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|race=[[Demon]]
|race=[[Demon]]
|sources=[[Dissension (novel)|Dissension]]
|sources=[[Dissension (novel)|Dissension]]
|colors={{mana|RB}}
}}
}}
'''Rakdos''', called '''His Viciousness''' by his followers, is the [[demon]]ic [[parun]] and [[guildmaster]] of the [[Cult of Rakdos]] on [[Ravnica]].<ref name="Gods Chaos">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-8-gods-of-chaos|Episode 8: Gods of Chaos|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/dissension-style-guide-rakdos-2006-08-14|''Dissension'' Style Guide: Rakdos|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 14, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/sketches-rakdos-1-2-3s-2006-08-15|Sketches: Rakdos 1-2-3s|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 15, 2006}}</ref><ref name="Planeswalker's Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-return-to-ravnica-part-3|Planeswalker's Guide to Return to Ravnica: Part 3|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|September 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/rakdos-then-and-now-2012-12-12|Rakdos, Then and Now|[[Monty Ashley]]|December 12, 2012}}</ref> He spends most of his time slumbering in a lava pit located in [[Rix Maadi]]. He was given the responsibility of a guild by the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]] to bind him to a greater purpose, or at the very least keep him busy enough that he would be less of a problem for the other guildmasters.<ref name="Chains">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-5-chains-of-expectation|''Murders at Karlov Manor'' - Episode 5: Chains of Expectation|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 11, 2024}}</ref>
'''Rakdos''', called '''His Viciousness''' by his followers, is the [[demon]] [[parun]] and [[guildmaster]] of the [[Cult of Rakdos]] on [[Ravnica]].<ref name="Gods Chaos">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-8-gods-of-chaos|Episode 8: Gods of Chaos|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/dissension-style-guide-rakdos-2006-08-14|''Dissension'' Style Guide: Rakdos|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 14, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/sketches-rakdos-1-2-3s-2006-08-15|Sketches: Rakdos 1-2-3s|[[Magic Arcana]]|August 15, 2006}}</ref><ref name="Planeswalker's Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-return-to-ravnica-part-3|Planeswalker's Guide to Return to Ravnica: Part 3|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|September 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/rakdos-then-and-now-2012-12-12|Rakdos, Then and Now|[[Monty Ashley]]|December 12, 2012}}</ref> He spends most of his time slumbering in a lava pit located in [[Rix Maadi]]. He was given the responsibility of a guild by the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]] to bind him to a greater purpose, or at the very least keep him busy enough that he would be less of a problem for the other guildmasters.<ref name="Chains">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-5-chains-of-expectation|''Murders at Karlov Manor'' - Episode 5: Chains of Expectation|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 11, 2024}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
Rakdos has been described as "Big as a dragon, with arms and legs muscled and proportioned like a gigantic wrestler. Two sets of horns, one arcing upward, outward, and backward like a steer's, the other arcing down and curving up like those of a humongous ram. Burning yellow eyes. Razor teeth, locked together in a rictus grin. A beard of bone spurs emerging from a wide jaw. Bat wings. Cloven hooves. Blood-red hide clothed in chains and skulls. And his brow, a wreath of flame."<ref name="Ashes"/> He is known as '''the Defiler''', '''the Enslaver''', the '''Demon-God''', and, in more obscure histories, the '''Rat-King'''.<ref name="Dissension"/>
Rakdos has been described as "Big as a dragon, with arms and legs muscled and proportioned like a gigantic wrestler. Two sets of horns, one arcing upward, outward, and backward like a steer's, the other arcing down and curving up like those of a humongous ram. Burning yellow eyes. Razor teeth, locked together in a rictus grin. A beard of bone spurs emerging from a wide jaw. Bat wings. Cloven hooves. Blood-red hide clothed in chains and skulls. And his brow, a wreath of flame."<ref name="Ashes"/> His mouth holds two rows of razor-sharp teeth.<ref name="Jailbreak"/> He is known as '''the Defiler''', '''the Enslaver''', the '''Demon-God''', and, in more obscure histories, the '''Rat-King'''.<ref name="Dissension"/> Rakdos is able to change his size at will; growing larger or smaller as he deems necessary.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://vorthosjay.tumblr.com/post/745501146328842240/|title=Is rakdos capable of scaling his size?|March 20th, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Thunder 2">{{DailyRef|making-magic/bringing-the-thunder-part-2|Bringing the Thunder, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|April 29, 2024}}</ref>


