Franni Krenuebo (ˈfranni kreˈnwɛbɔ)

Fate Cards in Dark Wave Language

"You play well, child," the dark woman with the piercing pink eyes said as gathered the cards of the game back into the deck and fanned it out in front of her.
"Thank you, but wait you are the last one in the tournament! Where is my prize?" Dōnlau asked.
The woman took the cards and spread them in an odd spread face down, "I will read your heritage, past, and current path of the future for free. Usually, I charge a small fee."
Dōnlau opened her mouth to protest but the woman interrupted, "if you don't believe in Divination then think of this as harmless fun if you want. I do believe that it is a shame that Lady Xione's arts are lost."
"Her husband was a slave fairing rapist," Mōzê said crossing his arms, "come on nussæ (boss) let's go."
"Wait, my father never told me where he was from... Also, what is the harm?" Dōnlau asked.

The Franni Krenuebo played a central role in Nuossa Nualestota culture which was a subset of the Miylian Elders Elves from the Knomm Grähi at the foot of The Waves. The cards serve as a bridge between the past and present serving as a unique blend of divination, gaming, art, and cultural heritage.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Use as Divination Tools

In the past, Fate Cards were used as divination tools to seek insights into one's fate and make important decisions and of course to worship Xione. The traditional use of the cards takes some steps that must be followed to properly worship the goddess and get her insight.
First, the diviner who is referred to as a Krenuebo Seer or as a Priest to Xione sets the stage for divination and this sacred act of worship to her. This includes lighting candles, burning sacred incense, and creating a serene and sacred space within one of Xione's shrines or temples in the past. Her grander temples had cloisters within so these rituals could be private and sacred for each worshipper. The deck of Fate Cards is shuffled with great care and reverence by the priest. Shuffling the cards was seen as a moment of connection with Xione the Goddess of Fate herself and shuffling is often considered to a sacred ritual in itself.
The seeker who is often the worshipper seeking guidance often has a specific question or intention in mind. When The Mysterious Woman offers to reading for Dōnlau the question on the Okeri girl's mind is if she and Mōzê will succeed on their mission. She just adds insight in the pass to sweeten the prize of beating her at the game they were playing. The diviner will focus on the question of the seeker and ask for guidance from Xione. This is done by a moment of prayer for everyone involved in the ceremony.
Once the prayer for guidance is done the diviner will draw a specific number of cards from the deck and lay them out in a predetermined pattern that is called a spread. Each card would represent different aspects of the seeker's question or even their life and heritage. The seer then interprets the symbols, scenes, and cryptic imagery on the cards by drawing on their knowledge of Fa Geinn and the symbolism associated with Xione and the other gods. The interpretation was said to reveal insights into the seeker's fate, challenges, and potential outcomes. Based on the interpretation, the diviner provides guidance and advice to the seeker. This guidance could pertain to life decisions, relationships, or other matters like decisions that are for the moment solely in the future.

"I see that if you go on this mission you will have another choice to make," the mysterious woman said her hand on one card and her eyes closed.
"Are you pulling my leg or can you actually see all of that?" Dōnlau asked.
The woman nodded, "You will be offered Kruchs by Acku Flailschmäch."
"What? Why? She is a monster!" Mōzê snapped.
"You are Kastal Okeri, right? Of course, you think a Black Wing Dragon is a monster. An old master of your people will be called and will take you... home, your right place. I would take her offer." the woman said.
"Never!" Mōzê snapped.
"The choice is not yours it belongs to Dōnlau," the woman said.

Use as Playing Cards in the Present

In the present Fate Cards have been adapted for various card games, adding complexity and intrigue to these games. Some of the games that are played are Pantheon Poker, Fate Rummy, Krenuebo Solitaire, Oracle's Challenge, and Diviner's Duel. These games often incorporate elements of strategy, chance, and knowledge of the old pantheon's symbolism. They serve as a means of entertainment, while also keeping the cultural and spiritual significance of the Fate Cards alive to the modern people.

