Nalfein Black Rose Deck

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Made popular by the Nalfeins, the Nalfein Black Rose Deck is a series of incredibly thin wooden placards that form a deck of cards. They were first mentioned in the Elanthian Divination Guide for elves. They debuted as a scripted item designed by GM Thandiwe on Caligos Isle during the 2018 Ebon Gate festival.

At the time of their original release, higher unlock tiers were extremely limited. Unlock certificates have since been made much more widely available, first as a trial unlock certificate temporarily available in the Simucoin Store and most recently sold off the shelf in Quinton Manse at Ebon Gate.

Since the Black Rose deck is a Nalfein cultural item, only characters with a Nalfein culture selected are able to use some of its verbs and some of its spread options. This is an intentional restriction. Verbs and spreads that are only available to Nalfein characters will not show up in the item's analyze for non-Nalfein characters, even if they are otherwise unlocked. Nalfein characters who analyze a deck will see an extra line that states:

As a Nalfein, the Black Rose Deck is part of your heritage and in your hands can be manipulated in ways that other races will never be able to replicate.

Tier 1

Tier 1 decks have four verbs for all characters and the PONDER verb for Nalfein characters. Tier 1 decks also have two card reading spreads for all characters and one bonus spread for Nalfein characters:

  • Path of Time - 3 cards
  • Path of Relations - 3 cards
  • Alchemist's Daughter - 5 cards - Nalfein only

Analyze

You analyze your rose-painted deck and sense that the creator has provided the following information:

Welcome to the Nalfein Black Rose Deck.
Details on Divination in Elanthia and about the Nalfein Black Rose Deck can be found by visiting:
Divination: A Comprehensive Guide
The deck has access to the following verbs:
Draw, Look, Shuffle, and Turn.
It is Tier 1 of 4.

Customizations are possible on the deck.  You can design the look of the cards anyway that you would like, however, the individual painted designs within will always be the same.  You may also change the border on each card provided it makes sense in the sentence and includes the word border, trim, or some synonym.

You get no sense of whether or not the deck may be further lightened.

Usage

Verb First Third
DRAW Pulling the top card on the deck, you slowly turn it over and briefly present it for all to see. The decorative placard has a labyrinthine border comprised of thorny vines laden with unfurling black roses, while the center colorfully displays the image of a pair of entwined lofty lor boughs. After a brief moment, you flip the card back over and place it at the bottom of your rose-painted deck. Pulling the first card of the deck, XX slowly turns it over and presents it for all to see. The decorative placard has a labyrinthine border comprised of thorny vines laden with unfurling black roses, while the center colorfully displays the image of a pair of entwined lofty lor boughs. After a brief moment, she carefully adds it to the bottom of her deck.
DRAW
(spread is complete)
You have drawn all the cards needed for the spread you have selected. Please shuffle to start a new reading. n/a
LOOK Gazing thoughtfully at a black rose-painted deck, you realize that you are prepared to start a reading using the Path of Time spread. No cards have been drawn at this time. n/a
Shows information about the current spread or individual cards visible. See the Card Spreads section for more information.
PONDER
Nalfein only
Displays a full list of all card options. See Card List for more information. XXX intently studies the deck, her eyes slipping closed as she falls into a meditative trance.
SHUFFLE Cupping your left hand under the broad side of your rose-painted deck, you slowly pull cards from the back of the grouping and gently seesaw them into the cards at the center. You continue this for several moments to ensure a thorough mixing of the deck. Cupping her left hand under the broad side of her rose-painted deck, XXX slowly pulls cards from the back of the grouping and gently seesaws them into the cards at the center. XXX continues to do this for several moments, ensuring a thorough mixing of the deck.
Resets the deck to be used again for a new spread.
TURN Clicking your fingertips upon the back of the deck, you turn over the possible options for a reading. Perhaps the Path of Time spread with its three cards would be the right fit. Clicking her fingertips upon the back of the deck, XXX seems to be lost in deep thought.
Switches between deck spread options.

