Teth

Teth, a game entrenched in Draksi culture, is one that weaves together the vibrancy of colour, the mystery of divination, and the thrill of strategy. Rooted in the tarot-like practices of the Congregation of the Ascended, Teth has carved out its own distinct identity.
The game involves a deck of cards, traditionally long rectangles with pointed triangular ends, but in modern times, often square. These cards are adorned with a dazzling array of intricate designs, from swirling whirlwinds to roaring flame emblems, from tranquil water waves to robust earthy patterns.
The basis of the game revolves around forming combinations of the four primary elements represented on the cards - Air, Fire, Water, and Earth - and using their inherent strengths and weaknesses against the opponents' cards. Each player is dealt five cards, and the objective is to combine their elemental strengths in ways that overpower the other players.
The designs on the cards symbolizing the elements are not mere artistic choices, but echo the central tenets of Berythian magic, grounded in the harnessing and manipulation of these primal forces. In the hands of a skilled player, a game of Teth becomes more than just strategy; it is a dance of elements, a dialogue with the forces that the Berythians hold sacred. Mages of The Loraeus were thus unsurprisingly known to be the greatest Teth players. Their intimate understanding of the elements gave them a unique advantage, and games were viewed as demonstrations of their mastery over their magical practice.
The resurgence of Teth has led to a renewed appreciation for the Berythian Tradition. In Sabellis City, the spiritual home of the game, elemental motifs related to the Berythian Tradition are now in vogue, and references to the magic practice have become common in the lexicon of Teth players.

by midjourney

Historically, Teth was played as a social event among the high echelons of Drakoyan society. A high stakes game in the courts of the Sunset Empire (598-361) saw an Emperor lose his crown to a wily courtier, while in another infamous instance, a betrothal was decided upon the outcome of a game, leading to the unification of two powerful houses.
Teth enjoyed unrivalled popularity until it was somewhat eclipsed by the advent of Ascu's Luck. However, recently, with the influx of Delhizan games like Succulthagac, a dominoes-like game, a renewed interest in traditional games has swept Draksineon, bringing Teth back into the limelight.
The resurgence of Teth has not just been confined to the living rooms and parlours of the Draksi. Organised tournaments, sponsored by influential nobles and attended by enthusiastic crowds, have become a regular sight in Sabellis. In these arenas, old rivalries are rekindled, fortunes are won and lost, and the game of Teth is celebrated in all its colourful glory.