I adore the concept of indirect storytelling through card art. Since The Unwell Kingdom is a set based on a D&D campaign, there are lots of narrative threads to pull on. Here’s one of my favorite examples. The orphans cycle gives a snapshot each orphan’s personality, but when pieced together, a whole story emerges!

“Stay close,” Lani whispered to her fellow orphans as they slinked between the dark alleyways of Crestfall. Today’s mission was special. No room for careless mistakes.

Up ahead, Kennie gave a signal: “Royal Guard ahead.” Her conjured pair of mage hands weren’t just for picking locks or causing distractions, they also made great warnings. Lani tensed, slowed her breathing. As always, she prepared for the worst.

Reuben, on the other hand, kept walking straight towards the Guard. His silver tongue and disarming smile would keep him safe from harm, and even if it didn’t… well, Reuben could take care of himself.

Thimble knew this was his chance! While Reuben kept the Guard occupied, he darted out into the market, grabbing handfuls of items from each stall and weaving between surprised onlookers. Lani let out a sigh of relief as he scurried into a connecting alley. Mission success.

Thanks to the efforts of her friends, Merka was now ready to get to work. She chirped with delight as she picked through Thimble’s haul—flour, butter, sugar, herbs, and lots of fresh figs! This was everything she needed to bake an unforgettable tart. It wasn’t long before sweet aromas filled the air of the orphans’ hideout.

However, this treat wasn’t for them. Merka snuck the tart to the place Lani had found, a small hole burrowed directly into the wall of Crestfall Castle. She set the tart down, pinned a note to it, and returned home, unsure if Lani’s plan would actually work…

…But it only took a few minutes for the smell of figs to coax a molefolk up from the tunnel! He had almost devoured the entire tart before noticing the note that came with it: “There’s trouble in the Catacombs! The Children of the Blade are plotting something, and we need to stop them. Lend us a hand. There’s more where this came from if you do.”

The orphans made a valuable ally that day.