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{{Infobox guild
{{Infobox guild
| name = The Boros Legion
| search = Boros  
| image = Boros Logo.png
| image = Boros Logo.png
| alternative = The Legion
| alternative = The Legion
| colors = {{R}}{{W}}
| colors = {{R}}{{W}}
| parun = [[Razia]]  
| parun = [[Razia]]  
| leader = [[Razia]] <small>(deceased)</small><br/>[[Feather]] <small>(removed)</small><br/>[[Aurelia]] <small>(incumbent)</small>
| leader = [[Razia]] <small>(1-10,012)</small><br/>[[Lannos Nodov]] <small>(10,012, acting)</small><ref name="Dissension">[[List of storyline authors#Herndon.2C Cory J.|Cory J. Herndon]] (May 2006), ''[[Dissension (novel)|Dissension]].''</ref><br/>[[Feather]] <small>(10,012-?)</small><br/>[[Aurelia]] <small>(incumbent)</small>
| champion = [[Agrus Kos]]<br/>[[Tajic]]
| champion = [[Agrus Kos]]<br/>[[Tajic]]
| hall = [[Sunhome]]
| hall = [[Sunhome]]
| mechanic = [[Radiance]]<br/><small>(''Ravnica: City of Guilds'')</small><br/>[[Battalion]]<br/><small>(''Gatecrash'')</small><br/>[[Mentor]]<br/><small>(''Guilds of Ravnica'')</small>
| mechanics = [[Radiance]]<br/><small>(''Ravnica: City of Guilds'')</small><br/>[[Battalion]]<br/><small>(''Gatecrash'')</small><br/>[[Mentor]]<br/><small>(''Guilds of Ravnica'')</small>
| set = ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]''<br/>''[[Gatecrash]]''<br/>''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''
| set = ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]''<br/>''[[Gatecrash]]''<br/>''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''
| text = "Have you ever held a Boros signet? There's a weight to it that belies its size {{em}} a weight of strength and of pride." {{em}} <c>Boros Signet</c>
| text = "Have you ever held a Boros signet? There's a weight to it that belies its size {{em}} a weight of strength and of pride." {{em}} <c>Boros Signet</c>
}}
}}
The '''Boros Legion''' is a [[red]]/[[white]] [[Ravnican guild|guild]] from the plane and city of [[Ravnica]].<ref>{{NewRef|feature/boros-legion-2012-08-20|Boros Legion|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 20, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/disorderly-conduct-2005-12-05-0|Disorderly Conduct|[[Mark Rosewater]]|December 05, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|arcana/ravnica-style-guide-boros-2006-01-04|''Ravnica'' Style Guide: Boros|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 04, 2006}}</ref> Introduced in ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'', the guild is also featured in ''[[Gatecrash]]'' and ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''.
The '''Boros Legion''' is the [[red]]/[[white]] [[Ravnican guild|guild]] from the plane and city of [[Ravnica]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/boros-legion-2012-08-20|Boros Legion|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 20, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/disorderly-conduct-2005-12-05|Disorderly Conduct|[[Mark Rosewater]]|December 05, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/ravnica-style-guide-boros-2006-01-04|''Ravnica'' Style Guide: Boros|[[Magic Arcana]]|January 04, 2006}}</ref> Introduced in ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'', the guild is also featured in ''[[Gatecrash]]'' and ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''.
[[File:GRN Boros basic lands.png|right|thumb|300px|Boros basic lands from ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]]]
[[File:GRN Boros basic lands.png|right|thumb|300px|Boros basic lands from ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]]]


==Background==
==Background==
The Boros Legion was founded by [[parun]] [[Razia]], a militant flaming-sword-wielding [[archangel]] capable of using flame and light magic who fervently and firmly believed in harmonious coexistence on Ravnica, even if lives were lost and blood was shed in achieving this. The Legion functions as the righteous and zealous constabulary and standing army of Ravnica, as the League of Wojek and Boros Army, respectively, and enforces Ravnican laws created by the [[Azorius Senate]].<ref name="Holy War">{{NewRef|holy-war-boros-legion-2005-12-07|Holy War, the Boros Legion|[[Matt Cavotta]]|December 7, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|feature/building-guilds-boros-legion-2018-10-16|Building the Guilds – The Boros Legion|Chris Gleeson|October 16, 2018}}</ref> The Boros Legion is known to use many fire spells.
The Boros Legion was founded by [[parun]] [[Razia]], a militant flaming-sword-wielding [[archangel]] capable of using flame and light magic who fervently and firmly believed in harmonious coexistence on Ravnica, even if lives were lost and blood was shed in achieving this. The Legion functions as the righteous and zealous constabulary and a standing army of Ravnica, as the League of Wojek and Boros Army, respectively, and enforces Ravnican laws created by the [[Azorius Senate]].<ref name="Holy War">{{DailyRef|holy-war-boros-legion-2005-12-07|Holy War, the Boros Legion|[[Matt Cavotta]]|December 7, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/building-guilds-boros-legion-2018-10-16|Building the Guilds – The Boros Legion|Chris Gleeson|October 16, 2018}}</ref> The Boros Legion is known to use many fire spells.