Rakdos embodies hedonism and is known for his capricious cruelty and megalomania. Older than the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]] itself, Rakdos is an ancient, powerful, and evil demon who personifies the chaotic fury of red mana and the death and defilement of black.<ref>[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]'''" . [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> He is also a consummate entertainer, whose mere appearance is an act of grisly performance art. A monstrous figure standing thirty feet tall, spreading enormous wings, crowned with fire, and swinging a flaming scythe, Rakdos demands the spotlight. His every entrance is a showstopper.<ref name="D&D">[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> Rakdos' armor resembles the signet of the Rakdos guild.
Rakdos embodies hedonism and is known for his capricious cruelty and megalomania. Older than the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]] itself, Rakdos is an ancient, powerful, and evil demon who personifies the chaotic fury of red mana and the death and defilement of black.<ref>[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]'''" . [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> He is also a consummate entertainer, whose mere appearance is an act of grisly performance art. A monstrous figure standing thirty feet tall, spreading enormous wings, crowned with fire, and swinging a flaming scythe, Rakdos demands the spotlight. His every entrance is a showstopper.<ref name="D&D">[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> Rakdos' armor resembles the signet of the Rakdos guild.
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===Persecution===
===Persecution===
Since the glorious carnage and destruction of [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse|New Phyrexia's invasion of Ravnica]], none of the usual amusements staged by his followers managed to rouse his interest. Plagued with boredom, he allowed himself to fall into a deep slumber, where he relived the chaos of the invasion while he waited for something new to pique his interest.<ref name="MKM Legends">{{DailyRef|feature/the-legends-and-characters-of-murders-at-karlov-manor|The Legends (and characters) of Murders at Karlov Manor|[[Emily Teng]]|February 6, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Rot Before">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-7-rot-before-recovery|Episode 7: Rot Before Recovery|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 15, 2024}}</ref> Unbeknownst to him, [[Judith]] was plotting against him and planning to take his place as the guildmaster. She sensed an opportunity after the murders of [[Zegana]] and [[Teysa Karlov]] a year and some months later, deliberately misleading the investigators to implicate Rakdos as the one who was brainwashing people to carry out the murders. [[Agrus Kos]] sensed something suspicious and entered [[Rix Maadi]] to find Rakdos in a deep slumber, proving beyond all doubt that he was innocent. Judith imprisoned Kos, leaving nobody who could advocate for the demon's innocence. However, with the revelation of [[Trostani|the true killer]], Rakdos' name was cleared. Judith was later attacked by [[Massacre Girl]] for trying to weaken the guild, leaving her whereabouts unknown.
Since the glorious carnage and destruction of [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse|New Phyrexia's invasion of Ravnica]], none of the usual amusements staged by his followers managed to rouse his interest.<ref name="MKM Legends">{{DailyRef|feature/the-legends-and-characters-of-murders-at-karlov-manor|The Legends (and characters) of Murders at Karlov Manor|[[Emily Teng]]|February 6, 2024}}</ref> Plagued with boredom, he allowed himself to fall into a deep slumber, where he relived the chaos of the invasion while he waited for something new to pique his interest.<ref name="Rot Before">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-7-rot-before-recovery|Episode 7: Rot Before Recovery|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 15, 2024}}</ref> Unbeknownst to him, [[Judith]] was plotting against him and planning to take his place as the guildmaster. She sensed an opportunity after the murders of [[Zegana]] and [[Teysa Karlov]] a year and some months later, deliberately misleading the investigators to implicate Rakdos as the one who was brainwashing people to carry out the murders. [[Agrus Kos]] sensed something suspicious and entered [[Rix Maadi]] to find Rakdos in a deep slumber, proving beyond all doubt that he was innocent. Judith imprisoned Kos, leaving nobody who could advocate for the demon's innocence. However, with the revelation of [[Trostani|the true killer]], Rakdos' name was cleared. Judith was later attacked by [[Massacre Girl]] for trying to weaken the guild, leaving her whereabouts unknown.


