Lore:Tales of Tribute

Tales of Tribute board

"Tales of Tribute is many things to many different people. For some […] it is simply a means to revelry. But for the dreamers and truth-seekers, it provides so much more. Each deck tells a story. A timeless fable." —The Author

Tales of Tribute (or Tribute for short) is a two-player card game that draws inspiration from various playing card traditions and incorporates aspects from other card games. It originated in Gonfalon Bay and has gained popularity throughout Tamriel during the Second Era. The game involves players "telling a tale" to compete against each other and collect cards that improve their ability to control the game and earn Prestige points.

The Roister's Club was an organization responsible for management of all aspects of Tales of Tribute, such as organizing tournaments, producing new rules, sponsoring chapters, and manufacturing cards. In the beginning, the Roister's Club was a small group of only a few dozen people who created the game. Although originally only the game's creators were members of the club, it has grown to the point that almost everyone who played the game identified as a Roister.

As time passed, the game's original creators, who were mostly scholars, artisans, and explorers, began to be referred to as the Founders. While they were known for valuing their anonymity, they still played an active role in promoting the game.

Origins and Overview

The Roisters

The Gonfalon Gaming Hall

Tales of Tribute originated in Gonfalon Bay and has become popular throughout entire Tamriel. Initially, only the creators of the game belonged to the Roister's Club, but eventually, practically everyone who played the game was referred to as a Roister. The original club was a small group of game designers, consisting of only a few dozen people, who later came to call themselves Founders. Despite being mostly scholars, artisans, and explorers, little was known about them as they preferred to remain anonymous. Despite their secrecy, the Founders continued to work on the game, sponsoring gaming chapters, organizing tournaments, and rewarding excellent players. It was speculated that they could reveal themselves in the future and receive recognition for their contributions.

The exact number of Founders is not widely known, but at least five of them were known. The Author, an enigmatic Redguard woman, resided in the Hollow City within Coldharbour and viewed the game of Tales of Tribute as having a higher purpose beyond mere entertainment. Linyia, an Altmeri explorer and scholar of ancient games, had a passion for breathing new life into long-forgotten games. Her quest for knowledge took her to the ancient ruins of Craglorn. She was known for her expertise in strategy and deck composition, and her contributions helped shape the game into its modern iteration. Murzaga gra-Ghorn, an Orc vampire from House Ravenwatch, was known to assist the Roister's Club with their procurement needs, such as ink, stock, and other related items. Nhorhim was a blind Nord who resided with the Ternion Monks of Mistwatch. He was one of the creators of the game and had an exceptional ability to recognize every card. Nhorhim could identify the cut, weight, and even the scent of each card. Fillia was a Bosmer who excelled at various games, including cards, dice, and parlor games. She played a crucial role in the creation of Tales of Tribute, but her winning streak came to an abrupt end when she was murdered by a drunken opponent who couldn't handle losing. Her spirit lingered in a cottage in Grahtwood, where she awaited a player skilled enough to defeat her in Tales of Tribute and release her from her ethereal prison.

Eventually, the club expanded and gained more recognition throughout Tamriel. The Roister's Club became an organization that oversees all aspects of Tales of Tribute. They were responsible for arranging tournaments, releasing updated rules, supporting chapters, and most notably, the production of the game's cards. Players of the Roister's Club were sponsored by game-barons, who provided financial support for the club's activities, led local chapters, and helped to promote the popularity of Tales of Tribute throughout Tamriel. Tales of Tribute have left their mark on daily expressions. For instance, when someone speaks of power, wealth, and recognition, one could say, "It sounded like a game of Tribute. There are magical tricks associated with the Tales of Tribute game, including card summoning. Among the known players of the Tribute was Naryu Virian, a Mother of Blades of the Morag Tong.