The Guildhall of the Boros is [[Sunhome]], a combined fortress, barracks, and place of worship.
The Guildhall of the Boros is [[Sunhome]], a combined fortress, barracks, and place of worship.
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====Angels====
====Angels====
[[File:Razia.jpg|right|thumb|Razia]]
[[File:Razia.jpg|right|thumb|Razia]]
Angels were above and outside of the regular hierarchy. They provided inspiration and direction and only occasionally do they swing their fiery swords in battle. Any angel of any status outranked a mortal Boros member.  
Angels were above and outside of the regular hierarchy. They provided inspiration and direction and only occasionally did they swing their fiery swords in battle. Any angel of any status outranked a mortal Boros member.  
* Power Band 1: '''[[Razia]]''' {{-}} military leader and icon, inspiration and demi-[[god]], all within the Legion knew and respected her.  
*Power Band 1: '''[[Razia]]''' {{-}} military leader and icon, inspiration, and demi-[[god]], all within the Legion knew and respected her.  
* Power Band 2: the '''Angelic Warleaders''' {{-}} wise and ancient angels serving as the tacticians of the guild and as counselors to the Archangel. They charted spiritual campaigns over hundreds of years, and set the dogma of the guild, making certain that it reflected the command of their leader.  
*Power Band 2: the '''Angelic Warleaders''' {{-}} wise and ancient angels serving as the tacticians of the guild and as counselors to the Archangel. They charted spiritual campaigns over hundreds of years, and set the dogma of the guild, making certain that it reflected the command of their leader.  
* Power Band 3: '''<c title="Firemane Angels">Firemane Angel</c>''' {{-}} incarnations of war, serving in the capacity of holy warriors. Not involved in strategy or politics.
*Power Band 3: '''<c title="Firemane Angels">Firemane Angel</c>''' {{-}} incarnations of war, serving in the capacity of holy warriors. Not involved in strategy or politics.
* Power Band 4: '''Battleforce Angels''' {{-}} The rank and file of the angel echelon.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> They are strong and loyal and many.
*Power Band 4: '''Battleforce Angels''' {{-}} The rank and file of the angel echelon.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> They are strong and loyal and many.


==== Guildmages====
==== Guildmages====
* Power Band 5: the '''<c title="Boros Guildmages">Boros Guildmage</c>''' {{-}} The highest power band among Boros mortals, the Guildmage was the only rank that could initiate contact with the angels. They received orders from the angels and passed it along to the commanders of the Boros Army and the League of Wojek. These '''Firefists''' are zealous, who wield the magic of [[embermage]]s, tempered by the martial training of a soldier.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/>
*Power Band 5: the '''<c title="Boros Guildmages">Boros Guildmage</c>''' {{-}} The highest power band among Boros mortals, the Guildmage was the only rank that could initiate contact with the angels. They received orders from the angels and passed them along to the commanders of the Boros Army and the League of Wojek. These '''Firefists''' are zealous, who wield the magic of [[embermage]]s, tempered by the martial training of a soldier.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/>