===Thunder Junction===
===Thunder Junction===
Rakdos, now awake no less than a few months later, found his way through an Omenpath and ended up on [[Thunder Junction]]. Oko recruited him for his raid on [[Maag Taranau]] sometime before a heist on Sterling Company headquarters and was amenable to being a mere backup to the main players. Rakdos ended up still seeing some action, knocking a surprised [[Ral Zarek]] into the distance when he attempted to stop Oko's theft,<ref name="Jailbreak">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-2-the-jailbreak|Episode 2: The Jailbreak|[[Akemi Dawn Bowman]]|March 13, 2024}}</ref> and later defeating [[Akul]] in a brawl outside Maag Taranau. He also befriended the tiny [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominarian]] skeleton [[Tinybones]], who he considered immensely amusing, and even allowed him to ride on his head after he had sworn to Gideon that nobody would ever do so again. Despite the heist being a failure by most accounts, Rakdos declared it to be an entertaining time and departed with Tinybones, leaving open a return if a worthwhile plan is forged.<ref name="The Ballad">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-6-the-ballad-of-thieves-and-thunderslingers|Episode 6: The Ballad of Thieves and Thunderslingers|[[Akemi Dawn Bowman]]|March 25, 2024}}</ref>
Awakening roughly a month later, Oko recruited Rakdos for his heist of [[Maag Taranau]] with promises of new excitement on [[Thunder Junction]].<ref name="Legendary Crew">{{DailyRef|feature/a-legendary-crew-for-an-unbelievable-heist-outlaws-of-thunder-junction|A Legendary Crew for an Unbelievable Heist: ''Outlaws of Thunder Junction''|[[Magic Creative Team]]|April 11, 2024}}</ref> Rakdos, having grown bored of Ravnica, agreed to temporarily play along sometime before a heist on the [[Sterling Company]] headquarters.<ref name="Jailbreak">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-2-the-jailbreak|Episode 2: The Jailbreak|[[Akemi Dawn Bowman]]|March 13, 2024}}</ref> Rakdos provided muscle for the crew, knocking a surprised [[Ral Zarek]] into the distance when he attempted to stop Oko's theft, and later defeating [[Akul]] in a brawl outside Maag Taranau.<ref name="The Ballad">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-6-the-ballad-of-thieves-and-thunderslingers|Episode 6: The Ballad of Thieves and Thunderslingers|[[Akemi Dawn Bowman]]|March 25, 2024}}</ref> He also befriended the [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominarian]] [[skeleton]] thief [[Tinybones]], whom he considered immensely amusing, and even allowed him to ride on his head after he had sworn to Gideon that nobody would ever do so again. Despite the heist being a failure by most accounts, Rakdos declared it to be an entertaining time and departed with Tinybones, leaving open a return if a worthwhile plan was forged.


