Sphinx: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox type | {{Infobox type | ||
|type=creature | |type=creature | ||
|stats={{stats|W=1|U= | |stats={{stats|W=1|U=55|WU=8|UB=1|UR=1|M=9|A=2}} | ||
as of ''[[ | {{stats|Sphinx creation|U=2|WU=1|state=collapsed}} | ||
as of ''[[Alchemy: Karlov Manor]]'' | |||
|beeble=1 | |beeble=1 | ||
|beeble_ref=<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/179301805403/are-the-iconiccharacteristic-races-considered-a-1|title=Are the iconic/characteristic races considered a 1 on the Beeble Scale?|October 22, 2018}}</ref> | |beeble_ref=<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/179301805403/are-the-iconiccharacteristic-races-considered-a-1|title=Are the iconic/characteristic races considered a 1 on the Beeble Scale?|October 22, 2018}}</ref> | ||
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
Sphinxes are known for their vast intellect | Sphinxes (or sphinges)<ref name="Sphinges">{{EzTumblr|https://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/56749620939/how-long-do-sphinxes-live-in-magic-do-you-think|title=How long do sphinxes live in Magic|July 28, 2013}}</ref> are known for their vast intellect and cunning, and often never speak, save for riddles. They are primarily aligned with [[blue]] mana, though some are also aligned with [[white]] and/or [[black]] mana. | ||
Sphinxes have hollow bones that can function as organ pipes, so | Sphinxes' lifespans are long, likely centuries or more, though the exact figure is unknown.<ref name="Sphinges"/> They have hollow bones that can function as organ pipes, so "every phrase is a motif and a speech can be a symphony."<ref name=":0">[[Test of Metal]]</ref> Some sphinxes have excellent hearing and apparently can tell truth from lies and separate truth from honesty. This was demonstrated by [[Sharuum]]. | ||
Many Sphinxes within the Multiverse were likely influenced by [[Azor]], an ancient Sphinx [[planeswalker]] who once traveled between the worlds to bring order.<ref name="Art Book">[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ixalan]]</ref> | |||
The first card to bear the [[creature type]] was <c>Petra Sphinx</c> in ''[[Legends]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/sphinxs-herald-2008-11-21|The Sphinx's Herald|[[Mike Turian]]|November 21, 2008}}</ref> | The first card to bear the [[creature type]] was <c>Petra Sphinx</c> in ''[[Legends]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/sphinxs-herald-2008-11-21|The Sphinx's Herald|[[Mike Turian]]|November 21, 2008}}</ref> | ||
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==Storyline== | ==Storyline== | ||
===[[Alara]]=== | ===[[Alara]]=== | ||
Sphinxes on | Between the [[Sundering]] and the [[Conflux (event)|Conflux]], Sphinxes were found exclusively on Esper. Sphinxes on Esper are highly revered and respected as leaders of their communities because of their vast knowledge. Sphinxes prefer to remain a mystery to the humanoids, making their homes on distant, remote islands shrouded from view by magic.<ref name="AlaraGuide">[[Doug Beyer]] & [[Jenna Helland]] (2008). ''[[A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara]]'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]. ISBN-13 978-0786951246</ref> Their visits with humanoids are reasonably frequent, but sphinxes do not form lasting relationships. All sphinxes are vastly knowledgeable and insightful, but beyond that their characters vary widely, from cold and calculating to honorable and beneficent. | ||
The Sphinx [[Crucius]] is said to have created the [[Etherium]] alloy, which shaped [[Esper]] into what it is today. After Crucius‘s disappearance, no new etherium could be synthesized, but [[Sharuum]] showed Esper residents how to thin the alloy, making it last longer. | |||
The [[Leviathan]]s and [[Kraken]]s that lurk in Esper's seas have been documented to predate even the shard's oldest sphinxes.<ref name="AlaraGuide"/> | |||
===[[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]]=== | ===[[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]]=== | ||