The Roister's Club had chapters operating in many cities and towns throughout Tamriel. Some of these locations included Vivec City, Shimmerene, Rimmen, Solitude, Leyawiin, Gonfalon Bay, Necrom, Vastyr, Windhelm, Riften, Mournhold, Stormhold, Davon's Watch, Shornhelm, Evermore, Sentinel, Daggerfall, Wayrest, Rawl'kha, Elden Root, Marbruk, Skywatch, and even places such as Stonelore Grove, Amenos Station and Baandari Trading Post along the Xylo River in Malabal Tor. Little is known of the history of each chapter but the Gonfalon Bay's chapter's headquarters, the Gonfalon Gaming Hall on the Harbor Island was originally a House Mornard villa. After House Dufort took it over during the duchy transition, they eventually sold it to game-baron Razhamad, who purchased it in circa 2E 581. Since that time, the card players in that location were able to sustain a respectable livelihood by taking advantage of tourists who were willing to part with their gold. As of that time Mournhold Chapter was considered to be very prestigious.

Various chapters of the club advertised themselves, and offered game tutorials to those interested in learning how to play. The patrons of the Roister's Club gaming halls could access official rules guides for the game. The Roister's Club encouraged their members to stay sharp, and spread the game's popularity by performing various challenges, such as defeating both common folk of Tamriel and card-playing adventurers. They were rewarded with various benefits, including cards and clues, in exchange for their efforts. Some Roisters traveled around to search for potential new players, handling all the registration fees and membership dues.

Roisters of the Roister's Club

The Author, one of the Founders

As the club and the card game gained popularity, mugs and steins associated with them started to become more commonly found. Clubs hosted events and celebrated New Life Festival with banquets. Ornamental carving knives were used during those festivities.

Tales of Tribute is known to incorporate aspects from other card games. The game's mechanics draw inspiration from various playing card traditions, such as the hexagonal shape taken from Pellitine fortune-telling decks and the symbol arrangement borrowed from an ancient Yokudan card game played in Hammerfell. Despite these influences, Tales of Tribute goes beyond being just an amalgamation of ideas. The decks achieve a cohesive aesthetic through the framing of the cards and the design of the card backs, which feature Bretonic elements and the distinctive winged crown that unifies the identity of each card. Banners representing the game are characterized by a color scheme of red, gold, and blue. The Tales of Tribute sigil consists of three cards. This tri-card symbol is not limited to game-related items only, as it could also be found on various other objects such as steins used in Roister's Clubs.

The production of the cards themselves occurs in Gonfalon Bay, although their aesthetic inspiration draws from various locations throughout the continent. The cards are typically made from pasteboard, a durable material that is common in the Systres Archipelago. Printers and painters use various pigments from across the mainland, and squid ink is utilized to write numerical information, which is a key factor in identifying forgeries. Roister's presses run persistently to produce more cards for the game, which are made with heavy stock. Members of the Roister's Club then mark them as belonging to a specific deck. Blank, unfinished cards could be found in circulation throughout Tamriel.

Originally, the tokens were crafted from larimar, a precious stone mined from nearby Amenos. However, by the mid-Second Era, coins were made using more common materials like iron, limestone, and sandstone to reduce costs. The use of Horker ivory tokens became increasingly popular as well, especially in the northern regions of Tamriel.

Founder Nhorhim

Founder Fillia

The game's popularity spurred the creation of various items designed to enhance its accessibility and convenience. Clockwork Card Shufflers are elaborate mechanisms designed specifically for shuffling Tribute decks during official tournaments. Various methods were used to keep track of the prestige score count, including the use of Tribute dices, often made of jade, gold-flecked Prestige beads, and Prestige counters with etched dials made of cherry wood. Dedicated containers, such as lacquered cases or velvet cloth bags, were often used to store some of these implements. Display cases and travel kits were produced, as well as tables specifically tailored for gaming rooms. Other such example were card frames, made of metals such as pewter designed to add weight and protection to the cards. Players of the game had access to various other accessories, including embossed lacquered boxes to store play decks and woven hempen play mats adorned with fanciful representations of Tribute Patrons painted onto the reeds.

In the Roister's Club, players are ranked based on their level of experience, which determines the opponents they can challenge. Novice players can only compete against other novices and are not allowed to challenge higher-ranked players. However, by playing and winning games, players can climb the ranks and earn the ability to challenge higher-tier opponents. A portion of players deemed the ranking system an unnecessary addition and instead chose to engage in the game purely for enjoyment.

