Elanthian Divination: Elves
Elanthian Divination: Elves is an Official GemStone IV Document, and it is protected from editing.
The Elves
Amongst the elves, the Art of Divination has wildly different schools of thought and varies from house to house and from city to city. A fine example of this can be seen by the difference in the reaction that an individual might receive from an elf of Ta’Vaalor and one from Ta’Loenthra. While the Loenthran elf may wish to sit and have a cup of tea with you, the Vaalorian would rather bid you leave for believing in such nonsense.
Indeed, it is by the use of tea that the Loenthran elf practices the art. It is believed that the future of an individual can be discerned by the remains left within a cup of tea that was properly brewed and consumed by the individual seeking an answer. When translating the tea leaves, the practitioner must consider a wide variety of symbols, letters, and images that can be found within the cup. However, before any of that can be done, there are certain rituals that must be observed.
First, the tea must be properly brewed by bringing a kettle or pot to a rolling boil. An infuser filled with the tea of choice must be added and then allowed to steep to a potency that is pleasing to the individual that is seeking the divination. While this all seems terribly simple and ordinary at first glance, when in the company of a Loenthran Diviner it is easy to see that it is truly an art form fashioned of style, grace, and dedication to genuinely aiding others.
Once the tea has been consumed, the cup is carefully examined for where the tea leaves are located. If they are found to be high within the bowl of the cup, then the time of the prediction is to be in the distance, while low in the cup means that the time is nearer to hand. Is there a place where the bottom of the cup is clear? If so, then it is suggested that the querent needs to find time to relax and rest. Clustered leaves can mean busy days, while a single leaf floating means that a friend will be at the forefront of the prediction.
The elven term for this type of divination roughly translates in common to "intention left in leaving", meaning that the drinker leaves behind clues to his future in the leavings at the bottom of his or her teacup. There are literally thousands of combinations to be considered when this method is used. A base of one-hundred and five symbols is looked for which can provide up to two hundred and ten possible translations, as each symbol can also be translated for a completely different meaning. A brief translation is provided herein, though there are many gaps in the chart.
Also clinging to a more naturalistic approach to the Art, the Ardenai have developed a method of Divination called Wind-sight. The manner in which this particular form is employed is rather simplistic and involves a querent drawing near to mind the question or matter that they seek to have resolved. After careful meditation, the individual must go outside to a clearing and carry with them some manner of natural debris. Dirt, leaves – oak leaves are popular for this – or even flower petals are lifted above the head and then released into the air; the answer comes in the pattern or means by which the debris reaches the ground. Things that are noted in particular involve the speed that the items travel at, the distance, and whether or not they remained clumped together. Unlike the Loenthran, the Ardenai hold close to them the means to translate this method and it is passed down from mother to daughter and from father to son. Some speculate that there are even different translations based upon the sex of the translator, thus making it difficult to pinpoint any one meaning.
In contrast to the three Houses mentioned above, the House of Nalfien has their own twist on divination that is more tailored to their conspiratorial natures. At some point in the history of the House, an artist gifted one of its noblewomen with an elegant deck of paper-thin, teak cards. Painted upon one side of each wooden card was the ebon rose of the House, while the other had elaborate images of various flowers and plants that could be found throughout the whole of Elanthia. It is speculated that the gift was intended to be a means of divining the future from an artist of House Loenthra. The noblewoman, however, scoffed at the thought that anyone but she could predict, and facilitate, her own future and thus the deck took on an entirely different purpose.
Ladies of the House can frequently be seen to employ use of the deck during women only functions, teas, or other gatherings as a means of communicating their feelings towards another woman. The two-hundred and eighteen cards would be shuffled and artfully arranged with skill and panache into the sequence that the shuffler wished and then flipped upon the table, while all present would feign their ignorance that the cards had fallen in anything but random patterns.
This is the reason behind the famous elven saying, "playing a Nalfein's hand", which is to say that any hand dealt by a Nalfein is arranged. This phrase is frequently seen in games where one player seems to be favored by the odds.