Tier 2

Tier 2 decks add two verbs for all characters and the PULL verb for Nalfein characters. Tier 2 decks also add two card reading spreads for all characters and one bonus spread for Nalfein characters:

  • Path of Self - 3 cards
  • Path of Awareness - 3 cards
  • Lover's Repose - 6 cards - Nalfein only

Usage

Verb First Third
PULL # MY DECK
Nalfein only
With careful, discrete movements, you pull Acacia from the deck and slip it to the top. With a casual grace, you draw the top card on the deck and turn it over to display a curling broad-petaled white acacia blossom trapped within a labyrinthine border comprised of thorny vines laden with unfurling black roses. With a casual grace, XXX draws the top card on her deck and turns it over to display a curling broad-petaled white acacia blossom trapped within a labyrinthine border comprised of thorny vines laden with unfurling black roses.
Utilizes a card # from the Nalfein-only PONDER output.
PUSH You trace the design on the back of your deck, your fingers gliding over the smooth surface. XXX traces the design on the back of her deck, her fingers gliding over the smooth surface.
PUSH
(after WAVE)
You slowly slide your cards together into the deck, hiding their painted faces. XXX slowly slides her cards together into the deck, hiding their painted faces.
WAVE
(fanning out)
Holding the base of your deck with your right hand, you slowly fan your cards out in a colorful arc. Holding the base of her deck with her right hand, XXX slowly fans her cards out in a colorful arc.
WAVE
(already fanned)
Tilting your fanned cards, you look at the displayed images. Tilting her fanned cards, XXX displays the images for all to see.

Tier 3

Tier 3 decks add two verbs for all characters and the TAP verb for Nalfein characters. Tier 3 decks also add two card reading spreads for all characters and one bonus spread for Nalfein characters:

  • Path of Proposal - 3 cards
  • Path of Foundation - 3 cards
  • Matriarch's Insight - 8 cards - Nalfein only

Usage

Verb First Third
TAP
Nalfein only
(no card PULLed)
You trace lazy circles on rose-painted deck with your finger. XXX traces lazy cricles on rose-painted deck with her finger.
TAP
Nalfein only
(after a card is PULLed)
Tracing your finger along the decorative border of the card at the bottom of rose-painted deck, you draw a slow circle around a curling broad-petaled white acacia blossom painted at the card's heart. Tracing her finger along the decorative border of the card at the bottom of rose-painted deck, XXX draws a slow circle around a curling broad-petaled white acacia blossom painted at the card's heart.
TICKLE Placing your thumb on the top corner of your deck, you slowly draw it back and riffle the cards. Placing her thumb on the corner of her deck, XXX slowly draws back and riffles the cards.
TILT Clasping the deck in one hand, you deftly tilt the cards and, using your thumb, separate half of the stack. With nimble fingers, you slip the bottom cards over the top in one smooth motion that lays the entire rose-painted deck flat in your palm once more. Clasping the deck in one hand, XXX deftly tilts the cards and, using her thumb, cuts the stack in half. With grace and nimbleness on her side, she slips the bottom cards over the top in a single, smooth motion that lays the entire rose-painted deck flat in her open palm.

Tier 4

Tier 4 decks add two verbs for all characters and the EXPRESS verb for Nalfein characters. Tier 4 decks also add one bonus spread for Nalfein characters:

  • The Abtruse - 10 cards - Nalfein only

Analyze

You analyze your rose-painted deck and sense that the creator has provided the following information:

Welcome to the Nalfein Black Rose Deck.
Details on Divination in Elanthia and about the Nalfein Black Rose Deck can be found by visiting:
https://gswiki.play.net/Divination:_A_Comprehensive_Guide
As a Nalfein, the Black Rose Deck is part of your heritage and in your hands can be manipulated in ways that other races will never be able to replicate.
The deck has access to the following verbs:
Draw, Express, Flip, Gaze, Look, Ponder, Pull, Push, Shuffle, Tap, Tilt, Tickle, Turn, and Wave.
It is Tier 4 of 4.

Customizations are possible on the deck.  You can design the look of the cards anyway that you would  like, however, the individual painted designs within will always be the same.  You may also change the border on each card provided it makes sense in the sentence and includes the word border, trim, or some synonym.

