Also what's up with all that art of ships; leonin and minotaurs fighting together with humans? Are those historic scenes or did something change on Theors after the events of Xenagos' rise and fall?
Also what's up with all that art of ships; leonin and minotaurs fighting together with humans? Are those historic scenes or did something change on Theors after the events of Xenagos' rise and fall?
I think it is meant more as a representation of a adventure group for the players. The text under the one with the group in red reads "Drawn together by fate, three heroes—centaur, leonin, and human—pit themselves against sirens in the Dakra Isles". I could be wrong, so far I only got to a few gods and mostly skimmed through the rest.
Something interesting from the Athreos myths (it’s mostly just a myth, but a cool and cruel one)
The Athrean Obols
It states that he doesn’t collect coins out of greed but because he is looking for five specific treasures. It is written in the Underworld library of Oneirrakthys that Athreos was the first mortal to die. When he faced the gods he brought a treasure as an offering to each of the five mighty deities, hoping for a place among them. Through this the gods realized that he was just the first of an endless flood of mortal souls. They were unwilling to spend eternity sorting the stream of souls themselves, they offered him a place among them, by charging him with the task. As a measure of hope, they tossed his offerings back into the mortal world as five coins. He was promised to be free of his service end welcomed among their ranks, if he was able to collect all five of those coins. If anyone brings him one of those coins he is willing to grant any wish within his power, even exception from death.
Does it give any more details about Thassa's new weapon by any chance? Its name, abilities, or how Purphoros forged it? I always wondered why he didn't just make her another Bident, or why the book features Dekella instead of this new spear (from what I've seen in the TOC online). I always preferred the coral-like surface of the Bident, although the new spear being bronze is pretty thematic too. I wonder how she felt about losing it and about this new one.
BTW the Table of Contents for the link I shared above lists a... Bidet of Thassa.
omfg
Sadly not, as far as I could find, its just that he forged it as an replacment. In the section for Purphors it is mentioned that he discovered iron, so maybe he made it from that, but I'am not sure. Under the section of god weapons only Dekalla appears with a stat block. There are no new images of Thassa or Arixmethes, the only new ones I could find, are attached below. For each god there is also a little star sign symbol (attached the one for Thassa).
Here are the quotes for the Thassa/Purphoros relationship
"Thassa is Purphoros’s closest ally in the pantheon. Imbued as she is with the malleable, quenching power of water, she knows that he can neither destroy her waves nor reforge them. Because she has no fear of him, she treats him as a friend. Purphoros frequently makes wondrous gifts for Thassa, and her underwater palace holds countless unique creations of the god of the forge." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
"Thassa took pity on Purphoros and aided him when Kruphix hobbled his mind, and Purphoros has not forgotten it. The two of them agree that old things must make way for new things, but Purphoros’s bursts of destructive energy stand in sharp opposition to Thassa’s gradual alterations. Purphoros regularly makes gifts for Thassa, most recently gifting her a new spear to replace her lost weapon." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
There are a lot of smaller details about Thassa, that I'am not sure of, if they are new, like her favourite animal being crabs. Each god gets a few tales, under Thassa we find the Theros version, on how her bident dissapeared. A Triton impersonated Kallaphe and tried to take a kraken from her, after the silent was lifted, she struck her down with such a fury, that the bident shattered.
GAHHH! This is so amazing! I love it. Gotta admire the unconventional approach to MTG that Theros takes, with enemy color couple/allies of Thassa and Purphoros. It's perfect that Godsend established them as a pair too, since she had her weapon stolen and had a chance to recover a new spear. I wish we saw more of Thassa's underwater palace and the Theran seas in general. There are all kinds of locations we could explore on Theros now that I think of it, such as the Dakra Isles, Mt. Velus, and many of the locations listed here such as Neolantin, Olantis, places I hope we see like we had in the Underworld recently. We've barely glimpsed Skophos, Oreskos, and I'd love to see the Heart of Winter mountain. Or Nisos forest, etc. All these amazing locations, why stay in the Polis?
Also what's up with all that art of ships; leonin and minotaurs fighting together with humans? Are those historic scenes or did something change on Theors after the events of Xenagos' rise and fall?
I think it is meant more as a representation of a adventure group for the players. The text under the one with the group in red reads "Drawn together by fate, three heroes—centaur, leonin, and human—pit themselves against sirens in the Dakra Isles". I could be wrong, so far I only got to a few gods and mostly skimmed through the rest.
Something interesting from the Athreos myths (it’s mostly just a myth, but a cool and cruel one)
The Athrean Obols
It states that he doesn’t collect coins out of greed but because he is looking for five specific treasures. It is written in the Underworld library of Oneirrakthys that Athreos was the first mortal to die. When he faced the gods he brought a treasure as an offering to each of the five mighty deities, hoping for a place among them. Through this the gods realized that he was just the first of an endless flood of mortal souls. They were unwilling to spend eternity sorting the stream of souls themselves, they offered him a place among them, by charging him with the task. As a measure of hope, they tossed his offerings back into the mortal world as five coins. He was promised to be free of his service end welcomed among their ranks, if he was able to collect all five of those coins. If anyone brings him one of those coins he is willing to grant any wish within his power, even exception from death.
This plane, book and mythos are just brilliantly remarkable. I just love Theros. Seriously that is one sweet myth, props to the authors for really delving deep into Greek-like stories to deliver such imaginative quality. If you encounter any myths like this from a certain blue female deity I admire (obsessed with), please don't hesitate to post them
Damn it I want a return to Theros immediately. And an Art Book. Honestly just make this game Theros the Gathering.
Wouldn't it be wild if there never were five coins, and Athreos is trapped in an eternal fool's errand, enslaved to this role forever?
Also what's up with all that art of ships; leonin and minotaurs fighting together with humans? Are those historic scenes or did something change on Theors after the events of Xenagos' rise and fall?
I think it is meant more as a representation of a adventure group for the players. The text under the one with the group in red reads "Drawn together by fate, three heroes—centaur, leonin, and human—pit themselves against sirens in the Dakra Isles". I could be wrong, so far I only got to a few gods and mostly skimmed through the rest.
Something interesting from the Athreos myths (it’s mostly just a myth, but a cool and cruel one)
The Athrean Obols
It states that he doesn’t collect coins out of greed but because he is looking for five specific treasures. It is written in the Underworld library of Oneirrakthys that Athreos was the first mortal to die. When he faced the gods he brought a treasure as an offering to each of the five mighty deities, hoping for a place among them. Through this the gods realized that he was just the first of an endless flood of mortal souls. They were unwilling to spend eternity sorting the stream of souls themselves, they offered him a place among them, by charging him with the task. As a measure of hope, they tossed his offerings back into the mortal world as five coins. He was promised to be free of his service end welcomed among their ranks, if he was able to collect all five of those coins. If anyone brings him one of those coins he is willing to grant any wish within his power, even exception from death.
They did something similar with Ravnica and letting different guilds working with each other in way I wouldn't say are fully inline with lore. I don't take it as canon for magic but just creative wiggle room for people to make an adventuring party on the world. Not sure if DnD does it but Pathfinder is kinda similar where they have the default setting (such as half-elves can only be human/elf hybrids) but leave people to change stuff around for their adventures needs (i.e. GM can have half-elves be elf/dwarf too).
Honesty the more we get the world of Theros seems perfect for a ttrpg, has a lot of hooks for adventures and due to the nature of the planes all these myths we are seeing can be true in a number of ways/levels.
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"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
I don’t know about you guys but I hope these myths are canon. I feel like they are though... it’s a fact Purphoros forged Thassa a new weapon and that they’re lovers and allies in Godsend, so these are rooted in canon. No reason to doubt they are.
This plane, book and mythos are just brilliantly remarkable. I just love Theros. Seriously that is one sweet myth, props to the authors for really delving deep into Greek-like stories to deliver such imaginative quality. If you encounter any myths like this from a certain blue female deity I admire (obsessed with), please don't hesitate to post them
Here are the ones I found under Thassa.
Callaphe the False
This is just the Bident story in its Theros version, in which it shattered, instead of being stolen.
