disappointing explanation (claiming the sightings were a PR stunt and a manufactured story using the cards) and then burying it all with a more exciting story (one of the Level 5s working as idols), fighting rumours with rumours.[55] With Mitsuari's plan collapsing, Ideal's remaining power was used to safely awaken Yuuri Senya in her true body without losing anything.[55][43]

Known Indian Poker Cards[]

Image Dream[Notes 1] Source User Details

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 06m 27s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 06m 34s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 07m 23s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 07m 34s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 07m 48s

Gekota and Friends, Maid and Queen Hokaze Junko Misaka Mikoto A card which Hokaze Junko gave Misaka Mikoto as an apology for an earlier incident. It was orange - the color of a fun dream.[1][11][2]

The dream is set in the grounds of a castle, surrounded by fields and woods. Gekota and friends live in the fields and woods, while the castle is owned by a queen, a role played by Shokuhou Misaki, who is expecting a new maid, a role which will be filled by the dreamer when they arrive.[1][2]

Mikoto had fun frolicking with Gekota and friends in the first part of the dream, but was less pleased about being made to serve as Shokuhou's maid in the second part, eventually waking up in rage.[1][2]

Indian Poker - Ninja Training

Mikoto and Hanzou walking over a canyon river - Railgun Ch78 Mistaken expectations - Railgun Ch78 Mikoto being chased by ninjas

Ninja Training Kuruwa Misaka Mikoto One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, it was used by Misaka Mikoto while she and Kinuhata Saiai were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12]

One of Kuruwa's dreams, it involved ninja training with Hattori Hanzou. The training included running, hanging from ropes in a forest, and walking a canyon tightrope over a river.[12]

The ninja training was not what she imagined, thinking ninja techniques included summoning frogs and make clones of oneself. Wanting to quit, she ended up being attacked and pursued for desertion after saying it out loud.[12]

The dream was only featured in the magazine version of Chapter 78 and is not included in Volume 11.[12]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 10m 16s Mikoto as Yoshikawa full stitch Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 10m 35s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 10m 45s

No Growth Yoshikawa Kikyou Misaka Mikoto One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, it was used by Misaka Mikoto while she and Kinuhata Saiai were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12][28][9] It is a dark red card in the anime.[9]

The dream had Mikoto take on the role of Yoshikawa Kikyou, looking at her unchanging monthly chest measurements and thinking about Yomikawa Aiho in comparison. She tried to look at it positively as a sign of maintaining her youth, only to see that her waist measurement had increased.[28][9]

Indian Poker cards (Maid's Daily Life & World of Kunoichi) Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 11m 22s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 11m 43s

Maid's Daily Life (メイドの日常?)[Notes 2] Tsuchimikado Maika Kinuhata Saiai One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, it was used by Kinuhata Saiai while she and Misaka Mikoto were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12][28][9] It is an orange card in the anime.[9][Notes 2]

The dream involved Tsuchimikado Motoharu trying to get his sister Maika (whose place Kinuhata took) to try on outfits in their apartment.[28][9]

Indian Poker - Street Artists

Fusou Ayame giving Mikoto a drink - Railgun Ch78

Street Artists Unnamed roadside artist Misaka Mikoto A card being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, it was used by Misaka Mikoto while she and Kinuhata Saiai were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12][28]

In the dream, Mikoto was in the role of a street performer with a guitar, watching Fusou Ayame perform on a street at night. After the performance, Fusou got her a canned drink and on being asked, described the reasoning behind her choice of attire.[28]

This dream is not shown in the anime, with Yumiya Rakko's dream taking its place, though Mikoto saw it and referred to it during a bedtime talk with Kuroko.[9]

Indian Poker cards (Maid's Daily Life & World of Kunoichi) Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 14m 13s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 15m 08s

World of Kunoichi (くノ一の世界?)[Notes 2] Kuruwa Kinuhata Saiai A card being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, it was used by Kinuhata Saiai while she and Misaka Mikoto were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12][28][9] It is a magenta card in the anime.[9][Notes 2]

One of Kuruwa's dreams, it involved reading a scroll describing feminine techniques to charm and ensnare men. Kinuhata was annoyed at the emphasis on breasts throughout the text, her mood briefly improving on reading a section about using legs instead, only to wake up in rage after a comment that they still couldn't beat breasts.[28][9]

Indian Poker - Classroom Antics

Mikoto's reflection as Himegami - Railgun Ch79

Classroom Antics Himegami Aisa Misaka Mikoto One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, it was used by Misaka Mikoto while she and Kinuhata Saiai were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12][28]

