| Phenax | |
|---|---|
| God of Deception | |
 | |
| Details | |
| Race | God |
| Birthplace | Theros |
Phenax is the God of Deception on Theros. He is associated with blue and black mana.
Description[ | ]
Phenax is the god of cheats and liars. He governs gambling, deception, betrayal, isolation, planning, and secrets. He is worshipped by criminals and others who wish to subvert the rules. Phenax is also associated with the Returned, Theros' undead, who follow his path back from the Underworld, as he is the first of their number. Like other Returned, he still wears his golden funerary mask, as well as golden armor on his hands and arms.
As a mortal, Phenax was the first to escape the underworld.[1][2] Cheating death this way likely set him on a path to join Theros' pantheon.
Storyline[ | ]
In the Theros block saga, the nightmare planeswalker Ashiok strikes a deal with Phenax. In exchange for laying waste to the polis of Iretis to make a new polis for the Returned, Phenax made the planeswalker invisible to the other gods allowing Ashiok to operate under their gaze without detection. Phenax was amused by Ashiok's plans.[3]
It is strongly implied that Phenax was the deity represented in "The Consequences of Attraction", cursing Xandria to become a siren for falling in love with Ninis, whom he had set eyes upon himself.[4]
Gallery[ | ]
Story appearances[ | ]
| Title | Author | Publishing date | Set | Setting (plane) | Featuring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Toward a Dream, Part 2 | Ken Troop | 2013-12-04 | Theros | Theros | Ashiok, Phenax |
| Dreams of the City | Ken Troop | 2014-04-23 | Journey into Nyx | Theros | Ephara, Ashiok, Phenax |
In-game references[ | ]
- Represented in:
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Quoted or referred to:
Inspiration[ | ]
The character of Phenax is inspired by Hermes, Greek god of thieves, travelers, and border crossings, guide to the Underworld; Dolos, son of Erebus, spirit of trickery and guile; and Atë the personified spirit of mischief, delusion, ruin, and folly. The name is likely from the Ancient Greek word φέναξ (phénax), meaning cheat, quack, or impostor.
References[ | ]
- ↑ Flavor text for Minion's Return
- ↑ Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Ken Troop (April 23, 2014). "Dreams of the City". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Ken Troop (October 9, 2013). "The Consequences of Attraction". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
External links[ | ]
- The Magic Creative Team (January 29, 2014). "The Gods of Born of the Gods". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Mike McArtor (March 24, 2014). "Born's Gods". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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