Dreams in the Deep
Thassa secretly shares similar creative desires to Purphoros, Bored of the predictable creatures of the land and the sky, in the deepest ocean, she wills immortal dreams and nightmares into being. Those creatures are birthed in absolute dark, never knowing the sun, some suffer swift extinctions at the god’s whim. She doesn’t’ welcome sapient mortals in her maddening ateliers, unwilling to reveal her work until the creations are absolutely perfect.
Thief’s Fate
A mortal sailor once stole her bident to sink an enemy fleet. Enraged of the thievery she turned his family into eels. He tried to care for the eels, but they blamed him for their fate and disappeared into the sea, leavening him weeping on the shore.
Every Tear the Sea
“Few myths tell of those who escaped Thassa’s wrath. This isn’t one of them. When the infamous explorer Rasiao failed to steal one of Thassa’s Tidelock Pearls, wave-controlling treasures protected by vicious mollusks, she spent years avoiding the waves before finding her way back to the mainland. Although she’d failed to abscond with one of Thassa’s treasures, she’d avoided the sea god’s wrath, a claim she valued more preciously than gold. For years, Rasiao lived far from ocean or river, making her home in the driest reaches of Theros. She lived a long life, but on one trip to Akros to resupply and brag, she drowned in a bowl of ox stew. Those who found Rasiao discovered a pearl, too large to pass her lips, lodged in her mouth. Fearing further reprisal, Rasiao’s daughters committed their mother’s body to the Deyda River and Thassa’s clutches. The explorer’s daughters never forgot that just as countless drops make the sea, so too is every raindrop, tear, and cup part of Thassa’s domain.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
There is also one for Reviving Melody under the Erebos myths.
Menelaia’s Song
"Long ago, a master lyrist named Menelaia mourned her lover, Pero. She entered the Winter Nexus, a cave on the edge of Setessa that leads to the Underworld, and played a love song to lure Pero’s soul back to the mortal world. When Erebos saw this, he became furious, and he extended his whip to draw both of the lovers back. But Menelaia was beloved of Nylea, and that god blocked Erebos’s whip with vines. The two lovers lived long lives together. Erebos had the last word, however, tormenting both of the lovers in the Underworld. To this day, this turn of events plagues Nylea, who seeks a way to bring the lovers peace." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
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.
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier from Heroes of the Plane Studios for this sick Signature.
This plane, book and mythos are just brilliantly remarkable. I just love Theros. Seriously that is one sweet myth, props to the authors for really delving deep into Greek-like stories to deliver such imaginative quality. If you encounter any myths like this from a certain blue female deity I admire (obsessed with), please don't hesitate to post them
Here are the ones I found under Thassa.
Callaphe the False
This is just the Bident story in its Theros version, in which it shattered, instead of being stolen.
Dreams in the Deep
Thassa secretly shares similar creative desires to Purphoros, Bored of the predictable creatures of the land and the sky, in the deepest ocean, she wills immortal dreams and nightmares into being. Those creatures are birthed in absolute dark, never knowing the sun, some suffer swift extinctions at the god’s whim. She doesn’t’ welcome sapient mortals in her maddening ateliers, unwilling to reveal her work until the creations are absolutely perfect.
Thief’s Fate
A mortal sailor once stole her bident to sink an enemy fleet. Enraged of the thievery she turned his family into eels. He tried to care for the eels, but they blamed him for their fate and disappeared into the sea, leavening him weeping on the shore.
Every Tear the Sea
“Few myths tell of those who escaped Thassa’s wrath. This isn’t one of them. When the infamous explorer Rasiao failed to steal one of Thassa’s Tidelock Pearls, wave-controlling treasures protected by vicious mollusks, she spent years avoiding the waves before finding her way back to the mainland. Although she’d failed to abscond with one of Thassa’s treasures, she’d avoided the sea god’s wrath, a claim she valued more preciously than gold. For years, Rasiao lived far from ocean or river, making her home in the driest reaches of Theros. She lived a long life, but on one trip to Akros to resupply and brag, she drowned in a bowl of ox stew. Those who found Rasiao discovered a pearl, too large to pass her lips, lodged in her mouth. Fearing further reprisal, Rasiao’s daughters committed their mother’s body to the Deyda River and Thassa’s clutches. The explorer’s daughters never forgot that just as countless drops make the sea, so too is every raindrop, tear, and cup part of Thassa’s domain.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
There is also one for Reviving Melody under the Erebos myths.
Menelaia’s Song
"Long ago, a master lyrist named Menelaia mourned her lover, Pero. She entered the Winter Nexus, a cave on the edge of Setessa that leads to the Underworld, and played a love song to lure Pero’s soul back to the mortal world. When Erebos saw this, he became furious, and he extended his whip to draw both of the lovers back. But Menelaia was beloved of Nylea, and that god blocked Erebos’s whip with vines. The two lovers lived long lives together. Erebos had the last word, however, tormenting both of the lovers in the Underworld. To this day, this turn of events plagues Nylea, who seeks a way to bring the lovers peace." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Very interesting! Thank you so much for sharing this. Do you mind posting a screen shot (or PMing it) of the False Callaphe story? I'm really interested in seeing the details of how Theros interpreted the Bident theft story.
The idea that they believed it shattered is very interesting. I like that. They don't understand that Kiora planeswalked away with it, and Thassa herself probably came to that conclusion as well. I figured they'd think Kiora took it to the Underworld, or was an agent of Phenax, or something else. But this definitely is a good way to resolve the plane-bound confusion regarding the Bident, and a neat Greek-myth style approach in which the myth isn't exactly correct, but is still rooted in fact.
So sea monsters truly are Thassa's children. I admire that she only releases her creations when they're perfect, as a Blue character this would be a priority. Would Serpent of Yawning Depths be an example of this, I wonder? Enchantment Sea Monsters seem right up the ally of a god creation.
Ha, I love the pearl story. Thassa is so petty. Kiora truly got lucky at the last moment. If she hadn't been a planeswalker and summoned krakens Thassa had never seen, piquing her curiosity as a blue character, I doubt Thassa would have pinned rather than decapitated her outright.
This plane, book and mythos are just brilliantly remarkable. I just love Theros. Seriously that is one sweet myth, props to the authors for really delving deep into Greek-like stories to deliver such imaginative quality. If you encounter any myths like this from a certain blue female deity I admire (obsessed with), please don't hesitate to post them
Here are the ones I found under Thassa.
Callaphe the False
This is just the Bident story in its Theros version, in which it shattered, instead of being stolen.
Dreams in the Deep
Thassa secretly shares similar creative desires to Purphoros, Bored of the predictable creatures of the land and the sky, in the deepest ocean, she wills immortal dreams and nightmares into being. Those creatures are birthed in absolute dark, never knowing the sun, some suffer swift extinctions at the god’s whim. She doesn’t’ welcome sapient mortals in her maddening ateliers, unwilling to reveal her work until the creations are absolutely perfect.
Thief’s Fate
A mortal sailor once stole her bident to sink an enemy fleet. Enraged of the thievery she turned his family into eels. He tried to care for the eels, but they blamed him for their fate and disappeared into the sea, leavening him weeping on the shore.
Every Tear the Sea
“Few myths tell of those who escaped Thassa’s wrath. This isn’t one of them. When the infamous explorer Rasiao failed to steal one of Thassa’s Tidelock Pearls, wave-controlling treasures protected by vicious mollusks, she spent years avoiding the waves before finding her way back to the mainland. Although she’d failed to abscond with one of Thassa’s treasures, she’d avoided the sea god’s wrath, a claim she valued more preciously than gold. For years, Rasiao lived far from ocean or river, making her home in the driest reaches of Theros. She lived a long life, but on one trip to Akros to resupply and brag, she drowned in a bowl of ox stew. Those who found Rasiao discovered a pearl, too large to pass her lips, lodged in her mouth. Fearing further reprisal, Rasiao’s daughters committed their mother’s body to the Deyda River and Thassa’s clutches. The explorer’s daughters never forgot that just as countless drops make the sea, so too is every raindrop, tear, and cup part of Thassa’s domain.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
There is also one for Reviving Melody under the Erebos myths.
