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{{Infobox type
{{Infobox type
|type=creature
|type=creature
|stats={{stats|W=13|WU=1|GW=2|WB=1}}
|stats={{stats|W=15|B=1|WU=2|GW=2|WB=1}}
as of ''[[Commander Legends]]''
as of ''[[Murders at Karlov Manor]]''
}}
}}
{{TOCright}}
{{TOCright}}
'''Archons''' is a [[creature type]] describing mystical celestial beings that are heavily aligned with the principles of [[White]], have obscured faces, and always appear on a flying steed (a winged lion, bull or other creature).<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/angry-lands-brave-adventurers-and-other-decks-vorthos-2010-02-10|Angry Lands, Brave Adventurers, and Other Decks for Vorthos|[[Doug Beyer]]|February 10, 2010}}</ref>  
{{Otheruses| Archon (disambiguation)}}
'''Archons''' is a [[creature type]] describing mystical celestial beings that are heavily aligned with the principles of [[White]], have obscured faces, and always appear on a flying steed.<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/angry-lands-brave-adventurers-and-other-decks-vorthos-2010-02-10|Angry Lands, Brave Adventurers, and Other Decks for Vorthos|[[Doug Beyer]]|February 10, 2010}}</ref> On some planes, rider and mount are a single being.


==Description==
==Description==
''Archon'' is a Greek word that means "ruler", "magistrate" or "lord". Fitting this, some archons warp the game through imposing a significant restriction, most famously <c>Blazing Archon</c>.
''Archon'' is a Greek word that means "ruler", "magistrate" or "lord". Fitting this, some archons warp the game by imposing a significant restriction, most famously <c>Blazing Archon</c>.


Archons symbolize White's harsher aspects like its moral rigidity and ferocious retribution, while [[angel]]s have a more varied role, generally leaning towards compassion and mercy.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/51476463610/since-apparently-this-week-is-secondary-iconic|title=What are your thoughts on archons?|May 27, 2013}}</ref> Originally, archons seemed to be mirror-images of the [[black]] [[Specter]]s, hooded beings that also ride flying mounts.
Archons symbolize White's harsher aspects like its moral rigidity and ferocious retribution, while [[angel]]s have a more varied role, generally leaning towards compassion and mercy.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/51476463610/since-apparently-this-week-is-secondary-iconic|title=What are your thoughts on archons?|May 27, 2013}}</ref> Archons are often mirror-images of the [[black]] [[Specter]]s, hooded beings that also ride flying mounts. A notable exception, ''[[Modern Horizons 2]]'' introduced the mono-[[black]] <c>Archon of Cruelty</c>.


==Storyline==
==Storyline==
===Alara===
===Alara===
The [[flavor text]] of <c>Krond the Dawn-Clad</c> implies that archons might be created, naturally or by white-aligned [[mage]]s, as embodiments of concepts, something supported by the fact that many archons are directly associated with said concepts. Unlike them, however, Krond appeared to be a solar deity.
The [[flavor text]] of <c>Krond the Dawn-Clad</c> implies that archons might be created, naturally or by white-aligned [[mage]]s, as embodiments of concepts, something supported by the fact that many archons are directly associated with said concepts. Unlike them, however, Krond appeared to be a solar deity.
===Arcavios===
Archons of [[Arcavios]] are similar to those from other planes, except having giant owls as their mounts.


===Eldraine===
===Eldraine===
Archons on [[Eldraine]] ride winged stags, and appear to wield weapons fashioned after their steeds' antlers. Not much is known about Eldraine archons, but it is implied they're part of its fair folk and likely more benevolent than on other planes, since one watched the Kenrith twins from the trees and protected them from [[goblin]]s.<ref>Kate Elliott (2019), Throne of Eldraine: The Wildered Quest, Penguin Random House</ref>
Archons on [[Eldraine]] ride winged stags with glowing antlers and gleaming eyes. Despite this appearance, the rider and mount are a single creature that can't be separated.<ref name="D&D Eldraine"/> Though they understand speech, they are unable to speak.
 
The archons of Eldraine are enigmatic beings who fly over the perimeter where the realm meets the wilds.<ref name="D&D Eldraine">[[James Wyatt]] et al. (2023). "''[[D&D Monstrous Compendium: Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> The sight of an archon overhead is a clear signal that one is entering the wilds. Tales say that archons are ascended [[spirit]]s of paladins fused with the spirits of their steeds, returned from the celestial realms to watch over the boundary of the Wilds and protect those who dare to cross it. Occasionally, knights attempt to expand the borders of the Realm by driving archons deeper into the Wilds. Such efforts are futile; not only are archons difficult to kill, but they don’t create the boundaries, merely mark them.
 
