Skophos
| Skophos | |
|---|---|
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| Information | |
| Plane | Theros |
| Colors |
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| Part of | Mortal Realm |
Skophos (SKOH-Fohs) is the labyrinthine city of the Minotaurs on Theros, described as a dark reflection of Akros. When Akroan soldiers face minotaurs moving in disciplined squads - patrolling the badlands along predictable routes, clad in armor and wielding bronze weapons — they often refer to them as the "Bronzebone band," treating them like just another faction vying for control in Phoberos. However, these minotaurs are not merely raiders; they are the organized warriors of Skophos, the minotaur city-state.[1]
Description
| “ | Mogis reshaped our ancestors, giving form to their great rages and pains. We are not our ancestors, though. We are god-carved for greatness, but each of us determines how. | ” |
—Gysios, Bronzebones veteran | ||
Skophos is ruled by priests and warlord champions of Mogis, with various tyrants governing different districts. These leaders seldom gather in council, and when they do, their quarrels often prevent agreement or unity. Only the priests of Mogis possess the authority to compel the city’s fractious rulers to set aside their conflicts and unite behind a common purpose.[1]
Geography
- The Labyrinth of Skophos
- Skophos itself has streets like an actual living maze, hewn from the red sandstone of the badlands. The maze's walls are narrow buildings that serve as homes, shops, and fortified strongholds for the mostly minotaur population. The winding streets and twisting paths are difficult for foreigners to navigate. The minotaurs use the confusing layout to their advantage, catching intruders before they get too deep into the city.[1] - The Lesser Peristyle
- the only temple that openly worships Ephara, minotaurs meet here for philosophical and political debates. The priests regularly attempt to keep the city's tyrants in check and inspire Skophans toward a new way of life.[1] - Mogis's Chalice
- at the center of Skophos is the largest temple devoted to Mogis and the seat of government. Minotaurs are said not to interfere with any duels held in the main chamber and will let the survivor leave unharmed, believing them blessed by Mogis.[1]
Culture
Religion
Minotaurs most prominently worship Mogis, boasting grand temples in his honor,[2] with his brother Iroas being their enemy. An ancient aspect of Karametra that requires blood sacrifices is worshipped in Skophos, and the violent sides of Erebos, Keranos, and Purphoros also have temples devoted to them, though Thassa is rarely recognized. Ephara is only worshipped in the Lesser Peristyle.[1]
Inhabitants
Skophos was unknown to humans for centuries and has remained unexplored by non-minotaurs.[3] Akroan hoplites refer to Skophan soldiers as the "Bronzebone band", believing them to be another raiding faction in Phoberos. Minotaurs are the predominant population.[1]
Government
The city is divided into districts, each ruled by a tyrant or war-priest. While these rulers often fight amongst themselves, on rare occasions, the priests of Mogis's Chalice can force the council to convene in times of need.[1]
History
During the Birth of the Poleis, the humans waged war with the minotaurs in Phoberos and the Katachthon Mountains. Myths say that Iroas and Mogis, the gods of war, fought over the land, reshaping it with their weapons. This conflict resulted in the founding of Akros and Skophos, each representing the ideological battle between honor and savagery.[1]
Notable Skophans
- Haraksi the smith, priest of the lesser peristyle
- Olakia the Torn, oracle of Ephara and Mogis
In-game references
- Represented in:
- Associated cards:
References
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Flavor text of Skophos Warleader
- ↑ Flavor text of Labyrinth of Skophos
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