In the dream, Mikoto assumed Himegami Aisa's place in a classroom of A Certain High School, watching Fukiyose Seiri deal with Aogami Pierce and Tsuchimikado Motoharu's antics, with Himegami thinking how Fukiyose shines while she is always hiding behind her and wondering if she could change if she had one of her traits. However, Himegami's example of having Fukiyose's chest rather than a 'mere' C-cup, caused Mikoto to wake up in rage.[28]

This dream is not shown in the anime, with Kirifu Megumi's dream taking its place.[9]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 17m 58s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 18m 04s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 18m 34s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 18m 39s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 18m 49s

Kuriba Ryouko Kuriba Ryouko Misaka Mikoto One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, it was used by Misaka Mikoto while she and Kinuhata Saiai were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12][28][9] It is a dark blue card in the anime.[9]

Unlike with the other dreams, Mikoto didn't assume the clothes and role of another. In a black void, Kuriba Ryouko appeared before her and cryptically spoke of dreams and hopes for the future, as well as a threat which could not be ignored but could lead to another threat if eliminated, splitting down the middle as the dream concluded.[28][9]

According to Railgun's editor, Ogino Kentarou, the dream was meant to guide those applicable to the method of eliminating one's soul, but it had no effect on Mikoto.[61]

Bust Upper Card (Anime) Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 07m 41s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 19m 01s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 19m 17s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 21m 59s

Bust Upper Bust Upper creator (allegedly) Unnamed girl A silver S-Rank card, the only one held by the Indian Poker Trader at the time of Misaka Mikoto and Kinuhata Saiai's visit.[7][9] It supposedly contains the dream of a certain genius scientist who vanished, someone said to be eccentric even by Academy City standards, and the details of their final research project. The essence of the Bust Upper is said to be sealed inside.[7][9]

An accident led to the card being lost among others and while the two girls were dreaming through the cards to find the Bust Upper,[12][28][9] a crow made off with the shiny card. After being startled, the card fell into the hands of another girl, who was later seen with an apparently larger bust.[28][9]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 12m 28s

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 12m 45s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 12m 51s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 13m 07s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 13m 13s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 13m 23s

Yumiya Rakko's dream Yumiya Rakko Misaka Mikoto One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader.[9] It was used in the anime by Misaka Mikoto (shown instead of the street performer's dream) while she and Kinuhata Saiai were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12][28][9]

In the dream, Yumiya Rakko (whose place Mikoto took) was waiting for Yobou Banka when she saw a lady heading her way. Analyzing the situation, she guessed that the lady was going to scout her as an idol, delighted at the prospect but also worrying about alienation from her classmates. However, to her dismay, the lady was actually after Kongou Mitsuko behind her, who declined the offer.[9]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 15m 27s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 16m 17s

Kirifu Megumi's dream Kirifu Megumi Misaka Mikoto One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader.[9] Blue green.[9] It was used in the anime by Misaka Mikoto (shown instead of Himegami Aisa's dream) while she and Kinuhata Saiai were trying to find the Bust Upper that had got mixed among the cards.[12][28][9]

In the dream, Kirifu Megumi (whose place Mikoto took) was thinking back to her humiliation during the Daihaseisai and feeling down. Although Kobayashi Satori tries to encourage her to cheer up, she remains down and her thoughts concerning her chest wake a less-endowed and upset Mikoto up (in a similar manner to Himegami's dream).[9]

BLAU's Indian Poker Card

BLAU's dream Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 13m 27s

BLAU's Dreams Aogami Pierce (BLAU) Various boys Erotic dreams involving celebrities and notable figures, produced by Aogami Pierce (aka BLAU) and given to other boys (including Saraku) for free.[11][2]

The cards had heart shapes on their frontal image.[11] They were destroyed after Misaka Mikoto and Shokuhou Misaki overheard talk of dreams involving them.[11][2]

The dream image is from Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Volume 11's bonus content.[62]

Indian Poker (English) Conversational English Someone fluent in English One of the cards mentioned by Saten Ruiko when explaining the 'sleep-learning' capabilities of Indian Poker. The apparent example she had heard of was someone mastering conversational English in a night from the dream of someone fluent in English.[11][9]
Indian Poker (Bowling) Pro-level Bowling A famous bowler One of the cards mentioned by Saten Ruiko when explaining the 'sleep-learning' capabilities of Indian Poker. The apparent example she had heard of was someone learning pro-level bowling technique from the dream of a famous bowler.[11][9]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 22m 19s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 22m 20s