During the Wildered Quest, an archon watched the Kenrith twins from the trees and protected them from [[redcap]]s.<ref>{{WikiRef|author=Kate Elliott|date=2019|title=Throne of Eldraine: The Wildered Quest|publisher=Penguin Random House}}</ref> After [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse|New Phyrexia's Invasion of Eldraine]], an archon guarded a rose that would heal the Redtooth [[Elf|elves]] of the [[Curse of the Werefox]].<ref name="Ten Stories Tall">{{DailyRef|making-magic/ten-stories-tall|Ten Stories Tall|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 25, 2023}}</ref>


===Fiora===
===Fiora===
<c>Archon of Coronation</c> comes from [[Fiora]]; its stance on the local political drama is unknown. It rides an eagle.
<c>Archon of Coronation</c> comes from [[Fiora]]; its stance on the local political drama is unknown. It rides an eagle.
===Shadowmoor===
===Shadowmoor===
Archons manifested on [[Shadowmoor (plane)|Shadowmoor]], among them the <c>Archon of Justice</c>, who apparently manifested as a reaction to the darkening of the plane in order to defend their associated concept. They ride winged stags.
Archons manifested on [[Shadowmoor (plane)|Shadowmoor]], among them the <c>Archon of Justice</c>, who manifested as a reaction to the darkening of the plane to defend their associated concept. They ride winged stags.
 
===Ravnica===
===Ravnica===
On [[Ravnica]], Archons seem to be closely aligned to the [[Azorius Senate]], who embody the law on the plane, as opposed to the [[angel]]s that are leaders of the [[Boros Legion]] or within the [[Orzhov Syndicate]]; guildless Archons are featured in the first block, but currently they are mostly found within the Azorius.<ref>James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica". Wizards of the Coast</ref> Their presence is strong enough that people willingly submit to them and cease fighting. They ride lions and large, winged and horned beasts reminiscent of cats, particularly [[felidar]]s.
On [[Ravnica]], Archons seem to be closely aligned to the [[Azorius Senate]], who embody the law on the plane, as opposed to the [[angel]]s that are leaders of the [[Boros Legion]] or within the [[Orzhov Syndicate]]; guildless Archons are featured in the first block, but currently they are mostly found within the Azorius.<ref>{{WikiRef|author=James Wyatt|date=January 2019|title=The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica|publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> Their presence is strong enough that people willingly submit to them and cease fighting. They ride lions and [[felidar]]s. Though rider and mount are metaphysically linked and bonded, they are separate beings.<ref>{{YouTubeRef|eOjpZvVDc78|Dragon Talk: LYSK Monsters of Ravnica|channel=[[Dungeons & Dragons]]|date=November 13, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Justice">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-4-justice-before-mercy|''Murders at Karlov Manor'' - Episode 4: Justice Before Mercy|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 10, 2024}}</ref>
 
After the [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse]], the archon [[Ezrim]] formed a [[Ravnican Agency of Magicological Investigations|detective agency]], leaving the Azorius with several followers.<ref name="Ghosts">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-1-ghosts-of-our-past|''Murders at Karlov Manor'' - Episode 1: Ghosts of Our Past|[[Seanan McGuire]]|December 5, 2023}}</ref> His mount is never out of arm's reach, and may not be capable of being so.<ref name="Gods DVD">{{WebRef|url=https://seananmcguire.com/blog/2024/01/16/gods-of-chaos-the-dvd-extras/|title=Gods of Chaos, the DVD extras|author=[[Seanan McGuire]]|date=January 16, 2024|publisher=[[Seanan McGuire]]}}</ref>