Menelaia’s Song
"Long ago, a master lyrist named Menelaia mourned her lover, Pero. She entered the Winter Nexus, a cave on the edge of Setessa that leads to the Underworld, and played a love song to lure Pero’s soul back to the mortal world. When Erebos saw this, he became furious, and he extended his whip to draw both of the lovers back. But Menelaia was beloved of Nylea, and that god blocked Erebos’s whip with vines. The two lovers lived long lives together. Erebos had the last word, however, tormenting both of the lovers in the Underworld. To this day, this turn of events plagues Nylea, who seeks a way to bring the lovers peace." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Very interesting! Thank you so much for sharing this. Do you mind posting a screen shot (or PMing it) of the False Callaphe story? I'm really interested in seeing the details of how Theros interpreted the Bident theft story.
The idea that they believed it shattered is very interesting. I like that. They don't understand that Kiora planeswalked away with it, and Thassa herself probably came to that conclusion as well. I figured they'd think Kiora took it to the Underworld, or was an agent of Phenax, or something else. But this definitely is a good way to resolve the plane-bound confusion regarding the Bident, and a neat Greek-myth style approach in which the myth isn't exactly correct, but is still rooted in fact.
So sea monsters truly are Thassa's children. I admire that she only releases her creations when they're perfect, as a Blue character this would be a priority. Would Serpent of Yawning Depths be an example of this, I wonder? Enchantment Sea Monsters seem right up the ally of a god creation.
Ha, I love the pearl story. Thassa is so petty. Kiora truly got lucky at the last moment. If she hadn't been a planeswalker and summoned krakens Thassa had never seen, piquing her curiosity as a blue character, I doubt Thassa would have pinned rather than decapitated her outright.
Your welcome Just send you a pm regarding Thassa.
It defiantly looks strange and big enough to be one of those creations.
Just finished Keranos, here are a few interesting things about him.
The skull on his belt is a dragon’s skull
Of all the gods he gets along the best with Thassa. He enjoys her love of ancient lore, introspection, and compley patterns. They sometimes talk for days, debating the flaws of ancient sophistries and discussing the meaning of the stars
Another relationship he has is with Purphoros, for the combination of his inspiration with Purphoros passion brought for Epiphany, Keranos’s mighty javelin.
"Once, an arrogant oracle boasted of her infallible insight, which flowed from Keranos himself. Bemused, the storm lord arranged for the oracle to meet a particularly cunning sphinx and engage in an epic battle of wits. The objective set forth by Keranos was to solve the Riddle of Lightning, an enigma devised by Keranos himself. After days of deliberation, the oracle realized the answer, only to be struck down by a bolt from the heavens. Among the faithful nowadays, the term “Riddle of Lightning” is used to denote a question that one is better off not knowing the answer to." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Anything else on newish stuff that been added for Beyond Death? With no art book, novel or planeswalker guide I just realized this the only source for anything they added in since last time.
I have almost finished the god section, so far nothing really new, except that even Kruphix doesn't know how the return of Klothys will affect the pantheon. Over the weekend I try to look at the different sections, if there is anything new.
This plane, book and mythos are just brilliantly remarkable. I just love Theros. Seriously that is one sweet myth, props to the authors for really delving deep into Greek-like stories to deliver such imaginative quality. If you encounter any myths like this from a certain blue female deity I admire (obsessed with), please don't hesitate to post them
Here are the ones I found under Thassa.
Callaphe the False
This is just the Bident story in its Theros version, in which it shattered, instead of being stolen.
Dreams in the Deep
Thassa secretly shares similar creative desires to Purphoros, Bored of the predictable creatures of the land and the sky, in the deepest ocean, she wills immortal dreams and nightmares into being. Those creatures are birthed in absolute dark, never knowing the sun, some suffer swift extinctions at the god’s whim. She doesn’t’ welcome sapient mortals in her maddening ateliers, unwilling to reveal her work until the creations are absolutely perfect.
Thief’s Fate
A mortal sailor once stole her bident to sink an enemy fleet. Enraged of the thievery she turned his family into eels. He tried to care for the eels, but they blamed him for their fate and disappeared into the sea, leavening him weeping on the shore.
Every Tear the Sea
“Few myths tell of those who escaped Thassa’s wrath. This isn’t one of them. When the infamous explorer Rasiao failed to steal one of Thassa’s Tidelock Pearls, wave-controlling treasures protected by vicious mollusks, she spent years avoiding the waves before finding her way back to the mainland. Although she’d failed to abscond with one of Thassa’s treasures, she’d avoided the sea god’s wrath, a claim she valued more preciously than gold. For years, Rasiao lived far from ocean or river, making her home in the driest reaches of Theros. She lived a long life, but on one trip to Akros to resupply and brag, she drowned in a bowl of ox stew. Those who found Rasiao discovered a pearl, too large to pass her lips, lodged in her mouth. Fearing further reprisal, Rasiao’s daughters committed their mother’s body to the Deyda River and Thassa’s clutches. The explorer’s daughters never forgot that just as countless drops make the sea, so too is every raindrop, tear, and cup part of Thassa’s domain.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
There is also one for Reviving Melody under the Erebos myths.
Menelaia’s Song
"Long ago, a master lyrist named Menelaia mourned her lover, Pero. She entered the Winter Nexus, a cave on the edge of Setessa that leads to the Underworld, and played a love song to lure Pero’s soul back to the mortal world. When Erebos saw this, he became furious, and he extended his whip to draw both of the lovers back. But Menelaia was beloved of Nylea, and that god blocked Erebos’s whip with vines. The two lovers lived long lives together. Erebos had the last word, however, tormenting both of the lovers in the Underworld. To this day, this turn of events plagues Nylea, who seeks a way to bring the lovers peace." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Very interesting! Thank you so much for sharing this. Do you mind posting a screen shot (or PMing it) of the False Callaphe story? I'm really interested in seeing the details of how Theros interpreted the Bident theft story.
The idea that they believed it shattered is very interesting. I like that. They don't understand that Kiora planeswalked away with it, and Thassa herself probably came to that conclusion as well. I figured they'd think Kiora took it to the Underworld, or was an agent of Phenax, or something else. But this definitely is a good way to resolve the plane-bound confusion regarding the Bident, and a neat Greek-myth style approach in which the myth isn't exactly correct, but is still rooted in fact.
So sea monsters truly are Thassa's children. I admire that she only releases her creations when they're perfect, as a Blue character this would be a priority. Would Serpent of Yawning Depths be an example of this, I wonder? Enchantment Sea Monsters seem right up the ally of a god creation.
Ha, I love the pearl story. Thassa is so petty. Kiora truly got lucky at the last moment. If she hadn't been a planeswalker and summoned krakens Thassa had never seen, piquing her curiosity as a blue character, I doubt Thassa would have pinned rather than decapitated her outright.
Your welcome Just send you a pm regarding Thassa.
It defiantly looks strange and big enough to be one of those creations.
Just finished Keranos, here are a few interesting things about him.
The skull on his belt is a dragon’s skull
Of all the gods he gets along the best with Thassa. He enjoys her love of ancient lore, introspection, and compley patterns. They sometimes talk for days, debating the flaws of ancient sophistries and discussing the meaning of the stars
Another relationship he has is with Purphoros, for the combination of his inspiration with Purphoros passion brought for Epiphany, Keranos’s mighty javelin.
"Once, an arrogant oracle boasted of her infallible insight, which flowed from Keranos himself. Bemused, the storm lord arranged for the oracle to meet a particularly cunning sphinx and engage in an epic battle of wits. The objective set forth by Keranos was to solve the Riddle of Lightning, an enigma devised by Keranos himself. After days of deliberation, the oracle realized the answer, only to be struck down by a bolt from the heavens. Among the faithful nowadays, the term “Riddle of Lightning” is used to denote a question that one is better off not knowing the answer to." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Anything else on newish stuff that been added for Beyond Death? With no art book, novel or planeswalker guide I just realized this the only source for anything they added in since last time.
