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{{See also|[[Elder Deck]]}}
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The '''Deck of Dragons''', sometimes referred to as the Fatid, was the dominant oracular system in the majority of the world, with the exception of the [[Lether]] continent which used its predecessor, [[Tiles of the Holds|the Tiles]]. It is possible they will be succeeded by [[the Coins]] in the future.
  
   
  +
The '''Deck of Dragons''', sometimes referred to as the '''Fatid''',<ref name=":0">[[Gardens of the Moon]], Glossary, UK MMPB p.707</ref> was the dominant oracular system worldwide, with the exception of the [[Lether]] continent which used its predecessor, [[Tiles of the Holds|the Tiles]]. It is possible that the card deck could be succeeded by [[the Coins]] in the future.
−
The Deck was made up of a series of cards, depicting the various members of the pantheon. The deck accurately portrayed the pantheon, creating new cards as were necessary for new members. Most cards represented a specific roles within [[High House|Houses]], with a few non-aligned cards that were without a House.
  
   
  +
The Deck consisted of a series of cards depicting the members of the pantheon. The Deck accurately portrayed the pantheon, with new cards added as necessary for new members. Most cards represented entities with specific roles in [[High House|Houses]], with a few non-aligned cards that were without a House. During a reading, these cards might be animated.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.90 - example</ref>
−
During a reading, cards were dealt one at a time, with the resulting divination dependant on which cards came out. Different patterns could be used to lay down the Deck, e.g. in a spiral (showing what card would be the focus of attention) or in blocks (what way the local powers would oppose each other).
  
   
  +
According to Quick Ben, "... the High Houses of the Deck relate to certain [[warrens]] and as such they present a kind of window looking in on those warrens—conversely, of course, things can in turn look out from the other side, which is what makes a reading so... risky. The Deck is indifferent to barriers—in the right hands it can reveal patterns and relationships hidden to mortal eyes."<ref>[[Dust of Dreams]], [[DD/5|Chapter 5]]</ref>
−
The look of a card would depend on the local conditions. It could change slightly of its own accord depending on where the reading was performed, showing how the world and pantheon were unfolding. For example, during the events of Gardens of the Moon, the card of Oponn would probably show the Twins no matter where the reading was performed; on Genabackis, however, the card would also show a spinning Coin next to the Twins.
  
   
  +
During a reading, cards were shuffled<ref name=":1">[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.89</ref> then dealt one at a time, with the resulting divination dependent on which cards came out. According to [[Hairlock]], the First House set the course.<ref name=":1" /> Different patterns could be used to lay down the Deck. For example, in a spiral pattern, working through the entire deck, the last card could signify either an apex or an epiphany depending on how it placed itself.<ref name=":2">[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/4|Chapter 4]], UK MMPB p.144</ref> Another pattern would be to lay in blocks (which way the local powers would oppose each other).
−
However, not only the attributes or background of a card could change, but also the focus point of a card. Most positions in the Deck of Dragons are taken by only one person, usually an Ascendant. When this card shows up in a reading of the Deck, it does not have to refer to this Ascendant but most of the time refers to a person in the local area and who is close the position portrayed. During one reading on Seven Cities, for example, the card of the Assassin of High House Shadow showed up, referring to Kalam as the local Assassin as opposed to Cotillion, the actual Assassin. On another continent, the card would probably have a different look to it.
  
   
  +
The appearance of a card could vary by responding to local conditions. A card could change slightly of its own accord depending on where the reading was performed to indicate how the world and pantheon were unfolding. For example, during the events of ''[[Gardens of the Moon]]'', the card of [[Oponn]] would probably show the Twins no matter where the reading was performed; however, because of the specific situation on [[Genabackis]] at that particular time, the card also showed a spinning Coin next to the Twins.
−
The Deck has a Master, [[Ganoes Paran]], who can add cards and sanction new Houses.
  
