The Name of the Wind Art Deck

So. Here’s the deal. Today we have a bit of an announcement. And by we, I mean me and my team here at Elodin Enterprises. (Yes. That’s really our name.)

But before I tell you what’s happening now, I hope you’ll understand if I mention some of the events that led up to this happening. I’m guessing this format isn’t going to be hugely surprising for any of you. Because that’s how I do.

    *     *     *

Once, years ago and miles away, I heard about an artist by the name of Echo Chernik. In little dribs and drabs, I kept hearing about her, and running into her art in various places.

And to put it plainly, I thought it was amazing.

Years went by, and kept brushing up against each other professionally. The first time she was part of the Pairs kickstarter I did with James Earnest back in 2014. A year or so later, I saw some of her art in a show at a convention and was wowed.

Later, I found out she was doing a Tarot Deck for Shadowrun.

(Queen of Swords, if you hadn’t guessed.)

Later still, James invited her into the Tak Kickstarter, where she designed the board that many of you have seen….

Which might not seem like a bit deal, until you realize that she had to design the Selas Flower before she made that board:

(Before she did this, the flower only existed in my head….)

It was during the Tak kickstarter that we first got to talk and work together a bit. (See selas flower above.) And after the ice was broken, I felt brave enough to actually approach her at a convention, introduce myself, and ask if she wanted to hang out and chat a little bit. This might surprise some of you, but the truth is, I’m kinda bashful. Especially around creative people I admire.

While we were chatting over coffee, I learned something surprising. While Echo loves going to conventions, working with game companies, and making geeky art…. that’s not really what she does for a living. Her day job is doing corporate ad design working for people like Dos Equis, Celestial Seasonings, companies like that.

“Do you like that stuff better?” I asked.

“I love illustrating for advertising and packaging. But being a geek at heart, the opportunity to combine my passion for art and geekdom is a dream,” she explained. “Unfortunately, games don’t pay well enough for that dream to be full-time.”

Hearing this, I was honestly irritated. Echo is a world-class talent, and the fact that she was forced to do corporate ad design to make ends meet… well… it kinda pissed me off.

“Would you want to maybe do a project together sometime?” I asked, trying not to sound too eager. “Maybe a kickstarter or something? My people love beautiful art, and they’re enthusiastic. I’d love to see how you’d paint my characters. If it goes well, maybe we could make enough money so you could just draw what you love for a while, and not worry so much about making ends meet….”

She didn’t laugh at me, which is always a good sign. And then we talked more and more seriously about it until… well… now.

And here we are.

I hereby present to you: The Name of the Wind Art Deck. We’ve been working on getting this ready for the better part of a year, and I’m incredibly proud of how it’s turning out so far.

On the surface, we’re making a deck of playing cards that feature art and characters from The Name of the Wind.

But fairly early in the process, Echo and I realized we had a problem. A deck of cards only has 12 face cards, but we had more than twelve characters we wanted to feature. Wouldn’t it be nice to see *more* than just the main cast of characters?

We tossed around a couple ideas until we hit a solution that I’m really proud of. We’re doing multiple decks with different pieces of art. That means we can show you more characters, and even do a couple variants with our favorites. (A Fae bast, and a mortal bast, for example.)

But (and here’s the clever bit) the backs of the cards will be the same…

That means– Well. You know what. We took great pains to explain all this in our campaign video. Plus there’s a bunch of cool animations in there to help explain what I mean.

Does that make sense? How you’ll be able to make your own decks?

This is a bit of an experiment for us here at Elodin. We’ve never run our very own Kickstarter before. But we do have experience producing goods and shipping them out because of the Indiegogos we’ve been doing for the last three years with Worldbuilders.

Luckily, the team has been doing all the logistical work. My job has been easier. Since I suck at organization, the main thing I’ve been doing is been developing the art with Echo. And it’s been turning out so, so good..

Check out young Kvothe.

And Auri…

Also, did I mention that since package design is what Echo does for a living, she’s *Super* good at it?

Look at this gorgeousness:

The red decks are the Selas Decks, and the Black ones are the Chandrian Decks. They both have alternate cards and unique jokers and…

Y’know? You should really just go over and check out the kickstarter itself. You can see all the art and the stretch goals and details there.

Also, I feel I should mention that we have a couple tiers that are limited in quantity. Partly to encourage people to jump in early, and partly because we can only produce so many of certain items

If you’d head over and check it out, I’d appreciate it. Both my team and Echo’s family have invested a lot of time and effort into this, and the first couple days of a kickstarter are *really* important. (So both jumping in early and helping to spread the word are hugely appreciated.)