I have almost finished the god section, so far nothing really new, except that even Kruphix doesn't know how the return of Klothys will affect the pantheon. Over the weekend I try to look at the different sections, if there is anything new.
Damn Keranos is petty too! Made me chuckle.
Upon reading the myths in more detail it is so clever how Thassa played off the Bident theft as her striking down Kiora so viciously that she intentionally shattered it. No wonder she retained devotion.
Ajanis agenda might take a “few” more years to really been seen.
“It’s the collective unconscious of every sapient being on Theros that shapes reality, and changes to that reality occur on the scale of ages, not moments.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
I can’t remember if Ilysia was an established thing the first time we went to Theros. Here it is mentioned as the fairest realm of the Underworld, over which Erebos has no influence.
We get a distinction between fate and destiny.
Fate
The course of each mortal life is predetermined
Woven in a tapestry be the Fates, a semidivine trio
Gods aren’t bound be fate
Most mortal just plod along their predetermined path from beginning to end
Heroes are those that defy the predetermined course of fate
They take fate into their own hands, striking down (supposedly) invincible foes and resisting the will of the gods
Destiny
Is spun by Klothys hair and doesn’t predetermine future
It establishes the order of things, the hierarchy of being, the relationship between gods and mortals the instincts and impulses that govern mortal behavior, and other aspects of the way things are
Gods and mortals are both constrained by it
Mortals can do little to alter them, but more than once the gods have tangled them
History and Myth
History is a bit feeble on Theros, an event that happened ten years ago, happened “many years ago”, the founding of Meletis happened “many, many years ago”. History transforms into myths, and because of the gods being so deeply involved in mortal affairs, it is often impossible to distinguish between myths and history.
Heliods view on Kruphix
“Heliod is also plagued by a nagging suspicion that the true ruler of the pantheon is Kruphix, a mysterious being who is capable of sealing the borders between the mortal world and the divine realm of Nyx. Kruphix is perhaps the only being who can impose limits on the other gods’ actions, which makes Heliod resent and fear the god of horizons.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Both Heliod and Erebos have a different myth on how each other came into being
Birth of Erebos.
“Some myths claim that Heliod was the first of the gods, though most people believe that distinction belongs to Kruphix. These myths also say that when the light of Heliod’s own sun fell on him, Heliod saw his shadow and feared it. He banished the shadow to the land beyond the Rivers That Ring the World, and it became Erebos, god of the dead and ruler of the Underworld.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
A Shadowed World.
“Heliod’s followers maintain that their god gave rise to Erebos by casting a shadow in the sun’s first light. Followers of Erebos say that this tale is self-refuting. Before there ever was a sun, the entire world stood in shadow, and the shadow was Erebos—elder to Heliod. Only with the first dawning was Erebos’s form diminished enough that Heliod could overpower him, and the god of the dead has never forgiven his upstart brother. The faithful of both Erebos and Heliod viciously argue the details of their gods’ origins, some risking their lives in battle over which of their gods came into being first.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
A herder boasted that his cattle were the best in Theros, because Heliod and Nylea created them, the gods grew angry. Heliod persuaded Mogis to curse the herder’s cattle, creating the first Catoblepas.
"According to one tale, it was Kruphix, not Purphoros, who was the first to fashion living Nyxborn creatures from the fabric of Nyx. Kruphix created the divine artisan Nykthos and ordered him to build altars to the gods. Nykthos’s story isn’t widely known among mortals, but the Shrine to Nyx is still called Nykthos in his honor." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
"Dalakos considered himself a triton like any other—curious, quick-minded, maybe even blessed with exceptional cleverness by the gods. But he was unfocused and easily distracted, his potential scattered like seeds on stone. It wasn’t until a kraken rose from the ocean’s deepest depths and began a rampage that threatened Dalakos’s community that he was forced to focus. As the beast drew closer, Dalakos sought ways to turn the monstrosity from its path. He worked day and night, but ultimately his plans failed. All that Dalakos knew was destroyed, obliterated by the might of the kraken.
Yet the kraken carried on, moving toward a coastal human settlement. Amid the ruins of his home, Dalakos had a revelation. Working desperately, the triton crafted a miraculous device, one that ultimately laid low the kraken and saved the town. Today, Dalakos resides inside the kraken’s shell, where he works day and night, his heart broken, but his mind forever focused on bringing his gifts to life." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Ajanis agenda might take a “few” more years to really been seen.
“It’s the collective unconscious of every sapient being on Theros that shapes reality, and changes to that reality occur on the scale of ages, not moments.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
I can’t remember if Ilysia was an established thing the first time we went to Theros. Here it is mentioned as the fairest realm of the Underworld, over which Erebos has no influence.
We get a distinction between fate and destiny.
Fate
The course of each mortal life is predetermined
Woven in a tapestry be the Fates, a semidivine trio
Gods aren’t bound be fate
Most mortal just plod along their predetermined path from beginning to end
Heroes are those that defy the predetermined course of fate
They take fate into their own hands, striking down (supposedly) invincible foes and resisting the will of the gods
Destiny
Is spun by Klothys hair and doesn’t predetermine future
It establishes the order of things, the hierarchy of being, the relationship between gods and mortals the instincts and impulses that govern mortal behavior, and other aspects of the way things are
Gods and mortals are both constrained by it
Mortals can do little to alter them, but more than once the gods have tangled them
History and Myth
History is a bit feeble on Theros, an event that happened ten years ago, happened “many years ago”, the founding of Meletis happened “many, many years ago”. History transforms into myths, and because of the gods being so deeply involved in mortal affairs, it is often impossible to distinguish between myths and history.
Heliods view on Kruphix
“Heliod is also plagued by a nagging suspicion that the true ruler of the pantheon is Kruphix, a mysterious being who is capable of sealing the borders between the mortal world and the divine realm of Nyx. Kruphix is perhaps the only being who can impose limits on the other gods’ actions, which makes Heliod resent and fear the god of horizons.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Both Heliod and Erebos have a different myth on how each other came into being
Birth of Erebos.
“Some myths claim that Heliod was the first of the gods, though most people believe that distinction belongs to Kruphix. These myths also say that when the light of Heliod’s own sun fell on him, Heliod saw his shadow and feared it. He banished the shadow to the land beyond the Rivers That Ring the World, and it became Erebos, god of the dead and ruler of the Underworld.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
A Shadowed World.
“Heliod’s followers maintain that their god gave rise to Erebos by casting a shadow in the sun’s first light. Followers of Erebos say that this tale is self-refuting. Before there ever was a sun, the entire world stood in shadow, and the shadow was Erebos—elder to Heliod. Only with the first dawning was Erebos’s form diminished enough that Heliod could overpower him, and the god of the dead has never forgiven his upstart brother. The faithful of both Erebos and Heliod viciously argue the details of their gods’ origins, some risking their lives in battle over which of their gods came into being first.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
A herder boasted that his cattle were the best in Theros, because Heliod and Nylea created them, the gods grew angry. Heliod persuaded Mogis to curse the herder’s cattle, creating the first Catoblepas.
"According to one tale, it was Kruphix, not Purphoros, who was the first to fashion living Nyxborn creatures from the fabric of Nyx. Kruphix created the divine artisan Nykthos and ordered him to build altars to the gods. Nykthos’s story isn’t widely known among mortals, but the Shrine to Nyx is still called Nykthos in his honor." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
"Dalakos considered himself a triton like any other—curious, quick-minded, maybe even blessed with exceptional cleverness by the gods. But he was unfocused and easily distracted, his potential scattered like seeds on stone. It wasn’t until a kraken rose from the ocean’s deepest depths and began a rampage that threatened Dalakos’s community that he was forced to focus. As the beast drew closer, Dalakos sought ways to turn the monstrosity from its path. He worked day and night, but ultimately his plans failed. All that Dalakos knew was destroyed, obliterated by the might of the kraken.
Yet the kraken carried on, moving toward a coastal human settlement. Amid the ruins of his home, Dalakos had a revelation. Working desperately, the triton crafted a miraculous device, one that ultimately laid low the kraken and saved the town. Today, Dalakos resides inside the kraken’s shell, where he works day and night, his heart broken, but his mind forever focused on bringing his gifts to life." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
A lot of this was talked on the vorthos cast when they had James Wyatt but still nice to have it all played out thank you.