Chemicals Someone with chemical knowledge Unnamed girl A card which gave the user knowledge involving chemicals, which they used to make a compound which they thought would make cherry blossom trees bloom all year round, administered by ampoules into the ground near the trees. Unknown to them, it resulted in the trees being filled with a flammable organonitrogen compound.[24][26][7][2][27]
Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 00m 21s Kendama Saten Ruiko A card which Saten used to obtain Kendama skills.[7][9]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 00m 51s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 21m 32s

Pen Twirling Master (ペン回し名人?) Expert pen twirler A card which Saten planned to get to obtain pen twirling skills.[7] Orange.[9] She managed to obtain it and showed her pen twirling skills to Uiharu.[9]
Indian Poker cards (Portuguese) Portugese Portugese language professor One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, produced by a Portugese language professor for learning the language.[7] Yellow green.[9]
Indian Poker card (Talented Rocker) Talented Rocker (実力派ロック歌手?) Talented Rocker One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader.[9]
Indian Poker card (Omelet Master) Omelet Master (オムレツ名人?) Omelet Master One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader.[9]
Various Indian Poker cards My Exchange Diary (僕の交換日記?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader. Blue green.[9]
Various Indian Poker cards Magic Master (手品マスター?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader. Yellow green.[9]
Various Indian Poker cards Mysterious Paprika #1 (謎のパプリカ#1?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader. Silver.[9]
Various Indian Poker cards Electric Sheep's Dream (電気羊の夢?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader. Dark-red.[9] Its name is a reference to the Sci-fi book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick.

Indian Poker cards (B-Rank) Indian Poker cards (Coin Stacking, Chopsticks, and Crackers)

Masterpiece Movie Series 25 (名映画主役シリーズ25?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader.[9]

It was initially depicted as a silver B-Rank card,[9] and then as a yellow green card.[14]

Indian Poker cards (B-Rank) Indian Poker cards (Coin Stacking, Chopsticks, and Crackers)

A House Full of Cats (猫だらけの家?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader.[9]

It was initially depicted as a dark blue B-Rank card,[9] and then as a blue green card.[14]

Indian Poker cards (C-Rank) 2nd-year Sociology Past Exam Paper (社会学科 2年 過去問?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader. C-Rank card. Yellow green.[9]
Middle Star Force (スターフォース?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader. C-Rank card. Dark red.[9] Its name is a reference to the 1984 arcade game of the same name.
Right Islanders and Air Travel (島人間と空の旅?) One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader. C-Rank card. Orange.[9]
Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E18 09m 17s Insolvent Debtor's Feelings (破産者の気持ち?) Insolvent Debtor One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader. The name only appeared in the label.[9]
Card Tower Card tower expert Saten Ruiko A card produced by a card tower expert which Saten sought.[28] She obtained it but wasn't entirely successful with her attempt to build a card tower.[15]
Indian Poker cards (Coin Stacking, Chopsticks, and Crackers) American Cracker Champion (アメリカンクラッカー優勝者?) American cracker champion One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, produced by an American cracker champion.[15] Dark blue.[14]
Indian Poker cards (Coin Stacking, Chopsticks, and Crackers) Coin Stacking Record Holder (コイン立て記録保持者?) Record holder One of the cards being sold by the Indian Poker Trader, produced by a coin stacking record holder.[15] Dark red.[14]
Indian Poker cards (Coin Stacking, Chopsticks, and Crackers)

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E19 14m 05s

Amazing Chopstick Skill (箸さばきの超絶技巧?) Someone with amazing skill with chopsticks One of the cards sold to Saten Ruiko by the Indian Poker Trader, produced by someone with amazing skill using chopsticks, capable of grabbing even the smallest things.[15] Orange.[14]

The description led School to consider it as a possibility for the card holding the leaked information on the Tweezers, resulting in an attempted abduction (with Saten losing the card as a result).[15][13][14]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E19 14m 05s Yobou Banka - Skimming Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E19 17m 11s Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E20 19m 18s

Tweezer Leak Possibilities Various A number of cards which School sought out and obtained, based on signs (however unlikely) suggesting that leaked information about the Tweezers might be contained on one of them (an apparent result of scientists using Indian Poker to record their knowledge and essence as a form of insurance).[15][13][30][14]

