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[[File:Coastal tower.jpg|right|thumb|A Benalish coastal tower. Art by Don Hazeltine.]]'''Benalia''' was a powerful nation on [[Aerona]], on [[Dominaria]], until the [[Phyrexian Invasion]] in which it was conquered in under a month and held for the duration of the war. A powerful military state influenced by the Churches of [[Serra]] and [[Gabriel Angelfire]], Benalia was long Dominaria's preeminent [[white]]-aligned [[human]] nation, and was the birthplace of [[Gerrard Capashen]].  
{{Infobox location
| image =Avenant and Benalia.jpg
| plane = [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]]
| part of = [[Aerona]]
| demonym=Benalish<br/>Benalkin (archaic)
}}
'''Benalia''' (ben-AHL-ee-ah;<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/speak-word-word-all-us-2007-03-22|Speak the Word, the Word is All of Us|[[Matt Cavotta]]|March 22, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511185939/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/speak-word-word-all-us-2007-03-22|archivedate=May 11, 2017}}</ref> demonym Benalish: BEN-ah-lish) is a powerful nation with a long history on the continent of [[Aerona]] on [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]]. It was conquered during the [[Phyrexian Invasion]] and held for the duration of the war. After the war, it recovered, and became the mercantile and military power sometimes referred to as '''New Benalia'''.
 
==History==
===Birth===
Shortly after the [[Ice Age (event)|Ice Age]], the [[Sheoltun Empire]], a militaristic and expansionist nation, collapsed. From its ashes would rise Benalia. The knight [[Torsten von Ursus]], in exile, since an evil mage conquered his homeland of [[Wrenna]], founded Benalia at the spot of the blighted city of [[Sheoltun|Benfosa]] which he took to be a perfect place to implement his gathered wisdom and philosophies.<ref name="encyclopedia">[http://web.archive.org/web/19990220045312/http://www.wizards.com:80/Duelist_Online/Encyclopedia_Dominia/History_of_Benalia/Torsten_Von_Ursus.html Encyclopedia Dominia - Torsten von Ursus (archived)].</ref> He took up the reins of the great [[Horse Civilization]] and guided the ancestors of Benalia out of the ruins of the once-great Sheoltun Empire. Torsten chose the name ''Benalia'', which meant "aspiration", proclaiming the new nation's intent to rule the world.<ref>[http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=349777&postcount=15 Encyclopedia Dominia “History of Benalia”]</ref>
 
===The Lost Edict===
Using sometimes-brutal tactics, Torsten brought an entire nation into being using nothing more than the force of his will and the brutal charisma of a natural leader. After succeeding in much of his goal, he died at the age of seventy-two, leaving behind the legendary ''Lost Edict'', proclaiming that none of his seven lieutenants would succeed him as sole ruler of Benalia. Instead, Benalia would be ruled via a complex system in which the seven clans of the country each bore a different responsibility.
 
===Nation===
[[File:Coastal tower.jpg|right|thumb|A Benalish coastal tower. Art by Don Hazeltine.]]
A powerful military state influenced by the Churches of [[Serra]] and [[Gabriel Angelfire]], Benalia was long Dominaria's preeminent [[white]]-aligned [[human]] nation, and was the birthplace of [[Gerrard Capashen]]. Benalia City became the largest city in the [[Domains]], its population was over 200,000.<ref name="Ports">[[Pete Venters]] (October 1997). "Dominian Chronicles: ''Weatherlight'' Ports of Call." ''[[The Duelist]]'' #19, 33-34</ref>
 
===Invasion===
During the [[Phyrexian Invasion]], Benalia was the first nation victimized by [[Tsabo Tavoc]]'s specialized killers. It began with sporadic raids on the borderlands with the ultimate goal to destroy the bloodline of [[Clan Capashen]], which had been prophesied to bring about the destruction of [[Yawgmoth]]. When the invasion reached its peak in 4205 [[AR]], [[Benalia City]] was razed, and its people scattered.
 
===The Years of Salt===
Over the next three centuries, Benalia devolved into a patchwork of competing states. When the [[time rift]]s opened, the land was plagued by dust storms and catastrophes. The states devolved into roving bands struggling to survive in a barren wasteland of salt flats whipped by unforgiving winds. What remained of Benalia City was besieged by [[sliver]]s, and it became a salt-choked ruin.<ref name="DMUGuide">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-dominaria-2022-08-31|Planeswalker's Guide to Dominaria|[[Roy Graham]], [[Ethan Fleischer]], [[Jenna Helland]], [[Gerritt Turner]]|August 31, 2022}}</ref>
 
===Renewal===
After the [[Mending]], the seven houses were quick to reassert themselves. Those who could most reliably trace their lineage to the ancient clans took charge. In the ruins of Benalia City, under the blessing of [[Serra]]n [[priest]]s, they forged the '''Compact of the Seven Pillars''' in emulation of the Lost Edict, laying out how power would be shared. Using the white limestones of fallen buildings, the city was rebuilt as New Benalia. The [[Church of Serra]] was officially embraced as the official religion of the state. Statues and stained-glass murals were raised honoring their fallen heroes. New arrivals were a flock of [[Aven]], which fled [[Otaria]] after the cataclysmic events on that continent.<ref>Flavor text for <c>Aven Sentry</c></ref>
 