To note I believe anything on the underworld and the more intelligent minotaurs is new info for Beyond Death.
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The minotaurs are caught between two worlds, some follow Mogis, who has shown them a trail of slaughters that is all they have ever known. On the other hand there are those who have emerged from this bloody path and found a world that welcomes those who pursue their own destiny and heroic callings.
They aren’t inherently evil and are free to worship any god, but many are raised among those devoted to Mogis. It is said that Mogis created to first minotaurus by transforming his own followers, typically villainous people like criminals. Many still honour their villainous progenitors, while others moved behind that, seeking their fate in the future, rather than the past.
Akros and other reaches near Phoberos know that there are those among the minotaurs that have forsaken Mogis depravities. Regions like Meletis, Setessa, and lands beyond are generally open minded and curious about minotaurs that wander into their lands. In the Callapheia there are multiple heroic minotaurs. Because of that a minotaurs traveling in the company of other non-minotaurs is likely to be accept in any polis.
Minotaurs aren’t generally quick to anger, they are passionate, loving their friends and partners fiercely. They laugh loud and long at a good joke and their zeal extends to their faith. Those that escaped the service of Mogis tend to serve gods such as Erebos, Keranos, and Purphoros, gods that share their bold nature, some even embrace Iroas.
Under the section for the satyrs there is even something regarding their view on Xenagos
“The satyr Xenagos savored his reputation for presiding over the most raucous revels his people had ever known. However, when fate led him to discover the nature of the gods and how they were beholden to mortals for their very existence, the whole order of the world felt like a joke—one at his expense. With immortal power no longer feeling so out of reach, Xenagos set into motion a plan that would propel him to godhood. His victory shook the pantheon, but his victory was short-lived. Heliod dispatched his champion, Elspeth, who faced many trials but ultimately killed the god-satyr by driving the spear, Godsend, through his heart. Many satyrs remember Xenagos as a satyr who lived life to the fullest and who played tricks that stirred up even the gods. Yet, he’s also an example of how bitterness can turn a great trick nasty and how schemes that get out of hand aren’t fun for anybody. What satyr wants the responsibility of being a god anyway?” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Not literally beneath the ground, it is distinct from the mortal world, the only ways to reach it are magical means, hidden pathways, or by death. Every sapient soul awakes at the banks of the Tartyx, where they meet Athreos and pay him a few to be carried over.
The Tartyx River reaches each ward, Phylas is defined as the entry to the underworld, while Tizerus is the farthest from the entrance, with the other wards holding their own place in between. Each of those wards is infinite in scale, with the space between noteworthy locations endlessly expanding and contracting.
The most noteworthy regions are the following:
The Tartyx River
The boundary between mortal realm and the Underworld
Formed from the confluence of five tributaries, each originating in one of the Underworld’s five wards
It is impossible to see from one shore to the other
Countless drifting island dot it
Some of those have leafless trees, ruins or are the domain of powerful demons and other strange entities
None of those islands are hospitable to either the living or the dead
The waters of the river hold their own threat of mysterious creatures and the power the wash away memories and all sense of identity
Agonas
Last home for warriors and soldiers who battled in life without honour
Also to cowards, mercenaries and others who lived by the sword
Upon arrival the souls are met by oreads, the souls of other dead champions and cyclopes
It’s filled with canyons littered with great stadiums and platforms that rise from the arid landscape
At its heart thrums the Stadium of Dishonour were fierce soldiers test their blades against one another and against vicious monsters
Phylias
Here the uninspired and those that didn’t strive for greatness in life reside
Upon arrival they are met by no one, simply left to wander away
They perform repetitive tasks in close quarters in a mockery of a living community
Artless architecture of plain, grey stone fills the ward
They are titanic, blocky masses of hodgepodge construction erected seemingly without plan
Ilysia
Here the souls of heroic mortals and those that died unjustly find eternal rest and comfort
Upon arrival they are welcomed by dryads, majestic chimeras, or the souls of legendary heroes
It is filled with majestic temple-palaces and lush forests with colourful vegetation
At the wards heart towers the Citadel of Destiny, where heroic souls gather to honour the gods, trade tales of glory and feast together
Nerono
Final home to those that are haunted by their memories and of mariners who were lost at sea
Upon arrival they are welcomed by sirens, naiads, or sphinxes
It’s filled with vast oceans, dotted by lonely island and crisscrossed by aimless ships
Titanic ruins and great, algae-slick chains rise out of the sea, as well as the weathered hulls of legendary shipwrecks
It’s normally placid, but mighty storms often arise from nowhere
Somewhere within this ward hides the Labyrinth of Memories a maze of waterways that twists into an inescapable path for eternity
Tizerus
Final punishment for murderers and those who committed unforgivable offenses against the gods themselves.
Upon arrival they are quickly dragged away in a whirlwind of pain and terror, as demons, harpies, and nightmares compete for the chance to haul the doomed away to their own personal punishments
It’s a gloomy miserable expanse filled with ruins of titanic architecture, which looms over a wasteland of black rock
At the center looms Erebos palace, deep beneath it lies the portal called Lathos, which leads back to the world of the living
Beyond the palace lies the Mire of Punishment
Souls trapped there suffer eternal torment at the claws of demons and other monstrous creatures
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Also to note each realm aligned with a color of mana;
W-Phylias
U-Nerono
B-Tizerus
R-Agonas
G-Ilysia
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“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"
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Nerono sounds so cool. I wish we had seen more of it in Theros Beyond Death. Sure we got glimpses here and there, but I see a lot of potential. Titanic ruins, sudden storms and the hulls of legendary shipwrecks? Count me absolutely in. I wonder how such ships got there in the first place? Man I wish we had these locations as Legendary Lands, like the Kamigawa cycle. Nerono as the Minamo equivalent for Theros. They should be Legendary Enchantment Lands.
Ugh. Come on. Why can't we get a Commander product that actually does something cool like this? Instead of the same obligatory boring cards?
Nerono sounds so cool. I wish we had seen more of it in Theros Beyond Death. Sure we got glimpses here and there, but I see a lot of potential. Titanic ruins, sudden storms and the hulls of legendary shipwrecks? Count me absolutely in. I wonder how such ships got there in the first place? Man I wish we had these locations as Legendary Lands, like the Kamigawa cycle. Nerono as the Minamo equivalent for Theros. They should be Legendary Enchantment Lands.
Ugh. Come on. Why can't we get a Commander product that actually does something cool like this? Instead of the same obligatory boring cards?
Your right, it would be nice to get a few more lands with defined locations, it’s nice that we get the temples each time, but there is so much more. Regarding the typing, I think after the artifact lands, they wouldn’t put another type on lands
Also forgot yesterday, there was something about Nyx under the realms section. It mentions three distinct regions here, with many more possible existing, as it is impossible to map.
Mount Hiastos
A drifting mountain that rises as a sharp relief against the starry sky of Nyx
On top of it resides a golden orb (it is speculated, that it is the source of Nyx’s vibrant colors and light, without it, the plane would be plunged into eternal darkness)
Several gods make their home here
Heliod has a sprawling palace of gold and marble with a rooftop throne
Purphoros maintains a forge beneath mountain, where he crafts philosophies, energies, and creations that would be impossible to manifest in the mortal world
Keranos lives near the summit, where he sends lightning bolts of inspiration to manipulate forces throughout dreams and the cosmos
Nylea is known to visit from time to time, maintaining a sanctuary there within an ancient, knotted wood
Mystic Sea
A body of mist and water filled with endless secrets, both literal secrets that manifest from mortal minds and unimagined concepts not yet fully formed
Thassa’s palace floats underwater, suspended in giant bubbles
At the edge of her palace lies a city of divine copper and marble, home to Ephara
Tovian Fields
Nyxborn legends fight and endless, glorious battle
It is an expanse of energies, the clash of opposing philosophies manifesting as throngs of legendary combatants
In the midst of it rise the palatial war-tents of Mogis and Iroas, leading the endless battle
Kruphix claims the borders as his territory
He doesn’t maintain a central residence, his influence binds the conflict, encompassing all perspectives and preventing the battle from spilling forth into the rest of Nyx
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Sorry for all the double posts, but otherwise they would be to big.