While for some, Tales of Tribute was merely a diverting way to pass the time, it was more than just a game of entertainment and chance. For some it was more than just a game, it was a way of life, even compared to a religion. It was also addictive, and prone to being exploited by crime lords who owned illegal gambling parlors. One such establishment was Yves Grandvache's Gambling Parlor, located within the outlaw's refuge in Vastyr. Certain people suffered significant financial losses by betting their money on the game, Typically, gambling wasn't a significant part of the game, though it was far more prevalent during unofficial matches. Some players were even at risk of losing their freedom due to their accumulated debts. Sometimes animals were put up as stakes in a game of Tribute.

In 2E 582, a Tales of Tribute tournament was organized, attracting contestants from different parts of Tamriel, including members of the Roister's Club's various chapters such as the Gonfalon Bay Chapter, Wayrest Chapter, Elden Root Chapter, and Mournhold Chapter. The tournament took place in various locations, including Daggerfall, Shornhelm, Wayrest, Skywatch, Marbruk, Elden Root, Davon's Watch, Stormhold, Gonfalon Bay, and Mournhold, where players battled it out in intense games of Tales of Tribute. Eventually, a new member of the Gonfalon Bay Chapter emerged as the champion, defeating all opponents, including the chief novice of the Wayrest Chapter, Varnauld Broch, adjutant game-baron of the Elden Root Chapter Raenobi, and champion of the Mournhold Chapter Teliv Fels, earning the recognition, the title of Tribute Champion, and the grand prize - a significant sum of money, thanks to contributions from the Roister's Club and city governments.

Masters of Tales of Tribute tournaments were rewarded with trophies made of orichalcum, ebony, quicksilver, voidsteel, and rubedite, with rubedite being the most prestigious and orichalcum being the least. Golden medallions are also among the trophies awarded to the winners of the Tribute tournaments. In addition, new decks were often given out as prizes in tournaments, among other rewards.

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  Orichalcum Trophy

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  Ebony Trophy

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  Quicksilver Trophy

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  Voidsteel Trophy

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  Rubedite Trophy

Rules

Tales of Tribute match

Founder Linyia

Tales of Tribute is a two-player card game where each player competes by "telling a tale". Players can increase their chances of winning by collecting cards, which improve their ability to control the game's action and earn Prestige points. To win a match, players must achieve one of the following:

• Amass at least 40 Prestige points on their turn and maintain lead until the end of their opponent's turn,
• Be the first to reach 80 Prestige points (immediate victory),
• Secure the support of all four Patrons (immediate victory).

At the start of a match, each player selects two Patron Decks that they own, which determine their starting cards, the Tavern's available cards, and the Patrons present for the game. In addition, the Treasury deck plays a vital role in the game. As a result, each match is played with a total of five decks, which includes one Treasury deck and four themed decks. On each turn, players draw up to five cards and play them in any order, with some cards granting Gold and others granting Power or Prestige. Gold is used to buy cards from the Tavern, as each card has a numerical cost, while Power activates Patrons and damages enemy agents. Unused Gold is lost at the end of the turn, but unused Power is converted into Prestige.

A match between players of Imperial and Reachfolk origins

Players can enhance their decks by purchasing cards from the Tavern and adding them to their Cooldown Pile. Cards can be divided into two categories: Actions and Agents. The effect of an Action card is resolved right after it is played, while an Agent card can be placed on the game board and has long-term effects. Their health can be diminished by spending power or removed from the board using specific Action cards or Patron abilities. Additionally, Contract cards are another type of card in the game that can be either an Action or Agent card. When players purchase Contract cards from the Tavern, they are played immediately instead. Lastly, there is another category of cards in the game known as Curse cards. These cards must be played before non-curse cards. The only known Curse Card is added to the opponent's deck through the usage of the Rajhin Patron ability. Once a player's Draw Pile is empty, they must shuffle their Cooldown Pile to create a new Draw Pile. Most cards have a Suit that corresponds to one of the four Patrons in the game, which triggers Combos that enhance certain cards' potency.

Patrons provide additional options for play and victory and start in Neutral alignment. Players typically can interact with one Patron per turn, and a Patron that Favors your opponent will return to Neutral alignment. Some Patrons have usage requirements, so players should carefully consider each one before committing.