===Theros===
===Theros===
In ancient times, the archons of [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] held a massive empire, tyrannising the world in the belief that they were imposing a strict justice.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-theros-part-3-2013-09-04|Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 3|The Magic Creative Team|September 04, 2013}}</ref> This was known as the '''Age of Trax''', beginning when the Archons marched from the north and ending with the fall of their empires.<ref>Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast</ref> The most notable of these Archon tyrants was [[Agnomakhos]], who used the [[leonin]] as an army. Eventually, the Archon empires fell, being instead replaced by the poleis, and the remaining Archons now lash at these, slighting the "honor" they feel was stripped from them. These archons are gendered.<ref>{{DailyRef|best-mike/behold-pale-cat-2015-03-26|Behold a Pale Cat|[[Mike McArtor]]|March 26, 2015}}</ref> They stand apart from the [[god]]s of the plane, serving a force they deem higher. Theran Archons ride a large variety of mounts, including winged lions and winged oxens.
In ancient times, the archons of [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] held a massive empire, tyrannizing the world in the belief that they were imposing strict justice.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-theros-part-3-2013-09-04|Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 3|The Magic Creative Team|September 4, 2013}}</ref> This was known as the '''Age of Trax''', beginning when the Archons marched from the north and ending with the fall of their empires.<ref name="TherosOdyssey">{{WikiRef|author=Wizards RPG Team|date=2020|title=D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros|publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> The most notable of these Archon tyrants was [[Agnomakhos]], who used the [[leonin]] as an army. Eventually, the Archon empires fell, being instead replaced by the poleis, and the remaining Archons now lash at these, slighting the "honor" they feel was stripped from them. These archons are gendered.<ref>{{DailyRef|best-mike/behold-pale-cat-2015-03-26|Behold a Pale Cat|[[Mike McArtor]]|March 26, 2015}}</ref> They stand apart from the [[god]]s of the plane, serving a force they deem higher. Theran Archons ride a large variety of mounts, including winged lions and winged oxen.


During their rule, the archons of Theros apparently held some animosity towards the [[giant]]s. Agnomakhos' actions were justified with war against the giants, while the <c>hundred-handed one</c>s were the result of archons using magic to twist giants into forms that would make them more monuments.<ref>Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast</ref>
During their rule, the archons of Theros held some animosity towards the [[giant]]s. Agnomakhos' actions were justified with the war against the giants, while the {{card plural|hundred-handed one}} were the result of archons using magic to twist giants into forms that would make them more monuments.<ref name="TherosOdyssey"/>


====Archon of Falling Stars====
====Archon of Falling Stars====
The text known as ''The Cosmogony'' details the battle of an archon and the champions of the gods. [[Heliod]] took pity on the archon and gave it a spear almost as radiant as his own in exchange for the rule of law in the world's wildest places.<ref>Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast</ref>
The text, known as ''The Cosmogony'', details the battle of an archon and the champions of the gods. [[Heliod]] took pity on the archon and gave it a spear almost as radiant as his own in exchange for the rule of law in the world's wildest places.<ref name="TherosOdyssey"/>


====Ashen Riders====
====Ashen Riders====
Some of the despondent archons took refuge in the [[Underworld]], and their minds, bodies and spirits wre subsequently twisted, turning them into especially monstrous variants who delight in culling mortals.<ref>Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast</ref>
Some of the despondent archons took refuge in the [[Underworld]], and their minds, bodies, and spirits were subsequently twisted, turning them into especially monstrous variants who delight in culling mortals.<ref name="TherosOdyssey"/>


====Archon Steeds====
====Archon Steeds====
Evil creatures, typically bulls or lions, that may or may not be an extension of their rider's will.<ref>Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast</ref>
Evil creatures, typically bulls or lions, which may or may not be an extension of their rider's will.<ref name="TherosOdyssey"/>


===Zendikar===
===Zendikar===
The Archons of [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] are subordinated to its [[Archangel]]s and act as their enforcers. Archons and their steeds are actually the same being, sharing the same mind and will (it is unknown if this applies to all Archons or just the ones on Zendikar).<ref>[http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/magic/Plane%20Shift%20Zendikar.pdf Plane Shift - Zendikar]</ref> Most Zendikari archons ride winged lions.
The Archons of [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] are subordinated to its [[Archangel]]s and act as their enforcers. Archons and their steeds are actually the same beings, sharing the same mind and will.<ref>[http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/magic/Plane%20Shift%20Zendikar.pdf Plane Shift - Zendikar]</ref> Most Zendikari archons ride winged lions.


==Notable Archons==
==Notable Archons==
;Alara
;Alara
* <c>Krond the Dawn-Clad</c>
*<c>Krond the Dawn-Clad</c>
 
;Ravnica
*[[Ezrim]]


;Theros
;Theros
* [[Agnomakhos]]
*[[Agnomakhos]]


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* The black <c>Cabal Archon</c> is a [[Human]] [[Cleric]], not an Archon, using the [[Wikipedia:Archon|standard definition of the title]].
*The black <c>Cabal Archon</c> is a [[Human]] [[Cleric]], not an Archon, using the [[Wikipedia:Archon|standard definition of the title]].