   
  +
Not only the attributes or background of a card could change, but also the focus point of a card. Most positions in the Deck of Dragons depicted one individual, usually an [[Ascendant]]. A card often did not refer specifically to this Ascendant but instead could refer to a person in the local area whose role corresponded to the position portrayed. During one reading on [[Seven Cities]], for example, the card of the Assassin of High House Shadow showed up, referring to [[Kalam Mekhar]] as the local Assassin as opposed to [[Cotillion]], the Ascendant Assassin on the card. On another continent, the card would probably have a different look to it.
−
==Organization of the Deck of Dragons==
  
−
* [[High House Life]]
  
−
** King
  
−
** Queen
  
−
** Champion
  
−
** Priest
  
−
** Herald
  
−
** Soldier
  
−
** Weaver
  
−
** Builder
  
−
** Virgin
  
−
* [[High House Death]]
  
−
** King
  
−
** Queen
  
−
** Knight
  
−
** Magi
  
−
** Herald
  
−
** Soldier
  
−
** Spinner
  
−
** Mason
  
−
** Virgin
  
−
* [[High House Light]]
  
−
** King
  
−
** Queen
  
−
** Champion
  
−
** Priest
  
−
** Soldier
  
−
** Seamstress
  
−
** Builder
  
−
** Maiden
  
−
** Hounds
  
−
* [[High House Dark]]
  
−
** King
  
−
** Queen
  
−
** Knight
  
−
** Magi
  
−
** Herald
  
−
** Captain
  
−
** Soldier
  
−
** Weaver
  
−
** Mason
  
−
** Wife
  
−
* [[High House Shadow]]
  
−
** King
  
−
** Queen
  
−
** Assassin
  
−
** Magi
  
−
** Knight
  
−
** Hound
  
−
** Apprentice
  
−
** Mistress
  
−
* [[High House Chains]]
  
−
** Ruler
  
−
** King
  
−
** Consort
  
−
** Reaver
  
−
** Knight
  
−
** The [[Seven of the Dead Fires]]
  
−
** Herald
  
−
** Magi
  
−
** Cripple
  
−
** Leper
  
−
** Fool
  
−
* [[High House War]]
  
−
** Lord of Wolves/Lords of War
  
−
** Hunter
  
−
** Guardians of the Dead
  
−
** Mercenary
  
−
** Army-Soldier
  
−
** Lifeslayer
  
−
** Deathslayer
  
−
** Herald
  
−
* [[Unaligned]]
  
−
** [[Oponn]]
  
−
** [[Obelisk]]
  
−
** [[Crown]]
  
−
** [[Sceptre]]
  
−
** [[Orb]]
  
−
** [[Throne]]
  
−
** [[Chain]]
  
−
** [[Master of the Deck]]
  
−
** [[Lifeslayer]]
  
−
** [[Deathslayer]]
  
−
** [[Salvation]]
  
−
** [[The Apocalyptic]]
  
−
** [[The Shaved Knuckle in the Hole]]
  
   
  +
The person performing the reading could hold on a card and it was always their call to continue or end a game.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.91</ref>
−
==Known Users==
  
−
Though anyone may have picked up and used a Deck of Dragons, not everyone had the capability to utilize its predictive powers. The following were known users within the ''[[Malazan Book of the Fallen]]'' series:
  
−
* [[Ganoes Paran]]
  
−
* [[Tattersail]]
  
−
* [[Fiddler]]
  
−
* [[Tayschrenn]]
  
−
* [[Tiserra]]
  
−
* [[Agayla]]
  
−
* [[Iskaral Pust]]
  
   
  +
One new addition to the Deck was the card/role of a Master of the Deck who could add cards and sanction new Houses. The position, unsought for, was occupied by [[Ganoes Paran]].
−
== Readings ==
  
   
  +
==Organisation of the Deck of Dragons==
−
[[Tattersail]]
 
   
  +
Listed as per the Glossary of ''Gardens of the Moon'', UK MMPB p.707-709 unless otherwise referenced or in brackets. For associated Ascendants please refer to the page of the individual houses.
−
She is a skilled and experienced Adept and performs several readings during the events in [[Gardens of the Moon]]
  
   
  +
<div style="float:left; width:18em; height:21em;">
−
The first reading is shortly after the Enfilade of Pale, with the company of the newly soul-shifted [[Hairlock]].
  
