Arcades Sabboth
| Arcades Sabboth | |
|---|---|
|
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Arcades, the Strategist.jpg}}|250px]] | |
| Details | |
| Race | Elder Dragon |
| Birthplace | Dominaria |
| Born | c. -25,000 AR |
| Died | 2834 AR |
| Parents | The Ur-Dragon |
| Relatives |
Chromium Rhuell (brother) Palladia-Mors (sister) Merrevia Sal (sister) Nicol Bolas (brother) Ugin (brother) Vaevictis Asmadi (cousin) Lividus (cousin) Piru (cousin) Ravus (cousin) Rubra (cousin) |
| Colors | |
   | |
| Sources | |
| 'Ice Age' | |
Arcades Sabboth was a massive, brightly colored, wise Elder Dragon with pale wings, spawned by the Ur-Dragon. He was the first of the elders to name himself.[1]
History
Youth
Upon being spawned, Arcades lost interest in the other elder dragons being born and went to investigate interesting human structures in the distance.[1] He became fascinated by the human society he found. He took up residence in a ring fort, where the humans worshiped him as their "Dragonlord". In return, he taught them "a better path of life, one ruled not just by their own primitive, violent tendencies."[2] Under the reign of Arcades, their realm dwelt in peace and order.
Elder Dragon War
Even though he had scolded and harangued upon the topic of order and peace and the proper way to rule, Arcades Sabboth threw his might into the Elder Dragon War as he listened to the whispers of Nicol Bolas that brushed through his mind.[3] On the closing stages of the war, Arcades' declining army fought against Bolas on the continent of Jamuraa, their battle was interrupted by Ugin's appearance. Arcades tried justifying his attack as reactionary towards Bolas' brutality but quickly took advantage of Bolas' distraction to stage a strategic retreat.
Sabboth was one of the few victors, along with his brothers Nicol Bolas and Chromium Rhuell, his sister Palladia-Mors and their cousin Vaevictis Asmadi.
Aftermath of the war
With Bolas distraught and igniting his spark, Arcades quickly took advantage of his absence to take over the land, welcoming Bolas' abandoned armies. He became the de facto ruler of Dominaria until his death, with Bolas deeming the place not worth retaking the same way Ugin did not deem his empire anything relevant in the greater picture of the Multiverse. However, he did plant seeds of paranoia in Arcades' mind, turning his regime into a dictatorial police state.
Death
He was killed by Kristina, in her duel with Leshrac in 2834 AR.[4][5][6]
Controversy over Sabboth's death
There is a debate among storyline fans about when Arcades Sabboth died. Among the Elder Dragons that survived the War, only Nicol Bolas and Arcades Sabboth were Chromium's brothers. In prerevisionist sources, no other information on these two characters had been given, and it was argued that Leshrac would rather summon Bolas than Sabboth. However, it was later revealed that Bolas had become a planeswalker, so he could not be summoned by another. Thus, it can be assumed that the Elder Dragon summoned by Leshrac and killed by Kristina was indeed Arcades Sabboth. The controversy stems from the conversation pictured on the right.
Gallery
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Card art in Legends
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Card art in Dominaria United
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Secret Lair art
Story appearances
In-game references
- Represented in:
Trivia
- The name "Arcades Sabboth" alludes to the similarly spelled concepts of "arcadia" and "Sabbath", a "pastoral utopia" and "day of rest" respectively, reflecting the peaceful kingdom he built.
References
- ↑ a b Kate Elliott (June 13, 2018). "Chronicle of Bolas: The Twins". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Kate Elliott (June 20, 2018). "Chronicle of Bolas: The First Lesson". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Kate Elliott (July 18, 2018). "Chronicle of Bolas: Blood and Fire". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Elder Dragons (comic)
- ↑ Jeff Gomez (1995), "Ice Age on the World of Magic: The Gathering. Volume 3. The Shard". Armada
- ↑ Jay Annelli (January 4, 2024). "Killed when compelled into a duel with a planeswalker during the Ice Age". Twitter.