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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 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 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>
+
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>
   
 
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>
  
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>
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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).
  
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).
   
−
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 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.
+
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.<ref>[[Gardens of the Moon]], [[GM/2|Chapter 2]], UK MMPB p.91</ref>
  
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>
   
−
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]].
+
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]].
   
 
==Organization of the Deck of Dragons==
  
==Organization of the Deck of Dragons==
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# Lord of Wolves/Lords of War<ref name=":0" />
  
# Lord of Wolves/Lords of War<ref name=":0" />
 
# Hunter
  
# Hunter
−
# Guardians of the Road<br>Guardians of the Dead<ref name=":0" />
 +
# Guardians of the Road<br />Guardians of the Dead<ref name=":0" />
 
# Mercenary
  
# Mercenary
 
# Army-Soldier
  
# Army-Soldier
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*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>
  
*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 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" />
  
*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" />
   
 
====[[Iskaral Pust]]====
  
====[[Iskaral Pust]]====
−
*In ''[[Deadhouse Gates]]'', Pust performed a reading of the Deck foreshadowing the renewal of [[Sha'ik]].<ref>[[Deadhouse Gates]], [[DG/6|Chapter 6]]</ref>
+
*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 [[Ladro Keep]] Reading====
  
====The [[Ladro Keep]] Reading====
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====[[Fiddler]]====
  
====[[Fiddler]]====
−
Fiddler's readings of the Deck took a form similar to card games, with Fiddler as the dealer issuing cards to players.
+
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>
  
*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>
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[[de:Drachenkarten]]
  
[[de:Drachenkarten]]
  +
[[it:Mazzo Dei Draghi]]
 
[[pl:Talia Smoków]]
  
[[pl:Talia Smoków]]
 
[[Category:Deck of Dragons]]
  
[[Category:Deck of Dragons]]

Revision as of 18:39, 9 February 2017

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.

Organization 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.[13]
  • Her second was a few days later, at the behest of Tayschrenn who was blocked in his own efforts to read the Deck.[14]
  • 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.

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.[20]

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. ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 2 Chapter 7, US HC p.283
  9. ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 3, UK PB p.116
  10. ↑ Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 6, US HC p.164
  11. ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 2, UK PB p.92
  12. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 9, US HC p.214
  13. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 2, UK MMPB p.89-91
  14. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 3, UK MMPB p.108-110
  15. ↑ Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 6
  16. ↑ Deadhouse Gates, Chapter 4
  17. ↑ Gardens of the Moon, Chapter 20, UK MMPB p.582-584
  18. ↑ The Bonehunters, Chapter 22, UK MMPB p.1023-1027
  19. ↑ Dust of Dreams, Chapter 3, UK HB p.100-105
  20. ↑ Return of the Crimson Guard, Book 1 Chapter 2, UK HB p.91-93
List of abbreviations • Paginations • How to reference an article
Deck of Dragons and Tiles of the Holds
Cards High House Chains • High House Dark • High House Death • High House Life • High House Light • High House Shadow • High House War • Unaligned
Tiles Azath Hold • Beast Hold • Dragon Hold • Empty Hold • Ice Hold • Fulcra
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