Here’s the Link. 

pat

This entry was posted in Arts and Crafts, calling on the legions, cool things, Echo Chernik, geeking out. By Pat58 Responses

58 Comments

  1. piratehulk
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 4:25 AM | Permalink

    I looooove the art, it touches something very deep down.
    I would really like to contribute to the Kickstarter, but I have no credit card (I know, it’s weird). Is there any possibility that there will be a paypal option at some point?

    • Mindy
      Posted August 15, 2017 at 5:01 AM | Permalink

      I am glad you asked:

      On the campaign page you will find our Elodin Enterprises Logo in the top left corner (click there)- use the contact me button to send us your name and email and we will send you our Backerkit survey after the campaign has ended. There will be a paypal option in the Backerkit.

      Thanks!

      Mindy

      • Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:11 PM | Permalink

        Thanks Mindy.

        Could we put a link to that right here, too?

    • Mindy
      Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:35 PM | Permalink
    • hemmer
      Posted August 16, 2017 at 4:17 PM | Permalink

      Thanks for the link guys. <3

      Also: As someone not from the US, not having a credit card isn't strange at all. In most of Europe every place accepts normal bank cards and between eBanking and PayPal online transactions are pretty much covered.
      I got one back in the day just for purchases from US based online shops (those damn subterranean press novellas *sigh*) but even there I haven't needed one for years.

      • Posted August 17, 2017 at 2:24 AM | Permalink

        Yup. That’s why I make sure we always have other options available for people.

  2. Sahirioth
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 4:30 AM | Permalink

    AH! You said Chandrian so many times in that video. Check yourself before you wreck yourself!

  3. kitty713
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 4:46 AM | Permalink

    Sold! I love KKC, I love really fantastic art, and I collect decks of cards. So this is pretty much perfect. Bought all 4 because I couldn’t decide and it really wasn’t that much extra.

    Thanks,Pat. This is awesome. Hope you’re remembering to make time for self-care.

  4. Comedy Reflux
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 5:13 AM | Permalink

    I suppose this is also not the place to submit my original, but vile (f)artwork. A pity, but we shall inquire further about these decks.

  5. Karen W
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 5:54 AM | Permalink

    Pledged for set of all four decks, oops. Can’t really afford it but really wanted to support it (and own the beautiful art)

  6. Club Neon
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 5:55 AM | Permalink

    This is the first time I’ve ever gotten in on an early bird reward level. I’m so excited. :D

  7. Caesura
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 8:02 AM | Permalink

    This artwork is SO beautiful! And you and Echo speak so lovingly of this project – I can’t wait to see the cards in person, and I’m so happy to back this Kickstarter. I know that the Chandrian decks are Kickstarter exclusive, but will the Selas decks eventually be available on the Tinker’s Packs site? I really want all four decks so that I can have all the art, but I’m not sure that it’s in my budget…

    • Mindy
      Posted August 15, 2017 at 8:34 AM | Permalink

      Yes, the Selas decks will eventually be available at The Tinker’s Packs!

      Thanks for Asking,

      Mindy

  8. Dimpl
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 8:22 AM | Permalink

    This looks awesome, but shipping to Australia is usually nuts.

    $6. Holy shit. Pledge done.

    • Posted August 17, 2017 at 2:26 AM | Permalink

      Yup. We work really hard to make shipping affordable. All kickstarter tiers ship free here in the US, and include discounted international shipping.

  9. Curvinho
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 8:50 AM | Permalink

    There, Pat.

    You can have my kickstarter supporting first time.

    Please, be gentle.

    PS: This is such an amazing looking set of cards.

  10. eric.wrightson
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 9:02 AM | Permalink

    Uugggh what are you doing to my life, Pat?! How can I not spend hundreds of dollars on this?! Fine. I’ll get a Chandrian deck. Hopefully I have the money in my account by the time it ends haha. As always, excellent thing you made!!

  11. imriaylde
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 9:22 AM | Permalink

    Absolutely gorgeous artwork *and* an ambigram on the packaging?! I’m in love! Did Echo design the ambigram as well?

    • Mindy
      Posted August 15, 2017 at 9:24 AM | Permalink

      Yes! Echo designed the entire package.

      It’s lovely isn’t it?

      -Mindy

      • imriaylde
        Posted August 15, 2017 at 9:57 AM | Permalink

        It’s stunning!!

        • Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:13 PM | Permalink

          Yeah. She’s crazy amazing….

  12. Aaron
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 12:50 PM | Permalink

    Will the material used for the cards be paper, or something longer lasting that won’t get dog-eared and torn? As a card player I know I’ve had Copag decks that last hundreds of playable hours, keeping intact and unmolested until the ink itself wore off the card faces.
    Just don’t want to invest in some beautiful cards, but then be scared to play with them.
    I will definitely be getting a print or two though!!