An update regarding the minotaurs, from the region section of the guide.
Minotaurs of Phoberos
Most of the minotaurs the live in the badlands of Phoberos are outcasts from Skophos. Bandits and marauders, filled with the wild rage of Mogis, which makes them bloodthirsty killers. They are more akin to monsters, then they are to civilized people. They use only use the barest minimum of technology and scavenge what they can from their fallen foes. Travelling alone or in bands, under the leadership of the strongest, they tend to kill any human they encounter.
Bloodhorn Minotaurs
Named for their blood-caked horns
They take pride in their overlarge, razor-sharp horns
Gleeful in their brutality, they slaughter and devour any intruder they encounter
They particularly value the bone marrow of young humans
Felhide Minotaurs
Descendent from the warlord Thyrogog of the Ashlands
The Theriad recounts his defeat and the loos of his great axe, Goremaster (best equipment name ever)
Viewing his defeat as a divine sign, they retreated into the Ashlands
Burial rites among them involve devouring those who fell in battle, to remove their shame from memory and fuel the survivors’ revenge
Should another scavenger reach the corpse before them, they mobilize and track down as much of their dead comrade’s body as they can
Ragegore Minotaurs
Most feroucios of their kind, deeply infected by the bloodlust of Mogis
The never withdraw from a battle, entering a frenzy of furious delight
While in this state, they feel no pain and barely notice wounds that would kill a human
They have been known to fall dead at the end of a battle, their life only sustained by fury
City of Skophos
When soldiers of Akros encounter minotaurs in order squads, clad in armor and wielding bronze weapon, they tend to speak of the “Bronzebone band”, as if they were just one more wild faction. In reality those minotaurs are from the city of Skophos, the minotaur polis. A literal maze filled with narrow buildings that rise from its walls, serving as homes, shops and defensible fortresses. Towering over the labyrinth are stone outcroppings, including temples to Mogis, Erebos, Keranos, and Purphoros. The fortress-palaces of tyrants, the lairs of monstrous oracles, and cavernous indoor markets also stand as destinations at the end of confounding avenues.
The city is ruled by priests and warlord champions of Mogis, with individuals serving as tyrants over city districts. The rulers rarely meet in council, even when they do, they rarely find common ground. Only the priests of Mogis can force them to put aside their quarrels and work towards a single goal.
Lesser Peristyle
They acknowledge the entire pantheon of gods, though they are far inland, they have little cause honouring Thassa, and many view Iroas as an enemy of their people. Karametra is worship in a more ancient aspect, who demands blood to ensure the fertility of the earth*. In the shadow of Mogis temple, most gods are honoured with some kind of violence.
There is an odd temple known as the Lesser Peristyle, dedicated to Ephara, a place where minotaurs debate philosophy and strive to rein in the excesses of the tyrants who govern the city. (I can’t help but imagine a bunch of Pensive Minotaur sitting in a circle). The few priests of Ephara argue that the existence of Skophos is a testimony to the benefits of an ordered society, as Ephara teaches, as they try to justify their presence. They pursue a vision of a better way of living, aspiring to nobler things as sensless slaughter, and a better government, then that of the iron-fisted tyranny. Under the leadership of the temple’s priests—Haraksi, an ingenious smith and mother of eight, and Olakia the Torn, an oracle who experiences visions from both Mogis and Ephara—a school of minotaur philosophers aspires to a vision of Skophos that can coexist in some measure of peace with the wider world.
*Regarding that, there is also something similar under the Karametra myth section The Old Harvest.
"In rare, remote settlements, high summer ceremonies acknowledge ancient rural practices devoted to a less merciful vision of Karametra. These communities offer abundant sacrifices to the god, but also guard their ancient rituals from outsiders, as Karametra’s organized clergy harshly forbids discussion of abandoned religious practices. However, occasionally, a centuries-old depiction of the goddess breaks, revealing an ancient icon inside, typically a primitive mud idol of a woman bearing a sheaf of grain in one hand and a skull in the other." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
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Interesting regarding Karametra. They’re embracing some deep Greek myth cuts with this concept. I like the locations of Nyx as well. Not sure about this golden orb artifact though. I feel like surely a night sky can’t possibly depend on an artifact to have stars. If it does exist though, it would be amazing to get as a card. It would be odd though, what if such a thing were stolen? Then again Thassa’s spear was replaced so maybe nothing major.
Makes you wonder why gods bother with the mortal realm when there are so many other cool realms for them to visit
This whole thing really highlights how great MtG is at worldbuilding, while the novels repeatedly show that they're mediocre at telling a story at best.
It's a shame we don't see a lot of the world nowadays while the story (and marketing) dictate most of the game's narrative and creative display.
This whole thing really highlights how great MtG is at worldbuilding, while the novels repeatedly show that they're mediocre at telling a story at best.
It's a shame we don't see a lot of the world nowadays while the story (and marketing) dictate most of the game's narrative and creative display.
Except the Kamigawa
Novels. Those are absolutely amazing. And actually I felt some of the short stories did an exceptional job. I really liked Ixalan as a plane after reading that series.
What bothers me is how the cards themselves don’t depict enough of the world and these creative elements. We don’t have a single glimpse or mention of Neolantin, Olantin, the city of Arixmethes, and instead of getting cool legendary lands for the underworld locations or views of locations in Nyx and all that, we just got reprints of the temple cycle. Come on.
I wish commander wouldn’t do more to show us the rich characters and locations of the plane. The map alone has so many intriguing locations I’d love to glimpse and have cards for. Let alone characters.
Anything else on newish stuff that been added for Beyond Death? With no art book, novel or planeswalker guide I just realized this the only source for anything they added in since last time.
I think there are a few things, I sadly don't have much time this week, I will try and get to it on the weekend. I'am still hoping for that book to come out one day
There is a bit of lore for the woe strider under the Klothys section.
"Walkers of Woe. The nightmarish creatures known as woe striders are said to be products of Klothys’s punishment. These beings descend from an age when some mortals learned to unshackle themselves from the strands of destiny. To what end is a question lost to time, but Klothys put a quick end to these blasphemers and eradicated nearly all knowledge of their methods. Ever since, the shades of these accursed mortals have walked the Underworld as woe striders, monstrosities endlessly seeking strands of destiny that they might use to replace their own discarded lots." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
And some more under the monster section
"Woe striders form from the souls of those who’ve broken the bonds of destiny. Over centuries, these cosmic blasphemers transform into hunched, long-limbed horrors. Sadistic things, woe striders seek ways to reweave themselves into the tapestry of destiny. This leads them to search for answers within the bowels of other beings, performing murderous haruspicy in pursuit of their discarded cosmic purpose. When they fail to find answers, their unnatural cries cause reality to shudder, undermining magic and sane minds alike." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Something else I found was the art for Perisophia, described as a member if the ruling council (the Twelve) of Meletis and some other new art.
Edit: Found something new on Tymaret, if I'am not mistaken.
When Phenax escaped the only one to witness it was an unremarkable soul called Tymaret. He shared what he saw with Erebos and received a cursed blessing from him. He restored him as a returned with the task of slaying Phenax. The tasked proved to be difficult, because Phenax was masked, because of that Tymaret slaughtered every mortal he encountered, confident that one of them would be Phenax. When Phenax became a god he evaded Tymaret, leaving him and his legion of Returend to endlessly, fruitlessly kill in Erebos name.
With this in mind, it makes sense why Erebos choose Tymaret as his champion during THB.
I also corrected the part with Phenax on my previous post.
He sacrificed his identity to the memory draining waters and was able to cross the rivers that ring the world wrapped in a shred of Athero’s cloak (not actually hiding in the cloak). Since he had no identity, Athreos couldn’t detect him and Erebos couldn’t use his lash to pull him back.
So we finally put a face to Agnomakhos. I almost thought they forgot about him.