====League of Wojek and Boros Army====
====League of Wojek and Boros Army====
Line 38: Line 38:
[[File:Boros Styleguide 2.jpg|thumb|Boros style guide art for ''Guilds of Ravnica'']]  
[[File:Boros Styleguide 2.jpg|thumb|Boros style guide art for ''Guilds of Ravnica'']]  
[[File:Boros Styleguide 3.jpg|thumb|Roc rider]]  
[[File:Boros Styleguide 3.jpg|thumb|Roc rider]]  
Below the rank of Guildmages, the Legion split in half. The League of Wojek is the official law enforcement of the districts of the Ravnica City. Many ranks with the League and the Army share a power band, however, a member of the Army could give an order to a lower ranking Wojek while a Wojek could not give orders to a lower ranking member of the Army.<ref name="Holy War"/>  
Below the rank of Guildmages, the Legion split in half. The League of Wojek is the official law enforcement of the districts of Ravnica City. Many ranks with the League and the Army share a power band, however, a member of the Army could give an order to a lower-ranking Wojek while a Wojek could not give orders to a lower-ranking member of the Army.<ref name="Holy War"/>  
* Power Band 6: The '''Commander-Generals''' {{-}} one for the Wojek and one for the regular army. Masters of war and strategy as well as administration.  
*Power Band 6: The '''Commander-Generals''' {{-}} one for the Wojek and one for the regular army. Masters of war and strategy as well as administration.  
* Power Band 7: '''Section Commanders''' {{-}} ten Wojek commanders, one for each of the districts of Ravnica City. Used to be able to activate a [[Sentinel Titan]].  
*Power Band 7: '''Section Commanders''' {{-}} ten Wojek commanders, one for each of the districts of Ravnica City. Used to be able to activate a [[Sentinel Titan]].  
* Power Band 8: '''Shift Captains''' and '''Skyknight Captains''' {{-}} The Wojek Shift Captains are the highest rank that patrols the streets. The [[Knight|Skyknight Captains]] command not only their Skyknights but also the rest of the Boros soldiers. They fly the skies on colossal [[roc]]s, which give them a great vantage point from which to command a battle. On the ground as often as they’re in the air so as to communicate with the ground troops.  
*Power Band 8: '''Shift Captains''' and '''Skyknight Captains''' {{-}} The Wojek Shift Captains are the highest rank that patrols the streets. The [[Knight|Skyknight Captains]] command not only their Skyknights but also the rest of the Boros soldiers. They fly the skies on colossal [[roc]]s, which give them a great vantage point from which to command a battle. On the ground as often as they’re in the air to communicate with the ground troops.  
*Power Band 9: '''<c title="Wojek Embermages">Wojek Embermage</c>''' {{-}} the combat mages of the League of Wojek.   
*Power Band 9: '''<c title="Wojek Embermages">Wojek Embermage</c>''' {{-}} the combat mages of the League of Wojek.   
* Power Band 10: '''Lieutenants''' / '''Skyknight''' and '''Skyjeks''' {{-}} lieutenants are the most clever and experienced of the street patrol Wojek, and answer directly to the Shift Captain. Ace fighters in the air, the <c title="Skyknight Legionnaires">Skyknight Legionnaire</c> and the Skyjeks and their [[roc]]s hold the respect and awe both of the Boros rank and file and of the Ravnica citizenry.
*Power Band 10: '''Lieutenants''' / '''Skyknight''' and '''Skyjeks''' {{-}} lieutenants are the most clever and experienced of the street patrol Wojek, and answer directly to the Shift Captain. Ace fighters in the air, the <c title="Skyknight Legionnaires">Skyknight Legionnaire</c> and the Skyjeks and their [[roc]]s hold the respect and awe both of the Boros rank and file and the Ravnica citizenry.
* Power Band 11: '''Wojek Sergeants''' and '''<c title="Sunhome Enforcers">Sunhome Enforcer</c>''' {{-}} Sergeants are standard street patrollers while Sunhome Enforcers are soldiers who have proven themselves worthy of guarding the [[Sunhome]] fortress.  
*Power Band 11: '''Wojek Sergeants''' and '''<c title="Sunhome Enforcers">Sunhome Enforcer</c>''' {{-}} Sergeants are standard street patrollers while Sunhome Enforcers are soldiers who have proven themselves worthy of guarding the [[Sunhome]] fortress.  
* Power Band 12: '''<c title="Wojek Apothecaries">Wojek Apothecary</c>''' and '''Flame-Kin''' {{-}} healers of the League of Wojek, the Wojek Apothecaries are necessary in the many scrapes that occur on the streets. The [[Elemental#Flame-Kin|flame-kin]] are bipedal elementals that have been touched by the angels of the Boros. They are passionate zealots loyal to the cause of the Legion.  
*Power Band 12: '''<c title="Wojek Apothecaries">Wojek Apothecary</c>''' and '''Flame-Kin''' {{-}} healers of the League of Wojek, the Wojek Apothecaries are necessary for the many scrapes that occur on the streets. The [[Elemental#Flame-Kin|flame-kin]] are bipedal elementals that have been touched by the angels of the Boros. They are passionate zealots loyal to the cause of the Legion.  
* Power Band 13: '''Constables''' and '''Commandos'''{{-}} Wojek constables take care of the menial tasks that need taking care of. Boros Commandos are good soldiers perfect for what is commonly called ‘Hammer Duty’. Many of the Commandos are [[Ordruun]], a race of [[minotaurs]]. <c title="Ordruun Commandos">Ordruun Commando</c> even outnumber human Commandos. '''Swiftblades''' are the first soldiers into combat. They're the elite marines of Boros specializing in assault and occupation.
*Power Band 13: '''Constables''' and '''Commandos'''{{-}} Wojek constables take care of the menial tasks that need taking care of. Boros Commandos are good soldiers perfect for what is commonly called ‘Hammer Duty’. Many of the Commandos are [[Ordruun]], a race of [[minotaur]]s. <c title="Ordruun Commandos">Ordruun Commando</c> even outnumber human Commandos. '''Swiftblades''' are the first soldiers into combat. They're the elite marines of Boros specializing in assault and occupation.
*Power Band 14: '''<c title="Thundersong Trumpeters">Thundersong Trumpeter</c>'''{{-}} though they do not patrol the streets like the ‘jeks and do not occupy the trenches like the rest of the army, Trumpeters outrank all low level soldiers. They strike fear into the heart of the enemy with their song.  
*Power Band 14: '''<c title="Thundersong Trumpeters">Thundersong Trumpeter</c>'''{{-}} though they do not patrol the streets like the ‘jeks and do not occupy the trenches like the rest of the army, Trumpeters outrank all low-level soldiers. They strike fear into the heart of the enemy with their song.  
* '''"The Grunts"''' {{-}} the common rank-and-file police and soldiers that make up the majority of the manpower.
*'''"The Grunts"''' {{-}} the common rank-and-file police and soldiers that make up the majority of the manpower.