===Influence of the Cabal===
Sixty years after the Mending, Benalia was fully restored and more. However, the expansion of [[The Cabal]] corrupted the great expanses of the empire.<ref name="Return 1"/>
 
===Dominaria United===
In 4561 [[AR]], there was a peace summit at [[Oyster Bay]] between the [[Keld]]ons, led by [[Radha]], and the Benalish led by [[Aron Capashen]] to end hostilities in the [[Ice Rime Hills]].<ref name="Hourglass">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-2-sand-hourglass-2022-08-11|Sand in the Hourglass|[[Langley Hyde]]|August 11, 2022}}</ref> The summit was interrupted, when the planeswalkers [[Karn]] and [[Teferi]] revealed the threat of a [[New Phyrexia (plane)|New Phyrexian invasion]] and several of the Benalish [[knight]]s turned out to be Phyrexian [[sleeper agent]]s. Houses Capashen and Tarmula joined to rescue Aron, but when it was discovered that he had already been compleated he was killed by his daughter, [[Danitha Capashen|Danitha]].<ref name="Brutal">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-4-brutal-blow-2022-08-15|A Brutal Blow|[[Langley Hyde]]|August 15, 2022}}</ref>
 
After the second Phyrexian Invasion of Dominaria, the merchant lords of Orvada made peace with Benalia and furnished food and supplies to the Serran troops led by Lyra Dawnbringer.<ref name="Stronghold">{{DailyRef|magic-story/the-brothers-war-chapter-1-stronghold|The Brothers' War - Chapter 1: Stronghold|[[Reinhardt Suarez]]|October 21, 2022}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Benalia was located on the west coast of Aerona, bordered to the east by the [[Hurloon Mountains]], [[Kb'Brian Highlands]], and [[Ironclaw Mountains]] and to the southeast by [[Llanowar Forest]]. To the north of Benalia lay the isle of [[Avenant]], itself once part of Benalia.
[[File:Magic Legends Benalia.jpg|thumb|right|Benalia map from ''[[Magic: Legends]]'']]
Benalia covers much of the western portion of [[Aerona]] and nearby islands, including (once again) the isle of [[Avenant]] and much of the [[Spice Isles]] to the west.<ref name="Return 1">{{DailyRef|magic-story/return-dominaria-episode-1-2018-03-21|Return to Dominaria, Episode 1|[[Martha Wells]]|March 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/dominarian-cartography-2018-04-20|Dominarian Cartography|[[Ethan Fleischer]]|April 20, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Dominaria art book">[[James Wyatt]] (2018), ''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Dominaria]]''. [[VIZ Media]].</ref> Benalia is a land of natural and architectural beauty. Vast fields of grain are crisscrossed by meandering rivers and dotted with cities of white limestone towers and vivid stained glass. Though most famous for its fertile fields, the land also includes forests, mountains, and a lengthy coastline.
 
Benalia is bordered to the east by the [[Red Iron Mountains]]. The mountains' native <c>Crookshank Kobolds</c> fared poorly during the [[Rift Era]], and the mountains are now dotted with Benalish mining settlements. Beyond the Red Iron Mountains lie the more formidable [[Hurloon Mountains]], where permanent settlements and missionaries are met with open hostility by the local minotaurs. To the southeast are the [[Kb'Brian Highlands]], whose warrior clans are effectively a Benalish protectorate.<ref name="Dominaria art book"/> The [[Ironclaw Mountains]] in the east prohibit land passage to the east coast.
 
===Known locations===
*'''[[Benalia City]]'''. The capital. It is a port at the '''Reitmar River''' on the northwestern peninsula.
*'''Andrion Bay''', the bay south of the peninsula.
*'''Capashen Manor''', on the west coast. Razed during the first [[Phyrexian Invasion of Dominaria]] and later rebuilt.<ref>{{DailyRef|card-day-july-2002-2002-07-01|Card of the Day - July, 2002|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|July 1, 2002|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429213754/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/card-day-july-2002-2002-07-01|archivedate=April 29, 2021}}</ref>
*'''Lake Tarmula''' in central Benalia, surrounded by a forest.<ref>{{TwitterRef|EthanFleischer|1253854663759196160|author=[[Ethan Fleischer]]|title=I created a highly-detailed version of the Dominaria map for internal reference use.|date=April 25, 2020}}</ref>
*The '''Floating Spires''', the floating buildings of the Church of Serra dotting the skies, with a heavy concentration above Benalia City.
*The '''[[Caligo Morass]]''', situated on the narrow coastal plain between the [[Red Iron Mountains]] and the [[Sea of Avenant]], fed by the '''Tiel River'''.<ref name="Return 1"/><ref name="Dominaria art book"/>
**'''Vess Estate'''
*The '''Atrivak Mounds''', once Benalia's greatest penal colony.
*'''Devas''', a village that was home to the Serran refugees of [[List of secondary characters/Dominaria|Lyanii]].<ref name="Bloodlines">[[Loren L. Coleman]] (1999). ''[[Bloodlines]]''. [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>
*'''[[Sursi]]''', a colony on Aerona's east coast.<ref name="Dominaria art book"/>
*The Isle of '''[[Avenant]]'''
*The '''[[Spice Isles]]'''
*The City of '''[[Estark]]''' in southern Aerona, conquered by troops under command of Knight-Commander [[List of secondary characters/Dominaria|Aryel]].<ref name="Dominaria art book"/>