Aside from the orange chopsticks card purchased by Saten Ruiko,[15][13][14] there were multiple other cards (one other orange, yellow-green, dark red, two silver, blue-green, magenta and two dark blue),[30][31] with Yobou Banka infilrated a research facility, skimming and copying the contents of at least one card stored in a vault to a blank card with his ability,[15][13][14] and returning with several cards and a researcher.[29][31]

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E21 05m 21sToaru Kagaku no Railgun T E21 05m 32s School Garden Information Leak Source Various Various Cards with dreams from people related to Tokiwadai Middle School, School Garden and major companies, containing secret information which is common knowledge to insiders but valuable to outsiders. Mentioned in a Judgment meeting regarding the information leaks.[3][32]
Fake Dreams - Railgun Ch87 Fake Erotic Dreams Certain Delinquent Various Cards sold by a certain delinquent as part of a scam. Rather than recording or exchanging actual desirable dreams, he just attached good looking photos onto the cards, wrote "this is my dream", and sold them online to various people.[22]
Saten long jump - Railgun Ch115 Long Jump Youth Olympic-level athlete Saten Ruiko A card which Saten bought during clearance as Indian Poker was dying off, for a youth Olympic level long jump. She hoped to use it during the Jailbreak Trial, but did not get the chance.[40] However, she did use it later during her infiltration attempt to find and rescue Uiharu after her abduction by Shundan Kimi's group.[41]
Academy City Urban Legends Various Various A type of Indian Poker which allows users to experience the Urban Legends found in Academy City.[6][20]

A notable user of these cards was Saten Ruiko,[6][20] who had previously considered selling her own Urban Legend dreams,[11] and later picked up some from a trader,[6] who obtained ones for the 'slaughter maid' and 'monster athlete', but noted some fakes.[6]

Evil Hypnotism - Astral Buddy Ch10 Brainwashing Mitsuari Ayu (via ability and proxy) Various Cards customized to draw out the potential which Indian Poker inherited from the original card used in Ideal and be as close as possible to the "true ability" it was meant to have.[19][44][5] After encountering the remnant of Ideal, Mitsuari Ayu was able to develop a technique of reproducing this card and proved its effects.[19][20]

According to Houjou Arei, who described it as an "evil hypnotism card", it utilizes the fact that the actions in the original dreamer's brain are reproduced in the user for them to experience the same dream. The dream's supplier is placed under invasive hypnotism when card is created and in the process of the dream's reproduction, the card's user is also subjected to the same invasive hypnotism. Carved into their brain, it apparently transforms them into a monster that acts true to their desires.[19]

Victims described a voice whispering in their ear and encouraging them to act, and their feelings exploding inside them.[49][44]

Misaki Dream - Astral Buddy Ch8 Malice from Clone Dolly Mitsuari Ayu (via ability and proxy) Shokuhou Misaki (unwillingly) A custom card of the brainwashing variant, which Shokuhou Misaki was subjected to after being knocked out, drugged and abducted.[48][49][44]

In the dream, Shokuhou was seated in a throne-like chair in a room at the Clone Dolly Workshop, unable to move from the seat.[49] She was faced with another figure, initially in the shadowed form of Yuuri Senya and later a sinister naked version of Shokuhou herself.[49]

The other figure psychologically attacked Shokuhou for her hatred of the manipulative researchers when she herself toyed with peoples' minds and used them as tools, while also trying to convince her to stop holding herself back and selfishly use her power, rather than doing good deeds and clinging to the fleeting possibility of a miracle.[49]

While Shokuhou was resisting the malicious influence, the real Yuuri Senya possessed her body (having been trying since she was first abducted) and dislodged the card.[49]

Yuuri Senya Mitsuari Ayu (via ability and proxy) Various A collection of Urban Legend cards based around Yuuri Senya, which were created by Mitsuari Ayu (using her ability and a proxy) and distributed with the aim of making Yuuri Senya into an urban legend, using rumors to guide peoples' thoughts and direct espers' AIM diffusion fields towards a single point, making them part of a system supporting Ideal.[44][5][20][55]

The dreams and sightings varied considerably with Yuuri Senya's role changing between them; at times an evil spirit, at others just cute girl, a monster, grim reaper, murderer etc[20]

Concept Art Designs[]

Trivia[]