Manufacturing process

The manufacturing process for creating Fate Cards involves several steps, from design and printing to finishing and packaging. There is a standard in the manufacturing process for retail sales and a standard of craftsmanship that is used. There are a few artisans who may use entirely the more traditional handmade techniques, while others may combine the traditional methods with modern technology to create unique cards.
Artists who want to make these cards will need to create intricate artwork or illustrations for the cards. This can be traditional art of the gods and their symbols or substitutes with symbols or other characters that are similar in current pop culture so long as the symbols are cryptic or intricate in the details. Artists often draw cryptic symbols and hidden messages into the artwork this adds an extra layer of meaning and mystique to the cards.
Once that artwork is created it is then reproduced onto card stock often using modern printing techniques which are used by the big companies and smaller artists. High-quality digital printers or offset printing machines may be used to ensure that the artwork's details and colors are accurately represented through reprints and revisions. There are a variety of finishes that the cards can have from matte, gloss, emboss, and others. The cards are printed on both sides with the artwork on the face of the card and a uniform design or pattern on the back of the cards.
Once the printing is done the cards are fed through a rotary cutter that carefully cuts and trim the cards to ensure uniformity. Other cutting tools used are guillotine paper cutters and knives on a cutting mat with a ruler. Once cut the cards go through a laminating process. A layer of protective film is applied to both sides of the cards which can give a glossy or matte finish while enhancing the durability.
Some fancy and more expensive cards can have embossed elements or metallic foil accents on them made from a specialized machine. Those who make decks as a handy craft will use foil and vellum for these accents that are applied by hand. The embossing process raises certain parts of the cards which give a tactile dimension. Foil and vellum on the other hand have a stamping effect that adds highlights to the artwork. The last thing that can be done to the cards is labeling the name of the Fa Geinn gods on them using elegant calligraphy which adds an authentic and artistic touch to the cards. The worship of these gods is illegal due to the Dissolvement of Ci Scá Múnt so not many cards are made with the gods' names on them instead something related to them is written instead.
Some decks are not meant to play but to just be a small art book. For these decks, the cards that make up the decks are bound together with sewing machines or for more independent artists hand-stitching techniques to create the binding that holds them together. Other tools that are used for binding are hammers and pressing machines to ensure that the covers of these special decks are securely attached.
The manufactured cards go through a rigorous quality control process to identify and rectify any defects or imperfections. This ensures that the final product meets the desired standards of the manufacturers and the artists. Once the cards pass the quality assurance the decks need to be packaged for sale. The inside of the boxes are often lined with velvet or other similar materials to prevent damage to the cards. Once the cards are packaged they are ready to be distributed to various retailers, collectors, or directly to customers through on-demand orders.

History

The history of Fate Cards started as something sacred and became commonplace and mundane is interesting and has been lost due to the Dissolvement of Ci Scá Múnt.

Ancient Sacred Artifacts

In the early history of Fate Cards, they were considered sacred artifacts used in the worship of Xione Goddess of Fate. She was revered in Fa Geinn and Dā Е̄tyū Kacī and her Priests and worshippers believed that the cards were a direct conduit to her powers. The cards were used in solemn rituals and divination ceremonies to seek guidance and insight into one's destiny.
After the Dissolvement of Ci Scá Múnt Xione's worship began to wane as the Ci Scá Múnt religion with its pantheon fell out of favor with the rise of Bridt Schtricksüker. Xione and her family became forgotten and relegated to myths and fairytales while the Human faith of Christianity spread. The Fate Cards which were once cherished as sacred objects, began to lose their religious significance.

Adaptation to Card Games

As Xione's worship faded Fate Cards underwent a transformation of their own finding a new lease of relevance as playing cards. The intricate artwork and cryptic symbolism on the cards lent themselves well to various card games that became popular in Brichdt De. Those old symbols added an extra layer of depth and complexity to these games, making them more appealing to players than normal playing cards.
In their new role as playing cards, Fate Cards continued to hold cultural significance. The cards became a bridge between the past and the present, serving as a tangible link to the forgotten religion that Xione was a part of and the present. The few who know the stories, myths, and legends associated with Xione and her family share those stories while playing these card games in hopes that the old traditions of Nuossa Nualestota would not be entirely lost.

