Adam Paquette

Here, I pause for a photo opportunity in front of the gates of Guardian Games coliseum.

A genteel young Satyr welcomed me to the Games.

The tourney room was decorated with fascinating sculptures.

Adam Paquette

I was permitted entry by the Guardian.

This human’s toga depicted heroes from an entirely different “plane.” I must pray to Keranos and ask him to enlighten me—are there truly other worlds that exist?

Tourney serfs were kept busy running about in their duties, but nevertheless, they were well-dressed and pleasant.

Min Yum

@JhoiraArtificer, a lovely noblewoman, had a gift hidden in her artificer’s bag.

A strange creature emerged! He said he was a gift from “@mtgcolorpie” and would act as my new srcibe. With him, he carried a jewel with the image of Theros’s new hero. It was another gift, he said, but this one was from a vampire sorceress called @trulyaliem. More denizens of other “planes” . . . I am flustered . . . 

James Ryman

The creature Fblthp turned out to be very cuddly.

This warrior prepared for battle with two containers of Pharika’s infamous “Mountain Dew Brew”—though you only see one here (the other empty flask he hid beneath the table).

Mages of all kinds prepared to duel but kept a civil front.

Many bright young acolytes had traveled from Meletis to participate, wearing beautiful hues of blue. I will set my people to recruiting them to Akros’s ranks.

Christopher Moeller

To my horror I noticed an Orc from the nearby Rose City Comic Con revel had invaded the coliseum!

I decided to hunt the Orc.

The excitement in the coliseum grew as mages finalized their armaments.

My escort @hackworth chose a W/U suite of spells.

MJ aside: It was a real thrill to see my creative writing in action, in print on a card on a table. “Most griffins must be caught and broken into the service of the polis. Not so in Setessa, where they volunteer.”

Fblthp entertained himself by making new friends and exploring the coliseum.

It is a little-known fact that this is one of your Queen’s favorite songs: “The Queen and I” by Gym Class Heroes. I enjoy slaying enemies to it.

Maciej Kuciara

This may well be the new look that catches on the poleis—that of the “Hipster Acolyte.” I admire the young for their freedom of expression and creativity.

I had the Orc in my sights, but he was a crafty one and slipped away before I could capture him.

Jhoira and @nex3 make land acquisition decisions.

Nils Hamm

Fblthp proved his worth by showing me “The Fox” video. I am forever in his debt. Next week, I will issue a decree that WA-PA-PA-PA-PA-PA-POW! be adoped as Akros’s new official battle cry.

Colorful mages from regions of Theros I have never seen were in attendance.

This sorcerer wore several enchanted rings whose size and sparkle drew my envy. I must discover which Gods gifted him with such.

Battle of the laurel-crowns!

Zack Stella

Unfortunately, I did not have any coins on my person. Anax has warned me about the perils of gambling, but I contend it is an easy way to see if you have the Gods’ favor or not.

A lovely shade of royal was worn by Michelle, a patron of Guardian.

Merchants tended to a steady stream of customers as the day proceeded.

John Severin Brassell

I thought it wise to employ the services of a bodyguard in addition to my royal escort—you never know when Orcs will show up!

This scene brought me great joy.

Keranos blessed the day with a rainstorm. I feel this heralds an autumn full of good fortune for all. May the Gods go with you, in all your battles.

Lucas Graciano

Because you’re all such fabulous, loyal subjects, I will now let you in on some Queenly combat secrets. Bestowed with a simple enchantment, toilet paper becomes strong enough to strangle a minotaur. But as Returned are impervious to strangulation, on them, I use a direct spritz of Poo Pourri to the face.