Tarkir

Lore & Background

During this era known as the Khans, magic was channeled through tribal loyalties rather than individual will. Each shard developed a unique culture based on their patron dragon clan's philosophy. Eventually, the timeline corrected itself after Chandra Nalaar arrived and sparked into existence. The shards reunited, restoring Tarkir to its original state, though the scars of war and the memory of the Dragon Tribes remain etched into the land.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the Abzan steppes, carrying the scent of snow and old blood. Kael adjusted his fur cloak, eyes scanning the horizon for the shadow of a dragon. In this place, the sky was not empty; it watched. A roar shook the ground, vibrating through his boots as a massive silhouette eclipsed the sun. He did not run. On Tarkir, running only made you prey. Instead, he raised his staff, channeling the earth's magic to meet the beast that once ruled this world.

Reader's Guide

Tarkir is a vast plane of diverse and often hostile environments, ranging from frozen tundras to volcanic mountains. The geography was historically divided into five shards during the Khans era, each reflecting the elemental focus of its ruling Dragon Tribe. Culture revolves around tribal loyalty and survival. Humans live in fortified camps or nomadic groups, constantly wary of dragon attacks or rival clans. Magic is deeply tied to the dragons; spells often mimic draconic abilities like flight, fire breath, or earth manipulation. Key locations include the vast steppes where Abzan roam, the volcanic regions favored by Mardu warriors, and the mystical forests of Jeskai. The plane also features ancient dragon lairs and shrines dedicated to Ugin, who remains a central figure in local mythology despite his slumber.

Did You Know?

• Chandra Nalaar ignited her planeswalker's spark on this plane during a confrontation with Nicol Bolas.
• The Elder Dragon Ugin sleeps beneath the surface of Tarkir to prevent catastrophic magic from leaking out.
• Sarkhan Vol's time travel caused the plane to shatter into five warring shards temporarily.
• Dragon Magic here is distinct because it relies on tribal pacts rather than traditional mana sources.