Amonkhet sphinxes have leonine bodies, hawklike wings, and faces resembling humans, framed by great frills or manes of feathers. Their powerful forearms are also feathered, and fans of long feathers form their tails. They were perhaps the only creatures to remain uncorrupted by the influence of [[Nicol Bolas]]. Their impenetrable minds proved to be even beyond Bolas's mind control ability, for this reason he placed them under a curse, banning them from communicating with other creatures in any way. Most citizens of Naktamun believed that the Sphinxes had taken vows of silence until the God-Pharaoh had returned to them.<ref name="Plane Shift">[http://media.wizards.com/2017/downloads/magic/plane-shift_amonkhet.pdf Plane Shift: Amonkhet]</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|magic-story/writing-wall-2017-04-12|The Writing on the Wall|[[Alison Luhrs]]|April 12, 2017}}</ref> They began to speak only after the [[Second Sun]] aligned. They whispered dire warnings, though no one listened.<ref>[[flavor text]] for <c>Ominous Sphinx</c></ref> | Amonkhet sphinxes have leonine bodies, hawklike wings, and faces resembling humans, framed by great frills or manes of feathers. Their powerful forearms are also feathered, and fans of long feathers form their tails. They were perhaps the only creatures to remain uncorrupted by the influence of [[Nicol Bolas]]. Their impenetrable minds proved to be even beyond Bolas's mind control ability, for this reason, he placed them under a curse, banning them from communicating with other creatures in any way. Most citizens of Naktamun believed that the Sphinxes had taken vows of silence until the God-Pharaoh had returned to them.<ref name="Plane Shift">[http://media.wizards.com/2017/downloads/magic/plane-shift_amonkhet.pdf Plane Shift: Amonkhet]</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|magic-story/writing-wall-2017-04-12|The Writing on the Wall|[[Alison Luhrs]]|April 12, 2017}}</ref> They began to speak only after the [[Second Sun]] aligned. They whispered dire warnings, though no one listened.<ref>[[flavor text]] for <c>Ominous Sphinx</c></ref> | ||
====Criosphinxes==== | ====Criosphinxes==== | ||
A rare | A few rare sphinxes have the heads of rams instead of the humanlike faces of other sphinxes. Though they lie under the same curse as other sphinxes, they are less enigmatic and more aggressive, actively attacking [[angel]]s, [[demon]]s and other agents of [[Nicol Bolas]] they encounter in the desert. They stay far from [[Naktamun]] and care little for its people; their hatred of Bolas is driven by his curse.<ref>{{WikiRef|author=[[James Wyatt]]|date=2017|title=The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Amonkhet|publisher=[[VIZ Media]]}}</ref> | ||
===[[Capenna]]=== | |||
The Sphinxes of Old Capenna acted as renowned fortune tellers, who often fought shadow-conflicts to ensure their conflicting prophecies came to pass. Of this older generation of sphinx, only the [[Obscura]] boss [[Raffine]] still lives.<ref name="Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-streets-of-new-capenna|Planeswalker's Guide to Streets of New Capenna|[[Miguel Lopez]]|April 28, 2022}}</ref> Though not extinct, sphinxes are still extremely rare and solitary creatures. | |||
===[[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]]=== | ===[[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]]=== | ||
Sphinxes roamed the cold wastes of Dominaria's [[Ice Age (event)|Ice Age]] | Sphinxes roamed the cold wastes of Dominaria's [[Ice Age (event)|Ice Age]]. | ||
===[[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]=== | ===[[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]=== | ||
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===[[Ravnica]]=== | ===[[Ravnica]]=== | ||
Sphinxes of Ravnica are typically affiliated with the [[Azorius]]. They are solitary creatures that value their privacy but are also willing to share their insights | Sphinxes of Ravnica are typically affiliated with the [[Azorius]]. They are solitary creatures that value their privacy but are also willing to share their insights with each other in times of need.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-return-ravnica-part-3-2012-09-19|Planeswalker's Guide to Return to Ravnica: Part 3|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|September 19, 2012}}</ref> In fact, the sphinx planeswalker Azor was the main author of the legal system of the plane, creating the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]] and guild system. Azor himself was the founder and [[parun]] of the Azorius, but he left Ravnica after some time to bring order and guidance to other planes of the Multiverse. | ||