===The Interregnum===
===The Interregnum===
During the days of the Interregnum after the death of Razia and many other high-ranking officials of the guild, the Boros mainly worked as paid bodyguards and security officials for the highest bidders, mostly [[Orzhov]] families.<ref name="Then and Now">{{NewRef|feature/ravnica-then-and-now-2012-08-29|Ravnica, then and now|[[Adam Lee]]|August 29, 2012}}</ref> Many were discontent with this new style of leadership under guildmaster [[Feather]] and gathered under the war-leader Aurelia, who argued that no disgraced angel should lead the Boros.  
During the days of the Interregnum after the death of Razia and many other high-ranking officials of the guild, the Boros mainly worked as paid bodyguards and security officials for the highest bidders, mostly [[Orzhov]] families.<ref name="Then and Now">{{DailyRef|feature/ravnica-then-and-now-2012-08-29-0|Ravnica, then and now|[[Adam Lee]]|August 29, 2012}}</ref> Many were discontent with this new style of leadership under guildmaster [[Feather]] and gathered under the war-leader Aurelia, who argued that no disgraced angel should lead the Boros.  


===The new Hierarchy===
===The new Hierarchy===
After Aurelia assumed the office of guildmaster, she established several changes to the way the guild was run. While she maintained both the army and the Wojek, angels were now encouraged to mingle with the lower ranks and Aurelia enforced practicality over tradition among them.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="ReferenceA">{{NewRef|planeswalkers-guide-gatecrash-part-1-2012-12-05|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Gatecrash'', Part 1|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|December 5, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Guide">{{NewRef|feature/flavorful-guide-guilds-ravnica-2018-10-03|A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica|[[Chas Andres]]|October 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|planeswalkers-guide-gatecrash-part-2-2012-12-12|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Gatecrash'', Part 2|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|December 12, 2012}}</ref>
After Aurelia assumed the office of guildmaster, she established several changes to the way the guild was run. While she maintained both the army and the Wojek, angels were now encouraged to mingle with the lower ranks and Aurelia enforced practicality over tradition among them.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-gatecrash-part-1|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Gatecrash'', Part 1|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|December 05, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/flavorful-guide-guilds-ravnica-2018-10-03|A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica|[[Chas Andres]]|October 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-gatecrash-part-2|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Gatecrash'', Part 2|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|December 12, 2012}}</ref>


