Editing Born of the Gods

{{SubTabs
|sub1 = Event deck 
|sub2 = Intro packs
}}
{{Infobox set
  |image = BNGLogo.jpg
  |symbol_description = Horns of Xenagos
  |design = [[Ken Nagle]] (lead) <br/>[[Ethan Fleischer]]<br/>[[Billy Moreno]]<br/>[[Mark Rosewater]]<br/>[[Ryan Spain]]
  |development = [[Tom LaPille]] (lead)<br/>[[Chris Dupuis]]<br/>[[Mark Gottlieb]]<br/>[[David Humpherys]]<br/>Billy Moreno<br/>with contributions from [[Matt Tabak]]
  |art = [[Jeremy Jarvis]]
  |release = February 7, 2014
  |plane = [[Theros (plane)|Theros]]
  |mechanics = [[God]]s. [[Heroes]], [[Monsters]], [[Enchantment creatures]]
  |keywords = [[Inspired]], [[Tribute]], [[Bestow]], [[Devotion]], [[Heroic]] and [[Scry]]
  |size = 165 cards <br/><small>(60 commons, 60 uncommons, 35 rares, 10 mythic rares)</small>
  |code_expansion = BNG
  |code_expansion_ref = [http://magic.wizards.com/en/products/born-of-the-gods Product information]
  |code_development = Romans
  |series = [[Theros block]]
  |first = Theros
  |second = Born of the Gods
  |third = Journey into Nyx
  |previous = Commander 2013
  |next = Duel Decks: Jace vs. Vraska
}}
'''''Born of the Gods''''' is the second set in the [[Theros block]]. It is the 63rd ''Magic'' expansion and was released on February 7, 2014.<ref name="Announcing BNG">{{DailyRef|feature/announcing-born-gods-2013-08-12|Announcing Born of the Gods|[[Trick Jarrett]]|August 12, 2013}}</ref> It is a [[small expansion]].

==Set details==
{{cquote|Awaken the Myth}}
Like its predecessor, ''Born of the Gods'' has an ancient Greek-themed [[top-down]] design, making use of many [[Wikipedia:Greek mythology|mythological]] tropes.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/born-identity-2014-01-10|The ''Born'' Identity|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|twelve-labors-2014-01-20-0|Twelve Labors|[[Ken Nagle]]|January 20, 2014}}</ref> The set contains 165 cards (60 Common, 60 Uncommon, 35 Rare, 10 Mythic) and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards. The set contained the [[planeswalker]] [[card]] for [[Kiora]], anticipated since her introduction in ''[[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012]]''.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/kiora-package-2014-03-12-0|Kiora Package|Mike McArtor|March 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|developing-planeswalker-2014-01-10|Developing a Planeswalker|[[Sam Stoddard]]|January 10, 2014}}</ref>

===Flavor and storyline===
No longer content to walk the planes of the [[Multiverse]] seeking pleasure, the [[planeswalker]] [[Xenagos]] returns to [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] to become the god of revels.<ref>{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/planeswalkers-guide-born-gods-2014-01-08|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Born of the Gods''|The Magic Creative Team|January 08, 2014}}</ref> The boundaries that separate everyday existence from [[Nyx]] are growing dangerously thin. Strange [[Enchantment creatures|creatures of enchantment]], called Nyxborn or Born of the Gods, are pouring into the mortal world as Xenagos threatens to disrupt the very nature of the plane. [[Mogis]], the god of slaughter sends hordes of mortal and Nyxborn [[minotaur]]s against the human cities [[Akros]], [[Meletis]], and [[Setessa]]. [[Elspeth Tirel]] leads an army of heroes to break the minotaur siege at Akros. The humans were victorious, but the victory celebration after the battle became the ultimate ritual to launch Xenagos into Nyx as a god. Elspeth is blamed for his ascension and driven away in disgrace.

