Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons are two of Wizards of the Coast's most iconic properties, so it's no surprise to see a bit more crossover between the two in recent years. The planes of Magic: The Gathering have been a homebrew setting for D&D for decades now for many players, but recent 5e books like the Guildmasters Guide to Ravnica have helped make select planes a more official campaign setting for the world's most popular tabletop RPG.
The Ravnica book proved to be very popular and Dungeons and Dragons players are getting the chance to visit another popular plane later this summer with the release of the Mythic Odysseys of Theros. The new campaign setting book was delayed due to the coronavirus, but for now it is still set to arrive in its new window - late July.
The Mythic Odysseys of Theros is a D&D book that is meant to help prepare players and dungeon masters for adventures in the Greek-inspired MtG setting. Theros is all about its powerful pantheon of Gods who love to meddle in mortal affairs, so much of the book plays around with that idea. There will be new races, subclasses, and plenty of other hooks to help get players excited about exploring this setting with new characters or possibly planeswalking over to Theros with existing characters if the DM allows it.
What is Theros?
Theros is a Magic: The Gathering setting that was originally introduced as a playable setting in MtG's 2013 Theros block. Players recently had the chance to revisit the Greek-inspired location in Theros Beyond Death.
What is the world of Theros like?
As previously mentioned, Theros is a Magic plane where the gods are very present and active. They are still larger than life, but they don't hesitate to interfere in the activities of mortals.
"Theros is ruled by an awe-inspiring pantheon of gods. Mortals tremble before them, feel the sting of their petty whims, and live in terror of their wrath. It is a plane where barbaric, cave-dwelling minotaurs descend on wayward travelers. Giants stalk the land, drawing strength from the terrain on which they tread. At sea, massive krakens prowl its depths, and sirens lure its sailors to their demise. Yet amid such colossal perils, mortals have found a way to endure, and it is here that the hero's mantle is raised highest."
What is the Mythic Odysseys of Theros book?
Mythic Odysseys of Theros is a new campaign setting book designed to prepare players and GMs for games that take place in Theros. It's full of a ton of new content for D&D players to explore.
"Legends walk the lands of Theros, a realm shaped by deities and the deeds of heroes. From the temples of omen-speaking oracles to the five realms of the Underworld, the champions of the gods vie for immortal favor and a place among the world’s living myths. Choose a supernatural gift that sets you on the path of destiny, align yourself with one of Theros’s fifteen gods, then carve a tale of odysseys and ordeals across the domains of mortals, gods, and the dead. What legends will you challenge—mighty heroes, inevitable prophecies, or titans imprisoned by the gods? Where will destiny and immortal schemes lead you? And what tales will you leave behind, celebrated in the pantheon of myths and writ among the eternal stars?"
Will there be an alternate cover available?
Yes. This has become a bit of a tradition for physical editions of the DnD 5e line of hardcovers. An alternative cover with a distinctive design and soft-touch finish is available exclusively in game stores starting on July 21, 2020.
What is new to D&D in Mythic Odysseys of Theros?
Similar to previous campaign setting books, the Theros books brings a lot to the table. There will be new races, class options, a new pantheon of gods, a guide to the regions of Theros, and a lot of exciting tables to help with character creation and customization.
"Play as new races, such as Leonin and Satyr and explore new subclasses fit for heroes’ tales, including the College of Eloquence and the Oath of Heroism. Wield god-weapons that set your character apart from common mortals. Embrace your supernatural gifts which give characters an ability score increase. Encounter mythic creatures whose power and renown make them fit to challenge the gods."
-Receive a supernatural gift from the gods, a set of special traits that mark your character for greatness.
-Select one of the new races for your character—such mythic peoples as the leonin or a satyr.
-New subclasses include the Bard’s College of Eloquence, masters of oratory; and the Paladin’s Oath of Glory, an affirmation of destiny laid out for you by divine providence.
-Encounter mythic monsters, creatures whose power and renown are such that their names are truly living myths. More than simply legendary, these creatures have abilities that will create a challenge fit for the gods.
-Wield god-weapons, signature items of the gods that allow your character to stand apart from other heroes. These can be a gift from your deity or perhaps you boldly stole it from them in a bid for ultimate power.
This should be everything players need to know to prepare for the release of Mythic Odysseys of Theros. The campaign setting is sure to be another popular one and it will be interesting to see if WotC continues this trend of books that line up with current or recent Magic settings. Could there be an Ikoria book coming sometime in the next year, as well? We'll have to just wait and see what happens as D&D continues to announce its upcoming product line.
Be sure to check back in the near future for more Dungeons and Dragons strategy guides, news, and updates.
Dungeons and Dragons: Mythic Odysseys of Theros of schedules for release on July 21, 2020.