In addition, Aurelia has split leadership of the bulk of the legion into four "theatres" that mainly deal with threats to the public order:
In addition, Aurelia has split leadership of the bulk of the legion into four "theatres" that mainly deal with threats to the public order:
* The '''Theatre of Order''': tasked to fight against [[Rakdos]] incursions and their clubs.
*The '''Theatre of Order''': tasked to fight against [[Rakdos]] incursions and their clubs.
* The '''Theatre of Integrity''': tasked to find the sleeper agents and hidden refuges of the [[Dimir]] and root any members of this subversive guild out
*The '''Theatre of Integrity''': tasked to find the sleeper agents and hidden refuges of the [[Dimir]] and root any members of this subversive guild out
** A subdivision, the '''Dead Brigade''', is tasked to neutralizes [[spirit]]s.
**A subdivision, the '''Dead Brigade''', is tasked to neutralizes [[spirit]]s.
* The '''Theatre of Fortification''': tasked to increase Boros weapons and battle effectiveness. Its commander is [[Tajic]].
*The '''Theatre of Fortification''': tasked to increase Boros weapons and battle effectiveness. Its commander is [[Tajic]].
** The '''Warmind Initiative''' is a conjoined effort of the [[Izzet]] and the Boros to develop new technologies for the Boros to use to keep the peace.
**The '''Warmind Initiative''' is a conjoined effort of the [[Izzet]] and the Boros to develop new technologies for the Boros to use to keep the peace.
* The '''Theatre of Recruitment''': having the objective to find and indoctrinate members among the [[guildless]] that seem suitable to serve in the Legion.
*The '''Theatre of Recruitment''': having the objective to find and indoctrinate members among the [[guildless]] that seem suitable to serve in the Legion.


===Further decentralization===
===Further decentralization===
The most sweeping recent change has been the reorganization of the guild into countless small local forces.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> Boros forces are now distributed into garrisons, each of which performs all the functions formerly divided among the theaters. Each garrison has little knowledge of the activities of the others, and secret plans are not shared. Thus, if one garrison is infiltrated by spies from another guild, the caused damage is limited to that garrison alone. The Warleader Angels coordinate the efforts of the garrisons, with the Battleforce Angels as their liaisons. Firemane Angels walk regularly among the soldiers, rooting out any hint of deception or corruption.
The most sweeping recent change has been the reorganization of the guild into countless small local forces.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> Boros forces are now distributed into garrisons, each of which performs all the functions formerly divided among the theaters. Each garrison has little knowledge of the activities of the others, and secret plans are not shared. Thus, if one garrison is infiltrated by spies from another guild, the caused damage is limited to that garrison alone. The Warleader Angels coordinate the efforts of the garrisons, with the Battleforce Angels as their liaisons. Firemane Angels walk regularly among the soldiers, rooting out any hint of deception or corruption.
===War of the Spark===
Aurelia and the Boros Legion were in the vanguard of the troops fighting [[Nicol Bolas]] in the [[War of the Spark (event)|War of the Spark]].<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel">[[Greg Weisman]] (April 2019). "''[[War of the Spark: Ravnica]]''". Del Rey.</ref> The [[Parhelion]] was used, as well.
===Phyrexian invasion and its aftermath===
As frontline fighters against the [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse|Phyrexian invasion]], the Boros suffered heavy losses.<ref name="Guide to MKM">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-murders-at-karlov-manor|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Murders at Karlov Manor''|[[Emily Teng]]|February 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>Flavor text of {{card|Lightning Helix|Murders at Karlov Manor|MKM|#218}}</ref> Many of the survivors suffered a crisis of faith, feeling guilt and remorse for not being able to protect the plane as they felt they should have been able to. Guildmaster Aurelia took the losses particularly hard. Following the Invasion, they've grown even more aggressive about cracking down on the disruptive activities of the guilds they've traditionally viewed as threats to Ravnica {{-}} namely, the [[Golgari]], [[Simic]], [[Rakdos]], and [[Gruul]]. To make up for the losses, the Boros have been stepping up their recruitment efforts amongst the [[guildless]], which has resulted in a large number of new, untrained recruits now patrolling the streets. In addition, Boros mage-priests have taken to training the Legion's soldiers in wielding battle magics previously reserved for higher-ranked members.


