Oreskos

Oreskos
Information
Plane	Theros

Oreskos is a grassland valley in Theros and the central domain of the leonin, isolated from the human poleis.

History

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.

New Phyrexia's Invasion of Theros

During the invasion, Brimaz was compleated and turned on the region he once ruled.

Geography

Nestled between the Katachton and Oraniad Mountains, Oreskos shares borders with Akros, the Ashlands of Phoberos, the Nessian Wood, and Skola Vale. It's described as a river valley with rocky scrublands and low mountains. Ruins of the archon's empire can still be found throughout Oreskos, but the leonin have little use for these structures.

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.

Mount Kure

One of the largest and most sacred mountains in the Katachton. Atop Mount Kure is a massive golden temple devoted to Heliod, god of the sun and justice. Pilgrimages are rare and often bring the god's followers into conflict with the leonin.

Sun's Mirror

At the center of Oreskos is an enormous lake almost 10 miles in diameter. Many myths are told about this lake, such as it being undisturbed even in stormy weather or that those who gaze into its waters receive visions of the past, present, and future.

Tethmos

While the leonin are a nomadic people, the mountain city of Tethmos serves as the default capital of Oreskos, as well as a last vestige of civilization in the grasslands. This den was originally used to train leonin for skirmishes against intruding humans,, 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 matriarchs meet to discuss matters of importance and elect a new Speaker.

Other locations

• The Oreskos Road is a dirt road connecting Oreskos with the Nessian Forest, and is part of the road between Oreskos and the Siren Sea. It takes a day and a half to walk at a rapid pace. This, however, contradicts the official map of Theros, which depicts the sea as being over 100 miles from Tethmos.
• Iretis, a small polis near Meletis, bordering the wilds. Destroyed by leonin thanks to Ashiok, destined to become the third city for the Returned of Phenax.
• The Sperche River connects Oreskos with the Nessian Wood, Setessa, and Skola Vale.

Culture

Religion

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. 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.

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.

In addition to the leonin, several beasts and monstrosities make up the wildlife including elephant birds, gazelle, griffons, lions, and manticores (among others). Anvilwroughts and Nyxborn will often enter Oreskos upon leaving Mount Velus or Nyx respectively.

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.

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 that 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. The speaker is elected by the matriarchs at Tethmos during the first full moon following the autumn equinox. The current speaker is Brimaz, who has been cautiously opening the borders of Oreskos to trade between the human poleis.

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 distrusting 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. Lanathos is currently the only human allowed to reside in Tethmos for extended periods.

Notable Oreskans

• Brimaz, Speaker of the Leonin
• Lanathos, Meletian Chronicler
• Liala, Matron of the Sun Guides
• Pyxathor, rival of Brimaz

In-game references

Associated cards:

• Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos
• Brimaz, King of Oreskos
• Oreskos Explorer
• Oreskos Sun Guide
• Oreskos Swiftclaw

Depicted in:

• Alseid of Life's Bounty
• Leonin Iconoclast
• Leonin Snarecaster
• Vanguard of Brimaz
• Tethmos High Priest

Quoted or referred to:

• Daybreak Coronet (Modern Masters 2015)