Odd Fellows (From The Sanctuary) Playing Cards

The story of Stockholm17's Odd Fellows continues at 17 Sinner’s Street on Kickstarter. This time, behind the walls of a crooked British pub called The Sanctuary, where a gang of petty criminals disguised as members of the clergy prepares for their most daring heist. 

Their eyes are fixed on Triton’s Iris, an ancient artifact valued in the millions and soon to be exhibited at Cleremont Manor. Father Firkin and Sister Merry Gorda, the ringleaders of this crooked congregation, are determined to pull it off, but the police are already closing in after an anonymous tip-off.

The story unfolds through a deck of playing cards smuggled inside modified hip flasks. These vessels appear ordinary at first glance, yet their false bottoms hide the evidence... precious cards edged in metallic finishes, including Father Firkin’s deck with gilded wasabi green. The illusion is perfect: a flask for contraband spirits concealing contraband of a different kind.

Inside the decks, the court cards introduce The Sanctuary Court, a dozen misfits who each play a role in the gang. The Diamonds are responsible for bribes and money laundering, the Hearts specialize in disguise and misdirection, the Spades are driven by temptation and lust, while the Clubs provide muscle through brute force and intimidation. 

Among them appear figures such as Cardinal Sin, Sister Cloak, Bishop Hops, and Father Dagger, their names and faces brimming with irreverent wit. Even the Jokers are steeped in brewing lore, represented by Firkin, the small ale cask, and Gorda, the massive sherry barrel, both symbols of the gang’s clandestine trade.

The card backs are ornate and saintly at first glance, but closer inspection reveals that the figures are crooked, just like the Odd Fellows themselves. Each deck carries hidden fragments of the gang’s plan: the floor plan of Cleremont Manor sliced into fifty-six pieces, a treasure map disguised as a full deck of cards. Only when the uncut sheet is revealed does the entire conspiracy come into view.

Pledger starts at $36 on Kickstarter.