    • Mindy
      Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:16 PM | Permalink

      Hi Aaron,

      The cards are being produced by Expert Playing Card Company and will be printed on professional quality playing card stock.

      -Mindy

      • Aaron
        Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:27 PM | Permalink

        Ok, thanks for the quick info Mindy! I’m sure they will hold up to casual use, and maybe I’ll get some Chandrian decks to have as collector’s items. Hopefully the powers that be look into some tougher plastic based stock option decks after the KS is over, for us ne’er do wells that can be a little harder on our playing cards.

        I see you creepin’ up there Pat! *highfive* to you for bringing beautiful art to us from your rich and textured world. Echo was a great choice!

    • Posted August 15, 2017 at 7:56 PM | Permalink

      Whenever we produce something for the books, I make sure it’s high quality. I wouldn’t want to go through all this work making beautiful art only to use it on shitty cards.

      Also, I wouldn’t ever want to sell y’all anything that wasn’t made to last. That would be a dick thing to do.

      • Aaron
        Posted August 22, 2017 at 8:46 PM | Permalink

        Oh I know, I just wanted to put the decks into my poker rotation. I was never able to get cardstock decks to last more than 6 months, so switched to plastic. I want these beauties to last for a long, long time; so they’ll just be for lower key parlor games.

        Thanks again for all the dedicated work you and your staff do!

  13. MoonandStar
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:01 PM | Permalink

    Love them. Noticed Denna’s card has the selas flower in the middle. Auri’s card got some small cute flowers, what is the name of that flower?

  14. KatKit
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:48 PM | Permalink

    I am already so enamored with these, and I haven’t even seen them in person!

    One question: Are the cards in the Deluxe Gilded Deck Set different than the cards in the regular Chandrian deck, or is the only difference the box? And if the cards are different, may I ask in what way? Not that the box itself isn’t cool enough – it definitely is! But I just want to be sure before I decide. :)

    Thank you!!!

    • Mindy
      Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:57 PM | Permalink

      Hi Kat,

      The cards and tuck boxes will be the same but they will have a silver foil gilded edge. The two decks will also be contained (together) in a black deck box with a foil stamp.

      Hope that helps!

      Mindy

      • KatKit
        Posted August 15, 2017 at 3:08 PM | Permalink

        Exciting!!! Thank you so much for responding! ?

        • Posted August 15, 2017 at 7:58 PM | Permalink

          Just to clarify, the *art* on the cards is the same. But the edges of all the cards in those decks are guilded in silver foil.

          Which looks really cool and fancy, but also a relatively complicated and pricey thing to do to cards. Hence the high ticket price and the snazzy box. They’re mostly for collectors.

  15. Maethona
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 1:53 PM | Permalink

    Damn you Pat! The art is just to beautiful to pass on this kickstarter and it is my second chance to get a KK playing cards set since the albino dragon one (backed during the kickstarter) never found its way to me. I just hope this one gets to me but since your incredible worlbuilder team is handling it this time around I’m sure of it. ?

    • Posted August 17, 2017 at 2:30 AM | Permalink

      Damn. I’m sorry to hear that. That previous KS was out of our hands, and there were… problems.

      Can you tap my team through the contact page here on the blog and we’ll see what we can do to make it right?

  16. chantillylace
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 2:17 PM | Permalink

    These are fantastic!! Young Kvothe – stunning. I really love all of the collaborations and extras that you do. And helping someone stuck in a corporate job just sweetens the deal.

  17. Barbarian of Seville
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 3:34 PM | Permalink

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! MOOOOAAAARRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

  18. decat13
    Posted August 15, 2017 at 9:58 PM | Permalink

    It enrages me that I want this. What does Elodin look like? I’m primed to spend my hard earned money on a Rothfuss product of which I will gaze upon in pride and seethe about afterwards in my quiet corner of discontent but only if Elodin is repped well.

  19. victormbv2
    Posted August 16, 2017 at 9:16 AM | Permalink

    Ya las he comprado! :D
    pero ahora quiero que me enseñes a jugar a “Esquinas”
    jeje
    Saludos!

  20. rjler
    Posted August 16, 2017 at 10:15 AM | Permalink

    Is it just me, or does the young Kvothe strongly resemble Oot?