Another notable sphinx on the plane was [[Isperia]], guildmaster of the Azorius during the events of [[Guilds of Ravnica]]. She was petrified and killed by [[Vraska]], leader of the [[Golgari Swarm]], under Bolas‘ orders.<ref name="Chapter Ten">[[Django Wexler]] (August 14, 2019), ''[[The Gathering Storm]]'', Chapter Ten.</ref> | Another notable sphinx on the plane was [[Isperia]], guildmaster of the Azorius during the events of [[Guilds of Ravnica]]. She was petrified and killed by [[Vraska]], leader of the [[Golgari Swarm]], under Bolas‘ orders.<ref name="Chapter Ten">[[Django Wexler]] (August 14, 2019), ''[[The Gathering Storm]]'', Chapter Ten.</ref> | ||
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===[[Theros (plane)|Theros]]=== | ===[[Theros (plane)|Theros]]=== | ||
Theran sphinxes are primordial, mysterious beings with ancient knowledge. They have abstract thought patterns, so even when they are not trying to be enigmatic they still are.<ref>{{DailyRef| | Theran sphinxes are primordial, mysterious beings with ancient knowledge. They have abstract thought patterns, so even when they are not trying to be enigmatic they still are.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/planeswalkers-guide-theros-part-3-2013-09-04|Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 3|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|September 04, 2013}}</ref> One, Medomai, is a prophet at [[Meletis]], going into the city several times to warn of future events. | ||
===[[Zendikar]]=== | ===[[Zendikar]]=== | ||
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==Notable sphinxes== | ==Notable sphinxes== | ||
= | {{columns-list|colwidth=15em| | ||
*[[Crucius]] | ;Alara | ||
*[[Sharuum]] | *[[Crucius]] | ||
*[[Sharuum]] | |||
;Amonkhet | |||
* | *[[Unesh]] | ||
;Capenna | |||
*[[ | *[[Raffine]] | ||
*[[Tivit]] | |||
;Ravnica | |||
*[[ | *[[Isperia]] | ||
;Theros | |||
*[[ | *[[Medomai]] | ||
;Vryn | |||
*[[Alhammarret]] {{-}} [[ | *[[Alhammarret]] | ||
;Unknown | |||
*[[Arjun]] | |||
*[[Atemsis]] | |||
*[[Azor]] | |||
*[[Eligeth]] | |||
*[[Ormos]]<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/lore-jumpstart-cards-2020-06-22|The Lore of ''Jumpstart'' on the Cards|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June 22, 2020}}</ref> | |||
*[[Yennett]] | |||
}} | |||
==Tokens== | ==Tokens== | ||
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==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Alhammarret.png|Alhammarret a sphinx from Vryn. | File:Alhammarret.png|[[Alhammarret]] a sphinx from [[Vryn]]. | ||
File:Enigma Sphinx.jpg|Alara (Esper). | File:Enigma Sphinx.jpg|[[Alara]] ([[Esper]]). | ||
File:Ethersworn Sphinx.jpg|Alara. | |||
File:Consecrated Sphinx.jpg|Amonkhet. | File:Consecrated Sphinx.jpg|Amonkhet. | ||
File:Unesh, Criosphinx Sovereign.png|Unesh and the | File:Unesh, Criosphinx Sovereign.png|Unesh and the Criosphinxes of [[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]]. | ||
File:Vexing Sphinx.jpg|Dominaria. | File:Tivit.jpeg|Tivit a sphinx [[rogue]] from [[Capenna]]. | ||
File:Argent Sphinx.jpg|Mirrodin | File:Raffine.jpg|Raffine a sphinx [[demon]] and boss of the [[Obscura]] family. | ||
File:Consecrated Sphinx New Phyrexia.jpg|New Phyrexia. | File:Vexing Sphinx.jpg|[[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]]. | ||
File:Citywatch Sphinx.jpg|Ravnica. | File:Argent Sphinx.jpg|[[Mirrodin]] | ||
File:Sphinx Senate Azorius.jpg|Senate | File:Consecrated Sphinx New Phyrexia.jpg|[[New Phyrexia (plane)|New Phyrexia]]. | ||
File:Dream Eater.jpg|Nightmare Sphinx, House Dimir (Ravnica). | File:Citywatch Sphinx.jpg|[[Ravnica]]. | ||
File:Sphinx of the Guildpact Artifact Sphinx.jpg|Artifact Sphinx. | File:Sphinx Senate Azorius.jpg|[[Azorius Senate]] (Ravnica). | ||
File:Dream Eater.jpg|[[Nightmare]] Sphinx, [[House Dimir]] (Ravnica). | |||
File:Sphinx of the Guildpact Artifact Sphinx.jpg|[[Artifact]] Sphinx. | |||
File:Dream Trawler.jpg|[[Theros (plane)|Theros]]. | |||
File:Witness of Tomorrows.jpg|[[Nyxborn]] Sphinx. | |||
File:Sphinx of Magosi.jpg|[[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]]. | |||
File:Serra Sphinx.jpg|[[Serra]] Sphinx. | |||
File:Master of Predicaments.jpg|Master of Predicaments. | |||
File:Sphinx Ambassador.jpg|Sphinx Ambassador. | |||
File:CompleatedSphinxConcept.png|[[Compleation|Compleated]] [[New Phyrexia (plane)|New Phyrexian]] [[Sphinx]] concept. | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