  +
:;[[High House Life]]
  +
# King
  +
# Queen
  +
# Champion
  +
# Priest
  +
# Herald
  +
# Soldier
  +
# Weaver
  +
# Mason (Builder)
  +
# Virgin
  +
</div>
   
  +
<div style="float:left; width:18em; height:21em;">
−
Her second is a few days later, at the behest of [[Tayschrenn]] who is blocked in his own efforts to read the Deck.
 
  +
:;[[High House Death]]
  +
# King
  +
# Queen
  +
# Knight
  +
# Magi
  +
# Herald
  +
# Soldier
  +
# Spinner
  +
# Mason
  +
# Virgin
  +
</div>
   
  +
<div style="float:left; width:18em; height:21em;">
−
Her third reading is a complete layout of the Deck in an effort to sense the motivations of all the players surrounding the coming convergence in [[Darujhistan]].
  
  +
:;[[High House Light]]
  +
# King
  +
# Queen
  +
# Champion
  +
# Priest
  +
# Captain
  +
# Soldier
  +
# Seamstress
  +
# Builder
  +
# Maiden
  +
# (Hounds)
  +
</div>
   
  +
<div style="float:left; width:18em; height:21em;">
  +
:;[[High House Dark]]
  +
# King
  +
# Queen
  +
# Knight
  +
# Magi
  +
# (Herald)
  +
# Captain
  +
# Soldier
  +
# Weaver
  +
# Mason
  +
# Wife
  +
</div>
   
  +
<div style="float:left; width:18em; height:21em;">
  +
:;[[High House Shadow]]
  +
# King
  +
# Queen
  +
# Assassin
  +
# Magi
  +
# (Knight)
  +
# Hound
  +
# (Apprentice)
  +
# (Mistress)
  +
</div>
   
  +
<div style="float:left; width:18em; height:21em;">
−
[[Iskaral Pust]]
  
  +
:;([[High House Chains]])
  +
# Ruler
  +
# King
  +
# Consort
  +
# Reaver
  +
# Knight
  +
# The [[Seven of the Dead Fires]]
  +
# Herald
  +
# Magi
  +
# Cripple
  +
# Leper
  +
# Fool
  +
</div>
   
−
In [[Deadhouse Gates]], Pust performs a reading of the Deck foreshadowing the renewal of [[Sha'ik]].
 
   
  +
<div style="float:left; width:18em; height:21em;">
  +
:;([[High House War]])<ref name=":0">[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/22|Chapter 22]], UK MMPB p.1025</ref>
  +
# Lord of Wolves/Lords of War<ref name=":0" />
  +
# Hunter
  +
# Guardians of the Road<br />Guardians of the Dead<ref name=":0" />
  +
# Mercenary
  +
# Army-Soldier
  +
# [[Lifeslayer]]
  +
# [[Deathslayer]]
  +
# Herald
  +
</div>
   
  +
<div style="float:left; width:18em; height:24em;">
  +
:;[[Unaligned]]
  +
: [[Oponn]]
  +
: [[Obelisk]]
  +
: [[Crown]]
  +
: [[Sceptre (Deck of Dragons)|Sceptre]]
  +
: [[Orb]]
  +
: [[Throne (Unaligned)|Throne]]
  +
: ([[Chain]])
  +
: ([[Master of the Deck]])
  +
: ([[Lifeslayer]])
  +
: ([[Deathslayer]])
  +
: ([[Salvation]])
  +
: ([[The Apocalyptic]])
  +
: ([[The Shaved Knuckle in the Hole]])
  +
</div>
   
  +
==Known Users==
−
The [[Ladro Keep]] Reading
  
  +
Though anyone may have picked up and used a Deck of Dragons, not everyone had the capability to utilize its predictive powers. The following were known users within the ''[[Malazan Book of the Fallen]]'' series:
   
  +
* [[Agayla]]<ref>[[Night of Knives]], [[NK/3|Chapter 3]], US TPB p.138</ref>
−
In [[Deadhouse Gates]], [[Kalam Mekhar]] tries to avoid a reading of the Deck by a woman who is also sheltering from a sandstorm in Ladro Keep.
  