==Planes visited==
==Planes visited==
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Of the ten paruns, Rakdos is the only one still in charge of his guild. [[Niv-Mizzet]] is still alive but, as the Second [[Living Guildpact]], he is no longer part of the [[Izzet]], while [[Azor]], having given up his spark to make the [[Immortal Sun]], remains trapped on Useless Island on [[Ixalan]].
*Of the ten [[parun]]s, Rakdos was the last to leave the leadership of his guild, having departed from the plane sometime after ''[[Murders at Karlov Manor]]''. [[Niv-Mizzet]] is still alive but, as the Second [[Living Guildpact]], he is no longer part of the [[Izzet]], while [[Azor]], having given up his spark to make the [[Immortal Sun]], remains trapped on Useless Island on [[Ixalan]].
*His power and/or toughness is 6. (Six is thought to be the number of the beast.)<ref name="Thunder 2"/>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Rakdos MTGA avatar ANA.png|[[Magic: The Gathering Arena]] avatar.
File:Rakdos MTGA avatar ANA.png|[[Magic: The Gathering Arena]] avatar.
File:Outlaws key art.jpg|''[[Outlaws of Thunder Junction]]'' [[key art]] featuring [[Oko]]'s crew by [[Lie Setiawan]].
File:RakishCrew.png|Oko's crew
File:Rakdos OTJ concept.jpg|Concept art for ''Outlaws of Thunder Junction'' by [[Kieran Yanner]].
File:OTJKeyArt5.png|Oko's crew.
File:Wanted Rakdos.jpg|Wanted poster from Thunder Junction.
File:Wanted Rakdos.jpg|Wanted poster from Thunder Junction.
File:RakdosTrailer.png|Rakdos's introduction in the ''Outlaws of Thunder Junction'' trailer.
File:OTJTrailer4.jpg|Rakdos and [[Tinybones]] in the ''Outlaws of Thunder Junction'' trailer.
File:OTJKeyArt3.png|[[Oko]], [[Vraska]], and [[Rakdos]] rob a train.
File:OkoCrew.png|Oko's crew in the ''Outlaws of Thunder Junction'' trailer.
File:OTJKeyArt2.jpg|''Outlaws of Thunder Junction'' [[key art]] featuring [[Oko]]'s crew.
File:OTJMovieRakdos.png|Cast art for MTG-JP April Fools ''Outlaws of Thunder Junction: The Movie''.
File:RakdosBebop1.png|Rakdos in the ''Outlaws of Thunder Junction'' x ''[[Wikipedia:Cowboy Bebop|Cowboy Bebop]]'' trailer.
File:CrewBebop.png|Oko's crew.
File:RakdosBebop2.png|{{card|Go for the Throat|Promo|PCBB}} by [[Maxilla]].
File:Rakdos MTGA avatar OTJ.png|Rakdos on Thunder Junction [[Magic: The Gathering Arena|MTGA]] avatar.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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! Title !! Author !! Publishing date !! Set !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
! Title !! Author !! Publishing date !! Set !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
|-
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/war-spark-ravnica-operation-desperation-2019-06-05|War of the Spark: Ravnica—Operation Desperation}} || [[Greg Weisman]] || 2019-06-05 || ''[[War of the Spark]]'' || [[Ravnica]] || [[Araithia Shokta|Rat]], [[Teyo Verada]], [[Kaya]], [[Ral Zarek]], [[Vraska]], [[Exava]], Rakdos, [[Tomik Vrona]], [[Hekara]], [[Nissa Revane]], [[Lavinia]], [[Borborygmos]], [[Emmara Tandris]], [[Vannifar]], [[Vorel]], [[Aurelia]], [[Lazav]], [[Kefnet]], [[Niv-Mizzet]]
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20060228213819/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/daily/mc27 Wake Up Call] || [[Matt Cavotta]] || February 22, 2006 || ''[[Guildpact]]'' || [[Ravnica]] || [[Bougrat]], [[Obzedat]], [[Chorus of the Conclave]], [[Niv-Mizzet]], [[Razia]], Rakdos (mentioned only), [[Nephilim|the Nephilim]]
|-
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/war-spark-ravnica-ashes-2019-06-12|War of the Spark: Ravnica—Ashes}}|| [[Greg Weisman]] || 2019-06-12 || ''[[War of the Spark]]'' || [[Ravnica]] || [[Araithia Shokta|Rat]], [[Gideon Jura]], [[Tomik Vrona]], [[Lavinia]], [[Ral Zarek]], [[Jace Beleren]], [[Chandra Nalaar]], [[Teferi]], [[Ajani Goldmane]], [[Nissa Revane]], [[Jaya Ballard]], [[Karn]], [[Kaya]], [[Teyo Verada]], [[Isperia]], [[Dack Fayden]], [[Saheeli Rai]], [[Hekara]], [[Vraska]], [[Nicol Bolas]], [[Borborygmos]], [[Samut]], [[Vorel]], [[Sorin Markov]], [[Nahiri]], [[Arlinn Kord]], [[Feather]], [[Liliana Vess]], [[Oketra]], Rakdos, [[Bontu]], [[Niv-Mizzet]], [[Angrath]], [[The Wanderer]], [[Mu Yanling]], [[Jiang Yanggu]], [[Mowu]], [[Vivien Reid]], [[Aurelia]], [[Exava]], [[Lazav]]