You get no sense of whether or not the deck may be further lightened.

Usage

Verb First Third
EXPRESS # MY DECK
Nalfein only
Flipping the top card, you tap a curling broad-petaled white acacia blossom that is displayed within a labyrinthine border comprised of thorny vines laden with unfurling black roses and move your mouth as if to share the meaning, but nothing comes out. Flipping the top card, XXX taps a curling broad-petaled white acacia blossom that is displayed within a labyrinthine border comprised of thorny vines laden with unfurling black roses border and moves her mouth as if to share something, but nothing comes out.
FLIP Patiently shuffling your cards, you randomly flip one to reveal a bough of delicate pink plum blossoms trapped within a labyrinthine border comprised of thorny vines laden with unfurling black roses. As you slip the painted placard back into the deck, you easily recollect that it has a meaning of "Promises to keep." Patiently shuffling her cards, XXX randomly flips one to reveal a bough of delicate pink plum blossoms trapped within a labyrinthine border comprised of thorny vines laden with unfurling black roses. She slips the painted placard back into the deck with nimble fingers.
GAZE As you gaze at the deck, you begin to remember your training and practices. Using the Path of Time spread for a reading involves drawing three cards. You remember that their positions and meanings are:

The first card is considered in the "Past" position, which symbolizes those things that influence the past.

The second card is considered in the "Present" position, which symbolizes those things that influence the present.

The third card is considered in the "Future" position, which symbolizes those things you will find in the future.
XXX gazes thoughtfully at her rose-painted deck.
Gives information about the currently selected card spread.

Card Spreads

Ten card spreads are built into the Black Rose Deck script and become available at certain tiers. Four spreads are exclusive for use by Nalfein characters. In addition to the ten spreads, a single card can be viewed by itself via FLIP with a Tier 4 deck.

Tier 1: Path of Time - 3 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "Past" position, which symbolizes those things that influence the past.
  • The second card is considered in the "Present" position, which symbolizes those things that influence the present.
  • The third card is considered in the "Future" position, which symbolizes those things you will find in the future.

Tier 1: Path of Relations - 3 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "You" position, which symbolizes the inner self.
  • The second card is considered in the "Partner" position, which symbolizes the person that has the closest influence.
  • The third card is considered in the "Relationship" position, which symbolizes how the You-card and the Partner-card interact as a whole.

Tier 1: Naflein only: Alchemist's Daughter - 5 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "Air" position, which symbolizes that which worries us, points inward, or puts us in conflict.
  • The second card is considered in the "Earth" position, which symbolizes that which shelters us, puts us at ease, or is tangible.
  • The third card is considered in the "Fire" position, which symbolizes that which ignites passion, sparks creativity, and social vitality.
  • The fourth card is considered in the "Water" position, which symbolizes that which is an emotional state or intuition.
  • The fifth card is considered in the "Spirit" position, which symbolizes that which fuels our inner child.

Tier 2: Path of Self - 3 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "Mind" position, which symbolizes what are your thoughts?.
  • The second card is considered in the "Emotion" position, which symbolizes what are your feelings?.
  • The third card is considered in the "Action" position, which symbolizes what is your action?.

Tier 2: Path of Awareness - 3 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "Strengths" position, which symbolizes those things that you excel in.
  • The second card is considered in the "Weaknesses" position, which symbolizes those things that weigh you down.
  • The third card is considered in the "Advice" position, which symbolizes what course you should take.

Tier 2: Nalfein only: Lover's Repose - 6 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "You" position, which symbolizes the essence of who you are.
  • The second card is considered in the "Partner" position, which symbolizes the essence of who they are.
  • The third card is considered in the "Binding Connections" position, which symbolizes those things that unite you.
  • The fourth card is considered in the "Binding Strengths" position, which symbolizes those things that temper you.
  • The fifth card is considered in the "Weakening Lines" position, which symbolizes those things that break you down.
  • The sixth card is considered in the "Heart's Resolve" position, which symbolizes the outcome of your entwined paths.