====Magic Story====
{{main|Magic Story}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Title !! Author !! Release Date !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/nature-identity-2014-01-15|The Nature of Identity}} || [[Adam Lee]] || 2014-01-15 || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || Perisophia
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/cowardice-hero-2014-01-22|Cowardice of the Hero}} || [[Matt Knicl]] || 2014-01-22 || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || <c>Oracle of Bones</c>
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/emonberry-red-2014-02-05|Emonberry Red}} || [[Clayton Kroh]] || 2014-02-05 || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || [[Erebos]], <c>Fate Unraveler</c>
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/kioras-followers-2014-02-14|Kiora's Followers}} || [[Kelly Digges]] || 2014-02-12 || [[Shandalar]], [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || [[Kiora]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/dance-flitterstep-2014-02-19|Dance of the Flitterstep}} || [[Jennifer Clarke Wilkes]] || 2014-02-19 || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || Perisophia
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/walls-akros-2014-02-26|The Walls of Akros}} || [[Kelly Digges]] || 2014-02-26 || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || <c>Akroan Phalanx</c>, [[Minotaur]]s
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/hero-iroas-2014-03-05|The Hero of Iroas}} || [[Matt Knicl]] || 2014-03-05 || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || <c>Hero of Iroas</c>
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/oracle-ephara-2014-03-19|The Oracle of Ephara}} || [[Jeremiah Isgur]] || 2014-03-19 || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || Perisophia
|-
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20211205115729/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/uncharted-realms/seasons-setessa-2014-03-26 Seasons in Setessa] || [[Ken Troop]] || 2014-03-26 || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || [[Karametra]]
|}

===Marketing===
''Born of the Gods'' was sold in 16-card [[boosters]] (one card being a [[marketing card]]), five [[intro pack]]s, one [[event deck]] and a [[fat pack]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/born-gods-packaging-2014-01-14|''Born of the Gods'' Packaging|[[Trick Jarrett]]| January 14, 2014}}</ref> The boosters feature artwork from <c>Mogis, God of Slaughter</c>, <c>Ephara, God of the Polis</c> and <c>Phenax, God of Deception</c>. The set features the continuation of the [[Hero's Path]].

====Prerelease====
Quest 4 on the Hero's Path takes place at the ''Born of the Gods'' [[Prerelease]] events, February 1 and 2, 2014.<ref>{{DailyRef|daily-deck/born-gods-prerelease-primer-2014-01-24|''Born of the Gods'' Prerelease Primer|[[Mike McArtor]]|January 27, 2014}}</ref> As with ''Theros'', players will choose their destiny based on a favorite mana [[color]] and receive a [[Prerelease tournaments#Prerelease gimmicks|Seeded Prerelease Pack]] based on that color (Destined to Lead {{W}}, Outwit {{U}}, Dominate {{B}}, Conquer {{R}} or Thrive {{G}}). The Prerelease Pack contains a [[Life counter|Spindown Life Counter]], one of five [[Hero card]]s (respectively <c>The General</c>, <c>The Savant</c>, <c>The Tyrant</c>, <c>The Warmonger</c> and <c>The Provider</c>), one of five quiz activity cards, two ''Born of the God'' [[booster]]s, three [[Theros]] boosters, and a seeded booster featuring cards appropriate for that player's chosen path—including one of the five [[Prerelease cards|Prerelease promo cards]].<ref>{{TumblrRef|author=MTG Realm|url=http://mtg-realm.tumblr.com/post/68387020370/magic-the-gathering-born-of-the-gods-prerelease|title=Magic: the Gathering - Born of the Gods Prerelease|tumblr=MTG Realm|date=November 28, 2013}}</ref>

====Launch Weekend====
''Born of the Gods'' launched February 7, 2014 and the month's first [[Friday Night Magic]] started off the festivities. Players on the Hero's Path came to their stores to "Venture into the Wilds" and solved a puzzle hidden within the poster included in the ''Born of the Gods'' Launch Weekend kit. Players who solved the puzzle received a copy of the Quest 5 Hero card (<c>The Provider</c>).

====Game Day====
On March 1 and 2 ''Born of the Gods'' [[Game Day]] players can use their [[Standard]] decks for the sixth quest on the Hero's Path: [[Battle the Horde]], a special [[Challenge Deck]] provided to the retailer.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/battle-horde-2013-11-26|Battle the Horde|[[Trick Jarrett]]|November 26, 2013}}</ref> By winning against the Challenge deck, players win a sixth Hero card (<c>The Vanquisher</c>).

