An alternate Grixis made by
thejokesterearth3alive.
***
A Planeswalker's Guide To Alternate GrixisIt is a world where undeath has prominence, a world of power-struggles and unfettered capitalism, a world of artistry and schemes, a word of necropolises; this is the world of Grixis. When the plane of Alara was sundered into five shards the shard that would become Grixis was left with only Blue, Black, and Red mana. As time went on, the birth rate slowed and the environment became ever more twisted and hostile the people of what would become Grixis grew desperate. In this new world, lacking the White mana of protection and the Green mana of life, the people were having a far more difficult time surviving as the years went on. To protect themselves and to adapt to their new environment many of the people turned to ancient Black magic rituals and transformed themselves into undead. This changed the face of the shard forever, Grixis was now a world dominated by the undead. But this was not all that had changed about this shard. The cities, now called necropolises, have spread out over the majority of the shard’s environment. With the majority of the populace now not needing food, water, and other such amenities the urban areas grew unchecked, leading to a world of mostly cities. The living still inhabit the shard, now called Grixis after an old slang term for traitor after how the world had betrayed the people in it after the sundering, this is a world of endless danger and endless opportunities for fame and power
Undeath: On most other planes the undead and the ability to make them are viewed as evil, disgusting, and abhorrent. However on Grixis it is not just tolerated it is embraced. Undead walk the streets of Grixis with nary an eye batted about their presence, unless they are particularly important of course. The undead are not just prominent they have a majority, the living make up only roughly forty percent of the populace; this is truly a world of the dead. On other worlds where necromancers would be outcasts here they are respected members of society. Necromancers are a necessary part of life on Grixis and the mastery of death magic is practically a necessity of you want to get anywhere on the social ladder at all. All the undead of Grixis are not mindless, in fact the ability to create mindless undead is a lost art on Grixis. The undead are sapient, sentient, and capable of the full range of emotions; in short they are still similar to living except immortal and smelling of rotting flesh most of the time.
Power: On Grixis power is the ideal. In a world where Black mana runs rampant the concept of power, political, magical, or otherwise is an almost revered concept. Pretty much every citizen of Grixis desires power to some degree and they are ruthless in how they get it. Grixis is not a world untied. In a place as power-obsessed and individualistic as Grixis no one as been able to unite the entirety of plane, and in truth most of citizenry probably likes it that way. Grixis is a somewhat feudal society with different territories ruled by High Lords and their courts. Do not be fooled by the name “High Lord” is a gender-neutral term; they are many females in charge of territories as well as males. The concept of power is handled and viewed differently by the people who have it. Some wield it like a hammer, some a scalpel, and others somewhere in between. Power is the goal to the people of Grixis and that is how is always, and should, be in their eyes.
Morality: When it comes to morality on Grixis it can be best described as non-existent. Morality is not just ignored or not considered it is an alien concept to the Grixians. The idea of limiting your actions based on anything other than pragmatism or emotions is something they have a rather difficult time wrapping their heads around. The people of Grixis do what they want to get what they want; they do not consider external concepts such as morality in any of their decision-making. On Grixis every edge is preciouses and those that would limit themselves too much would not last long on the world.
Individualism: Grixis is a world where the sanctity of the individual is placed high on the list of priorities. Nothing is more precious to the Grixians than being allowed to be themselves, although power is a close contender. The world of Grixis reflects this belief being a virtual mecca of the arts and capitalism. Free-expression and free-industry are core Grixian “values” and they would never give them up, not really. The architecture of the world is very individual-based with many different styles of buildings dotting the cityscape. Entertainment is prized on Grixis for the bread and circuses aspect as well and preventing the ennui of eternity. In the entertainment world, like everywhere else on Grixis, anything goes and some performances and celebrations can get quite out of hand, though most of the citizens do not seem to mind. Science and philosophy are also respected, but more as a means of gaining power and for entertainment, all with a very individualistic bent.
The Non-Human races of Grixis: Although there are many Humans, living and undead alike, inhabiting Grixis they are not the only race inhabiting the plane.
Ogres: Once fearsome marauders the Ogres of Grixis are now mostly a slave race used as labor or war machines by the High Lords. Their industrious and simple-minded nature makes them ideal slaves in the minds of most of the population. Some are sympathetic to the Ogres’ plight, either out of emotional feelings or as a way they think they can garner more power and influence, but most just do not care. They have been enslaved so long most cannot even begin to comprehend the idea of being free. Some Ogres have managed to become free, but they usually just end up doing the jobs they would do as slaves, just with pay and more dignity.
Kathari: In contrast to Ogres’ this race of vulture-people has had it much easier. Due to their natural ability of flight the Kathari have earned a place as useful citizens of Grixis. Although they mainly function as scouts or spies some Kathari serve other roles. These roles include mage, bodyguard, and sometimes even as a High Lord, though the latter is a rarity. The Kathari are scavengers primarily feeding off of dead flesh. Some find their eating habits disgusting, but the majority of their employers do not care as long as they do their jobs and do them well. Kathari can be found all over Grixis and are the second-most numerous race, in both living and undead forms, after Humanity and are just as power-hungry.