It is believed by many true practitioners of the Art that a Black Rose Deck could still provide a true prediction if properly employed, but there isn’t a Nalfein alive that would give it any credibility, though I have provided a translation chart herein.
Lastly, amongst the elves are those of House Illistim. The practice by which they study is difficult to pin down to one question one answer. Indeed, it takes an Illistim practitioner years and cycles of study to come to a single answer. However, when an answer is discovered – typically by studing years of weather, climate, migration, and global changes – it is more along the lines of a doctrine or almanac in its length and can frequently span a great distance of time.
Loenthran Tea Leaf Translations
| Symbols | Meaning | Reverse |
|---|---|---|
| altar | suffering and sacrifice | |
| anchor | security | insecurity |
| apple | fertility | --- |
| arch | travel ahead | --- |
| arrow | an attack | --- |
| bat | a hidden fear | |
| boat | a luck symbol - life is getting better | visitors or romance is coming |
| bone | forgetting old injustices | |
| bottle | caution, moderation is needed | |
| bow | someone is using force on you | |
| bowl | enjoy what is coming | enjoy what you are |
| box | a gift is given | a gift is taken |
| bridge | mending a quarrel or rift | widening a quarrel or rift |
| castle | broaden your horizons | defend your home |
| cat | you are aloof | a friend is aloof |
| cat | deceit and lies are ahead | |
| cauldron | creativity is key | criticism is hurtful |
| chain | engagement is ahead | |
| chair | someone new is coming into life | someone old is leaving your life |
| closed lock | restriction ahead | adaptability needed |
| cloud | confusion, wait and all will be clear | |
| clover | luck symbol ~ extreme luck in life | the gods favor you |
| coin | money ahead | |
| crescent moon | changes are ahead | |
| cup | your chances are coming | do not seek more then you have |
| dagger | ware the two-faced | |
| diamond | luck symbol ~ fortune | |
| door | opportunity | |
| double horseshoe | luck is ahead, open your heart | |
| double line | your doubts are well founded | |
| double triangle | wisdom from the past | wisdom from the future |
| egg | a birth | |
| eye | study | |
| eye patch | secrets are waiting | |
| fat blossom | luck symbol ~ happiness in life | praise or compliments |
| fence | you are being restricted | |
| fire | you are in a social phase of life | |
| flame | intense feelings | envy |
| flying bird | good news arriving | |
| fork | tricky situation ahead, caution | do not make a choice now |
| full circle | money is coming your way | --- |
| full moon | listen to your dreams | |
| gate | a death | a visit |
| grapes | now is the time to fulfill your desires | |
| gryphon | exciting new prospects | danger ahead |
| hammer | hard work ahead | |
| hand | appreciate those around you | you are being too strict |
| heart | mending family matters | starting a new romance |
| horseshoe | lucky symbol ~ good fortune | safe travels |
| hourglass | finish what you have started | |
| ice | hidden feelings | hidden factors |
| incomplete circle | a once in a lifetime offer | |
| ivy | faith and endurance | |
| key | opportunity for improvement | Lorminstra's favor |
| knife | caution in what you say | look over your shoulder |
| kraken | be prepared | flexibility is needed |
| Krrska | self-discipline, responsibility | hard work is ahead, but worth it |
| ladder | promotion ahead | |
| lamp | light after a period of doubt | doubt without hope |
| lemur | harmony at home | |
| letters of the alphabet | represent people | negative influence |
| lute | music lover | music hater |
| mermaid | romance and creativity | |
| mouse | pay attention to small details | ware what is hidden |
| nail | direct forceful action is needed | do not force the issue |
| necklace | a close bond | |
| obelisk | an obstacle in your way | patience is needed |
| parasol | the unknown is here, but all is well | the unknown is here, all is not well |
| pear | optimism | |