==In the game==
==In the game==
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====''Ravnica: City of Guilds'': Radiance====
====''Ravnica: City of Guilds'': Radiance====
{{Main|Radiance}}
{{Main|Radiance}}
Radiance is an ability word that features on cards that have an effect on a target and all other cards of the same type that share a color with the target.<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/designing-boros-2013-01-29|Designing for Boros|[[Mark Rosewater]]|February 04, 2013}}</ref>
Radiance is an ability word that features on cards that affect a target and all other cards of the same type that share a color with the target.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/designing-boros-2013-02-04|Designing for Boros|[[Mark Rosewater]]|February 04, 2013}}</ref>


====''Gatecrash'': Battalion====
====''Gatecrash'': Battalion====
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{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Angel#Boros Angels|Angels]]
*[[Angel#Boros Angels|Angels]]
*[[Bird#Rocs|Rocs]]
*[[Cyclops|Cyclopes]]
*[[Dog]]s (trained Mastiffs <ref name="Ravnica art book"/>)
*[[Elemental]]s
*[[Elemental]]s
*[[Giant]]s
*[[Giant]]s
*[[Goblin]]s
*[[Goblin]]s
*[[Golem]]s
*[[Griffin]]s
*[[Griffin]]s
*[[Hound]]s (trained Mastiffs <ref name="Ravnica art book"/>)
*[[Human]]s
*[[Human]]s
*[[Minotaur]]s
*[[Minotaur]]s
*[[Bird#Rocs|Rocs]]
*[[Spirit]]s
*[[Viashino]]
*[[Viashino]]
}}
}}
Line 102: Line 111:
*[[Berserker]]s
*[[Berserker]]s
*[[Cleric]]s
*[[Cleric]]s
*[[Detective|Detectives]]
*[[Knight]]s
*[[Knight]]s
*[[Rebel|Rebels]]
*[[Scout|Scouts]]
*[[Soldier]]s
*[[Soldier]]s
*[[Warrior|Warriors]]
*[[Wizard]]s
*[[Wizard]]s


==Notable members==
==Notable members==
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Agrus Kos]]
*[[Agrus Kos]]
Line 122: Line 134:
*[[Migellic]]
*[[Migellic]]
*[[Myczil Zunich]]
*[[Myczil Zunich]]
*[[Nelly Borca]]
*[[Nodov]]
*[[Nodov]]
*[[Phaskin]]
*[[Phaskin]]
Line 136: Line 149:
Image:RAV Boros.jpg|Ravnica block crest.
Image:RAV Boros.jpg|Ravnica block crest.
Image:Boros Logo.png|Return to Ravnica block crest
Image:Boros Logo.png|Return to Ravnica block crest
File:CLU Boros Legion.png|[[Half deck]] summary card used in ''[[Ravnica: Clue Edition]]''.
File:Boros Legion.png|[[Return to Ravnica]] art.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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==See also==
==See also==
*[[Charge of the Boros]]
*[[Charge of the Boros]]
==External links==
*{{Gatherer watermark|Boros}}


{{Colors|state=collapsed}}
{{Colors|state=collapsed}}
{{Ravnica|guilds}}
{{Ravnica|guilds}}

Latest revision as of 05:25, 28 March 2024

Boros Legion
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Boros Logo.png}}|150px]]
Alternative Names
The Legion
Lore Information
Parun Razia
Guild Leader Razia (1-10,012)
Lannos Nodov (10,012, acting)[1]
Feather (10,012-?)
Aurelia (incumbent)
Guild Champion Agrus Kos
Tajic
Guild Hall Sunhome
Game Information
Colors {R}{W}
Mechanics Radiance
(Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Battalion
(Gatecrash)
Mentor
(Guilds of Ravnica)
Featured Sets
Ravnica: City of Guilds
Gatecrash
Guilds of Ravnica
Signet Flavor Text
"Have you ever held a Boros signet? There's a weight to it that belies its size — a weight of strength and of pride." — Boros Signet
Scryfall Search
watermark:"Boros"

The Boros Legion is the red/white guild from the plane and city of Ravnica.[2][3][4] Introduced in Ravnica: City of Guilds, the guild is also featured in Gatecrash and Guilds of Ravnica.

Boros basic lands from Guilds of Ravnica

Background

The Boros Legion was founded by parun Razia, a militant flaming-sword-wielding archangel capable of using flame and light magic who fervently and firmly believed in harmonious coexistence on Ravnica, even if lives were lost and blood was shed in achieving this. The Legion functions as the righteous and zealous constabulary and a standing army of Ravnica, as the League of Wojek and Boros Army, respectively, and enforces Ravnican laws created by the Azorius Senate.[5][6] The Boros Legion is known to use many fire spells.

The Guildhall of the Boros is Sunhome, a combined fortress, barracks, and place of worship.