Demons: There are no true figures of worship on Grixis but the Demons come closest to the concept. Viewed by the normal Grixians as ideal beings, powerful, ambitious, amoral, and utterly ruthless, they are seated in a position of great prominence in the Grixian hierarchy. The Demons bask in this attention often showing-up unannounced demanding whatever suits their fancy before leaving. Most Demons keep to the byzantine politics of their own kind, but some have taken an active interest in day-to-day Grixis either by aiding certain High Lords or even becoming High Lords themselves. Like on other planes Demons are mighty and fiendishly intelligent beings never to be underestimated in any circumstance.
Notable High Lords: To the list all the currently active High Lords would be an exercise in frustration and patience so here are some of the most notable.
Sedris Vithian: “
Power tend to find its way to me”: The current most powerful High Lord and one of the eldest. In fact the Lich Sedris is so old most do not remember a time when he did rule his territory. Sedris rules his territory of Sedraxis well, using a combination of manipulation, deviousness, underhanded tactics, great magical might, great physical might, and a deep understanding of the nature of sapient beings. No one in recent times has challenged Sedris and lived. He is feared, respected, and, admired by his subjects like no other High Lord is and this makes him quite happy. Sedris is known for throwing parties and approving of and even attending more common festivities. This is partially to secure his power even further and partially because he just enjoys parties. Sedris’ origins are surrounded in mystery, but some say he was once the scion of an ancient noble family before becoming a lich. If this is true Sedris takes great pains to hide it, the only thing regal about him is his general manner, otherwise he acts like a warlord in every other sense. Sedris’ power has been uncontested for a thousand years now but the nature of power on Grixis is a fickle one and someday he may indeed be deposed. But if that will happen it is a long time coming and Sedris is secure in his power currently.
Eliza Keep: “
As long as you are resourceful it does not matter if you are living or dead”: The youngest and newest of the major High Lords Eliza Keep is quite swiftly making waves in the political world of Grixis. Somewhat of an oddity in being completely alive, this young female necromancer is not to be underestimated due to that. A prodigy with Necromancy Eliza rose to power only a few years pervious but she is already making most of the other High Lords nervous. An ambitious woman who knows what she wants and how to get it Eliza Keep handles herself in a regal yet laid-back manner. Sly and crafty, Eliza is also optimistic and chatty, but never lets anything that could be used against her slip. In contrast to a great deal of the rest of Grixis Eliza radiates an air of hope and joy. This is a front however for she is just as ruthless and hungry for power as the other High Lords. Eliza currently has her eyes on Sedris’ position and while this is not unique to High Lords by any stretch of the imagination Eliza is unique in that she just might be able to pull it off.
Nefarox: “
Power belongs in the hands of those who can master it”: A Demon who rules a substantial amount of territory, Nefarox is in the game for a different reason than most of the other High Lords, he is there is prove a point. Nefarox is disgusted that a mere lich calls himself the greatest High Lord of Grixis and seeks to prove that Demons are superior in everyway. To this end he has set himself up as a self-proclaimed rival to Sedris and seeks to destroy him. He would have a better chance of doing this however if he could rein in his emotions. Temperamental and overly passionate Nefarox is driven by spite and hate in a great deal of what he does. While this makes him hard to predict it also makes him easily provoked and somewhat easy to manipulate. Ruling with sheer power and presence alone Nefarox’s rule is the most shaky of the major High Lords and it shows. For now Serdis is content to the let the Demon plot and rage, but keeps an eye on him all the same.
Uraxis Zent: “
Never underestimate me, for if you do it will be your last mistake”: A self-aware zombie Uraxis has a slightly more interesting origin than most High Lords. Born to a family of mages looking for any advantage to keep hold on their crumbling power base, his parents exposed him to magical experiments that by the time he reached adulthood had made him 9 feet tall and 300 pounds of mostly muscle. His family intended to use him as their secret weapon to overthrew the local High Lord but they did not count on their would-be weapon’s own deviousness and desire for power. On the night the attack was to take place Uraxis sold his family out to the High Lord and for this was granted a place in his inner circle. The High Lord eventually granted the gift of undeath to Uraxis but this proved a mistake. Using his newfound power Uraxis overthrew the High Lord, destroyed him, and took his territory for himself. Now the mighty zombie rules his territory with the intent to rule more. But over the years Uraxis has learned patience, so intends to wait until someone else deposes Sedris before making his move.
Ostark Stabbeak: “
A bird’s eye view gives one a great perspective”: A Kathari who formerly worked as high-ranking spy in another High Lord’s service Ostark used the knowledge she had gathered to set-up her own rule. Angry that the Kathari lack a great deal of true power of their own, Ostark seeks to change that. Something of a “racial patriot” she seeks to build a true Kathari home territory and though that solidify her own power and influence. She feels attachment to her own people and seeks to better their lot, although this is mostly to help herself, and make them a true force to be reckoned with on Grixis. A superb organizer who runs one of the greatest spies networks on the plane, Ostark is always looking to increase her own power. Somewhat more of a gambler than her peers leading her to take unpredictable risks she rules with a great deal of intelligence, style, and flare. Currently she is too focused with building and maintaining her own power base to really focus on Sedris’, so she is rather low on the lich’s list of priorities.
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