| pipe | take your time | move quickly |
| quill | communication is needed | communication is hindered |
| rattle | someone who acts childish | an attention seeker |
| ring | deep emotional commitment | |
| rose | friendship and love | |
| scale | balance is needed | |
| scales | you need to weigh the pros and cons | |
| scissors | you're being held back, cut the losses | |
| series of dots | a long journey | |
| shoes | you are on the right path | you are on the wrong path |
| sickle | you have earned all you gained | a warning to be cautious |
| single bird | a messenger | |
| single line | do not take risks at this time | |
| snake | you are being tempted to stray | |
| spade | dig deeper for your truths | |
| spiral | creativity is needed to solve | |
| spoon | keep your own council | confide in those you trust |
| square | you must overcome your fears | |
| standing bird | a delay in news | |
| straight line | ending of a journey | |
| sun | live life to the fullest | |
| sword | a dispute | a peaceful ending |
| teardrops | open up, your honesty is needed | you are showing too much, be cautious |
| temple | adhere to your Arkati | the gods are watching |
| tent | a place of shelter | there is no place safe |
| throne | power lies ahead for you | you are power hungry |
| tower | feeling isolated | |
| tree | you are independent | independence is ahead |
| trident | a symbol of the sea's favor | fate is with you |
| twined snakes | go for what you want | |
| vase | you have too many secrets | you have stepped out of the shadows |
| wavy line | high emotions | |
| wheel | go with the flow | |
| window | remember your instincts | |
| winged One | protection | vulnerability |
| wings | you need to rise above the situation |
Nalfien Black Rose Deck Translations
| Symbols | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a curling broad-petaled white acacia blossom | elegance |
| a four-petaled pure white alyssum | worth beyond beauty, or insanity |
| an ovoid cluster of tiny dark pink amaranth blooms | immortality, or everlasting love |
| a textured petal coral amaryllis | pride |
| a transparent, multi-petaled dark purple anemone | expectation |
| a fan-like cluster of tiny white angelica flowers | inspiration |
| a shiny bright red apple with a thin stem | "Give in to temptation; let me tempt you" |
| a five-petaled blush pink apple blossom | preference |
| a spear-shaped pale green ash leaf | grandeur |
| a multi-veined heart-shaped golden aspen leaf | lamentation |
| a many-petaled bright golden aster | joy in variety, or depth of spirit |
| a cluster of pale purple trumpet-shaped azaleas | temperance |
| a spear-shaped glossy green bay leaf | deathless glory |
| a teardrop-shaped glossy pale green beech leaf | prosperity |
| a bright pink begonia with layered teardrop petals | gaudiness, or elegance |
| a serrated-edged teardrop dark green birch leaf | meekness |
| a foaming cascade of white pink-centered blaestonberry blossoms | childhood, or innocence |
| a pale pink bleeding-heart blossom with trailing dark red petals | heartbreak and longing |
| a sprig of pale bluebells with a ruffled fringe | constancy |
| a leafy dark orange bougainvillea blossom with a long stamen | playfulness |
| a dark green clover-shaped bur-clover leaf with red speckles | blindness |
| a round bristly grey burdock pod | touch me not |
| a wide-leafed dark yellow buttercup | material or spiritual riches |
| a cluster of coral-throated peach butterflyweed | "Let me go free" |
| a paddle-shaped strigae cactus | warmth of feeling |
| a stalk of drooping lavender calamintha | shyness |
| a multi-layered red camellia | unpretending excellence |
| a multi-layered white camellia | perfected loveliness |
| a triple-petaled dainty white chamomile blossom | energy in adversity |
| a tightly wrapped ruffle-petaled dark red carnation | love |
| a tightly wrapped ruffle-petaled pale pink carnation | pride |
| a tightly wrapped ruffle-petaled pale white carnation | purity |
| a tightly wrapped ruffle-petaled bright yellow carnation | disdain |
| a branch of stiff-needled cedar | strength |