Cultural Heritage

Over time, the cards gained value as collector's items with various prints and limited runs and editions of the cards with the oldest cards being the rarest. Their rarity and the mystique surrounding the old pantheon, and the cryptic artwork made the cards sought-after artifacts. Some collectors, historians, and enthusiasts actively sought out these decks, recognizing them as both pieces of art and historical relics.
Now in the present day of Miyla Fate Card decks are celebrated as a unique part of the Miylian Elder Nuossa Nualestota Elves and their descendants cultural heritage alongside the Black Wing Flight Shifter Dragons. They are no longer solely relegated to the realm of divination or religious worship, but they still carry a sense of nostalgia, history, and significance. They remain a reminder of a time when Xione, the Goddess of Fate, held a prominent place in the spiritual lives of the people, and continue to evoke a deep sense of reverence for the past. 
Some don't show that respect however as they have forgotten or don't care about Xione and her worship relagating the cards to the realm of toys and card games.

Significance

Fate Cards both in the past when the Goddess Xione was worshipped and in the present day. The cards are multifaceted and rich in cultural, spiritual, and historical meaning. In both the past and the present Fate Cards are a symbol of continuity, bridging the spiritual and cultural heritage of the lost Miylian Elder Nuossa Nualestota Elves. The cards continue to hold meaning, albeit in different ways, demonstrating the enduring power of tradition and the resilience of cultural artifacts.

In the Past When Xione was Worshipped

The primary significance of the cards in the past was their role in divination and seeking guidance from the Goddess Xione. The cards were seen as a direct link to the divine, a tool through which worshippers could gain insights into their fates, make important decisions, and navigate the complexities of life. The cards served as a means of establishing and strengthening the spiritual connection between the people and their goddess.
Fate Cards were an integral part of religious rituals and ceremonies in honor of Xione fostering a deep sense of devotion and piety. The worship of Xione and the use of Fate Cards were not just matters of faith but also crucial elements of cultural identity. They defined some aspects of Nuossa Nualestota culture reiterating the gods and their unique values of balancing chaos and order.
The cards were used to preserve and pass down the stories, legends, and wisdom of the old Fa Geinn pantheon. They have played a pivotal role in keeping the traditions alive for future generations even though the use of the cards in worship is gone.

In the Present as Playing Cards & Cultural Artifacts

The Fate Cards hold significant cultural value in the present within the present day. They serve as a tangible link to the past and remind the Elves and the Dragons who came from that region of old ancestral beliefs, traditions, and of course Xione. Much of the cultural ties to the modern people of Knomm Grähi are loose and almost not there anymore. Xione was a minor goddess and wasn't that powerful within the pantheon.
For the few people who are the descendants of the Nuossa Nualestota and are proud of their heritage, the cards have a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era when the Fa Geinn gods including Xione were worshipped and ruled Bridt Sche. The cards have helped the descendants remember their spiritual and cultural roots that continue to shape their identity and collective memory.
The rarity and cryptic nature of the old cards make them highly sought-after collectibles as limit prints and collectible cards. The older cards are valued as both historical artifacts and works of art. This has attracted collectors, historians, and enthusiasts from all over Miyla. There are a few Chlai Elves that try to collect as many of them as possible so they can hold onto their past.
Fate Cards are rare items from when Fa Geinn ruled that have managed to stay cultural and have adaptability. They have transitioned from sacred religious tools to mundane playing cards illustrating how cultures can evolve and find new ways to express that old heritage and the cultures that came from it. For those who don't want to lose their heritage, they use the cards to educate the next generations about the history, mythology, and spiritual practices of their ancestors. Those who shrug off the decisions of the Dissolvement of Ci Scá Múnt tell their history, mythology, and spiritual practices of their ancestors to the next generations. They use the cards to share the tales associated with the old pantheon as they engage in card games.

Item type

Toy

Related ethnicities

• Hetu Kɑnabe
• Miylian Elders
• Nuossa Nualestota

Owning Organization

Dā Е̄tyū Kacī

Rarity

Actual decks are very rare and are considered to be collector's items. Decks based off of these are more common are used in various games throughout Miyla.