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Archon of Redemption.jpg|Zendikar: <c>Archon of Redemption</c>. Art by [[Steven Belledin]].
File:Archon of Redemption.jpg|[[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]]: <c>Archon of Redemption</c>. Art by [[Steven Belledin]].
File:Archon of Justice.jpg|Lorwyn–Shadowmoor: <c>Archon of Justice</c>. Art by [[Jason Chan]].
File:Archon of Emeria.jpg|[[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]]: <c>Archon of Emeria</c>
File:Archon.jpg|Kylem: Archon of Valor's Reach.
File:Archon of Justice.jpg|[[Lorwyn–Shadowmoor]]: <c>Archon of Justice</c>. Art by [[Jason Chan]].
File:Archon of Absolution.jpg|Eldraine: Archon of Absolution.
File:Archon.jpg|[[Kylem]]: <c>Archon of Valor's Reach</c>.
File:Blazing Archon.png|Ravnica: Blazing Archon.
File:Archon of Absolution.jpg|[[Eldraine]]: <c>Archon of Absolution</c>.
File:Archon of the Triumvirate .jpg|Ravnica: Archon of the Triumvirate, Azorius Senate archon.
File:Blazing Archon.png|[[Ravnica]]: <c>Blazing Archon</c>.
File:Silent Sentinel Archon.jpg|Theros: Silent Sentinel.
File:Archon of the Triumvirate .jpg|[[Ravnica]]: <c>Archon of the Triumvirate</c>, [[Azorius Senate]] archon.
File:Archon of Falling Stars.jpg|Theros: Archon of Falling Stars.
File:Silent Sentinel Archon.jpg|[[Theros (plane)|Theros]]: <c>Silent Sentinel</c>.
File:Ornitharch.jpg|Theros: Ornitharch.
File:Archon of Falling Stars.jpg|[[Theros (plane)|Theros]]: <c>Archon of Falling Stars</c>.
File:Archon of Sun's Grace.jpg|Theros: Archon of Sun's Grace.
File:Ornitharch.jpg|[[Theros (plane)|Theros]]: <c>Ornitharch</c>.
File:Celestial Archon.jpg|Nyxborn archon: Celestial Archon.
File:Archon of Sun's Grace.jpg|[[Theros (plane)|Theros]]: <c>Archon of Sun's Grace</c>.
File:Celestial Archon.jpg|[[Nyxborn]] archon: <c>Celestial Archon</c>.
File:Archon of Coronation.jpg|[[Fiora]]: <c>Archon of Coronation</c>.
File:Archon of Cruelty.jpg|<c>Archon of Cruelty</c> a [[black]] archon from [[Meditation Plane]].
File:ArchonConcept.jpg|[[Azorius]] Archon mount concept by [[Aleksi Briclot]] used for <c>Archon of the Triumvirate</c>.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Latest revision as of 17:50, 8 March 2024

Archon
Creature Type
(Subtype for creature/kindred cards)
Statistics
21 cards
{W} 71.4% {B} 4.8% {W/U} 9.5% {G/W} 9.5% {W/B} 4.8%
as of Murders at Karlov Manor
Scryfall Search
type:"Archon"
For other uses, see Archon (disambiguation).

Archons is a creature type describing mystical celestial beings that are heavily aligned with the principles of White, have obscured faces, and always appear on a flying steed.[1] On some planes, rider and mount are a single being.

Description

Archon is a Greek word that means "ruler", "magistrate" or "lord". Fitting this, some archons warp the game by imposing a significant restriction, most famously Blazing Archon.

Archons symbolize White's harsher aspects like its moral rigidity and ferocious retribution, while angels have a more varied role, generally leaning towards compassion and mercy.[2] Archons are often mirror-images of the black Specters, hooded beings that also ride flying mounts. A notable exception, Modern Horizons 2 introduced the mono-black Archon of Cruelty.

Storyline

Alara

The flavor text of Krond the Dawn-Clad implies that archons might be created, naturally or by white-aligned mages, as embodiments of concepts, something supported by the fact that many archons are directly associated with said concepts. Unlike them, however, Krond appeared to be a solar deity.

Arcavios

Archons of Arcavios are similar to those from other planes, except having giant owls as their mounts.

Eldraine

Archons on Eldraine ride winged stags with glowing antlers and gleaming eyes. Despite this appearance, the rider and mount are a single creature that can't be separated.[3] Though they understand speech, they are unable to speak.