====Promotional Cards====
*[[Prerelease]], one of five according to the chosen destiny: <c>Silent Sentinel</c>, <c>Arbiter of the Ideal</c>, <c>Eater of Hope</c>, <c>Forgestoker Dragon</c>, <c>Nessian Wilds Ravager</c>.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/born-gods-promos-2014-01-15|''Born of the Gods'' Promos|[[Trick Jarrett]]|January 15, 2014}}</ref>
*[[Launch promo]]: <c>Tromokratis</c>
*[[Game Day]]: [[full-art]] <c>Kiora's Follower</c>
*Game Day (Top 8): full-art [[foil]] <c>Pain Seer</c>
*[[Buy-a-Box]]: <c>Fated Conflagration</c><ref>{{DailyRef|daily-deck/buy-box-promotion-2014-01-16|Buy a Box Promotion|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|January 16, 2014}}</ref>

====Tokens / Emblem====
A sixteenth card in the boosters can be a [[token]] creature card or an [[emblem]], with advertisements on the back side:<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/born-gods-tokens-2014-01-22|''Born of the Gods'' tokens|[[Trick Jarrett]]|January 22, 2013}}</ref>
# {{W}} 1/1 [[Bird]] creature, created by <c>Ornitharch</c>
# {{W}} 1/1 [[Cat]] [[Soldier]] creature, created by <c>Brimaz, King of Oreskos</c> and <c>Vanguard of Brimaz</c>
# {{W}} 1/1 [[Soldier]] [[enchantment creature]], created by <c>God-Favored General</c>
# {{U}} 2/2 Bird enchantment creature, created by <c>Aerie Worshippers</c>
# {{U}} 9/9 [[Kraken]] creature, created by <c>Kiora, the Crashing Wave</c>
# {{B}} 2/2 [[Zombie]] enchantment creature, created by <c>Forlorn Pseudamma</c>
# {{R}} 3/1 [[Elemental]] enchantment creature, created by <c>Satyr Nyx-Smith</c>
# {{G}} 3/3 [[Centaur]] enchantment creature, created by <c>Fated Intervention</c> and <c>Pheres-Band Raiders</c>
# {{G}} 2/2 [[Wolf]] creature, created by <c>Raised by Wolves</c>
# {{C}} [[Gold]] artifact, created by <c>Gild</c> (this is the first ever non-creature token)
# {{Emblem|Kiora, the Crashing Wave|BNG}}

==Themes and mechanics==
{{See also|Theros block/Trivia}}
*[[Enchantment creatures]], [[bestow]], [[devotion]], [[heroic]] and [[scry]] return from the previous set.<ref>{{DailyRef|mechanics-born-gods-2014-01-13|The Mechanics of ''Born of the Gods''|[[Kelly Digges]]|January 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|born-gods-release-notes-2014-01-17|''Born of the Gods'' Release Notes|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|January 22, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/widening-field-2014-01-24-0|Widening the Field|[[Sam Stoddard]]|January 24, 2014}}</ref>
*[[Inspired]] ([[ability word]]) {{-}} Whenever ~ becomes untapped, do something. Creatures with inspired abilities represent the divine inspiration that comes from the world of dreams. A creature's inspired ability triggers every time the creature becomes untapped.<ref>{{DailyRef|devign-inspiration-2014-01-13|Devign Inspiration|[[Tom LaPille]]|January 13, 2014}}</ref>
*[[Tribute]] ([[static ability]]) {{-}} A creature with a tribute ability offers an opponent a choice: either it becomes even larger, or it does something nasty to your opponent when it enters the battlefield. E.g. Tribute 6 (As this creature enters the battlefield, an opponent of your choice may put 6 +1/+1 counters on it.) When ~ enters the battlefield, if its tribute wasn't paid, you may have ~ fight another target creature.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/born-legacy-2014-01-17|''Born'' Legacy|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 20, 2014}}</ref> It is said that Tribute replaced Monstrosity in this set, but wasn't said if Monstrosity will make a return in the 3rd set of the block.