  +
* [[Fiddler]]
  +
* [[Ganoes Paran]]
  +
* [[Gwynn]]<ref>[[Kellanved's Reach]], [[KR/19|Chapter 19]], US TPB p.292</ref>
  +
* [[Heuk]]<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/7|Book 2 Chapter 7]], US HC p.283</ref>
  +
* [[Hrath]]<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/3|Book 1 Chapter 3]], UK PB p.116</ref>
  +
* [[Iskaral Pust]]<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/6|Chapter 6]], US HC p.164</ref>
  +
* [[Jadeen]]<ref>[[Kellanved's Reach]], [[KR/4|Chapter 4]], US HC p.61</ref>
  +
* [[Slate]]<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/3|Book 1 Chapter 2]], UK PB p.92</ref>
  +
* [[Spindle]]<ref name=":3">[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/4|Chapter 4]], US SFBC p.142</ref>
  +
* [[Tattersail]]
  +
* [[Tayschrenn]]<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/9|Chapter 9]], US HC p.214</ref>
  +
* [[Tiserra]]
   
  +
== Readings ==
  +
====[[Tattersail]]====
  +
She was a skilled and experienced Adept and performed several readings during the events in ''[[Gardens of the Moon]]''. She used lacquered wooden cards.<ref name=":1" />
   
  +
*The first reading was shortly after the Enfilade of Pale in the company of the newly soul-shifted [[Hairlock]].<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.89-91</ref>
  +
*Her second was a few days later, at the behest of [[Tayschrenn]] who was blocked in his own efforts to read the Deck.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/3|Chapter 3]], UK MMPB p.108-110</ref>
  +
*Her third reading was a complete layout of the Deck in an effort to sense the motivations of all the players surrounding the coming convergence in [[Darujhistan]].<ref name=":2" />
   
−
[[Fiddler]]
  
   
  +
====[[Iskaral Pust]]====
−
Fiddler's readings of the Deck take a similar form to card games, with Fiddler as the dealer issuing cards to players.
 
  +
*In ''[[Deadhouse Gates]]'', Pust performed a reading of the Deck foreshadowing the renewal of [[Sha'ik]].<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/6|Chapter 6]]</ref>
   
−
The first such game to appear in the series is in [[Darujhistan]] during the events of [[Gardens of the Moon]]<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], Chapter 20, UK MMPB p.582-584</ref>.
  
   
  +
====The [[Ladro Keep]] Reading====
−
Later, in [[The Bonehunters]], Fiddler deals another game at the request of Adjunct [[Tavore]] before the Bonehunters return to [[Malaz City]].
  
  +
*In ''[[Deadhouse Gates]]'', [[Kalam Mekhar]] tried to avoid a reading of the Deck by an [[Berkru|unnamed woman]] who was also sheltering from a sandstorm in Ladro Keep.<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/4|Chapter 4]]</ref>
   
−
He deals another game at Tavore's behest in [[Letheras]] during [[Dust of Dreams]], though it is dissimilar to his usual style and is more of a reading than a game.
  
   
  +
====[[Fiddler]]====
−
==Notes and References==
  
  +
Fiddler's readings of the Deck took a form similar to card games, with Fiddler as the dealer issuing cards to players.
   