    Thank you for bringing more beauty to the world. :)

  21. pulcho
    Posted August 16, 2017 at 12:07 PM | Permalink

    really cool stuff!!! as i’m living in europe all the painted originals were gone already when i saw the campaign. will there be some more in the next days? my girlfriend would be okay with it, if we put one of them on the wall – so i have to get one! : D

  22. Khazidhea
    Posted August 16, 2017 at 8:08 PM | Permalink

    I hardly need more decks of cards, but I can’t resist backing for all 4 decks. I can’t not have this new artwork.
    I have no idea but suspect there wouldn’t be much of a market for it, but if you’re open to ideas for stretch goals: a specialised deck with 11’s, 12’s and 13’s would be great (I play a lot of 500. Not all that often with 6 players, but it’s nice to have the option)

    • Posted August 17, 2017 at 2:32 AM | Permalink

      Thanks for the suggestion. I don’t know if we’ll be able to do it, but I always like hearing what people want…

  23. Jhonathan F
    Posted August 17, 2017 at 9:32 AM | Permalink

    This is amazing! And I’m glad that you will be shipping to Brazil too! (:

  24. Elena
    Posted August 18, 2017 at 9:33 AM | Permalink

    It looks great! I’d like to partcipate but couldn’t find the information on the kickstarter how it will be sent to other countries. Russia for example. And what is the shipping price. Could you help, please?

    • Mindy
      Posted August 18, 2017 at 11:21 AM | Permalink

      Hi Elena,

      Once you select your pledge it will provide you with your shipping options. Why don’t you give that a try and if you have any other questions feel free to contact us on our Kickstarter Page.

      Hope that Helps!

      Mindy

      • Elena
        Posted August 19, 2017 at 9:57 AM | Permalink

        Thank you very much! I’ll try

  25. peteybob
    Posted August 22, 2017 at 2:19 PM | Permalink

    A KKC Tarot Deck would be fantastic. Maybe if this is as successful as it looks to be that might be a future endeavor.

    Stu

  26. sweng123
    Posted August 23, 2017 at 12:15 AM | Permalink

    NSFW tags, please.

    • Posted August 28, 2017 at 2:24 AM | Permalink

      Um. What?

      • Pedro Cruz
        Posted August 28, 2017 at 3:07 AM | Permalink

        Maybe it’s not safe for him/her to be looking at playing cards at his/her job. Don’t know… Or maybe he/she is from 70 years ago, when showing ankles was a taboo. Or was it 90 years ago? I’m getting old…

  27. Posted August 23, 2017 at 10:15 AM | Permalink

    I’m sure that I saw a message from you yesterday (tweet?) that you were looking for more suggestion for artwork for the cards that are being unlocked through the stretch goals. At least I’m pretty sure I saw it. Maybe I’m imagining things. I thought it would be best to reply to that post, but since I can’t find it, I thought I’d put in here. (That’s a long explanation for just saying I wanted to post an idea.)
    How about artwork of the Amyr from Nina’s painting? Or just from her dream, depending on how good an artist Nina is. :)

  28. Mike24
    Posted August 23, 2017 at 10:34 AM | Permalink

    Ok, so… I know it’s not important to say here but… have you ever considered making a spanish card deck? I don’t know if you know of its existence, but here in Spain we actually only play that one. It has swords, cups, golds and clubs as the four suits, which I think suits for the Kingkiller Chronicles. As a example: http://www.tarotistas.com/secciones/tarot/images/Ases.jpg . Anyways, I wanted to say it just as a curiosity if you had never heard about it.

    Best regards from Spain, you know you are much appreciated here,
    M

  29. Posted August 25, 2017 at 1:35 PM | Permalink

    Jeeeez these are gorgeous. And well priced.

    • Posted August 28, 2017 at 2:26 AM | Permalink

      Thanks. We work hard to make sure the price points are as low as possible so everyone can come in and play….

  30. Pedro Cruz
    Posted August 28, 2017 at 3:14 AM | Permalink

    I think the problem could be solved by lifting the restrain on the number of faced cards :).
    You could put faces on a 2 and I wouldn’t care less. It would actually be pretty cool. I was always curious by nature and the first think I did when I got a new deck and check out the art. It always seemed pretty boring that most cards had no face.
    Also, that thing about the spanish decks… I have a Lord of the Rings illusionist deck that is sort of like that. There’s the usual faced cards, but the swords, for example, are all like Frodo’s sword (can’t remember its name right now). But still, I wished that deck had faces in every card and the art wasn’t even as good as this one.
    I might try to get a couple of decks. If there are not too many references, I might even buy a few extras to give away at Christmas.

    Just to finish this already long post. Is this some sort of indirect joke, Pat? You’re giving us cards to play while we wait for the third book? :P

  31. Cthaeh13
    Posted September 12, 2017 at 5:02 PM | Permalink

    Pat, that’s gorgeous! Echo is really talented. I absolutely need this in my life. I’ll check it out.

  32. noa
    Posted August 15, 2018 at 11:37 AM | Permalink

    is there still an option to buy it?

  33. Sherry Rosser Carroll
    Posted August 18, 2018 at 5:57 PM | Permalink

    We just received our Kickstarter card decks – love them! Can we still purchase items like uncut card decks for framing?

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