Tier 3: Path of Proposal - 3 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "Current Situation" position, which symbolizes what trouble currently unravels.
  • The second card is considered in the "Challenges" position, which symbolizes what things are you up against.
  • The third card is considered in the "Guidance" position, which symbolizes what path can you take to resolution.

Tier 3: Path of Foundation - 3 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "Mind" position, which symbolizes what is your current state of mind?.
  • The second card is considered in the "Body" position, which symbolizes what is your current physical condition?.
  • The third card is considered in the "Spirit" position, which symbolizes what is your current spiritual path?.

Tier 3: Nalfein only: Matriarch's Insight - 8 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "The Query" position, which symbolizes the primary concern, question, or issue.
  • The second card is considered in the "The Artifice" position, which symbolizes your motivation for your quest for guidance.
  • The third card is considered in the "The Torment" position, which symbolizes the life you are anxious or disheartened about.
  • The fourth card is considered in the "The Covert" position, which symbolizes the current situation that you are unaware of.
  • The fifth card is considered in the "The Advice" position, which symbolizes knowledge on what you should do or not do to overcome your apprehensions.
  • The sixth card is considered in the "The Path" position, which symbolizes the best way to proceed from your worries and what you should do to keep moving.
  • The seventh card is considered in the "In Light" position, which symbolizes how to move forward with a positive light.
  • The eighth card is considered in the "The Destination" position, which symbolizes the possible results you will get if you are able to follow the guide light successfully.

Tier 4: Nalfein only: The Abtruse - 10 cards

  • The first card is considered in the "The Present" position, which symbolizes the current situation.
  • The second card is considered in the "The Binding" position, which symbolizes that which helps or hinders.
  • The third card is considered in the "The Inner Eye" position, which symbolizes your subconscious influences.
  • The fourth card is considered in the "The Past" position, which symbolizes that which has gotten you to this point.
  • The fifth card is considered in the "The Desire" position, which symbolizes that which fuels you for an outcome.
  • The sixth card is considered in the "The Road" position, which symbolizes where are you going on your current path?.
  • The seventh card is considered in the "The Framework" position, which symbolizes that which is your attitude, thoughts, and ideals.
  • The eighth card is considered in the "The Power" position, which symbolizes that which you draw from those around you.
  • The ninth card is considered in the "The Unveiling" position, which symbolizes that which you should know to move forward.
  • The tenth card is considered in the "In Terminus" position, which symbolizes what is the final outcome? Is there a conflict with "The Desire" or does it align?.

Card List

A Nalfein using PONDER can view the entire list of cards available:

You intently study the deck, your eyes slipping closed as you run through your memorization techniques.  Slowly, in your mind's eye an image of all the cards flickers past.
  1. Acacia                 56. Daffodil          111. Larkspur           166. Sanguine Rose
  2. Alyssum                57. Dahlia            112. Laurel             167. Swamp Rose
  3. Amaranth               58. Daisy             113. Lavender           168. Blush Rose
  4. Amaryllis              59. Dandelion         114. Lilac              169. Wild Rose
  5. Anemone                60. Delphinius        115. Lily               170. White Rose
  6. Angelica               61. Dogwood           116. Snow Lily          171. Yellow Rose
  7. Apple                  62. Dragonstalk       117. Stargazer Lily     172. Red Rosebud
  8. Apple Blossom          63. Dryad             118. Lily-of-the-Valley 173. White Rosebud
  9. Ash                    64. Edelweiss         119. Lor                174. Rose-marrow
 10. Aspen                  65. Elm               120. White Lotus        175. Rosemary
 11. Aster                  66. Faewood           121. Black Lotus        176. Rowan
 12. Azaleas                67. Fennel            122. Blue Lotus         177. Rue
 13. Bay                    68. Fern              123. Magnolia           178. Sage
 14. Beech                  69. Feverfew          124. Maple              179. Salorisa
 15. Begonia                70. Fir               125. Marigold           180. Sephwir
 16. Birch                  71. Fireleaf          126. Meadowsweet        181. Sirenflower
 17. Blaestonberry          72. Flamestalk        127. Mezereon           182. Snapdragons
 18. Bleeding-Heart         73. Flax              128. Mint               183. Sneezeweed
 19. Bluebell               74. Flytrap           129. Monkeyflower       184. Sovyn Clove
 20. Bougainvillea          75. Foxglove          130. Moonflower         185. Strawberry
 21. Bur-Clover             76. Freesia           131. Morning Glories    186. Sunflower
 22. Burdock                77. Gardenia          132. Mournbloom         187. Sweet Pea
 23. Buttercup              78. Red Gardenia      133. Mulberry           188. Sycamore
 24. Butterflyweed          79. Wilted Gardenia   134. Myrrh              189. Salneo
 25. Cactus                 80. Pink Gardenia     135. Narcissus          190. Thistle
 26. Calaminthus            81. White Gardenia    136. Nightshade         191. Thyme
 27. Red Camellia           82. Gentian           137. Oak                192. Trefoil
 28. White Camellia         83. Gladiola          138. Oleander           193. Trillium
 29. Chamomile              84. Gloxinia          139. Orange Blossom     194. Tuberose
 30. Red Carnation          85. Glowbark          140. Orchid             195. Tulip
 31. Pink Carnation         86. Goldenrod         141. Pansy              196. Black Tulip
 32. White Carnation        87. Gorse             142. Snow Pansy         197. Ice Tulip
 33. Yellow Carnation       88. Hawthorne         143. Peapod             198. Red Tulip
 34. Cedar                  89. Hazelnut          144. Peach Blossom      199. Varigated Tulip
 35. Chicory                90. Heather           145. Pear Blossom       200. Yellow Tulip
 36. Chrysanthemum          91. Heliotrope        146. Pennyroyal         201. Valerian
 37. White Crysanthemum     92. Hellebore         147. Peony              202. Verbena
 38. Yellow Crysanthemum    93. Hemlock           148. Peppermint         203. Vervain
 39. Cinquefoil             94. Hibiscus          149. Pentunia           204. Violet
 40. Clematis               95. Holly             150. Phlox              205. Blue Violet
 41. Clover Blossom         96. Hollyhock         151. Pine               206. Firey Violet
 42. Three-Leaf Clover      97. Honeysuckle       152. Plum Blossom       207. Purple Violet
 43. Four-Leaf Clover       98. Hosta             153. Red Poppy          208. Wood Violet
 44. Purple Clover Blossom  99. Green Hyacinth    154. White Poppy        209. Water Lily
 45. White Clover Blossom  100. Blue Hydrangea    155. Primrose           210. Willow
 46. Star Columbine        101. Imaera's Lace     156. Fairy Primrose     211. Wisteria
 47. Purple Columbine      102. Iceblossom        157. Queen's Lace       212. Witchwood
 48. Red Columbine         103. Illthorn          158. Raspberries        213. Wolfsbane
 49. Coriander             104. Iris              159. Rose               214. Wormwood
 50. Cothinar              105. Ironwood          160. Black Rose         215. Woth
 51. Cranberry             106. Ivy               161. Cabbage Rose       216. Wyrmwood
 52. Crocus                107. Jasmine           162. Dog Rose           217. Yew
 53. Currants              108. Juniper           163. Snow Rose          218. Zinnia
 54. Cyclamen              109. Lady's Slipper    164. Moss Rose
 55. Cypress               110. Larch             165. Pink Rose
 

These cards and their meaning are taken from Elanthian Divination: Elves.

See Also

Nalfein Black Rose Deck Information
Type Fluff
Item Classification Miscellaneous
Item(s) Applied to Deck
Alterable Yes
Light/Deep
Customizable Yes
Custom Card border
Original Release Venue Ebon Gate
Original Release Year 2018
Tiered Yes
Number of Tiers 4
How to Unlock Certificate
Restrictions Cards can be altered generally but individual designs cannot. You may also change the border on each card provided it makes sense in the sentence and includes the word border, trim, or some synonym.
Item Verbs
DRAW EXPRESS FLIP GAZE
LOOK PONDER PULL PUSH
SHUFFLE TAP TICKLE TILT
TURN WAVE