* <c>Riddleform</c> is an [[enchantment]] that can become a 3/3 sphinx creature with flying. | *<c>Riddleform</c> is an [[enchantment]] that can become a 3/3 sphinx creature with flying. | ||
*{{Card|Sandstone Oracle}} and {{Card|Petra Sphinx}} are the only non-blue Sphinxes. | |||
**{{Card|Sphinx of the Guildpact}}, by the technicality of its ability, is the only Green sphinx, and otherwise no Green-costed sphinxes exist. | |||
**{{Card|Arjun, the Shifting Flame}} is the only Red-costed sphinx. | |||
==References== | ==References== |
Latest revision as of 17:02, 31 May 2024
Sphinx | |
---|---|
Creature Type | |
(Subtype for creature/kindred cards) | |
Beeble Scale | 1[1] |
Statistics |
77 cards
1.3% 71.4% 10.4% 1.3% 1.3% 11.7% 2.6% 3 Sphinx creation cards
as of Alchemy: Karlov Manor 66.7% 33.3% |
Scryfall Search | |
type:"Sphinx" |
Sphinx is a creature type used on Magic cards that depict large and powerful creatures with lion-like bodies, human faces, and feathered wings. Some rival dragons in size and strength. Notably, Sphinxes are the iconic creature type for the color blue [2][3] and they can be found in many planes.
Description
Sphinxes (or sphinges)[4] are known for their vast intellect and cunning, and often never speak, save for riddles. They are primarily aligned with blue mana, though some are also aligned with white and/or black mana.
Sphinxes' lifespans are long, likely centuries or more, though the exact figure is unknown.[4] They have hollow bones that can function as organ pipes, so "every phrase is a motif and a speech can be a symphony."[5] Some sphinxes have excellent hearing and apparently can tell truth from lies and separate truth from honesty. This was demonstrated by Sharuum.
Many Sphinxes within the Multiverse were likely influenced by Azor, an ancient Sphinx planeswalker who once traveled between the worlds to bring order.[6]
The first card to bear the creature type was Petra Sphinx in Legends.[7]
Storyline
Alara
Between the Sundering and the Conflux, Sphinxes were found exclusively on Esper. Sphinxes on Esper are highly revered and respected as leaders of their communities because of their vast knowledge. Sphinxes prefer to remain a mystery to the humanoids, making their homes on distant, remote islands shrouded from view by magic.[8] Their visits with humanoids are reasonably frequent, but sphinxes do not form lasting relationships. All sphinxes are vastly knowledgeable and insightful, but beyond that their characters vary widely, from cold and calculating to honorable and beneficent.
The Sphinx Crucius is said to have created the Etherium alloy, which shaped Esper into what it is today. After Crucius‘s disappearance, no new etherium could be synthesized, but Sharuum showed Esper residents how to thin the alloy, making it last longer.
The Leviathans and Krakens that lurk in Esper's seas have been documented to predate even the shard's oldest sphinxes.[8]
Amonkhet
Amonkhet sphinxes have leonine bodies, hawklike wings, and faces resembling humans, framed by great frills or manes of feathers. Their powerful forearms are also feathered, and fans of long feathers form their tails. They were perhaps the only creatures to remain uncorrupted by the influence of Nicol Bolas. Their impenetrable minds proved to be even beyond Bolas's mind control ability, for this reason, he placed them under a curse, banning them from communicating with other creatures in any way. Most citizens of Naktamun believed that the Sphinxes had taken vows of silence until the God-Pharaoh had returned to them.[9][10] They began to speak only after the Second Sun aligned. They whispered dire warnings, though no one listened.[11]
Criosphinxes
A few rare sphinxes have the heads of rams instead of the humanlike faces of other sphinxes. Though they lie under the same curse as other sphinxes, they are less enigmatic and more aggressive, actively attacking angels, demons and other agents of Nicol Bolas they encounter in the desert. They stay far from Naktamun and care little for its people; their hatred of Bolas is driven by his curse.[12]
Capenna
The Sphinxes of Old Capenna acted as renowned fortune tellers, who often fought shadow-conflicts to ensure their conflicting prophecies came to pass. Of this older generation of sphinx, only the Obscura boss Raffine still lives.[13] Though not extinct, sphinxes are still extremely rare and solitary creatures.
Dominaria
Sphinxes roamed the cold wastes of Dominaria's Ice Age.
