This artifact of chaos lives in legends as the zanier cousin of the deck of many things. Horrible and fantastic stories circulate around it, but few if any know its true contents and uses. Many claim that it is a collection of cards from several decks that originated in another realm. Artistic renditions often show the backs of cards spotting alien phrases such as “Uno,” “Cards Against Humanity,” “Pokémon,” “Monikers,” and “A Game of Life.” Wizened heroes swear that cards bearing the crest of “Exploding Kittens” hold no threats.
Here are some of the rumored manifestations of the Deck of Wild Magic. It bears repeating that these are contradictory and unconfirmed.
- The Deck of Wild Things. Before you draw a card, you must declare how many cards you intend to draw and then draw them randomly (though you often can see the back of the top card of the deck). As soon as you draw a card from the deck, its magic takes effect.
- Play the Hand You're Dealt. Those present at the discovery of a Deck of Wild Magic are dealt an equal number of cards. They hold onto this hand for up to 24 hours and can choose when to play a card. Perhaps the card has script that hints at what may occur when activated, but not even the gods know its true effect. Perhaps more cards are drawn to maintain a constant number in hand.
- You’ve Activated My Trap Card. Adventurers and monsters may leave unrevealed cards behind to be unleashed like a glyph of warding.
There are tall tales that revolve entirely around the deck, but a large fraction of its myths describes it as randomly appearing to sow chaos in an unrelated adventure.
Behind the Screen[edit | edit source]
This magical artifact is inspired by u/iCeParadox64's Deck Against Humanity.