| a wispy twelve-petaled purple chicory | frugality |
| a shaggy red chrysanthemum | "I love you" |
| a mult-layered white chrysanthemum | truth |
| a shaggy multi-layered yellow chrysanthemum | "I feel slighted" |
| a five-petaled pale yellow cinquefoil blossom | beloved child or perversion |
| a violet-stripped dagged fuchsia clematis | artifice and vanity |
| a cluster of bright clover blossoms | dignity |
| a dark green triple-petaled clover | industriousness |
| a dark green four-leafed clover | "Be mine" |
| a four-petaled dark purple clover blossom | providence |
| a four-petaled soft white clover blossom | "Think of me" |
| a star-shaped columbine | folly and desertion |
| a star-shaped purple columbine | resolution and determination |
| a star-shaped red columbine | anxiety |
| a feathery cluster of coriander dotted with black seeds | hidden value |
| a sprig of tiny white cothinar blossoms | wishes and dreams |
| a plump dark red cranberry | "I have the cure for your heart's hurt" |
| an exotic dark purple crocus | cheerfulness |
| a cluster of dark red currants | "Your tears hurt me" |
| a three-winged fuchsia cyclamen | diffidence |
| a drooping bough of leafy cypress | death |
| a pale dark yellow dandelion crown upon a long green stalk | respect and chivalry |
| a fire-tipped bright pink dahlia | good taste |
| a many petaled soft white daisy | innocence |
| a bright yellow dandelion surrounded by a fringe of green | coquetry, or spirituality |
| a cluster of blue-centered white delphira | peace in adversity |
| a wide teardrop-shaped white dogwood blossom | durability |
| a stalk of crimson dragonstalk | ferocity, or Ta'Vaalor |
| a simplistic seven-petal white dryad with blush tips | solitude |
| a cluster of tiny white edelweiss blossoms | longing |
| a jagged-edged yellow elm leaf | dignity |
| faewood | holy magic |
| fennel | strength |
| an arching dark green fern with silver heads | sincerity |
| feverfew | delay |
| fir | the test of time |
| fireleaf | fiery temper |
| flamestalk | pleasant memories |
| flax | fate |
| flytrap | deceit |
| a long foxglove stem with pale purple flowers | insincerity and danger |
| freesia | calm |
| the silhouette of a fully bloomed gardenia | purity |
| a lush bright red gardenia | "I request a meeting" |
| a wilted dark red gardenia | melancholy |
| a luscious pale pink gardenia | "I prefer you" |
| an extravagant soft white gardenia | true friendship |
| gentian | "You are unjust" |
| gladiola | strong character |
| gloxinia | proud spirit |
| glowbark | radiance of spirit |
| goldenrod | encouragement |
| gorse | anger |
| hawthorne | hope despite all |
| hazel | reconciliation |
| a stalk of dark purple heather | untameable |
| heliotrope | devotion |
| hellebore | scandal, and the Arkati Luukos |
| hemlock | "You will be the death of me" |
| hibiscus | delicate beauty |
| a cluster of holly berries upon a dark sprig with glossy leaves | foresight |
| hollyhock | ambition |
| a tangle of pale white honeysuckle | devoted love |
| hostas | vitality |
| hyacinth | playful games |
| hydrangea | heartlessness |
| Imaera's lace | wonder, and the Arkati Imaera |
| iceblossom | truth |
| illthorn | "I cannot stop thinking about you" |
| iris | "Believe me" |
| ironwood | unbending strength |
| a trailing vine of pale green ivy | fidelity |
| jasmine | amiability |
| juniper | "I will protect you" |
| lady's slipper | "I submit to your whim" |
| larch | audacity |
| larkspur | fickleness |
| laurel | glory |
| a cluster of dark purple lavendar | mistrust |
| a bough of dark purple lilac | first emotion of love |
| lily (day) | coquetry |
| lily (snow) | gratitude |
| lily (stargazer) | high breeding |
| lily-of-the-valley | return of happiness |
| lor | immortality through love |
| lotus | estranged love, or eloquence |
| lotus (black) | exotic beauty |
| lotus (blue) | a dream state |
| a beautiful wide-petaled white magnolia | natural beauty |
| maple | reserve |
| a fringed golden marigold | jealousy |
| meadowsweet | uselessness |
| mezereon | flirtatiousness |
