Phenax

Phenax
God of Deception
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Phenax.jpg}}|250px]]
Details
Race	God
Birthplace	Theros
Colors

Phenax is the God of Deception on Theros. He is associated with blue and black mana.

Description

Phenax is the god of cheats and liars. He governs gambling, deception, betrayal, isolation, planning, and secrets. He is worshipped by criminals and others who wish to subvert the rules. Phenax is also associated with the Returned, Theros' undead, who follow his path back from the Underworld, as he is the first of their number. Like other Returned, he still wears his golden funerary mask, as well as golden armor on his hands and arms.

As a mortal, Phenax was the first to escape the underworld. Cheating death this way likely set him on a path to join Theros' pantheon.

Storyline

In the Theros block saga, the nightmare planeswalker Ashiok strikes a deal with Phenax. In exchange for laying waste to the polis of Iretis to make a new polis for the Returned, Phenax made the planeswalker invisible to the other gods allowing Ashiok to operate under their gaze without detection. Phenax was amused by Ashiok's plans.

It is strongly implied that Phenax was the deity represented in "The Consequences of Attraction", cursing Xandria to become a siren for falling in love with Ninis, whom he had set eyes upon himself.

Gallery

• 

  Phenax, God of Deception from Secret Lair Drop Series: Theros Stargazing.

Story appearances

Title	Author	Publishing date	Set	Setting (plane)	Featuring
Building Toward a Dream, Part 2	Ken Troop	2013-12-04	Theros	Theros	Kedarick VI, Klytessa, Lara, Udaen, Chelta, Vanin, Mogis, Phenax, Heliod, Ephara, Iroas, Ashiok
Dreams of the City	Ken Troop	2014-04-23	Journey into Nyx	Theros	Cacophony, Euneas, Pollio, Melantha, Xenocrates, Koblios, Ephara, Phenax, Ashiok, Xenagos

In-game references

Represented in:

• Phenax, God of Deception

Associated cards:

• Atris, Oracle of Half-Truths
• Disciple of Deceit
• Disciple of Phenax
• Temple of Deceit

Depicted in:

• Extinguish All Hope (Journey into Nyx)
• Minion's Return
• Spiteful Blow
• Treacherous Blessing

Quoted or referred to:

• Black Oak of Odunos
• Cast into Darkness
• Extinguish All Hope (Commander Masters, #157)
• Hubris

Inspiration

The character of Phenax is inspired by Hermes, Greek god of thieves, travelers, and border crossings, guide to the Underworld; Dolos, son of Erebus, spirit of trickery and guile; and Atë the personified spirit of mischief, delusion, ruin, and folly. The name is likely from the Ancient Greek word φέναξ (phénax), meaning cheat, quack, or impostor.

External links

• The Magic Creative Team (January 29, 2014). "The Gods of Born of the Gods". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
• Mike McArtor (March 24, 2014). "Born's Gods". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.