Raw materials & Components

The creation of Fate Cards was a meticulous and artisanal process, designed to preserve the cryptic artwork and historical significance of these cards. High-quality materials were chosen to create the cards typically durable flexible material such as vellum or even parchment. The backs were often made from smooth and sturdy paper or even fabric to provide a uniform and attractive appearance.
Skilled artists and scribes were commissioned to create the intricate artwork and illustrations on the cards' faces and backs. The images that they created depict figures and symbols from the Fa Geinn gods representing various deities and aspects of their mythology. The artwork was created using a combination of inks, dyes, and occasionally, metallic accents like gold leaf to the cards a rich and captivating appearance. The artists would incorporate cryptic symbols and hidden messages within the artwork. These symbols were often derived from the old pantheon's mythology and were known only to the initiated. Each card was carefully labeled with the name of one of the gods or in some cases their symbols depicted on it. They use elegant calligraphy that matches the overall aesthetic of the cards.
Once the artwork was completed, the individual cards were laminated to protect them from wear and tear and give the cards a nice glossy finish. The newly created deck was then bound together, often with a fabric or more commonly leather cover. These covers are sometimes adorned with additional symbols or inscriptions that are holy to Xione. In the past, the cards were considered sacred objects. Before being used for divination, they were often consecrated and blessed in a special ritual conducted by one of her Priests. The completed decks were stored in protective cases or boxes that were lined with velvet or other soft materials to prevent damage to the cards.
Now in the present day, the process of creating Fate Cards may have evolved to incorporate modern printing technologies while still maintaining the essence of the traditional design. Skilled artisans and artists may be involved in producing these cards to ensure that the cryptic artwork and cultural significance are faithfully preserved. The materials, techniques, and quality of production may vary, but the aim remains to capture the mystique and beauty of these cards that bridge the past and the present.

The woman gathered the cards back to her as Dōnlau looked at her stunned. What the woman predicted couldn't be what has happened or what will happen.
"There is a still a way out, abandoned your mission," the woman said as she started to select a different card.
"We can't do that, our people are counting on us," Dōnlau said slumping onto the table.
"It is not your fault your government sent children on a fools errand," the woman said she seemed symathetic, "if that is your choice I have more advice for you."
"Sure why not?" Dōnlau asked exasperated.
The woman smiled as she flipped over the card that she was holding, "go to Der Roch in Schlullk Brasschwerch seek out Lynir. Protect him, help him, and serve him. He is lost on a path of that was seen thousands of years of go before his birth."
"You want to seek a god and serve him?" Mōzê asked.
"This is your choice, go on your doomed mission or seek out the god your ancestors belive saved you," the woman said finally putting the cards away.

Tools

The tooling in the creation of Fate Cards involves a variety of tools and equipment, both traditional and modern, to ensure the precision and quality of the cards. The specific tools and equipment used can vary depending on the production methods and the level of craftsmanship employed. Some artisans may opt for entirely handmade techniques, while others may combine traditional methods with modern technology to create Fate Cards that are both faithful to the old traditions and artistically impressive.
Skilled artists use a range of traditional art supplies such as brushes, inks, dyes, and metallic accents like gold leaf to create intricate artwork and illustrations on the cards. These tools are crucial for capturing cryptic symbolism and ancient aesthetics. Some of these artists are called calligraphers employ specialized tools, including various types of nibs, inkwells, and parchment or vellum sheets, to write the names and descriptions of the Fa Geinn gods or their symbols on the cards in elegant and consistent script.
The other tools that are used to protect the cards from wear and tear in the modern world are laminating machines are used to apply a layer of protective film to both sides of each card. This gives the cards a glossy finish and durability. The cards in the modern era after laminating the cards as sheets use cutting tools such as guillotine paper cutters or rotary cutters to make the cards uniform. For decks with bound covers, artisans use tools like sewing machines or hand-stitching needles to create the binding that holds the deck together.
Additional tools like hammers and pressing machines are used to ensure that the covers are securely attached. In addition to modern production, printing equipment like the new digital printers or offset printers may be used to reproduce the intricate artwork that the artist did before it was put together in software. This helps the details and colors be accurate through various proofing prints. There are also other machines that are used to add embossed elements or metallic foil accents to the cards, enhancing their visual appeal and giving a tactile dimension to the artwork.
There are various materials such as boxes, cases, and velvet linings are used for the storage and packaging of the complete decks. These boxes and cases often have velvet linings much like the old tradition with the velvet inside the casing to make opening the boxes feel more luxurious. Cutting dies or even molds may be used to create custom packaging for the right price.
However, in the past, the tools that were used were related to various religious rituals in honor of Xione were used for consecration and blessing the cards, which may have included incense, candles, and other ceremonial objects. They also used various different tools as they didn't have access to fancy modern cutting tools and computer software.