  +
*The first such game to appear in the series was in [[Darujhistan]] during the events of ''[[Gardens of the Moon]]''.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/20|Chapter 20]], UK MMPB p.582-584</ref>
−
{{Reflist}}
  
  +
*Later, in ''[[The Bonehunters]],'' Fiddler acquired a new set of cards with many new cards previously unknown to him.<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/18|Chapter 18]], US SFBC p.720</ref> He dealt a game at the request of Adjunct [[Tavore]] before the Bonehunters returned to [[Malaz City]].<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/22|Chapter 22]], UK MMPB p.1023-1027</ref>
  +
*He dealt another game at Tavore's behest in [[Letheras]] during ''[[Dust of Dreams]]'', though it was dissimilar to his usual style and was more of a reading than a game.<ref>[[Dust of Dreams]], [[DD/3|Chapter 3]], UK HB p.100-105</ref>
   
  +
====[[Spindle]]====
−
{{Deck of Dragons}}
  
  +
*In ''[[Memories of Ice]]'', Spindle performed readings in [[Caladan Brood]]'s camp atop Fiddler and [[Hedge]]'s gambling table. The reading was influenced by a new unaligned card that was painted underneath the table and revealed some of the powers working behind the scenes in the [[Pannion War]].<ref>[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/5|Chapter 5]], US SFBC p.178-180</ref>
   
−
[[Category:Deck of Dragons]]
  
   
  +
====[[Slate]]====
  +
*Slate attempted to perform a reading for [[Kyle]]. Before beginning, he explained the cards of the deck. He then abandoned the attempted reading probably because of what Kyle saw in the last card Slate had put down.<ref>[[Return of the Crimson Guard]], [[RCG/2|Book 1 Chapter 2]], UK HB p.91-93</ref>
  +
  +
  +
====[[Gwynn]]====
  +
*Gwynn claimed in ''[[Kellanved's Reach]]'' that, while he had no 'true talent' for reading the Deck, still he had "some small ability". Having consulted the Deck every night for a month - with regard to [[Ullara]] - and finding that every night the "connotations" had been the same, the mage described what he had done to his [[Crimson Guard]] Commander at the [[Red Fort]], [[Seth]]. Gwynn told Seth that he had used every arrangement and "permutation" with which he was familiar. "The Southern Arc. The Old ''and'' New House. The Great Circle". Gwynn felt that the readings were clear and that they indicated that Ullara had a "Fate. A Wyrd". Thus, Ullara should not be prevented from following it, whatever it turned out to be.<ref>[[Kellanved's Reach]], [[KR/19|Chapter 19]], US TPB p.292</ref>
  +
  +
==Manufacturing Cards==
  +
Skilled artists or mages could copy or create cards or Decks. Those known to have created cards:
  +
*[[Munug]]<ref>[[Memories of Ice]], [[MI/2|Chapter 2]], US SFBC p.66-68</ref>
  +
*[[Ormulogun]]<ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/16|Chapter 16]], US HC p.529</ref><ref>[[The Bonehunters]], [[BH/20|Chapter 20]], US HC p.623/627</ref><ref>[[The Crippled God]], [[CG/22|Chapter 22]], US HC p.670/681</ref>
  +
*[[Spindle]]<ref name=":3" />
  +
  +
==Trivia==
  +
According to author [[Steven Erikson]], some of the inspiration for the Deck Of Dragons likely came from [[wikipedia:Roger_Zelazny|Roger Zelazny]]'s novel, [[wikipedia:Nine_Princes_in_Amber|Nine Princes in Amber]].<ref>[https://soundcloud.com/tsa-cast/not-a-tsacast-spoilers-malazan-fireside-conversations-with-steven-erikson-ep3-may-720 Not A TSACast: Fireside Conversations with Steven Erikson Ep#3 podcast] - See 1:49:00</ref>
  +
  +
==Notes and references==
  +
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
  +
  +
{{Deck of Dragons}}
  +
  +
[[de:Drachenkarten]]
  +
[[it:Mazzo Dei Draghi]]
 
[[pl:Talia Smoków]]
  
[[pl:Talia Smoków]]
  +
[[Category:Deck of Dragons]]

Revision as of 22:50, 15 May 2020

See also: Elder Deck

The Deck of Dragons, sometimes referred to as the Fatid,[1] was the dominant oracular system worldwide, with the exception of the Lether continent which used its predecessor, the Tiles. It is possible that the card deck could be succeeded by the Coins in the future.