Old Hierarchy

As it was originally envisioned, the Boros Legion had a complicated, contrived, and highly stratified hierarchy, with the upper levels comprising angels and guildmages and lower levels comprising the League of Wojek and the Boros Army. A Boros could only employ the spells of an equal or lesser power band.

Angels

Razia

Angels were above and outside of the regular hierarchy. They provided inspiration and direction and only occasionally did they swing their fiery swords in battle. Any angel of any status outranked a mortal Boros member.

  • Power Band 1: Razia — military leader and icon, inspiration, and demi-god, all within the Legion knew and respected her.
  • Power Band 2: the Angelic Warleaders — wise and ancient angels serving as the tacticians of the guild and as counselors to the Archangel. They charted spiritual campaigns over hundreds of years, and set the dogma of the guild, making certain that it reflected the command of their leader.
  • Power Band 3: Firemane Angels — incarnations of war, serving in the capacity of holy warriors. Not involved in strategy or politics.
  • Power Band 4: Battleforce Angels — The rank and file of the angel echelon.[7] They are strong and loyal and many.

Guildmages

  • Power Band 5: the Boros Guildmages — The highest power band among Boros mortals, the Guildmage was the only rank that could initiate contact with the angels. They received orders from the angels and passed them along to the commanders of the Boros Army and the League of Wojek. These Firefists are zealous, who wield the magic of embermages, tempered by the martial training of a soldier.[8]

League of Wojek and Boros Army

Boros style guide art
Boros style guide art for Guilds of Ravnica
Roc rider

Below the rank of Guildmages, the Legion split in half. The League of Wojek is the official law enforcement of the districts of Ravnica City. Many ranks with the League and the Army share a power band, however, a member of the Army could give an order to a lower-ranking Wojek while a Wojek could not give orders to a lower-ranking member of the Army.[5]

  • Power Band 6: The Commander-Generals — one for the Wojek and one for the regular army. Masters of war and strategy as well as administration.
  • Power Band 7: Section Commanders — ten Wojek commanders, one for each of the districts of Ravnica City. Used to be able to activate a Sentinel Titan.
  • Power Band 8: Shift Captains and Skyknight Captains — The Wojek Shift Captains are the highest rank that patrols the streets. The Skyknight Captains command not only their Skyknights but also the rest of the Boros soldiers. They fly the skies on colossal rocs, which give them a great vantage point from which to command a battle. On the ground as often as they’re in the air to communicate with the ground troops.
  • Power Band 9: Wojek Embermages — the combat mages of the League of Wojek.
  • Power Band 10: Lieutenants / Skyknight and Skyjeks — lieutenants are the most clever and experienced of the street patrol Wojek, and answer directly to the Shift Captain. Ace fighters in the air, the Skyknight Legionnaires and the Skyjeks and their rocs hold the respect and awe both of the Boros rank and file and the Ravnica citizenry.
  • Power Band 11: Wojek Sergeants and Sunhome Enforcers — Sergeants are standard street patrollers while Sunhome Enforcers are soldiers who have proven themselves worthy of guarding the Sunhome fortress.
  • Power Band 12: Wojek Apothecaries and Flame-Kin — healers of the League of Wojek, the Wojek Apothecaries are necessary for the many scrapes that occur on the streets. The flame-kin are bipedal elementals that have been touched by the angels of the Boros. They are passionate zealots loyal to the cause of the Legion.
  • Power Band 13: Constables and Commandos— Wojek constables take care of the menial tasks that need taking care of. Boros Commandos are good soldiers perfect for what is commonly called ‘Hammer Duty’. Many of the Commandos are Ordruun, a race of minotaurs. Ordruun Commandos even outnumber human Commandos. Swiftblades are the first soldiers into combat. They're the elite marines of Boros specializing in assault and occupation.
  • Power Band 14: Thundersong Trumpeters— though they do not patrol the streets like the ‘jeks and do not occupy the trenches like the rest of the army, Trumpeters outrank all low-level soldiers. They strike fear into the heart of the enemy with their song.
  • "The Grunts" — the common rank-and-file police and soldiers that make up the majority of the manpower.

The Interregnum

During the days of the Interregnum after the death of Razia and many other high-ranking officials of the guild, the Boros mainly worked as paid bodyguards and security officials for the highest bidders, mostly Orzhov families.[9] Many were discontent with this new style of leadership under guildmaster Feather and gathered under the war-leader Aurelia, who argued that no disgraced angel should lead the Boros.