Mirrodin
There are a small number of sphinxes on Mirrodin. They are so rare that most believe them to disappear into the aether when seen. It is known that at least the Consecrated Sphinx has been compleated by the Phyrexians and used to fight the Steel Hellkite.
Ravnica
Sphinxes of Ravnica are typically affiliated with the Azorius. They are solitary creatures that value their privacy but are also willing to share their insights with each other in times of need.[14] In fact, the sphinx planeswalker Azor was the main author of the legal system of the plane, creating the Guildpact and guild system. Azor himself was the founder and parun of the Azorius, but he left Ravnica after some time to bring order and guidance to other planes of the Multiverse.
Another notable sphinx on the plane was Isperia, guildmaster of the Azorius during the events of Guilds of Ravnica. She was petrified and killed by Vraska, leader of the Golgari Swarm, under Bolas‘ orders.[15]
A few Sphinxes are aligned with House Dimir and also count as nightmares.
Serra's Realm
In an alternate reality, sphinxes populated the planeswalker Serra's realm instead of angels.
Theros
Theran sphinxes are primordial, mysterious beings with ancient knowledge. They have abstract thought patterns, so even when they are not trying to be enigmatic they still are.[16] One, Medomai, is a prophet at Meletis, going into the city several times to warn of future events.
Zendikar
On Zendikar, Sphinxes are to be found in Sejiri, on the Jwar Isle, and most recently in Magosi and Tazeem as well. Most Sphinxes search remote locations to ponder of Zendikar's mysteries and contemplate what they have learned. They jealously protect their lairs from other sphinxes and large predators, such as dragons, but they pay little attention to smaller visitors. A sphinx's lair is often difficult to reach and typically involves treacherous climbing for creatures without the ability to fly. A visitor who can reach the spot is often rewarded with an audience—but those who come in search of answers are likely to leave disappointed.[17]
Notable sphinxes
- Alara
- Amonkhet
- Capenna
- Ravnica
- Theros
- Vryn
- Unknown
Tokens
Token Name | Color | Type Line | P/T | Text Box | Source | Printings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sphinx | Blue | Creature — Sphinx | 4/4 | Flying | ||
White/Blue | Creature — Sphinx | 4/4 | Flying, vigilance | |||
Glyph Keeper | White | Creature — Zombie Sphinx | 5/3 | Flying Whenever Glyph Keeper becomes the target of a spell or ability for the first time each turn, counter that spell or ability. |
Gallery
-
Alhammarret a sphinx from Vryn.
-
Alara.
-
Amonkhet.
-
Unesh and the Criosphinxes of Amonkhet.
-
Azorius Senate (Ravnica).
-
Nightmare Sphinx, House Dimir (Ravnica).
-
Artifact Sphinx.
-
Nyxborn Sphinx.
-
Serra Sphinx.
-
Master of Predicaments.
-
Sphinx Ambassador.
-
Compleated New Phyrexian Sphinx concept.
Trivia
- Riddleform is an enchantment that can become a 3/3 sphinx creature with flying.
- Sandstone Oracle and Petra Sphinx are the only non-blue Sphinxes.
- Sphinx of the Guildpact, by the technicality of its ability, is the only Green sphinx, and otherwise no Green-costed sphinxes exist.
- Arjun, the Shifting Flame is the only Red-costed sphinx.
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 22, 2018). "Are the iconic/characteristic races considered a 1 on the Beeble Scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 20, 2012). "Marquee creatures for the colors". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 15, 2015). "Characteristic and iconic creatures for each color?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ a b Doug Beyer (July 28, 2013). "How long do sphinxes live in Magic". A Voice for Vorthos. Tumblr.
- ↑ Test of Metal
- ↑ The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ixalan
- ↑ Mike Turian (November 21, 2008). "The Sphinx's Herald". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b Doug Beyer & Jenna Helland (2008). A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786951246
- ↑ Plane Shift: Amonkhet
- ↑ Alison Luhrs (April 12, 2017). "The Writing on the Wall". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ flavor text for Ominous Sphinx
- ↑ James Wyatt (2017). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Amonkhet". VIZ Media.
- ↑ Miguel Lopez (April 28, 2022). "Planeswalker's Guide to Streets of New Capenna". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ The Magic Creative Team (September 19, 2012). "Planeswalker's Guide to Return to Ravnica: Part 3". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Django Wexler (August 14, 2019), The Gathering Storm, Chapter Ten.
- ↑ The Magic Creative Team (September 04, 2013). "Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 3". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Plane Shift: Zendikar
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (June 22, 2020). "The Lore of Jumpstart on the Cards". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.