The Deck consisted of a series of cards depicting the members of the pantheon. The Deck accurately portrayed the pantheon, with new cards added as necessary for new members. Most cards represented entities with specific roles in Houses, with a few non-aligned cards that were without a House. During a reading, these cards might be animated.[2]

According to Quick Ben, "... the High Houses of the Deck relate to certain warrens and as such they present a kind of window looking in on those warrens—conversely, of course, things can in turn look out from the other side, which is what makes a reading so... risky. The Deck is indifferent to barriers—in the right hands it can reveal patterns and relationships hidden to mortal eyes."[3]

During a reading, cards were shuffled[4] then dealt one at a time, with the resulting divination dependent on which cards came out. According to Hairlock, the First House set the course.[4] Different patterns could be used to lay down the Deck. For example, in a spiral pattern, working through the entire deck, the last card could signify either an apex or an epiphany depending on how it placed itself.[5] Another pattern would be to lay in blocks (which way the local powers would oppose each other).

The appearance of a card could vary by responding to local conditions. A card could change slightly of its own accord depending on where the reading was performed to indicate how the world and pantheon were unfolding. For example, during the events of Gardens of the Moon, the card of Oponn would probably show the Twins no matter where the reading was performed; however, because of the specific situation on Genabackis at that particular time, the card also showed a spinning Coin next to the Twins.

Not only the attributes or background of a card could change, but also the focus point of a card. Most positions in the Deck of Dragons depicted one individual, usually an Ascendant. A card often did not refer specifically to this Ascendant but instead could refer to a person in the local area whose role corresponded to the position portrayed. During one reading on Seven Cities, for example, the card of the Assassin of High House Shadow showed up, referring to Kalam Mekhar as the local Assassin as opposed to Cotillion, the Ascendant Assassin on the card. On another continent, the card would probably have a different look to it.

The person performing the reading could hold on a card and it was always their call to continue or end a game.[6]

One new addition to the Deck was the card/role of a Master of the Deck who could add cards and sanction new Houses. The position, unsought for, was occupied by Ganoes Paran.

Organisation of the Deck of Dragons

Listed as per the Glossary of Gardens of the Moon, UK MMPB p.707-709 unless otherwise referenced or in brackets. For associated Ascendants please refer to the page of the individual houses.

High House Life
  1. King
  2. Queen
  3. Champion
  4. Priest
  5. Herald
  6. Soldier
  7. Weaver
  8. Mason (Builder)
  9. Virgin
High House Death
  1. King
  2. Queen
  3. Knight
  4. Magi
  5. Herald
  6. Soldier
  7. Spinner
  8. Mason
  9. Virgin
High House Light
  1. King
  2. Queen
  3. Champion
  4. Priest
  5. Captain
  6. Soldier
  7. Seamstress
  8. Builder
  9. Maiden
  10. (Hounds)
High House Dark
  1. King
  2. Queen
  3. Knight
  4. Magi
  5. (Herald)
  6. Captain
  7. Soldier
  8. Weaver
  9. Mason
  10. Wife
High House Shadow
  1. King
  2. Queen
  3. Assassin
  4. Magi
  5. (Knight)
  6. Hound
  7. (Apprentice)
  8. (Mistress)
(High House Chains)
  1. Ruler
  2. King
  3. Consort
  4. Reaver
  5. Knight
  6. The Seven of the Dead Fires
  7. Herald
  8. Magi
  9. Cripple
  10. Leper
  11. Fool


(High House War)[1]
  1. Lord of Wolves/Lords of War[1]
  2. Hunter
  3. Guardians of the Road
    Guardians of the Dead[1]
  4. Mercenary
  5. Army-Soldier
  6. Lifeslayer
  7. Deathslayer
  8. Herald