Early on, players should add cards that increase their Gold gain per turn, limit Suit variety, and remove starting cards from their deck to increase their chances of drawing more powerful cards from the Tavern. Completing trials and following leads to special locations allows players to discover new decks and upgrade cards of existing ones. The game provides an opportunity to learn about new cards and find clues on acquiring new decks.

Decks

Tales of Tribute cards

Tales of Tribute is played in inns all across Tamriel

Tales of Tribute card decks are designed with themes based on legendary and historical figures from different cultures of Tamriel and beyond. In addition to these themed decks, there is also a universal Treasury deck that plays a vital role in the game. Each deck of Tales of Tribute represents a unique story and requires a different strategy to play. New decks were regularly introduced.

Series One introduced the eight decks for tournament play. These included the Breton heroic figure Saint Pelin, ancient Reachfolk king Faolan the Red Eagle, legendary Yokudan Ansei Frandar Hunding of the Ra Gada, Grandmaster Delmene of House Hlaalu who ushered in the golden era for this Dunmer house, Immortal Sorcerer King Orgnum of Pyandonea, the leader of the Maormer, Rajhin, the Khajiit deity of thieves, a Duke of Crows who led the Blackfeather Court of the Crow Daedra, and the enigmatic Psijic Loremaster Celarus.

Other notable figures include Druid King Kasorayn who led the druid exodus to the Systres, and Almalexia, a living Dunmeri god, and a member of the Tribunal.

Various custom and homemade Tribute patron tokens and decks were common and spread across Tamriel during the Second Era. Certain founders and tribute masters were also known to use their own personalized decks, typically named after their creators.

Treasury

The Treasury Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. The deck comprises of six copies of one starter card and twenty contract cards, eight of which are unique, with varying numbers of duplicates. Unlike other patrons, the Treasury Deck patron always remains neutral and has no favor system. Its patron ability is to replace any card in play with a Writ of Coin card. At the start of the game, six copies of the Gold starter card are added to each player's deck. The standard cards in the deck always consist of one Ambush card, four Barterer cards, three Black Sacrament cards, two Blackmail cards, three Harvest Season cards, three Imprisonment cards, two Ragpicker cards, and two Tithe cards. Additionally, Writ of Coin cards can be added to the game through the patron's ability. Some players deemed cards like Black Sacrament too violent in themes for a card game.

Base Action Cards

Gold, the starter card

Writ of Coin, a card created through Treasury Patron ability

Contract Cards

Ambush

Barterer

Black Sacrament

Blackmail

Harvest Season

Imprisonment

Ragpicker

Tithe

Almalexia

Tribute Grand Master Armiger Bolm, the Paramount

The Almalexia Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after Almalexia, known as the Mother Morrowind, a member of the Tribunal. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, eight of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Collection Plate starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to look at the top cards of the opponent's deck and move one to their cooldown pile.

The deck consists of three copies of Bardic Veneration (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Festival of Forbearance), three copies of Devotional Gaoler (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Hand of Almalexia), two copies of Mother's Mercy (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card ALMSIVI's Charity), two copies of Mournhold Clergy, three copies of Philanthropy, two copies of Temple Arbiter, three copies of The Lesson of Ayem, and two copies of Tribunal Sentinel (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Mercymother Elite).

Around 2E 582, a member of the Buoyant Armigers, Bolm, also known as the Paramount, arrived in the southern Telvanni Peninsula seeking a thrilling and elegant challenge. He sought out opponents for a game of Tales of Tribute, a contest of wit, daring, and grace. He asserted that his card deck had been blessed by Almalexia herself. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations. There were available tapestries with themes that matched the cards in this deck.

Cards

Collection Plate, the starter card

Bardic Veneration

Devotional Gaoler

Mother's Mercy

Mournhold Clergy

Philanthropy

Temple Arbiter

The Lesson of Ayem

Tribunal Sentinel

Upgraded Cards

ALMSIVI's Charity, an upgraded version of Mother's Mercy

Festival of Forbearance, an upgraded version of Bardic Veneration

Hand of Almalexia, an upgraded version of Devotional Gaoler

Mercymother Elite, an upgraded version of Tribunal Sentinel

Ansei Frandar Hunding

The Ansei Frandar Hunding Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after Frandar Hunding. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, eleven of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Way of the Sword starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to receive one extra coin during turns in which they begin in favored status.