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/war-spark-ravnica-operation-desperation-2019-06-05|War of the Spark: Ravnica—Operation Desperation}} || [[Greg Weisman]] || 2019-06-05 || ''[[War of the Spark]]'' || [[Ravnica]] || [[Araithia Shokta|Rat]], [[Teyo Verada|Teyo]], [[Kaya Cassir|Kaya]], [[Ral Zarek|Ral]], [[Vraska]], Whipsaw, [[Exava]], Rakdos, [[Tomik Vrona]], [[Hekara]], [[Varryvort]], [[Nissa Revane|Nissa]], [[Lavinia]], [[Borborygmos]], [[Gan Shokta]], [[Ari Shokta]], [[Emmara Tandris]], [[Boruvo]], [[Vannifar]], [[Vorel]], [[Aurelia]], [[Lazav]], [[Kefnet]], [[Niv-Mizzet]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/war-spark-ravnica-ashes-2019-06-12|War of the Spark: Ravnica—Ashes}}|| [[Greg Weisman]] || 2019-06-12 || ''[[War of the Spark]]'' || [[Ravnica]] || [[Araithia Shokta|Rat]], [[the Gatewatch]], [[Nissa Revane|Nissa]], [[Tomik Vrona]], [[Lavinia]], [[Ral Zarek|Ral]], [[Dack Fayden|Dack]], [[Saheeli Rai|Saheeli]], [[Kaya Cassir|Kaya]], [[Hekara]], [[Vraska]], [[Nicol Bolas]], [[Borborygmos]], [[Vorel]], [[Karn]], [[Jaya Ballard|Jaya]], [[Boruvo]], [[Ari Shokta]], [[Gan Shokta]], [[Sorin Markov|Sorin]], [[Nahiri]], [[Teyo Verada|Teyo]], [[Arlinn Kord|Arlinn]], [[Bilagru]], [[Feather]], [[Maladola]], Rakdos, [[Oketra]], [[Bontu]], [[Niv-Mizzet]], [[Angrath]], [[Mu Yanling|Yanling]], [[Jiang Yanggu|Yanggu]], [[Mowu]], [[Samut]], [[Aurelia]], [[Exava]], [[Lazav]]
|-
|-
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-7-rot-before-recovery|Episode 7: Rot Before Recovery}}||[[Seanan McGuire]]||2024-01-11||''[[Murders at Karlov Manor]]''||[[Ravnica]]||[[Kellan]], [[Kaya Cassir]], [[Anzrag]], [[Ezrim]], [[Agrus Kos]], [[Etrata]], [[Alquist Proft]], [[Izoni]], Rakdos, [[Judith]], [[Aurelia]], [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Delney]]
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-7-rot-before-recovery|Episode 7: Rot Before Recovery}}||[[Seanan McGuire]]||2024-01-11||''[[Murders at Karlov Manor]]''||[[Ravnica]]||[[Kellan]], [[Kaya Cassir]], [[Anzrag]], [[Ezrim]], [[Agrus Kos]], [[Etrata]], [[Alquist Proft]], [[Izoni]], Rakdos, [[Judith]], [[Aurelia]], [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Delney]]
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|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-4-finding-tarnation|Outlaws of Thunder Junction Episode 4: Finding Tarnation}}||[[Akemi Dawn Bowman]]||2024-03-18||''[[Outlaws of Thunder Junction]]''||[[Thunder Junction]]||[[Oko]], [[Kellan]], Rakdos, [[Kaervek]], [[List of secondary characters#Thunder Junction|Nolan]], [[Breeches]], [[Malcolm Lee]], [[Tinybones]], [[Vraska]], [[Eriette]], [[Ashiok]], [[Annie Flash]], [[Satoru Umezawa]], [[Gisa Cecani]], [[Geralf Cecani]], [[List of secondary characters#Thunder Junction|Twist Fandango]], [[Akul]]
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-4-finding-tarnation|Outlaws of Thunder Junction Episode 4: Finding Tarnation}}||[[Akemi Dawn Bowman]]||2024-03-18||''[[Outlaws of Thunder Junction]]''||[[Thunder Junction]]||[[Oko]], [[Kellan]], Rakdos, [[Kaervek]], [[List of secondary characters#Thunder Junction|Nolan]], [[Breeches]], [[Malcolm Lee]], [[Tinybones]], [[Vraska]], [[Eriette]], [[Ashiok]], [[Annie Flash]], [[Satoru Umezawa]], [[Gisa Cecani]], [[Geralf Cecani]], [[List of secondary characters#Thunder Junction|Twist Fandango]], [[Akul]]
|-
|-
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-6-the-ballad-of-thieves-and-thunderslingers|Outlaws of Thunder Junction Episode 6: The Ballad of Thieves and Thunderslingers}}||[[Akemi Dawn Bowman]]||2024-03-25||''[[Outlaws of Thunder Junction]]''||[[Thunder Junction]]||[[Oko]], [[Breeches]], [[Annie Flash]], [[Tinybones]], Rakdos, [[Satoru Umezawa]], [[Geralf Cecani]], [[Gisa Cecani]], [[Kaervek]], [[Akul]], [[Vraska]], [[Malcolm Lee]], [[Eriette]], [[Kellan]], [[Ral Zarek]], [[Jace Beleren]], [[Amalia Benavides Aguirre]]
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-6-the-ballad-of-thieves-and-thunderslingers|Outlaws of Thunder Junction Episode 6: The Ballad of Thieves and Thunderslingers}}||[[Akemi Dawn Bowman]]||2024-03-25||''[[Outlaws of Thunder Junction]]''||[[Thunder Junction]]||[[Oko]], [[Breeches]], [[Annie Flash]], [[Tinybones]], Rakdos, [[Satoru Umezawa]], [[Geralf Cecani]], [[Gisa Cecani]], [[Kaervek]], [[Akul]], [[Vraska]], [[Malcolm Lee]], [[Eriette]], [[Kellan]], [[Ral Zarek]], [[Jace Beleren]], [[Loot (Fomori)|Loot]], [[Amalia Benavides Aguirre]]
|}
|}