The new Hierarchy

After Aurelia assumed the office of guildmaster, she established several changes to the way the guild was run. While she maintained both the army and the Wojek, angels were now encouraged to mingle with the lower ranks and Aurelia enforced practicality over tradition among them.[7][10][11]

In addition, Aurelia has split leadership of the bulk of the legion into four "theatres" that mainly deal with threats to the public order:

  • The Theatre of Order: tasked to fight against Rakdos incursions and their clubs.
  • The Theatre of Integrity: tasked to find the sleeper agents and hidden refuges of the Dimir and root any members of this subversive guild out
    • A subdivision, the Dead Brigade, is tasked to neutralizes spirits.
  • The Theatre of Fortification: tasked to increase Boros weapons and battle effectiveness. Its commander is Tajic.
    • The Warmind Initiative is a conjoined effort of the Izzet and the Boros to develop new technologies for the Boros to use to keep the peace.
  • The Theatre of Recruitment: having the objective to find and indoctrinate members among the guildless that seem suitable to serve in the Legion.

Further decentralization

The most sweeping recent change has been the reorganization of the guild into countless small local forces.[8] Boros forces are now distributed into garrisons, each of which performs all the functions formerly divided among the theaters. Each garrison has little knowledge of the activities of the others, and secret plans are not shared. Thus, if one garrison is infiltrated by spies from another guild, the caused damage is limited to that garrison alone. The Warleader Angels coordinate the efforts of the garrisons, with the Battleforce Angels as their liaisons. Firemane Angels walk regularly among the soldiers, rooting out any hint of deception or corruption.

War of the Spark

Aurelia and the Boros Legion were in the vanguard of the troops fighting Nicol Bolas in the War of the Spark.[12] The Parhelion was used, as well.

Phyrexian invasion and its aftermath

As frontline fighters against the Phyrexian invasion, the Boros suffered heavy losses.[13][14] Many of the survivors suffered a crisis of faith, feeling guilt and remorse for not being able to protect the plane as they felt they should have been able to. Guildmaster Aurelia took the losses particularly hard. Following the Invasion, they've grown even more aggressive about cracking down on the disruptive activities of the guilds they've traditionally viewed as threats to Ravnica — namely, the Golgari, Simic, Rakdos, and Gruul. To make up for the losses, the Boros have been stepping up their recruitment efforts amongst the guildless, which has resulted in a large number of new, untrained recruits now patrolling the streets. In addition, Boros mage-priests have taken to training the Legion's soldiers in wielding battle magics previously reserved for higher-ranked members.

In the game

Guild mechanics

Ravnica: City of Guilds: Radiance

Main article: Radiance

Radiance is an ability word that features on cards that affect a target and all other cards of the same type that share a color with the target.[15]

Gatecrash: Battalion

Main article: Battalion

Battalion is an ability word that features on cards that have an effect triggered when multiple creatures attack simultaneously.

Guilds of Ravnica: Mentor

Main article: Mentor

Whenever a creature with the Mentor ability attacks, a +1/+1 counter is put on target attacking creature with less power.

Creature types

Species and races

Species and races associated with the Boros Legion include:

Classes

Classes associated with the Boros Legion include:

Notable members

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ Cory J. Herndon (May 2006), Dissension.
  2. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 20, 2012). "Boros Legion". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (December 05, 2005). "Disorderly Conduct". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 04, 2006). "Ravnica Style Guide: Boros". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ a b Matt Cavotta (December 7, 2005). "Holy War, the Boros Legion". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Chris Gleeson (October 16, 2018). "Building the Guilds – The Boros Legion". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ a b The Magic Creative Team (December 05, 2012). "Planeswalker's Guide to Gatecrash, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ a b c James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica". Wizards of the Coast
  9. ↑ Adam Lee (August 29, 2012). "Ravnica, then and now". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Chas Andres (October 3, 2018). "A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ The Magic Creative Team (December 12, 2012). "Planeswalker's Guide to Gatecrash, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Greg Weisman (April 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica". Del Rey.
  13. ↑ Emily Teng (February 1, 2024). "Planeswalker's Guide to Murders at Karlov Manor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Flavor text of Lightning Helix (Murders at Karlov Manor)
  15. ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 04, 2013). "Designing for Boros". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

See also

Monocolored
Multicolored ({M})
See also
Ravnica block
Return to Ravnica block
Later sets
Related games
Ravnica storyline
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