Ixalan

Lore & Background

The return of the sun marked the beginning of the current era, revealing the ruins of the Sun Empire to a new generation of explorers. These adventurers, often organized into pirate crews or sponsored by wealthy guilds, scour the jungles and oceans for lost treasures and ancient knowledge. However, they are not alone; the Deathless still lurk in the shadows, waiting to reclaim their dominion. The plane's unique magic system revolves around 'monuments'—massive structures that channel raw mana—and the ability of certain artifacts to grant immense power or curse those who wield them.

In Their Own Story

The salt spray stung Elara's eyes as she gripped the rail of the *Gilded Serpent*, her heart pounding in rhythm with the crashing waves. Ahead, the jagged silhouette of a jungle island emerged from the mist, its peaks crowned by the crumbling spires of an ancient temple. 'There it is,' she whispered to her crew, her hand resting on the hilt of her cutlass. The air hummed with latent magic, a warning that the Deathless might be watching. But the promise of the Sun Empire's lost glory was too great to ignore. With a roar from the ship's boiler and a cheer from the deck, they sailed toward the unknown, ready to face whatever horrors lay beneath the golden sun.

Reader's Guide

Ixalan is a tropical plane dominated by dense rainforests, sprawling deserts, and treacherous coastlines. The geography is punctuated by massive ancient ruins, often overgrown with vines or guarded by undead sentinels. Culture revolves around exploration and survival. Pirate crews are the most iconic groups, operating out of floating cities or hidden coves, while land-based factions include scholars seeking knowledge and warriors defending against the undead. Magic on Ixalan is deeply tied to the plane's history. Artifacts from the Sun Empire can grant incredible powers but often come with a curse. The Deathless wield necromancy, raising armies of zombies and skeletons to serve their dark masters. Key locations include the Sun Empire ruins, where ancient temples hold powerful artifacts; the Pirate Isles, a archipelago of lawless havens; and the Necropolis, a vast city of the dead that serves as the capital of the Deathless.

Did You Know?

• Ixalan is one of the few planes where dinosaurs are native and play a significant role in the ecosystem and culture.
• The plane's history includes a period called the Sunless Era, during which the sun was blocked out for centuries by magical interference.
• Many of the artifacts found on Ixalan are sentient or possess their own wills, often influencing those who wield them.
• The pirate crews of Ixalan are not just scavengers; they are often skilled navigators and warriors who have adapted to survive in a world filled with magical dangers.