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*{{card|Rakdos Guildgate|Ravnica Allegiance|#=255}}
*{{card|Rakdos Guildgate|Ravnica Allegiance|#=255}}
*<c>Riot Spikes</c>
*<c>Riot Spikes</c>
*<c>Spawn of Rix Maadi</c>
*{{card|Tower Defense||GTC}}
*{{card|Tower Defense||GTC}}
*{{card|Traitorous Instinct||RTR}}
*{{card|Traitorous Instinct||RTR}}
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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Ravnica|characters}}
{{Ravnica|paruns}}
{{Thunder Junction|characters}}
[[Category:Thunder Junction characters]]
[[Category:Demons]]
[[Category:Demons]]

Latest revision as of 04:55, 6 July 2024

For the guild of Ravnica founded by Rakdos, see Cult of Rakdos.
Rakdos
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Rakdos.jpg}}|250px]]
Details
Race Demon
Birthplace Ravnica
Lifetime Existed prior to the Guildpact
Colors
{B}{R}
Sources
Dissension

Rakdos, called His Viciousness by his followers, is the demon parun and guildmaster of the Cult of Rakdos on Ravnica.[1][2][3][4][5] He spends most of his time slumbering in a lava pit located in Rix Maadi. He was given the responsibility of a guild by the Guildpact to bind him to a greater purpose, or at the very least keep him busy enough that he would be less of a problem for the other guildmasters.[6]

Description

Rakdos has been described as "Big as a dragon, with arms and legs muscled and proportioned like a gigantic wrestler. Two sets of horns, one arcing upward, outward, and backward like a steer's, the other arcing down and curving up like those of a humongous ram. Burning yellow eyes. Razor teeth, locked together in a rictus grin. A beard of bone spurs emerging from a wide jaw. Bat wings. Cloven hooves. Blood-red hide clothed in chains and skulls. And his brow, a wreath of flame."[7] His mouth holds two rows of razor-sharp teeth.[8] He is known as the Defiler, the Enslaver, the Demon-God, and, in more obscure histories, the Rat-King.[9] Rakdos is able to change his size at will; growing larger or smaller as he deems necessary.[10][11]

Rakdos embodies hedonism and is known for his capricious cruelty and megalomania. Older than the Guildpact itself, Rakdos is an ancient, powerful, and evil demon who personifies the chaotic fury of red mana and the death and defilement of black.[12] He is also a consummate entertainer, whose mere appearance is an act of grisly performance art. A monstrous figure standing thirty feet tall, spreading enormous wings, crowned with fire, and swinging a flaming scythe, Rakdos demands the spotlight. His every entrance is a showstopper.[13] Rakdos' armor resembles the signet of the Rakdos guild.

Sometimes, after his grand entrance, Rakdos crouches to witness the performances of those who adore him. To them, his opinion is the only one that matters, but he is a demanding spectator. He has seen thousands of years of circus tricks and has no patience for performers who don't give their all. His flaming sword has brought more than one tepid show to a sudden and spectacular close.

Jaded as he is, Rakdos attends his cult's performances only rarely. He often retreats in his lair below Rix Maadi, for months or years at a time, but his followers know that he might emerge at any time to witness the latest spectacle. Getting him to show approval of a performance or even actual interest, is regarded as the ultimate test of a Cultist of Rakdos.[13]

History

Dissension

As a parun, Rakdos existed before the signing of the Guildpact, though his exact origins are unknown to all but himself.[14]

Izolda, the then-acting guildmaster of the cult, raised Rakdos from his pit to wreak havoc on Ravnica.[9] She awakened him with the blood of Myc Zunich, son of the Golgari guildmaster Jarad, and planned on using a concoction of draconic cerebral fluid to take control of her demonic master. Myc's parents intervened, which resulted in Myc gaining control over Rakdos. After a brief rampage, Izolda was able to finish the ritual and took control over Rakdos herself.

