Theros lore speculation
Lore forum
Posted on July 24, 2013, 8:54 p.m. by Krayhaft
So we already know Theros will be a greco-roman based set, with a gods/heroes/monsters division to its creature types.
We know Elspeth is going to be on Theros, but for what reason? When we last saw her she was trying to get help to fight the Phyrexians in SoM block. Is she still doing that, or is this a side quest for her, much like Gideon in Ravnica?
Who/what do you think the antagonists will be in this block? It's pretty obvious that there's a heroes vs monsters theme (from the duel decks), but where do the gods fit in all this? They have a new card frame color scheme. Maybe it's a throwback to RoE's Eldrazi, to represent beings that are too large to be of this world. After all, in greek/roman mythology, the gods basically lived in their own realms.
What do you guys think?
I think the lore will be generalized like for Innistrad, focusing more on the feel of the plane instead of a heavy story driven arch.
For Elspeth there's been speculation that the events of Theros occurs before SOM and she was planehopping after Bant looking for a purpose.
July 24, 2013 9:21 p.m.
I think that i'm severely excited to see theros. As a major mythology fan the thought of the greek/roman gods being referenced in the cards is a wonderful concept. Now more to the point of your question:
Elspeth at this point is kind of a mystery but here is my hypothesis ~ she is there to recruit allies. While I don't think the phyrexians will have a presence in theros at all (gods lets hope not) it stands to reason that she can't effectively fight them without some serious help.
Gods~You bring up an interesting point with the whole eldrazi thing. They could be viewed as such but I find that oddly unsettling. The greek aspect of the gods were very high and mighty. Zues in particular didn't much care for the dealings of "mortals". Unless they were hot chicks of course. However the roman aspect of the gods were almost akin to the norse gods in terms of ideals and values being very combat orientated.
In conclusion what we have here are the makings of what will most likely be a very lore heavy set even by magic standards. They are basically laying an entire mythology on top of magic mythology which holds no end of possibilities
July 24, 2013 9:23 p.m.
doinitwrong says... #5
Here's what I've gathered from various places:
- Theros will be Greek mythology based (not Roman). It will make use of mythological tropes (gods, heroes, monsters (Minotaur will be a tribe)) and themes (adventure, achievement, the hero's journey).
- Elspeth will be a "reluctant hero"; she doesn't want to be a hero, and she believes a world of gods won't need her to be. However, she attracts attention from a god after fighting a hydra.
- Nyx is the gods' home. 1 god per color: (in WUBRG order) Heliod, Thassa, Erebos, (unknown), and Nylea.
- There are three large "human" (not god or monster) cities: Meletis, Akris, Setessa. Outside the cities is a perilous land most likely overrun by monsters.
- There will be a green mythic 4-drop hydra named Polukranos, Worldeater.
- Prerelease, Launch, and Game Day events for all 3 sets will resemble steps in the hero's journey, putting the player in the role of the Hero.
July 24, 2013 10:09 p.m.
TheGreatBooster says... #6
According to MaRo at the SDCC panel, Eslpeth is specifically called on by the white-aligned gone, Heliod, to be his champion, and she either fights the hydra before and catches his attention, or does so at the god's behest.
July 24, 2013 10:48 p.m.
GlimmerKing says... #7
2013 San Diego ComicCon Magic Panel will answer alot of your questions.
July 26, 2013 6 p.m.
Cyber Locc says... #8
Yes they live in there own realm its called nyx basically Olympus. That's why the last set is travel to nyx or whatever
July 26, 2013 7:11 p.m.
That video was massively helpful. Answered a lot of questions but also posed a coupkle more. We know about elspeth obviously but now I am curious about these other 2 walkers
July 27, 2013 3:26 p.m.
the3rdH0kage says... #10
Dack Fayden is rumored to be a walker in Theros, it might actually be confirmed but idk.
July 27, 2013 4:28 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #12
I really feel that Delve, Fateseal, or Frenzy is going to be in Theros.
You heard it from me first! :)
July 28, 2013 3:32 a.m.
doinitwrong says... #13
Since enchantments are going to be so prominent, perhaps the returning ability they tweaked will be Aura Swap ? Also, for the other returning mechanic that "nailed Greek Mythology", my guess is Level Up since they kept using that phrase when discussing the Hero's Path, which is what they said they felt Greek Mythology was all about.
July 28, 2013 9:50 a.m.
I was thinking level up too. Aura swap might also be a valid thought as well. But didn't they say that both mechanics were coming from future sight?
July 28, 2013 9:53 a.m.
doinitwrong says... #15
Don't think so, I believe they just said there would be 1 futureshifted card, and they're doing something for just the second time ever, the first time being on a Future Sight card.
July 28, 2013 10:24 a.m.
Oh okay. Well then yeah you're theory might be spot on.
July 28, 2013 12:03 p.m.
doinitwrong says... #17
Just ran through all the cards in Future Sight, and here's a list of the things I think might be brought back in Theros:
- Blade of the Sixth Pride (full-art creatures)- not likely, nor all that revolutionary, but it would be cool.
- Lucent Liminid (Enchantment Creatures)
- Arcanum Wings (Aura Swap)
- Second Wind (Tap-effect Enchantments)
- Spellweaver Volute (Auras with odd targets)
- Boldwyr Intimidator (Warriors/Cowards)- though this was reprinted in Morningtide, so it's not likely.
- Baru, Fist of Krosa (Grandeur)- Grandeur is another possibility for one of the returning mechanics, especially since the video said the returning tweaked mechanic was focused primarily on the gods.
July 28, 2013 1:01 p.m.
Omg it's almost definitely gotta be grandeur. It fits perfect with the while semi legendary aspect of the set. And it would make the players more likely to put 4 of in a deck if they actually worked together. I cant belive i forgot about that ability considering my standard deck from way back when ran 4 Korlash, Heir to Blackblade . Thoughts?
July 28, 2013 1:54 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #19
Grandeur and Aura Swap look really likely, but I still feel like the keywords themselves don't seem that... greek feeling? I don't know. Neither of them feels as greek-mythology as delve, fateseal, or frenzy. Level up might be coming back, but I never really liked it all that much anyways...
July 28, 2013 2:28 p.m.
doinitwrong says... #20
mstancea they did say that the tweaked mechanic was getting it's flavor overhauled to fit the flavor of the set.
July 28, 2013 3:05 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #21
I'm talking about the name of the mechanic.
I am 99.999% positive they are not going to bring back the timeshifted keyword with a new name.
July 28, 2013 3:19 p.m.
FaustHarbinger says... #22
I personally feel that this is the best possibility realm-wise and lore-wise for Kiora to appear. merfolk are a mythological creature set. and we already know there are merfolk here so I definitely feel that this would be a great area she can appear.
as for the disputed ability I feel Grandeur would be a good possibility. but I personally feel Aura-swap would be a better possibility. we know that it will be an enchantment block so thats where I'm putting my money.
raithe000 says... #2
Elspeth may be searching for aid, but she may have also abandoned Mirrodin just like she did Bant. Remeber, she doesn't want to be a hero and has a serious inferiority complex. A world where there are gods and heroes allows her to blend in, to not stand out.
For antagonist, this is a little out there, but here me out: Bolas will be manipulating the gods. He's been messing with every multiplanar threat we have seen (Eldrazi, New Phyrexia), and its been two years since his plans showed up as part of the plot. He is the main thread tying together many of the planeswalkers, so I would be suprised if he doesn't show up soon.
As for what the gods are, less sure there. But I doubt it is as simple as it appears (remember Innistrad's religion and how Sorrin was behind it).
July 24, 2013 9:09 p.m.