Known Users

Though anyone may have picked up and used a Deck of Dragons, not everyone had the capability to utilize its predictive powers. The following were known users within the Malazan Book of the Fallen series:

Readings

Tattersail

She was a skilled and experienced Adept and performed several readings during the events in Gardens of the Moon. She used lacquered wooden cards.[4]

  • The first reading was shortly after the Enfilade of Pale in the company of the newly soul-shifted Hairlock.[16]
  • Her second was a few days later, at the behest of Tayschrenn who was blocked in his own efforts to read the Deck.[17]
  • Her third reading was a complete layout of the Deck in an effort to sense the motivations of all the players surrounding the coming convergence in Darujhistan.[5]


Iskaral Pust


The Ladro Keep Reading


Fiddler

Fiddler's readings of the Deck took a form similar to card games, with Fiddler as the dealer issuing cards to players.

Spindle

  • In Memories of Ice, Spindle performed readings in Caladan Brood's camp atop Fiddler and Hedge's gambling table. The reading was influenced by a new unaligned card that was painted underneath the table and revealed some of the powers working behind the scenes in the Pannion War.[24]


Slate

  • Slate attempted to perform a reading for Kyle. Before beginning, he explained the cards of the deck. He then abandoned the attempted reading probably because of what Kyle saw in the last card Slate had put down.[25]


Gwynn

  • Gwynn claimed in Kellanved's Reach that, while he had no 'true talent' for reading the Deck, still he had "some small ability". Having consulted the Deck every night for a month - with regard to Ullara - and finding that every night the "connotations" had been the same, the mage described what he had done to his Crimson Guard Commander at the Red Fort, Seth. Gwynn told Seth that he had used every arrangement and "permutation" with which he was familiar. "The Southern Arc. The Old and New House. The Great Circle". Gwynn felt that the readings were clear and that they indicated that Ullara had a "Fate. A Wyrd". Thus, Ullara should not be prevented from following it, whatever it turned out to be.[26]

Manufacturing Cards

Skilled artists or mages could copy or create cards or Decks. Those known to have created cards:

Trivia

According to author Steven Erikson, some of the inspiration for the Deck Of Dragons likely came from Roger Zelazny's novel, Nine Princes in Amber.[31]

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Gardens of the Moon, Glossary, UK MMPB p.707 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":0" defined multiple times with different content
  2. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.90 - example
  3. ↑ Dust of Dreams, Chapter 5
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.89
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 4, UK MMPB p.144
  6. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.91
  7. ↑ Night of Knives, Chapter 3, US TPB p.138
  8. ↑ Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 19, US TPB p.292
  9. ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 7, US HC p.283
  10. ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 3, UK PB p.116
  11. ↑ Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 6, US HC p.164
  12. ↑ Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 4, US HC p.61
  13. ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 2, UK PB p.92
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Memories of Ice, Chapter 4, US SFBC p.142
  15. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 9, US HC p.214
  16. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.89-91
  17. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 3, UK MMPB p.108-110
  18. ↑ Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 6
  19. ↑ Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 4
  20. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 20, UK MMPB p.582-584
  21. ↑ The Bonehunters, Chapter 18, US SFBC p.720
  22. ↑ The Bonehunters, Chapter 22, UK MMPB p.1023-1027
  23. ↑ Dust of Dreams, Chapter 3, UK HB p.100-105
  24. ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 5, US SFBC p.178-180
  25. ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 2, UK HB p.91-93
  26. ↑ Kellanved's Reach, Chapter 19, US TPB p.292
  27. ↑ Memories of Ice, Chapter 2, US SFBC p.66-68
  28. ↑ The Bonehunters, Chapter 16, US HC p.529
  29. ↑ The Bonehunters, Chapter 20, US HC p.623/627
  30. ↑ The Crippled God, Chapter 22, US HC p.670/681
  31. ↑ Not A TSACast: Fireside Conversations with Steven Erikson Ep#3 podcast - See 1:49:00
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