Phoberos
| Phoberos | |
|---|---|
| The Badlands of Phoberos | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Theros |
| Colors |
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| Part of | Mortal Realm |
Phoberos (FOH-behr-ohs) is a harsh, desolate badlands region on Theros, inhabited primarily by savage outcast minotaur raiders and haunted by undead remnants of volcanic devastation. It serves as a brutal, contested borderland between the city-states of Akros and Skophos, marked by treacherous canyons, ancient ruins, and constant conflict between marauders and Akroan soldiers. Alongside its infamous minotaur bands, the region is home to dangerous monsters and war-torn frontier camps, where vigilant stratian patrols defend against ever-present threats.[1]
History
During the birth of the poleis that followed the fall of the archons of Trax, the humans and the minotaurs waged war in the Katachthon Mountains and the badlands that would become Phoberos. Myths say that the gods of war, Iroas and Mogis, and their champions fought over the land, representing the ideological battle between honor and savagery. Their fight is said to have cut into the ground, creating numerous canyons and caves. This conflict resulted in the founding of Akros and Skophos, with Phoberos serving as an inhospitable border between them.[1]
Geography
Phoberos is a desolate wilderness unsuitable for agriculture. The minotaurs know how to navigate the maze-like canyons and use hidden crags as places to ambush travelers. They are said to squat in any cave, cavern, or shaft deemed large or safe enough, and their lairs are littered with refuse, dung, and the bones of a wide variety of animals and other races, especially humans.[2]
Locations in Phoberos
- The Ashlands — a northeastern region at the base of Mount Velus, dominated by ash-covered ruins and inhabited by the undead. Situated north of Skophos and west of Oreskos, this wasteland is blanketed in white ash from the volcanic Mount Vesios's last eruption, serving as a stark reminder of its destructive power. Many undead roam these lands, often unaware of their death as they drift among the half-buried ruins. The Ashlands are also home to the Felhide minotaurs and the bleached dragon oracle known as Timedrinker.[1]
- Deathbellow Canyon - the largest canyon in Phoberos, the infamous Deathbellow is filled with vast bogs and towering spires.[1]
- The Temple of Malice - a minotaur temple of worship to Mogis, a ruined fortress in a rift between two mountains.[4]
- The Stratian Front
- the contested border region where Akroan soldiers vigilantly guard Phoberos, constantly patrolling to repel threats against Akros. This ongoing conflict demands unwavering vigilance and relentless effort from the Akroan army.[1]
- Camp No Hope - a noisy, makeshift encampment serving as a temporary base for soldiers on the front lines. Known for its rough atmosphere, it is a hub of activity and camaraderie amid the harsh conditions of the badlands.[1]
- Fort Sandmouth - a fortified cavern that stands as a permanent stronghold along the frontier. It provides shelter and defense for Akroan forces, anchoring their presence in the dangerous borderlands.[1]
Inhabitants
In addition to minotaurs, many monsters can be found in Phoberos including cyclopes, basilisks, dragons, harpies, lamia, manticores, and sphinxes.
Minotaurs
The minotaurs of Phoberos are barbaric raiders seeking only mayhem, though not to be sapient, and barely sentient. They have no culture to speak of and use only the most rudimentary elements of language. When not killing other races, these minotaurs will turn on each other to satiate their bloodlust. Only the strongest can lead a band, and fights between potential leaders can be heard for miles.[2]
Larger and more animalistic than their more civilized brethren, minotaurs in Phoberos are mostly outcasts from Skophos, ostracized from the last semblance of their society. These marauders are the most often encountered by Akroans, and therefore give minotaurs their bloodthirsty reputation.[1]
Below are the most famous Minotaur bands:
- The Bloodhorn band is named for the oversized, blood-caked horns they have, and they value human bone marrow.
- The Felhide band are cannibals of the Ashlands that devour the corpses of fallen comrades.
- The Ragegore band are bloodthirsty berserkers of Deathbellow Canyon infected with the rage of Mogis.
Non-Minotaurs
The only humans that regularly enter Phoberos are the stratians of Akros, who zealously protect their borders. Their only known encampments are Camp No Hope and Fort Sandmouth. Odunos also regularly sends Returned soldiers through Phoberos to attack Akroan and Meletian settlements, often menacing the minotaur bands along the way.[1] Most Stratian patrols, however, travel independently through the badlands, navigating their routes to confront dangers wherever they arise.
Notable Phoberans
- Thyrogog of the Ashlands, wielder of Goremaster.
- Timedrinker, bleached dragon oracle of the Ashlands.
Inspiration
- The name is taken from Phobos, the Greek god of fear.
In-game references
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Quoted or referred to:
References
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (September 04, 2013). "Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 3". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022.
- ↑ Flavor text of Deathbellow War Cry (Theros Beyond Death).
- ↑ Jenna Helland (May 2014) - Journey into Nyx: Godsend, Part II, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN: 978-0-7869-6567-0.
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