The deck consists of two copies of Ansei Assault (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Ansei's Victory), three copies of Battle Meditation (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Grand Oratory), three copies of Conquest, three copies of March on Hattu (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Hira's End), three copies of No Shira Poet (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Hel Shira Herald), three copies of Shehai Summoning, and three copies of Warrior Wave.

It is one of the eight decks that were introduced to the tournament play by the Series One. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations.

Base Cards

Way of the Sword, the starter card

Ansei Assault

Battle Meditation

Conquest

March on Hattu

No Shira Poet

Shehai Summoning

Warrior Wave

Upgraded Cards

Ansei's Victory, an upgraded version of Ansei Assault

Grand Oratory, an upgraded version of Battle Meditation

Hel Shira Herald, an upgraded version of No Shira Poet

Hira's End, an upgraded version of March on Hattu

Druid King

Tribute Grand Master Braigh who introduced Tales of Tribute to Druids

The Druid King Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after Kasorayn, the last Druid King. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, twelve of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Ritual Herbs starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to spend power to replace cards in the Tavern. Additionally, the patron's power allows the player to add a powerful card, The Chimera, to their Cooldown Pile when certain conditions are met.

The deck consists of two copies of Deepwoods Ritual, two copies of Eldertide Fenwitch (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Draoife Ritecaller), three copies of Firesong Haruspex, two copies of Forest Wraith, three copies of Runes of the Draoife (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Druid King Vestments), three copies of Stonelore Rockseer (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Envoy of the Draoife), two copies of Whispers of the Grove, and three copies of Wispcaller Totem (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Wispheart Totem).

It was created by the Druid Braigh, a man who introduced Tales of Tribute to the Druid community of Glimmertarn on Galen. He boasted numerous titles, including Tribute Grand Master, the Ivy Prodigy of Galen, the Ivy Savant, the Deck-Breaker, and the Streak-Breaker. The deck he created eventually gained recognition from the Roister's Club. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations. There were available tapestries with themes that matched the cards in this deck.

Base Cards

Ritual Herbs, the starter card

Deepwoods Ritual

Eldertide Fenwitch

Firesong Haruspex

Forest Wraith

Runes of the Draoife

Stonelore Rockseer

Whispers of the Grove

Wispcaller Totem

The Chimera, a card created through Druid King Patron ability

Upgraded Cards

Draoife Ritecaller, an upgraded version of Eldertide Fenwitch

Druid King Vestments, an upgraded version of Runes of the Draoife

Envoy of the Draoife, an upgraded version of Stonelore Rockseeer

Wispheart Totem, an upgraded version of Wispcaller Totem

Duke of Crows

The Duke of Crows Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after the Blackfeather Court. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, twelve of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Peck starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to convert coins into power. It was considered to be the great patron to accumulate coins.

The deck consists of two copies of Blackfeather Brigand (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Blackfeather Knave), two copies of Blackfeather Knight, two copies of Law of Sovereign Roost, two copies of Pilfer (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Plunder), two copies of Pool of Shadow, four copies of Scratch (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Murder of Crows), two copies of Squawking Oratory, and four copies of Toll of Flesh (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Toll of Silver).

It is one of the eight decks that were introduced to the tournament play by the Series One. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations. There were available tapestries with themes that matched the cards in this deck.

Base Cards

Peck, the starter card

Blackfeather Brigand

Blackfeather Knight

Law of Sovereign Roost

Pilfer

Pool of Shadow

Scratch

Squawking Oratory

Toll of Flesh

Upgraded Cards

Blackfeather Knave, an upgraded version of Blackfeather Brigand

Murder of Crows, an upgraded version of Scratch

Plunder, an upgraded version of Pilfer

Toll of Silver, an upgraded version of Toll of Flesh

Grandmaster Delmene Hlaalu

The Grandmaster Delmene Hlaalu Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after the House Hlaalu. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, twelve of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Goods Shipment starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to sacrifice their cards for prestige.

The deck consists of two copies of Currency Exchange, three copies of Customs Seizure, three copies of Hireling (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Oathman), two copies of Hlaalu Kinsman (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Hlaalu Councilor), two copies of Hostile Takeover, two copies of House Marketplace (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card House Embassy), three copies of Kwama Egg Mine (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Ebony Mine), and three copies of Luxury Exports.

