Fate Tiles, Part One: Path Tiles
Fate Tiles are a set of dominoes that can give the users a look inside the mechanization of Fate. Many believe this is nothing more than a game of chance, but there is a small number of true believers left in the world. To them, the tiles tell pieces of a story. Each tile holds a meaning which is expressed through an image carved into the tile. If a tile is revealed to be upside down or reversed as some call it, it’s meaning often changes for the worse.
Every individual faces unique challenges, but there is a commonality in life's experiences. This allows anyone to garner meaning from the Fate Tiles if they know what they are looking for. The tiles are most often kept in a box that is said to cleanse the tiles after each reading, though some think this is unnecessary superstition.
To begin a Fate Tile reading, the individual who is seeking answers from the tiles must mix the tiles. Most often this just means shaking their box until satisfied the tiles have been mixed properly, but any container that allows the individual to blindly mix and pick tiles will do. There are several configurations to tell the story the tiles are trying to convey. The larger the spread, the deeper the possible understanding of the hidden meaning. The most common amount of tiles drawn are one, three, six, nine, twelve, and fifteen.
There are two sets of tiles in a complete set of Fate Tiles. The first is the fifteen Path Tiles. Path Tiles represent challenges that can be met on life’s journey. These tiles are the connecting points on life’s grand adventure.
The Spark
This is the beginning. All things begin with a Spark. What lies ahead on the path? Tragedy? Victory? Perhaps a little of each. If this tile is reversed, this beginning comes at a great cost.
The Mage
The Mage represents pure willpower. They can mold the world by their sheer determination. They forge a path all their own. If this tile is reversed, this power is based on an unsteady foundation.
The Caregiver
The Caregiver tends to those around them to ensure their wellbeing. Often seen as a parent or guardian, they readily adopt any that needs their help. If this tile is reversed, the care received is not free. The cost may lie on the Caregiver, the one they are tending, or both.
The Protector
None are more fearsome than the Protector. They will fight until their dying breath to keep those around them safe. They are often impulsive but are the most loyal companion to have around. If this tile is reversed, the motives of the Protector may not align with those of the individuals they keep safe.
The Crafter
The Crafter can shape anything into a masterpiece. It does not matter what the medium happens to be. They will mold it into their vision with the use of their masterful skills. If this tile is reversed, there is an unseen flaw in the Crafter's work.
The Seer
Intuition is the Seer's main tool. They use this innate talent to follow the path laid out before them. They wander the paths of Fate, advising those they meet along the way. The Seer should not be confused with a guide. They can only glance down the paths of others and their directions may be inaccurate. If this tile is reversed, the Seer's vision is clouded and their guidance is questionable.
The Hidden
Rarely seen and often overlooked, the Hidden are the keepers of secrets. They watch from the shadows to gather the information they seek. Finding the Hidden is either luck or by the Hidden's design. They will bargain for their secrets, but they are not to be trusted for they speak in lies. If this tile is reversed, the Hidden have been compromised or you are the target of their machinations.
The Corrupter
You will never hear a lie from the Corrupter. They speak only in truths but twisted to their design. They are the embodiment of being self-centered. You will never know if the Corrupter is your ally or your enemy. It is best to be neither. This tile has no reverse as the top of the image mirrors the bottom, showing the uncertainty surrounding the Corrupter.
The Devourer
Destruction is a powerful force and it is what sustains the Devourer. They consume anything that crosses their path. The Devourer is a patient hunter. They will wait their prey out and strike when their victim is weakest. If this tile is reversed, there is a possibility to redirect the Devourer.
Strength
It takes true Strength to endure the trials of life. Not of body or mind, but of spirit. Inner Strength can outmatch any other kind in the long run. Lifetimes are spent building this Strength. If this tile is reversed, you will face a more challenging hurdle than expected.
Justice
Justice is a tool of Balance. It is the great equalizer. This Justice is untouched by morality or ethics. It is solely concerned with Karmic Balance. If this tile is reversed, the sword of Justice has turned on you.
Death
Death is not the end. Death is just part of the cycle of time. Without Death, there is no rebirth. With no rebirth, there is no regrowth. Death should not be feared but respected. This tile has no reverse as the top of the image mirrors the bottom, showing the impartiality of Death.
Balance
The universe is in constant search of Balance. The ebb and flow of the universal energies make this search all the harder. It is uncertain if true Balance will ever be achieved, but the hunt must never end. If this tile is reversed, the tides have turned against you and you are on the wrong side of the tipping point.
The Sun
The Sun watches over all of time and space. The ever-watchful eye in the sky beckons those brave enough to reach out to bask in the light of their successes. If this tile is reversed, you have flown too high and the Sun's burning wrath will punish you for your pride.
The Cycle
The Cycle has no true end. It is beyond Death and Destruction. What goes around, comes around. The beginning of each new Cycle branches off as the last Cycle comes full circle. The future reflects the past and often repeats the glories and failures that occurred. Never in quite the same fashion as each new Cycle brings with it new possibilities. This tile has no reverse as the top of the image mirrors the bottom, showing the Cycle is beyond the bounds of expectations.