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Skola Vale

Skola Vale
Information
Plane Theros

Skola Vale is an enchanted valley in Theros and the home of the satyrs, located in the chaparral[1] of the Oraniad Mountains. Myths say Nylea poured her wineskin out on the vale, which turned the goats who drank it into the first satyrs.[2]

Geography

The chaparral is to the northwest of Theros,[1] sharing a border with Setessa.[3] According to the map, Skola Vale is to the west of the Sperche River across from the Katachthon Mountains, the Nessian Wood, and Oreskos. The valley is dotted with copses of trees that provide shelter for its inhabitants and, as such, there are no permanent settlements. Grapes and other fruit are common, which the satyrs ferment into wine. The area's magical nature causes plants and animals to grow bigger and faster than normal.[2]

Culture

Satyrs have a mostly accurate reputation for leading a life based on hedonism, prioritizing personal or communal pleasure over all else, primarily a result of the Skola Vale providing everything the satyrs need to survive. Because of this, many satyrs are described as aloof, having few lasting relationships and even becoming selfish in the pursuit of their ambitions.[1] However, other satyrs are stated to interfere when merriment impedes the fun of others. Most problems in Skola Vale are usually resolved peacefully and without impeding on their enjoyment, though they do have a rudimentary legal system, including ostracism.[2] Satyrs share a philosophy comparable to the Anapsian school in Meletis, though they don't apply this label to themselves.

Religion

As the patron of the valley, Nylea is the most heavily worshipped in Skola Vale, though Pharika is also said to hold sway here.[2] Outside of deities, satyrs celebrate the beauty of nature and revere the concept of the revel, or unrestricted parties with drinking and dancing.

Revels

Satyr revelries involve food and drinks (especially wine), musical performances, and friendly competitions. Two celebrations in particular are important to Satyr culture:

  • Bakkeia (named after "Bacchus", another name for Dionysus) are violent celebrations held in caves that involve induced madness and ritual sacrifice.[1] However, these revels have not been widely practiced for ages.[2]
  • Rollick Nights are the most common and archetypal kind of satyr revel.[2] Satyrs frequently host these festivals for other races, such as in the human poleis.[1]

Inhabitants

Humans frequently visit the Skola Vale for satyr revels (called "stubs"),[1] but satyrs are the only race native to the chaparral. There are several small game animals, as well as bears and lions. More monstrous wildlife include chimera, Cockatrices, harpies, and rocs. Dryads and Nyxborn are particularly prevalent in Skola Vale.[2]

Satyrs

Most satyrs live only to party day and night, however many still have roles in their society and are capable of defending it:

  • The Cult of Horns holds secret revels, said to lure unsuspecting humans into servitude and sacrifice[1] though most satyrs claim these are exaggerated rumors and that the cult is only pulling elaborate pranks.[2]
  • Dawngreets explore Theros and serve as emissaries.[2]
  • Firedancers are followers of Purphoros that live in the Katachthons.[4] They served as hoplites for Anax[2][5] after he was transformed into a demigod.[6]
  • Nylea's Favored are Druids that defend Skola's borders.[2]
  • Revelers are hedonists that only live for music and wine.[2]
  • Sibyls are oracles that lead satyr communities,[1] the eldest of which is Cresa.[2]
  • Thornbreakers are Rangers that defend satyr communities whose arrows have been blessed by Nylea.[2]

Government

Satyrs are generally anarchists with no official form of leadership. However, herds of satyrs often have a sibyl, who warn them of impending danger with their foresight. They are in charge of selecting Dawngreets,[2] and decide when newcomers can be initiated into the Cult of Horns.[1]

Notable Skolans

In-game references

Represented in:
Depicted in:

References

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g h i 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.
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
  3. ↑ The Magic Creative Team (August 28, 2013). "Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Depicted in Satyr Firedancer
  5. ↑ Depicted in Anax, Hardened in the Forge
  6. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (December 16, 2019). "The Theros Beyond Death Story on Cards". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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