The archons of Eldraine are enigmatic beings who fly over the perimeter where the realm meets the wilds.[3] The sight of an archon overhead is a clear signal that one is entering the wilds. Tales say that archons are ascended spirits of paladins fused with the spirits of their steeds, returned from the celestial realms to watch over the boundary of the Wilds and protect those who dare to cross it. Occasionally, knights attempt to expand the borders of the Realm by driving archons deeper into the Wilds. Such efforts are futile; not only are archons difficult to kill, but they don’t create the boundaries, merely mark them.

During the Wildered Quest, an archon watched the Kenrith twins from the trees and protected them from redcaps.[4] After New Phyrexia's Invasion of Eldraine, an archon guarded a rose that would heal the Redtooth elves of the Curse of the Werefox.[5]

Fiora

Archon of Coronation comes from Fiora; its stance on the local political drama is unknown. It rides an eagle.

Shadowmoor

Archons manifested on Shadowmoor, among them the Archon of Justice, who manifested as a reaction to the darkening of the plane to defend their associated concept. They ride winged stags.

Ravnica

On Ravnica, Archons seem to be closely aligned to the Azorius Senate, who embody the law on the plane, as opposed to the angels that are leaders of the Boros Legion or within the Orzhov Syndicate; guildless Archons are featured in the first block, but currently they are mostly found within the Azorius.[6] Their presence is strong enough that people willingly submit to them and cease fighting. They ride lions and felidars. Though rider and mount are metaphysically linked and bonded, they are separate beings.[7][8]

After the New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse, the archon Ezrim formed a detective agency, leaving the Azorius with several followers.[9] His mount is never out of arm's reach, and may not be capable of being so.[10]

Theros

In ancient times, the archons of Theros held a massive empire, tyrannizing the world in the belief that they were imposing strict justice.[11] This was known as the Age of Trax, beginning when the Archons marched from the north and ending with the fall of their empires.[12] The most notable of these Archon tyrants was Agnomakhos, who used the leonin as an army. Eventually, the Archon empires fell, being instead replaced by the poleis, and the remaining Archons now lash at these, slighting the "honor" they feel was stripped from them. These archons are gendered.[13] They stand apart from the gods of the plane, serving a force they deem higher. Theran Archons ride a large variety of mounts, including winged lions and winged oxen.

During their rule, the archons of Theros held some animosity towards the giants. Agnomakhos' actions were justified with the war against the giants, while the hundred-handed ones were the result of archons using magic to twist giants into forms that would make them more monuments.[12]

Archon of Falling Stars

The text, known as The Cosmogony, details the battle of an archon and the champions of the gods. Heliod took pity on the archon and gave it a spear almost as radiant as his own in exchange for the rule of law in the world's wildest places.[12]

Ashen Riders

Some of the despondent archons took refuge in the Underworld, and their minds, bodies, and spirits were subsequently twisted, turning them into especially monstrous variants who delight in culling mortals.[12]

Archon Steeds

Evil creatures, typically bulls or lions, which may or may not be an extension of their rider's will.[12]

Zendikar

The Archons of Zendikar are subordinated to its Archangels and act as their enforcers. Archons and their steeds are actually the same beings, sharing the same mind and will.[14] Most Zendikari archons ride winged lions.

Notable Archons

Alara
Ravnica
Theros

Trivia

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ Doug Beyer (February 10, 2010). "Angry Lands, Brave Adventurers, and Other Decks for Vorthos". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Doug Beyer (May 27, 2013). "What are your thoughts on archons?". A Voice for Vorthos. Tumblr.
  3. ↑ a b James Wyatt et al. (2023). "D&D Monstrous Compendium: Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures". Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Kate Elliott (2019). "Throne of Eldraine: The Wildered Quest". Penguin Random House.
  5. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 25, 2023). "Ten Stories Tall". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica". Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Dragon Talk: LYSK Monsters of Ravnica (Video). Dungeons & Dragons. YouTube (November 13, 2018).
  8. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 10, 2024). "Murders at Karlov Manor - Episode 4: Justice Before Mercy". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Seanan McGuire (December 5, 2023). "Murders at Karlov Manor - Episode 1: Ghosts of Our Past". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 16, 2024). "Gods of Chaos, the DVD extras". Seanan McGuire.
  11. ↑ The Magic Creative Team (September 4, 2013). "Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 3". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ a b c d e Wizards RPG Team (2020). "D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros". Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Mike McArtor (March 26, 2015). "Behold a Pale Cat". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Plane Shift - Zendikar
 
Multicolored {M}
Majority {W}
Majority {U}
Majority {B}
Majority {R}
Majority {G}
Majority {C}
Majority Token
Crossover
 
Notable Races
Notable Classes
Other
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