==Cycles==
''Born of the Gods'' has nine [[cycle]]s. Some cards are part of a [[Theros block#Mega cycles|Theros block mega cycle]].
{| class="wikitable" 
! Cycle name
! {{W}}
! {{U}}
! {{B}}
! {{R}}
! {{G}}
|- 
|rowspan="2"|'''Nyxborn'''
|{{card|Nyxborn Shieldmate||BNG}}
|{{card|Nyxborn Triton||BNG}}
|{{card|Nyxborn Eidolon||BNG}}
|{{card|Nyxborn Rollicker||BNG}}
|{{card|Nyxborn Wolf||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five common creatures with the [[bestow]] mechanic and no additional abilities.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Inspired creatures'''
|{{card|God-Favored General||BNG}}
|{{card|Aerie Worshippers||BNG}}
|{{card|Forlorn Pseudamma||BNG}}
|{{card|Satyr Nyx-Smith||BNG}}
|{{card|Pheres-Band Raiders||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon creatures with the [[inspired]] mechanic, creating creature enchantment tokens for {{2}}M when untapping.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Archetypes'''
|{{card|Archetype of Courage||BNG}}
|{{card|Archetype of Imagination||BNG}}
|{{card|Archetype of Finality||BNG}}
|{{card|Archetype of Aggression||BNG}}
|{{card|Archetype of Endurance||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon enchantment creatures, one of each color. Each Archetype has two abilities: one that grants a [[keyword]] [[ability]] to all of your creatures, including itself, and one that makes your opponents' creatures lose that same keyword.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon Tribute'''
|{{card|Ornitharch||BNG}}
|{{card|Siren of the Fanged Coast||BNG}}
|{{card|Shrike Harpy||BNG}}
|{{card|Thunder Brute||BNG}}
|{{card|Nessian Demolok||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon creatures with the [[tribute]] mechanic.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Enemy-colored activatd ability uncommons'''
|{{card|Akroan Phalanx||BNG}}
|
|{{card|Odunos River Trawler||BNG}}
|{{card|Stormcaller of Keranos||BNG}}
|{{card|Graverobber Spider||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|An incomplete cycle of uncommon cards that have an ability that requires an enemy color. The cycle goes in the opposite direction from the similar cycle of commons from [[Theros]]. The cycle misses its {{U}} member with a {{G}} activated ability (a spot taken instead by <c>Kiora's Follower</c>, the sixth gold uncommon card).
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Tapping Auras'''
|{{card|Ephara's Radiance||BNG}}
|{{card|Evanescent Intellect||BNG}}
|{{card|Claim of Erebos||BNG}}
|{{card|Epiphany Storm||BNG}}
|{{card|Karametra's Favor||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five common auras that grant ability with {{T}} in its cost.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Devotion X Spells'''
|{{card|Acolyte's Reward||BNG}}
|{{card|Thassa's Rebuff||BNG}}
|{{card|Sanguimancy||BNG}}
|{{card|Thunderous Might||BNG}}
|{{card|Skyreaping||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon cards that scale according to your devotion to that color.
|-
|rowspan="2"|'''Fated spells'''
|{{card|Fated Retribution||BNG}}
|{{card|Fated Infatuation||BNG}}
|{{card|Fated Return||BNG}}
|{{card|Fated Conflagration||BNG}}
|{{card|Fated Intervention||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five rare instant spells with a cost that includes MMM. These spells let you [[scry]] 2 when you play them in your turn.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/twist-fate-2014-03-07|Twist of Fate|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/it-fated-2014-03-11|It is Fated!|[[Mike McArtor]]|March 11, 2014}}</ref>
|-
! Cycle name
! {{W}}{{U}}
! {{U}}{{B}}
! {{B}}{{R}}
! {{R}}{{G}}
! {{G}}{{W}}
|- 
|rowspan="2"|'''Gold uncommons'''
|{{card|Ephara's Enlightenment||BNG}}
|{{card|Siren of the Silent Song||BNG}}
|{{card|Ragemonger||BNG}}
|{{card|Fanatic of Xenagos||BNG}}
|{{card|Reap what is Sown||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|A cycle of five uncommon allied-colored gold cards with colors matching the gods of the set.
|- 
|rowspan="2"|'''Gods'''
|{{card|Ephara, God of the Polis||BNG}}
|{{card|Phenax, God of Deception||BNG}}
|{{card|Mogis, God of Slaughter||BNG}}
|{{card|Xenagos, God of Revels||BNG}}
|{{card|Karametra, God of Harvests||BNG}}
|-
|colspan="5"|Five [[multicolored]] [[mythic rare]] [[legendary]] [[enchantment]] [[creatures]] that each embody one of the [[god]]s of Theros. Each card has a low casting cost but is not a creature until your [[Devotion]] to their two colors is 7 or more. They are all [[indestructible]] and have one static ability.<ref>{{DailyRef|reconstructed/order-phenax-2014-01-20|The Order of the Phenax|[[Gavin Verhey]]|January 21, 2014}}</ref>
|}

==Reprinted cards==
*<c>Divination</c> from ''[[Magic 2010]]'' and last seen in ''[[Magic 2014]]''.
*<c>Eternity Snare</c> was last seen in ''[[Time Spiral]]''.
*<c>Necrobite</c> was last seen in ''[[Avacyn Restored]]''.
*<c>Revoke Existence</c> from ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]''<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/existence-revoked-2014-01-23|Existence Revoked|[[Trick Jarrett]]|January 23, 2014}}</ref> and last seen in ''[[Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth]]''.
*<c>Springleaf Drum</c> was last seen in ''[[Lorwyn]]''.