  • This concept is similar to the Level Upper in that it was created and spread throughout Academy City, becoming a trend, in order for its creator to resolve a certain problem they are unable to on their own.[63][64][23][65]
Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T E16 05m 19s
  • When Saten was describing Indian Poker to Mikoto, a fantasy sequence (the sort which might be found in a dream) was shown of the girls and their friends in the style of classic Japanese RPGs. In the role of a warrior or fighter, Kuroko was seen only in a bikini, a likely reference to "bikini armor" - a trope that is present in fantasy stories where female warriors wear revealing clothes that do not protect them at all. Mikoto was in the role of a mage, while Uiharu was a healer. Saten was in the role of a hero or warrior, wielding her associated bat instead of a sword.[1][2]
Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Volume 11 Promotional Textless Cover
  • Though not featured in the Indian Poker dreams in the actual story, the cover of Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Volume 11 has characters in costumes associated with fairy tales, as though they were in a dream. Misaka Mikoto and Shirai Kuroko's costumes are a reference to Little Red Riding Hood. Kinuhata Saiai's costume is a reference to Alice in Wonderland. Shoukuhou Misaki and her clique members' costumes are a reference to Momotaro. Uiharu Kazari and Saten Ruiko's appearance may be a reference to stock characters in fairy tales: the damsel in distress or the Princess and the Prince Charming.[66]
  • In the anime, the Indian Poker dream sequences are animated differently between episodes. In Railgun T Episode 16, the dream sequence was animated with higher hues and lighter outlines than normal, while the dream sequences in Railgun T Episode 18 (except Kuriba's dream) were animated normally but with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio.[2][9]

Notes[]

  1. Most of these dream titles are non-official descriptive names used for the sake of convenience. The ones which are named in media (e.g. trader labels etc) are displayed in bold, together with their Japanese text where possible.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Though it has not been confirmed that these are the same cards, the context matches between the titles and the dreams, and the matching colors at the trader and when the cards were used, strongly suggests that this is the case.

References[]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 071
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T Episode 16
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 085
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 015
  5. 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 019
  6. 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 004
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 077
  8. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T - Dream Ranker Arc PV
  9. 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16 9.17 9.18 9.19 9.20 9.21 9.22 9.23 9.24 9.25 9.26 9.27 9.28 9.29 9.30 9.31 9.32 9.33 9.34 9.35 9.36 9.37 9.38 9.39 9.40 9.41 9.42 9.43 9.44 9.45 9.46 9.47 9.48 9.49 9.50 9.51 9.52 9.53 9.54 9.55 9.56 9.57 9.58 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T Episode 18
  10. Indian Poker concept art notes by Kasai Shin
  11. 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 11.14 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 072
  12. 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 12.16 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 078
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 081
  14. 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T Episode 19
  15. 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 080
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 003
  17. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 093
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 016
  19. 19.00 19.01 19.02 19.03 19.04 19.05 19.06 19.07 19.08 19.09 19.10 19.11 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 010
  20. 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 20.10 20.11 20.12 20.13 20.14 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 023
  21. 21.0 21.1 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 007
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 087
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 088
  24. 24.0 24.1 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 074
  25. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 075
  26. 26.0 26.1 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 076
  27. 27.0 27.1 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T Episode 17
  28. 28.00 28.01 28.02 28.03 28.04 28.05 28.06 28.07 28.08 28.09 28.10 28.11 28.12 28.13 28.14 28.15 28.16 28.17 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 079
  29. 29.0 29.1 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 082
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 083
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T Episode 20
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 32.5 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T Episode 21
  33. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T Episode 25
  34. 34.0 34.1 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 086
  35. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 084
  36. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun T Episode 22
  37. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 090
  38. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 095
  39. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 096
  40. 40.0 40.1 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 099
  41. 41.0 41.1 Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 115
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 42.5 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 024
  43. 43.0 43.1 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 030
  44. 44.00 44.01 44.02 44.03 44.04 44.05 44.06 44.07 44.08 44.09 44.10 44.11 44.12 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 018
  45. Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 001
  46. Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 002
  47. 47.0 47.1 47.2 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 005
  48. 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 006
  49. 49.0 49.1 49.2 49.3 49.4 49.5 49.6 49.7 49.8 49.9 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 008
  50. 50.0 50.1 50.2 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 009
  51. Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 017
  52. Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 011
  53. Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 012
  54. Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 013
  55. 55.0 55.1 55.2 55.3 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 029
  56. 56.0 56.1 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 022
  57. 57.0 57.1 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 025
  58. 58.0 58.1 Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 028
  59. Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 026
  60. Astral Buddy Manga Chapter 027
  61. Ogino Kentaro (Railgun editor), Q&A.
  62. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Volume 11
  63. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 012
  64. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 014
  65. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Episode 11
  66. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Volume 11 Cover
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