It is one of the eight decks that were introduced to the tournament play by the Series One. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations. There were available tapestries with themes that matched the cards in this deck.

Base Cards

Goods Shipment, the starter card

Currency Exchange

Customs Seizure

Hireling

Hlaalu Kinsman

Hostile Takeover

House Marketplace

Kwama Egg Mine

Luxury Exports

Upgraded Cards

Ebony Mine, an upgraded version of Kwama Egg Mine

Hlaalu Councilor, an upgraded version of Hlaalu Kinsman

House Embassy, an upgraded version of House Marketplace

Oathman, an upgraded version of Hireling

Psijic Loremaster Celarus

The Psijic Loremaster Celarus Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after the Psijic Order. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, eleven of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Mainland Inquiries starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to spend gold to remove opponent's agent cards from the board.

The deck consists of three copies of Prescience (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Prophesy), two copies of Psijic's Insight (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Ceporah's Insight), two copies of Psijic Apprentice (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Psijic Relicmaster), three copies of Sage Counsel (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Augur's Counsel), four copies of Scrying Globe, three copies of The Dreaming Cave, and three copies of Time Mastery.

It is one of the eight decks that were introduced to the tournament play by the Series One. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations.

Base Cards

Mainland Inquiries, the starter card

Prescience

Psijic's Insight

Psijic Apprentice

Sage Counsel

Scrying Globe

The Dreaming Cave

Time Mastery

Upgraded Cards

Augur's Counsel, an upgraded version of Sage Counse

Ceporah's Insight, an upgraded version of Psijic's Insight

Prophesy, an upgraded version of Prescience

Psijic Relicmaster, an upgraded version of Psijic Apprentice

Rajhin, the Purring Liar

The Rajhin, the Purring Liar Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after Rajhin. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, twelve of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Swipe starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to spend gold to add curse action card Bewilderment to their opponent's cooldown pile.

The deck consists of two copies of Bag of Tricks (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Ring's Guile), two copies of Jarring Lullaby (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Shadow's Slumber), three copies of Jeering Shadow (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Prowling Shadow), three copies of Moonlit Illusion, three copies of Pounce and Profit (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Grand Larceny), three copies of Slight of Hand, three copies of Stubborn Shadow, and one copy of Twilight Revelry.

It is one of the eight decks that were introduced to the tournament play by the Series One. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations. There were available tapestries with themes that matched the cards in this deck.

Base Cards

Swipe, the starter card

Bag of Tricks

Jarring Lullaby

Jeering Shadow

Moonlit Illusion

Pounce and Profit

Slight of Hand

Stubborn Shadow

Twilight Revelry

Bewilderment, a card created through Rajhin Patron ability

Upgraded Cards

Grand Larceny, an upgraded version of Pounce and Profit

Prowling Shadow, an upgraded version of Jeering Shadow

Ring's Guile, an upgraded version of Bag of Tricks

Shadow's Slumber, an upgraded version of Jarring Lullaby

Red Eagle, King of the Reach

The Red Eagle, King of the Reach Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after Faolan, the Red Eagle. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, twelve of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the War Song starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to spend power to draw a card.

The deck consists of two copies of Bloody Offering (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Blood Sacrifice), three copies of Bonfire, two copies of Briarheart Ritual, three copies of Clan-Witch (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Elder Witch), two copies of Hagraven (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Hagraven Matron), three copies of Imperial Spoils (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Imperial Plunder), two copies of Karth Man-Hunter, and three copies of Midnight Raid.

It is one of the eight decks that were introduced to the tournament play by the Series One. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations. There were available tapestries with themes that matched the cards in this deck.

Base Cards

War Song, the starter card

Bloody Offering

Bonfire

Briarheart Ritual

Clan-Witch

Hagraven

Imperial Spoils

Karth Man-Hunter

Midnight Raid

Upgraded Cards

Blood Sacrifice, an upgraded version of Bloody Offering

Elder Witch, an upgraded version of Clan-Witch

Hagraven Matron, an upgraded version of Hagraven

Imperial Plunder, an upgraded version of Imperial Spoils

Saint Pelin

The Saint Pelin Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after Saint Pelin. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, twelve of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Fortify starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to spend power to return an agent card from their cooldown pile to the top of their play deck.

