Oreskos
| Oreskos | |
|---|---|
| The Grasslands of Oreskos | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Theros |
| Colors |
 |
| Part of | Mortal Realm |
Oreskos is a grassland valley in Theros and the central domain of the leonin, isolated from the human poleis.[1] Untouched by roads or cities, Oreskos is a realm of breathtaking natural splendor, where endless plains meet an open sky. Jagged stone outcrops and ancient ruins rise from windswept grasslands, giving way to arid badlands, rugged hills, and forbidding mountains. At midday, the grasses gleam like hammered gold, and vivid sunsets paint the horizon, while storms roll in with multicolored clouds that dazzle those bold enough to endure them. The hills are rich with ancient relics, precious metals, and gemstones. Though the stars of Nyx shine brightly above, divine manifestations are rare in this land where reverence for the gods is scarce. Still, few outsiders ever witness Oreskos's wonders — its leonin protectors fiercely guard their territory, and without a strong reason or a trusted leonin guide, most are swiftly turned away.[2]
History
| “ | Our world stands on three feet: pride, dignity, and independence. When voices claim we've lost these virtues, do not listen. Those are the words of thieves, convincing you you've already lost what they aim to steal. | ” |
—Liala, matron of the Sun Guides | ||
Age of Trax
When the archons of Trax came from the north to dominate Theros and enslave the mortal races, the leonin, in particular, were forcibly conscripted into the armies of Agnomakhos. It is said they were led into battle against all manner of foes, including an invasion of giants. They also fought against the human rebels Kynaios and Tiro, but lost after the goddess Ephara gifted the mortals with magic. As the empire of the archons fell, the leonin fled to Oreskos.[2]
Loss of faith
Centuries ago, the leonin worshipped the gods just as every other mortal in Theros. However, after suffering under the tyranny of the archons and feeling abandoned by the gods who supported their downfall, the leonin devoted themselves to iconoclasm or the rejection of divine worship.[1][2]
The New Phyrexian Invasion
During the New Phyrexian Invasion, Brimaz was compleated and turned on the region he once ruled.[3]
Geography
Nestled between the Katachton and Oraniad Mountains, Oreskos shares borders with Akros in the southwest, the Ashlands of Phoberos in the northwest, the Nessian Wood and Setessa in the south, and Skola Vale in the southeast. Oreskos is a grassy river valley with rocky scrublands and low mountains. Ruins of the ancient archons' empire can still be found throughout Oreskos, but the leonin have little use for these structures.
Locations within Oreskos
- Leonin dens - Oreskan prides typically live in mobile tent cities or underground chambers at the foothills of the Oraniads, depending on the season. These large spaces are usually shared by the community and decorated with natural textiles and pottery.[2]
- Mount Kure
- one of the largest and most sacred mountains in the Katachtons.
- Sun's Mirror
- an enormous, placid lake at the center of Oreskos, almost 10 miles in diameter. The lake's surface is undisturbed even in stormy weather, and its name comes from its sharp reflection of sunlight, making it difficult to look at. Those who gaze into its waters may receive visions of the past, present, and future, but usually only see their reflections.[2]
- Tethmos - the default capital and only permanent settlement in Oreskos, and its unofficial capital, perched high in the Katachthons. While the leonin are a nomadic people, the mountain city serves as a last vestige of civilization in the grasslands. This den was originally used to train leonin for skirmishes against intruding humans[1]; however, it has since been used as a point of tentative trade between Oreskos and the human poleis, as well as a political sphere where the matriarchs meet to discuss matters of importance and elect a new Speaker.[2][1] Stone structures and slender windmills rise from the plains, their pale hues and metallic accents catching the sunlight and shifting in color as the day progresses. Tethmos is where many leonin matriarchs and elders retire, offering their guidance to all the prides. In recent years, a handful of non-leonin traders have been allowed into the city, sparking embellished stories of leonin sages and their gleaming golden metropolis.[2]
Locations in Oreskos's surroundings
- Iretis
- a small polis near Meletis, bordering the wilds. Destroyed by leonin thanks to the secret manipulations of Ashiok and Phenax, destined to become the third city for the Returned of Phenax. - The Oreskos Road - a dirt road connecting Oreskos with the Nessian Wood, and the Siren Sea beyond.[4]
- The Sperche River - The longest river of Theros, running from the mountains north of Oreskos, south along the Oreskos Road and through the Nessian Wood and into the Siren Sea. It also connects back up to Skola Vale about two-thirds down its course.[5][2]
Culture
Religion
Though some leonin still honor certain gods, such as the sun god Heliod or the wild god Nylea, most simply revere the community of the pride and the sacred act of the hunt.[1][2]
Inhabitants
The dominant people in Oreskos are the leonin. Xenophobic and proud, they have rejected civilization, abandoning the ideology imposed on them during the archons' reign. While some human culture has remained, leonin make a conscious effort to separate themselves from humanity, slowly reverting to their original nature.[1]
In addition to the leonin, several beasts and monstrosities make up the wildlife, including elephant birds, gazelles, griffons, lions, and manticores (among others). Anvilwroughts and Nyxborn will often enter Oreskos upon leaving Mount Velus or Nyx respectively.[2]
Leonin prides
The leonin of Oreskos divide themselves into distinct tribes known as "prides". Prides can typically range from a few dozen to a few hundred, though every member is considered family and takes equal responsibility for the daily duties. Each pride is led by a council of matriarchs, made up of the wisest elders of the community. Families are often matrilineal, with male leonin leaving the pride when they come of age.[2]
These are the most noteworthy prides:
- The Ironmanes are territorial warriors who dwell in the western borders of the Katachthons. Those of a higher status stain their fur with rust. Unlike other prides, they don't recognize the speaker as their representative.
- The Sun Guides are sages that travel around the Sun's Mirror. They have an intuitive understanding of the natural world, able to read signs in plants and animals.
- The Swiftclaws are hunters that follow the migration of game. They are also known to be remarkable poets and storytellers.
- Other Prides include the Embereye, the Flintclaw, the Goldenfield, and the Starfeller.
The Speaker
The Zibynth, or "speaker", is an elected representative of the leonin, both a warrior and spiritual leader who serves a similar role as a king or general. They settle disputes between prides and act as ambassadors to the wider world. Some leonin consider the speaker to be a manifestation of nature's animus on Theros.[1] The speaker is elected by the matriarchs at Tethmos during the first full moon following the autumn equinox. The most recently known speaker was Brimaz, who was cautiously opening the borders of Oreskos to trade between the human poleis before his compleation' during the New Phyrexian Invasion.[2]
Relationships with non-leonin
Leonin kept to themselves and only interacted with outside races when they needed to trade or even for raids. They are generally distrustful of humans and tritons, especially the former due to their culturally ingrained fear of re-enslavement, but are less cautious toward centaurs, minotaurs, and satyrs.[2] Lanathos is currently the only human allowed to reside in Tethmos for extended periods.[1]
Notable Oreskans
- Brimaz, Speaker of the Leonin
- Lanathos, Meletian Chronicler
- Liala, Matron of the Sun Guides
- Pyxathor, rival of Brimaz
- Seza, a friend of both Brimaz and Ajani Goldmane
In-game references
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Quoted or referred to:
References
- ↑ a b c d e f g h 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.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Depiction of Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos (March of the Machine Commander).
- ↑ Jenna Helland (May 2014) - Journey into Nyx: Godsend, Part II, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN: 978-0-7869-6567-0.
- ↑ Journey into Nyx: Godsend, Part II, Chapter 10
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