I missed some of the stuff you posted for Phenax! This really makes me wanna know more about him now and how he ascended to godhood (if he really was mortal to start). Tymaret back story is nice, I like the "retcon" since it works for what he saw of him into the first set and explains why he was picked to be a demigod.
The Karmeta blood goddess aspect is also super cool and i could see a version of her like that and still fully in her colors.
A friend was talking to be about some stuff (he more into DnD) but there also seems to be someone flavorful stuff they added in just cause its a DnD book since he was telling of way you can destroy the gods weapons.
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“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
I missed some of the stuff you posted for Phenax! This really makes me wanna know more about him now and how he ascended to godhood (if he really was mortal to start). Tymaret back story is nice, I like the "retcon" since it works for what he saw of him into the first set and explains why he was picked to be a demigod.
The Karmeta blood goddess aspect is also super cool and i could see a version of her like that and still fully in her colors.
A friend was talking to be about some stuff (he more into DnD) but there also seems to be someone flavorful stuff they added in just cause its a DnD book since he was telling of way you can destroy the gods weapons.
The Gods' weapons are Artifacts in DnD (which isn't the same as an artifact in MTG, they're just items of extreme power/rarity, not necessarily mechanical devices), which generally/sometimes/always? have very specific methods of destruction unique to the item in question.
Khrusor, for instance, can only be destroyed by taking it to the underworld and using it to kill a champion of Heliod (plus I think a few other steps I can't recall atm).
EDIT: After double checking, Khrusor can only be destroyed by taking it to Erebos' palace in the underworld and using it to sacrifice a champion of Heliod in Erebos' name. This either destroys Khrusor, or twists it to Erebos' service.
I missed some of the stuff you posted for Phenax! This really makes me wanna know more about him now and how he ascended to godhood (if he really was mortal to start). Tymaret back story is nice, I like the "retcon" since it works for what he saw of him into the first set and explains why he was picked to be a demigod.
The Karmeta blood goddess aspect is also super cool and i could see a version of her like that and still fully in her colors.
A friend was talking to be about some stuff (he more into DnD) but there also seems to be someone flavorful stuff they added in just cause its a DnD book since he was telling of way you can destroy the gods weapons.
The Gods' weapons are Artifacts in DnD (which isn't the same as an artifact in MTG, they're just items of extreme power/rarity, not necessarily mechanical devices), which generally/sometimes/always? have very specific methods of destruction unique to the item in question.
Khrusor, for instance, can only be destroyed by taking it to the underworld and using it to kill a champion of Heliod (plus I think a few other steps I can't recall atm).
EDIT: After double checking, Khrusor can only be destroyed by taking it to Erebos' palace in the underworld and using it to sacrifice a champion of Heliod in Erebos' name. This either destroys Khrusor, or twists it to Erebos' service.
Yeah thats what I mean lol I don't see that happening in the magic lore proper but is a perfect set up for a DnD adventure (and does have the GM in me brewing up an idea) and is needed for the rules.
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Also what's up with all that art of ships; leonin and minotaurs fighting together with humans? Are those historic scenes or did something change on Theors after the events of Xenagos' rise and fall?
I think it is meant more as a representation of a adventure group for the players. The text under the one with the group in red reads "Drawn together by fate, three heroes—centaur, leonin, and human—pit themselves against sirens in the Dakra Isles". I could be wrong, so far I only got to a few gods and mostly skimmed through the rest.
Something interesting from the Athreos myths (it’s mostly just a myth, but a cool and cruel one)
The Athrean Obols
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This plane, book and mythos are just brilliantly remarkable. I just love Theros. Seriously that is one sweet myth, props to the authors for really delving deep into Greek-like stories to deliver such imaginative quality. If you encounter any myths like this from a certain blue female deity I admire (obsessed with), please don't hesitate to post them
Damn it I want a return to Theros immediately. And an Art Book. Honestly just make this game Theros the Gathering.
Wouldn't it be wild if there never were five coins, and Athreos is trapped in an eternal fool's errand, enslaved to this role forever?
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
They did something similar with Ravnica and letting different guilds working with each other in way I wouldn't say are fully inline with lore. I don't take it as canon for magic but just creative wiggle room for people to make an adventuring party on the world. Not sure if DnD does it but Pathfinder is kinda similar where they have the default setting (such as half-elves can only be human/elf hybrids) but leave people to change stuff around for their adventures needs (i.e. GM can have half-elves be elf/dwarf too).
Honesty the more we get the world of Theros seems perfect for a ttrpg, has a lot of hooks for adventures and due to the nature of the planes all these myths we are seeing can be true in a number of ways/levels.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
Here are the ones I found under Thassa.
Callaphe the False
This is just the Bident story in its Theros version, in which it shattered, instead of being stolen.
Dreams in the Deep
Thassa secretly shares similar creative desires to Purphoros, Bored of the predictable creatures of the land and the sky, in the deepest ocean, she wills immortal dreams and nightmares into being. Those creatures are birthed in absolute dark, never knowing the sun, some suffer swift extinctions at the god’s whim. She doesn’t’ welcome sapient mortals in her maddening ateliers, unwilling to reveal her work until the creations are absolutely perfect.
Thief’s Fate
A mortal sailor once stole her bident to sink an enemy fleet. Enraged of the thievery she turned his family into eels. He tried to care for the eels, but they blamed him for their fate and disappeared into the sea, leavening him weeping on the shore.
Every Tear the Sea
There is also one for Reviving Melody under the Erebos myths.
Menelaia’s Song
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier from Heroes of the Plane Studios for this sick Signature.
The idea that they believed it shattered is very interesting. I like that. They don't understand that Kiora planeswalked away with it, and Thassa herself probably came to that conclusion as well. I figured they'd think Kiora took it to the Underworld, or was an agent of Phenax, or something else. But this definitely is a good way to resolve the plane-bound confusion regarding the Bident, and a neat Greek-myth style approach in which the myth isn't exactly correct, but is still rooted in fact.
So sea monsters truly are Thassa's children. I admire that she only releases her creations when they're perfect, as a Blue character this would be a priority. Would Serpent of Yawning Depths be an example of this, I wonder? Enchantment Sea Monsters seem right up the ally of a god creation.
Ha, I love the pearl story. Thassa is so petty. Kiora truly got lucky at the last moment. If she hadn't been a planeswalker and summoned krakens Thassa had never seen, piquing her curiosity as a blue character, I doubt Thassa would have pinned rather than decapitated her outright.
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
Your welcome Just send you a pm regarding Thassa.
It defiantly looks strange and big enough to be one of those creations.
Just finished Keranos, here are a few interesting things about him.
And a myth for Riddle of Lightning
I have almost finished the god section, so far nothing really new, except that even Kruphix doesn't know how the return of Klothys will affect the pantheon. Over the weekend I try to look at the different sections, if there is anything new.
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier from Heroes of the Plane Studios for this sick Signature.
Upon reading the myths in more detail it is so clever how Thassa played off the Bident theft as her striking down Kiora so viciously that she intentionally shattered it. No wonder she retained devotion.
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
Ajanis agenda might take a “few” more years to really been seen.
“It’s the collective unconscious of every sapient being on Theros that shapes reality, and changes to that reality occur on the scale of ages, not moments.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
I can’t remember if Ilysia was an established thing the first time we went to Theros. Here it is mentioned as the fairest realm of the Underworld, over which Erebos has no influence.
We get a distinction between fate and destiny.
Fate
Destiny
History and Myth
History is a bit feeble on Theros, an event that happened ten years ago, happened “many years ago”, the founding of Meletis happened “many, many years ago”. History transforms into myths, and because of the gods being so deeply involved in mortal affairs, it is often impossible to distinguish between myths and history.
Heliods view on Kruphix
“Heliod is also plagued by a nagging suspicion that the true ruler of the pantheon is Kruphix, a mysterious being who is capable of sealing the borders between the mortal world and the divine realm of Nyx. Kruphix is perhaps the only being who can impose limits on the other gods’ actions, which makes Heliod resent and fear the god of horizons.” - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Both Heliod and Erebos have a different myth on how each other came into being
Birth of Erebos.