Unbeknownst to her, Momir Vig, who had supplied her with the cerebral fluid, had planned to use Project Kraj to defeat Rakdos and use this victory to convince the inhabitants of Ravnica to give him control of the entire plane. However, Vig was killed by Agrus Kos and Kraj fell later, during the fight. Rakdos suffered extensive damage and Izolda suffered the backlash of the spell. Unfortunately for her, her fellow cult members saw her moment of weakness and tore her limb from limb to feast on her flesh. With the nature of the spell, Rakdos's mind was split among all those who consumed a piece of the blood witch and he dropped into a coma as a result. Later, the new Boros guildmaster Feather dumped Rakdos' body back into his lava pit, unsure if he would ever rise again.

Guilds of Ravnica

Rakdos is still alive and is destabilizing the authority by mocking and undermining the authority of other guilds. The Cult's performances range from satire and mocking the leaders in their shows to having special shows that end with the killing of the individual.

Rakdos and Gideon Jura.

War of the Spark

In the War of the Spark, Rakdos initially was not cooperating at all with the anti-Bolas efforts because Hekara, his emissary was killed.[15] Kaya's group was going around to every non-cooperating guild to convince them to help out in Niv-Mizzet's plan of becoming the new guildpact. Rakdos still refused to cooperate with the plan, but Hekara's corpse was brought back by Tomik and she was revived as a bloodwitch. Hekara said that she would help Kaya's group. Exava tried to object but lost to Hekara in a fight. Rakdos didn't say anything but did not actively prevent Hekara from leaving.[16] Neither did he object when Hekara served as the Cult's representative at the resurrection of Niv-Mizzet as the new Living Guildpact.[16]

Later he was Gideon Jura's Unlikely Aid when they attacked Nicol Bolas together.[7] He was knocked out of the air by Bolas when Gideon was riding him.[15] He was fine and at the end of the War, making preparations to "lighten the Ravnican people's hearts" and help them forget the horrors of the war with the performances of the Rakdos circus. His minions celebrated his victory over Bolas for a long time after.[17]

Persecution

Since the glorious carnage and destruction of New Phyrexia's invasion of Ravnica, none of the usual amusements staged by his followers managed to rouse his interest.[18] Plagued with boredom, he allowed himself to fall into a deep slumber, where he relived the chaos of the invasion while he waited for something new to pique his interest.[19] Unbeknownst to him, Judith was plotting against him and planning to take his place as the guildmaster. She sensed an opportunity after the murders of Zegana and Teysa Karlov a year and some months later, deliberately misleading the investigators to implicate Rakdos as the one who was brainwashing people to carry out the murders. Agrus Kos sensed something suspicious and entered Rix Maadi to find Rakdos in a deep slumber, proving beyond all doubt that he was innocent. Judith imprisoned Kos, leaving nobody who could advocate for the demon's innocence. However, with the revelation of the true killer, Rakdos' name was cleared. Judith was later attacked by Massacre Girl for trying to weaken the guild, leaving her whereabouts unknown.

Thunder Junction

Awakening roughly a month later, Oko recruited Rakdos for his heist of Maag Taranau with promises of new excitement on Thunder Junction.[20] Rakdos, having grown bored of Ravnica, agreed to temporarily play along sometime before a heist on the Sterling Company headquarters.[8] Rakdos provided muscle for the crew, knocking a surprised Ral Zarek into the distance when he attempted to stop Oko's theft, and later defeating Akul in a brawl outside Maag Taranau.[21] He also befriended the Dominarian skeleton thief Tinybones, whom he considered immensely amusing, and even allowed him to ride on his head after he had sworn to Gideon that nobody would ever do so again. Despite the heist being a failure by most accounts, Rakdos declared it to be an entertaining time and departed with Tinybones, leaving open a return if a worthwhile plan was forged.

Planes visited

Trivia

  • Of the ten paruns, Rakdos was the last to leave the leadership of his guild, having departed from the plane sometime after Murders at Karlov Manor. Niv-Mizzet is still alive but, as the Second Living Guildpact, he is no longer part of the Izzet, while Azor, having given up his spark to make the Immortal Sun, remains trapped on Useless Island on Ixalan.
  • His power and/or toughness is 6. (Six is thought to be the number of the beast.)[11]