The deck consists of four copies of Archer's Volley (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Siege Weapon Volley), two copies of Bangkorai Sentries (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Knights of Saint Pelin), two copies of Banneret (one of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Knight Commander), two copies of Rally, three copies of Reinforcements (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Legion's Arrival), two copies of Shield Bearer, two copies of The Armory, and two copies of The Portcullis.

It is one of the eight decks that were introduced to the tournament play by the Series One. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations. There were available tapestries with themes that matched the cards in this deck.

Base Cards

Fortify, the starter card

Archer's Volley

Bangkorai Sentries

Banneret

Rally

Reinforcements

Shield Bearer

The Armory

The Portcullis

Upgraded Cards

Knight Commander, an upgraded version of Banneret

Knights of Saint Pelin, an upgraded version of Bangkorai Sentries

Legion's Arrival, an upgraded version of Reinforcements

Siege Weapon Volley, an upgraded version of Archer's Volley

Sorcerer-King Orgnum

The Sorcerer-King Orgnum Deck is a Tales of Tribute deck that includes a patron and a set of unique standard cards. It is themed after King Orgnum of Pyandonea. The deck comprises of two copies of one starter card and twenty standard cards, twelve of which are unique, four of which are upgrades of other unique cards, with varying numbers of duplicates. At the start of the game, one copy of the Sea Elf Raid starter card is added to each player's deck. The patron's power allows the player to exchange gold for a fixed amount of power or an amount dependent on the number of cards in their possession, and to add copies of Summerset Sacking card in cooldown pile.

The deck consists of three copies of Ghostscale Sea Serpent (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Sea Serpent Colossus), two copies of King Orgnum's Command, three copies of Maormer Boarding Party (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Summerset Sacking), two copies of Maormer Cutter, two copies of Sea Raider's Glory, three copies of Serpentprow Schooner (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Pyandonean War Fleet), three copies of Storm Shark Wavecaller (up to two of which can be replaced with the upgraded card Serpentguard Rider), and two copies of Snakeskin Freebooter.

It is one of the eight decks that were introduced to the tournament play by the Series One. Players could upgrade specific cards in the deck by discovering clues, completing trials, and following leads to unique locations. There were available tapestries with themes that matched the cards in this deck.

Base Cards

Sea Elf Raid, the starter card

Ghostscale Sea Serpent

King Orgnum's Command

Maormer Boarding Party

Maormer Cutter

Sea Raider's Glory

Serpentprow Schooner

Storm Shark Wavecaller

Snakeskin Freebooter

Upgraded Cards

Pyandonean War Fleet, an upgraded version of Serpentprow Schooner

Sea Serpent Colossus, an upgraded version of Ghostscale Sea Serpent

Serpentguard Rider, an upgraded version of Storm Shark Wavecaller

Summerset Sacking, an upgraded version of Maormer Boarding Party

Other Decks

Founder Murzaga gra-Ghorn, one of the creators of custom decks

New Tales of Tribute decks were known to appear regularly. One of the founders of the game claimed that the asymmetrical nature of the ancient Yokudan games could inspire a new Tales of Tribute deck at some point in the future. Personalized decks named after their creators were used by certain founders and tribute masters.

• The Author
• Grand Master Nhorhim
• Grand Master Linyia
• Grand Master Murzaga
• Grand Master Fillia
• Druid Braigh
• Armiger Bolm, The Paramount
• Metrand Vyrix

Additionally various custom and homemade Tribute patron tokens and decks were known to exist.

See Also

• For game-specific Tales of Tribute information, see the Tales of Tribute article.
• For game-specific Roister's Club information, see the Roister's Club article.

Books

• Challenge of the Paramount by The Paramount — A challenge from a prominent Tales of Tribute player
• Tales of Tribute: Series One by The Founders
• The Secret Origins of Tribute by Brunile Dufont, Games Scholar — The outlined history and manufacturing of a popular card game
• Torn Note From Brahgas by Brahgas — A note from Brahgas to find Tales of Tribute masters
• Tribute Beginner's Guide by Master Razhamad, Game-Baron of Gonfalon Bay