A Shadowed World.
We get an origin myth for Loathsome Catoblepas and Blight-Breath Catoblepas
A herder boasted that his cattle were the best in Theros, because Heliod and Nylea created them, the gods grew angry. Heliod persuaded Mogis to curse the herder’s cattle, creating the first Catoblepas.
Edit:
And a myth for the creation of Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
The First Nyxborn.
And one for Dalakos, Crafter of Wonders
Myth of Dalakos and the Kraken
Yet the kraken carried on, moving toward a coastal human settlement. Amid the ruins of his home, Dalakos had a revelation. Working desperately, the triton crafted a miraculous device, one that ultimately laid low the kraken and saved the town. Today, Dalakos resides inside the kraken’s shell, where he works day and night, his heart broken, but his mind forever focused on bringing his gifts to life." - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier from Heroes of the Plane Studios for this sick Signature.
A lot of this was talked on the vorthos cast when they had James Wyatt but still nice to have it all played out thank you.
To note I believe anything on the underworld and the more intelligent minotaurs is new info for Beyond Death.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
The minotaurs are caught between two worlds, some follow Mogis, who has shown them a trail of slaughters that is all they have ever known. On the other hand there are those who have emerged from this bloody path and found a world that welcomes those who pursue their own destiny and heroic callings.
They aren’t inherently evil and are free to worship any god, but many are raised among those devoted to Mogis. It is said that Mogis created to first minotaurus by transforming his own followers, typically villainous people like criminals. Many still honour their villainous progenitors, while others moved behind that, seeking their fate in the future, rather than the past.
Akros and other reaches near Phoberos know that there are those among the minotaurs that have forsaken Mogis depravities. Regions like Meletis, Setessa, and lands beyond are generally open minded and curious about minotaurs that wander into their lands. In the Callapheia there are multiple heroic minotaurs. Because of that a minotaurs traveling in the company of other non-minotaurs is likely to be accept in any polis.
Minotaurs aren’t generally quick to anger, they are passionate, loving their friends and partners fiercely. They laugh loud and long at a good joke and their zeal extends to their faith. Those that escaped the service of Mogis tend to serve gods such as Erebos, Keranos, and Purphoros, gods that share their bold nature, some even embrace Iroas.
Under the section for the satyrs there is even something regarding their view on Xenagos
I will try to get to the underworld part later.
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier from Heroes of the Plane Studios for this sick Signature.
The Underworld
Not literally beneath the ground, it is distinct from the mortal world, the only ways to reach it are magical means, hidden pathways, or by death. Every sapient soul awakes at the banks of the Tartyx, where they meet Athreos and pay him a few to be carried over.
The Tartyx River reaches each ward, Phylas is defined as the entry to the underworld, while Tizerus is the farthest from the entrance, with the other wards holding their own place in between. Each of those wards is infinite in scale, with the space between noteworthy locations endlessly expanding and contracting.
The most noteworthy regions are the following:
The Tartyx River
Agonas
Ilysia
Nerono
Tizerus
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier from Heroes of the Plane Studios for this sick Signature.
W-Phylias
U-Nerono
B-Tizerus
R-Agonas
G-Ilysia
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
Ugh. Come on. Why can't we get a Commander product that actually does something cool like this? Instead of the same obligatory boring cards?
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
Your right, it would be nice to get a few more lands with defined locations, it’s nice that we get the temples each time, but there is so much more. Regarding the typing, I think after the artifact lands, they wouldn’t put another type on lands
Also forgot yesterday, there was something about Nyx under the realms section. It mentions three distinct regions here, with many more possible existing, as it is impossible to map.
Mount Hiastos
Mystic Sea
Tovian Fields
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier from Heroes of the Plane Studios for this sick Signature.
An update regarding the minotaurs, from the region section of the guide.
Minotaurs of Phoberos
Most of the minotaurs the live in the badlands of Phoberos are outcasts from Skophos. Bandits and marauders, filled with the wild rage of Mogis, which makes them bloodthirsty killers. They are more akin to monsters, then they are to civilized people. They use only use the barest minimum of technology and scavenge what they can from their fallen foes. Travelling alone or in bands, under the leadership of the strongest, they tend to kill any human they encounter.
Bloodhorn Minotaurs
Felhide Minotaurs
Ragegore Minotaurs
City of Skophos
When soldiers of Akros encounter minotaurs in order squads, clad in armor and wielding bronze weapon, they tend to speak of the “Bronzebone band”, as if they were just one more wild faction. In reality those minotaurs are from the city of Skophos, the minotaur polis. A literal maze filled with narrow buildings that rise from its walls, serving as homes, shops and defensible fortresses. Towering over the labyrinth are stone outcroppings, including temples to Mogis, Erebos, Keranos, and Purphoros. The fortress-palaces of tyrants, the lairs of monstrous oracles, and cavernous indoor markets also stand as destinations at the end of confounding avenues.
The city is ruled by priests and warlord champions of Mogis, with individuals serving as tyrants over city districts. The rulers rarely meet in council, even when they do, they rarely find common ground. Only the priests of Mogis can force them to put aside their quarrels and work towards a single goal.
Lesser Peristyle
They acknowledge the entire pantheon of gods, though they are far inland, they have little cause honouring Thassa, and many view Iroas as an enemy of their people. Karametra is worship in a more ancient aspect, who demands blood to ensure the fertility of the earth*. In the shadow of Mogis temple, most gods are honoured with some kind of violence.
There is an odd temple known as the Lesser Peristyle, dedicated to Ephara, a place where minotaurs debate philosophy and strive to rein in the excesses of the tyrants who govern the city. (I can’t help but imagine a bunch of Pensive Minotaur sitting in a circle). The few priests of Ephara argue that the existence of Skophos is a testimony to the benefits of an ordered society, as Ephara teaches, as they try to justify their presence. They pursue a vision of a better way of living, aspiring to nobler things as sensless slaughter, and a better government, then that of the iron-fisted tyranny. Under the leadership of the temple’s priests—Haraksi, an ingenious smith and mother of eight, and Olakia the Torn, an oracle who experiences visions from both Mogis and Ephara—a school of minotaur philosophers aspires to a vision of Skophos that can coexist in some measure of peace with the wider world.
*Regarding that, there is also something similar under the Karametra myth section
The Old Harvest.
Thanks to DarkNightCavalier from Heroes of the Plane Studios for this sick Signature.
Makes you wonder why gods bother with the mortal realm when there are so many other cool realms for them to visit
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
It's a shame we don't see a lot of the world nowadays while the story (and marketing) dictate most of the game's narrative and creative display.
Novels. Those are absolutely amazing. And actually I felt some of the short stories did an exceptional job. I really liked Ixalan as a plane after reading that series.
What bothers me is how the cards themselves don’t depict enough of the world and these creative elements. We don’t have a single glimpse or mention of Neolantin, Olantin, the city of Arixmethes, and instead of getting cool legendary lands for the underworld locations or views of locations in Nyx and all that, we just got reprints of the temple cycle. Come on.
I wish commander wouldn’t do more to show us the rich characters and locations of the plane. The map alone has so many intriguing locations I’d love to glimpse and have cards for. Let alone characters.
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
So we finally put a face to Agnomakhos. I almost thought they forgot about him.
The Karmeta blood goddess aspect is also super cool and i could see a version of her like that and still fully in her colors.
A friend was talking to be about some stuff (he more into DnD) but there also seems to be someone flavorful stuff they added in just cause its a DnD book since he was telling of way you can destroy the gods weapons.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
Khrusor, for instance, can only be destroyed by taking it to the underworld and using it to kill a champion of Heliod (plus I think a few other steps I can't recall atm).
EDIT: After double checking, Khrusor can only be destroyed by taking it to Erebos' palace in the underworld and using it to sacrifice a champion of Heliod in Erebos' name. This either destroys Khrusor, or twists it to Erebos' service.
Yeah thats what I mean lol I don't see that happening in the magic lore proper but is a perfect set up for a DnD adventure (and does have the GM in me brewing up an idea) and is needed for the rules.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"