Gallery

Story appearances

Title Author Publishing date Set Setting (plane) Featuring
Wake Up Call Matt Cavotta February 22, 2006 Guildpact Ravnica Bougrat, Obzedat, Chorus of the Conclave, Niv-Mizzet, Razia, Rakdos (mentioned only), the Nephilim
War of the Spark: Ravnica—Operation Desperation Greg Weisman 2019-06-05 War of the Spark Ravnica Rat, Teyo, Kaya, Ral, Vraska, Whipsaw, Exava, Rakdos, Tomik Vrona, Hekara, Varryvort, Nissa, Lavinia, Borborygmos, Gan Shokta, Ari Shokta, Emmara Tandris, Boruvo, Vannifar, Vorel, Aurelia, Lazav, Kefnet, Niv-Mizzet
War of the Spark: Ravnica—Ashes Greg Weisman 2019-06-12 War of the Spark Ravnica Rat, the Gatewatch, Nissa, Tomik Vrona, Lavinia, Ral, Dack, Saheeli, Kaya, Hekara, Vraska, Nicol Bolas, Borborygmos, Vorel, Karn, Jaya, Boruvo, Ari Shokta, Gan Shokta, Sorin, Nahiri, Teyo, Arlinn, Bilagru, Feather, Maladola, Rakdos, Oketra, Bontu, Niv-Mizzet, Angrath, Yanling, Yanggu, Mowu, Samut, Aurelia, Exava, Lazav
Episode 7: Rot Before Recovery Seanan McGuire 2024-01-11 Murders at Karlov Manor Ravnica Kellan, Kaya Cassir, Anzrag, Ezrim, Agrus Kos, Etrata, Alquist Proft, Izoni, Rakdos, Judith, Aurelia, Delney
Outlaws of Thunder Junction Episode 2: The Jailbreak Akemi Dawn Bowman 2024-03-13 Outlaws of Thunder Junction Thunder Junction Annie Flash, Tinybones, Breeches, Malcolm Lee, Oko, Geralf Cecani, Gisa Cecani, Eriette, Vraska, Ashiok, Rakdos, Kaervek, Satoru Umezawa, Ral Zarek, Kellan
Outlaws of Thunder Junction Episode 4: Finding Tarnation Akemi Dawn Bowman 2024-03-18 Outlaws of Thunder Junction Thunder Junction Oko, Kellan, Rakdos, Kaervek, Nolan, Breeches, Malcolm Lee, Tinybones, Vraska, Eriette, Ashiok, Annie Flash, Satoru Umezawa, Gisa Cecani, Geralf Cecani, Twist Fandango, Akul
Outlaws of Thunder Junction Episode 6: The Ballad of Thieves and Thunderslingers Akemi Dawn Bowman 2024-03-25 Outlaws of Thunder Junction Thunder Junction Oko, Breeches, Annie Flash, Tinybones, Rakdos, Satoru Umezawa, Geralf Cecani, Gisa Cecani, Kaervek, Akul, Vraska, Malcolm Lee, Eriette, Kellan, Ral Zarek, Jace Beleren, Loot, Amalia Benavides Aguirre

In-game references

Represented in:
Associated cards:
Depicted in:
Quoted or referred to:

References

  1. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 16, 2024). "Episode 8: Gods of Chaos". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Magic Arcana (August 14, 2006). "Dissension Style Guide: Rakdos". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Magic Arcana (August 15, 2006). "Sketches: Rakdos 1-2-3s". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ The Magic Creative Team (September 19, 2012). "Planeswalker's Guide to Return to Ravnica: Part 3". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Monty Ashley (December 12, 2012). "Rakdos, Then and Now". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 11, 2024). "Murders at Karlov Manor - Episode 5: Chains of Expectation". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ a b Greg Weisman (June 12, 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica – Ashes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ a b Akemi Dawn Bowman (March 13, 2024). "Episode 2: The Jailbreak". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ a b Cory Herndon (2006), Dissension. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Jay Annelli (March 20th, 2024). "Is rakdos capable of scaling his size?". Ask Jay. Tumblr.
  11. ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (April 29, 2024). "Bringing the Thunder, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica'" . Wizards of the Coast
  13. ↑ a b James Wyatt and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica", Wizards of the Coast
  14. ↑ (2006). Dissension Player's Guide. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ a b Greg Weisman (April 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica". Del Rey.
  16. ↑ a b Greg Weisman (June 5, 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica – Operation Desperation". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ Greg Weisman (November 2019). "War of the Spark: Forsaken". Del Rey.
  18. ↑ Emily Teng (February 6, 2024). "The Legends (and characters) of Murders at Karlov Manor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  19. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 15, 2024). "Episode 7: Rot Before Recovery". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ Magic Creative Team (April 11, 2024). "A Legendary Crew for an Unbelievable Heist: Outlaws of Thunder Junction". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ Akemi Dawn Bowman (March 25, 2024). "Episode 6: The Ballad of Thieves and Thunderslingers". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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