===Functional reprints===
*<c>Charging Badger</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Defiant Elf</c> from ''[[Legions]]'', save for creature type.
*<c>Great Hart</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Pillarfield Ox</c> from ''[[Zendikar]]'' and <c>Foot Soldiers</c> from ''[[Portal]]'', save for creature type.
*<c>Reckless Reveler</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Torch Fiend</c> from ''[[Dark Ascension]]'', save for creature type.
*<c>Oreskos Swiftclaw</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Blade of the Sixth Pride</c> from ''[[Future Sight]]'', save for creature type.
*<c>Retraction Helix</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Banishing Knack</c> from ''[[Eventide]]''.
*<c>Rise to the Challenge</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Thunder Strike</c> from ''[[Magic 2011]]'' and ''[[Magic 2014]]''.
*<c>Unravel the Æther</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Deglamer</c> from ''[[Morningtide]]''.

===Strictly better===
*<c>Astral Cornucopia</c> is strictly better than <c>Manalith</c>.
*<c>Chorus of the Tides</c> is strictly better than <c>Snapping Drake</c>.
*<c>Drown in Sorrow</c> is strictly better than <c>Infest</c>.
*<c>Fall of the Hammer</c> is strictly better than <c>Crush Underfoot</c><!-- (except that the latter doesn't target the creature you control, so it may have shroud)-->.
*<c>Temple of Enlightenment</c> is strictly better than <c>New Benalia</c>.
*<c>Temple of Harmony</c> is strictly better than <c>New Benalia</c>.

===Strictly worse===
*<c>Culling Mark</c> is strictly worse than <c>Hunt Down</c>.
*<c>Felhide Brawler</c> is strictly worse than <c>Gutter Skulk</c> (but strictly better than <c>Spineless Thug</c>).
*<c>Gorgon's Head</c> is strictly worse than <c>Basilisk Collar</c>.

==Notable cards==
*<c>Courser of Kruphix</c> is a card advantage engine that was a staple in Standard and continued to be played in Modern and Pioneer long after.
*<c>Gild</c> is the first card to create a non-creature artifact [[token]].
*<c>Satyr Wayfinder</c> sees frequent play in Pioneer and Modern decks seeking to fill their graveyard
*<c>Brimaz, King of Oreskos</c> was a powerhouse in aggro Standard decks and has continued to see success in other formats
*<c>Retraction Helix</c> has a unique and powerful effect and is the core of the eponymous Pioneer deck

==Preconstructed decks==
===Intro packs===
{{Main|Born of the Gods/Intro packs}}
''Born of the Gods'' has five bicolored [[intro pack]]s:<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/born-gods-intro-pack-decklists-2014-01-29|''Born of the Gods'' Intro Pack Decklists|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|January 29, 2013}}</ref>

{{Decks|intro
  |Gifts of the Gods|WU|Silent Sentinel
  |Inspiration-Struck|UB|Arbiter of the Ideal
  |Insatiable Hunger|RG|Nessian Wilds Ravager
  |Death's Beginning|BG|Eater of Hope
  |Forged in Battle|RW|Forgestoker Dragon
}}

===Event deck===
{{Main|Born of the Gods/Event deck}}
''Born of the Gods'' has one [[event deck]].<ref>{{DailyRef|daily-deck/born-gods-event-deck-2014-02-05|''Born of the Gods '' Event Deck|[[Trick Jarrett]]|February 06, 2014}}</ref>

{{Decks|event
  |Underworld Herald|B
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Prodpage|node=118356|Born of the Gods}}
*{{DailyRef|daily-deck/born-gods-trailer-2014-01-10|''Born of the Gods'' Trailer|[[Trick Jarrett]]|January 13, 2014}}
*{{WebRef|url=http://www.starcitygames.com/article/27841_Born-Of-The-Gods-Flavor-Review-Remembrance.html|title=Born Of The Gods Flavor Review & Remembrance|author=John Dale Beety|date=February 3, 2014|publisher=[[StarCityGames]]}}

{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
{{Theros|block}}