| mint | virtue |
| monkeyflower | laughter |
| a velvety large purple moonflower | forgetfulness |
| a vine of multi-hued morning glories | vainglory |
| mournbloom | grief and mourning |
| mulberry | "I shall not survive you" |
| myrrh | gladness |
| narcissus | egotism |
| a star-shaped purple nightshade | sorcery |
| oak | bravery or hospitality |
| oleander | "Beware" |
| orange blossom | bridal festivities |
| orchid | beauty |
| pansy | thought |
| pansy (snow) | "Think of me" |
| a bright green peapod cradling several peas | an appointed meeting |
| peach blossom | "I am your beauty's captive" |
| pear blossom | with affection |
| pennyroyal | "Flee me" |
| a delicate pale pink peony | bashfulness |
| peppermint | warmth of feeling |
| petunia | "I am not proud" |
| phlox | unity |
| a cluster of dark green pine needles | pity |
| plum blossoms | "Promises to keep" |
| a large deep red poppy | outrageous extravagance |
| a wide-petaled soft white poppy | sleep |
| primrose | early youth |
| primrose (fairy) | enchantment |
| Queen's lace | "Do not command me" |
| a cluster of purplish-red raspberries | remorse |
| the silhouette of a fully bloomed rose | love and beauty, and the Arkati Oleani |
| a velvety fully bloomed black rose | subterfuge, or Ta'Nalfein |
| a half-bloomed dark cabbage rose | ambassador of love |
| a small dark pink dog rose | pleasure mixed with pain |
| a gorgeous pure white Elanthian snow rose | perfection |
| a tiny pale moss rose | true merit |
| a delicate soft pink rose | romance |
| a wide-petaled sanguine rose | "I love you" |
| a hearty dark swamp rose with barbed vines | "Prove yourself to me" |
| a delicate white rose with blush inner petals | purity |
| an extravagant wild rose | simplicity |
| a full soft white rose | silence |
| a large bright yellow rose | friendship |
| a tightly coiled dark red rosebud | a confession of love |
| a tightly coiled soft white rosebud | a heart too young to love |
| rose-marrow | a hidden heart |
| a sprig of slender pale green rosemary | rememberance |
| rowan | ancient mystery |
| rue | utter disdain |
| a velvety moss green sage leaf | esteem |
| saloryss | suffocation |
| sephwir | sylvan beauty, or Yuriqen |
| sirensong | prophecy, and the Arkati Jastev |
| snapdragon | presumption |
| sneezeweed | mockery |
| sovyn | "It is not yet time" |
| a dark seed-speckled red strawberry | sweetness |
| a wide-petaled bright yellow sunflower | devotion and admiration |
| a triple-petaled pale purple sweet pea | delicate pleasures |
| sycamore | curiosity |
| salneo | dreaminess |
| thistle | austerity |
| thyme | vitality |
| trefoil | revenge |
| trillium | modest beauty, or hope despite pain |
| tuberose | dangerous pleasure |
| a glossy pale tulip | fame |
| a black tulip with glossy petals | cruelty |
| a pale and dainty glossy ice tulip | caution |
| a dark red tulip with glossy petals | a declaration of love |
| a hearty tulip with variegated petals | beautiful eyes |
| a pale and dainty yellow tulip | hopeless love |
| valerian | an accommodating personality |
| verbena | family union |
| vervain | feminine enchantment |
| a delicate violet surrounded by wide leaves | candid words |
| a dainty periwinkle-blue violet | friendship and remembrance |
| a flame-rapped dark fiery violet | brilliance |
| a velvety dark purple violet | faithful love |
| a wide-petaled pale wood violet | secrecy |
| a large white water lily resting upon a verdant pad | contemplation |
| a slender branch of black willow speckled with elliptical leaves | love forsaken, or freedom |
| a bough of trailing purple wisteria | "I cling to thee" |
| a tangled dark witchwood bush | eldritch power |
| a stalk of deep purple wolfsbane blooms | betrayal |
| a sprig of blue-green bristled wormwood | absence |
| a blue-throated ruffled violet woth blossom | blessed beauty |
| a gnarled wyrmwood branch speckled with brackish green flowers | dangerously wild |
| a bristly sprig of yew with hollowed red berries | sorrow |
| a triple-tiered bright orange zinnia with yellow accents | thoughts of an absent friend |