To the south of Benalia lay '''Andros Bay''', and to the north the [[Red Iron Mountains]]. '''[[Benalia City]]''' lay on the tip of a small, west reaching peninsula in the north. The '''Atrivak Mounds''' were Benalia's greatest penal colony.
==Culture==
==Culture==
===Old Benalia===
[[File:Benalish hero.jpg|right|thumb|A hero of Benalia. Art by [[Douglas Shuler]].]]
[[File:Benalish hero.jpg|right|thumb|A hero of Benalia. Art by [[Douglas Shuler]].]]
Benalia had a complex caste system that changed with the lunar year; the highest caste would then become the lowest and the process repeated. The lowest caste of Benalish women had to submit to higher casted males on a whim. The only caste that could be attained by neither heredity or money was that of the [[Hero]]. The Heroes were guardians of the realm, trained to place the realm above clan politics. [[Gerrard]] was a member of the ''Masters of Arms'', an elite group of Heroes that had shown examplary skill and courage in the service of the Empire.
Benalia ever had a complex caste system that changed with the lunar year; the highest caste became the lowest and the process repeated. In the past, the lowest caste of Benalish women had to submit to higher casted males on a whim.<ref name="arena">[[William R. Forstchen]] (1994). [[Arena (novel)|Magic: The Gathering - Arena]]. Harper Prism.</ref> The only caste that could be attained without heredity or money is that of the [[Hero]]. The Heroes were neutral guardians of the realm, trained to place Benalia's interests above clan politics. [[Gerrard]] was a member of the ''Masters of Arms'', an elite group of Heroes that had shown exemplary skill and courage in the service of the Empire.<ref name="Ports"/>
 
===The Clans of Benalia===
* Clan Rosecot
* Clan Deniz
* Clan Tarmula
* Clan Ternsev
* [[Clan Capashen]]
* Clan Joryev
* Clan Croger


==History==
===New Benalia===
Shortly after the [[Ice Age (event)|Ice Age]], the [[Sheoltun Empire]], a militaristic and expansionist nation, collapsed. From its ashes would rise Benalia. The knight [[Torsten von Ursus]], in exile since an evil mage conquered his homeland of [[Wrenna]], founded Benalia at the spot of the blighted city of '''Benfosa''' which he took to be a perfect place to implement his gathered wisdom and philosophies. He took up the reins of the great [[Horse Civilization]] and guided the ancestors of Benalia out of the ruins of the once-great Sheoltun Empire. Torsten chose the name ''Benalia'', which meant "aspiration", proclaiming the new nation's intent to rule the world.
[[File:Benalish marshal.jpg|left|thumb|150px|A marshal of New Benalia from ''Magic: Legends''.]]
In the [[Modern Times]], Benalish [[knight]]s can be recognized by their white and silver armor, and their quartered shields. The mage-smiths of New Benalia have perfected the art of blending fine steel and enchanted glass into weapons that are both beautiful and deadly. Benalish glazeplate is stained with salts from the [[Rift Era]] and enchanted to deflect blows. Only elite knights are entrusted with these martial works of art.<ref>Flavor text for <c>Knight of New Benalia</c></ref> Stained glass is predominant in all artistic expressions.<ref name="Return 1"/> Benalish citizens born under the same constellations share a star-clan. Their loyalty to one another interlaces the Seven Houses.<ref>Flavor text for <c>Call the Cavalry</c></ref> The army consists of [[knight]]s and [[soldier]]s, each aligned with one of the seven Houses. Battle Priests of the Church of Serra march with the army and Aven form their own airborne companies. The leather-clad [[heroes]] still make up a special class. They owe their loyalty directly to Benalia City and the Council of Seven.


Using sometimes-brutal tactics, Torsten brought an entire nation into being using nothing more than the force of his will and the brutal charisma of a natural leader. After succeeding in much of his goal, he died at the age of seventy-two, leaving behind the legendary [[Lost Edict]], proclaiming that none of his seven lieutenants would succeed him as sole ruler of Benalia. Instead, Benalia would be ruled via a complex system in which the seven clans of the country each clan bore a different responsibility.
====The Seven Great Houses====
The primary unit of government within Benalia is the Seven Great Houses. Most of these date back approximately 1000 years to the Lost Edict, but at least three houses have fallen by the wayside and have been replaced with a new noble line established by a prominent heroic figure. One of the lost houses is Clan Ternsev.
*[[Clan Capashen|House Capashen]]
**The strongest and richest house, ruling the north of Benalia. Current leader: '''Danitha Capashen'''.<ref name="Brutal"/> Symbol: a tower with seven windows.
*[[Avenant|House Avenant]]
**A matriarchal family ruling the Isle of [[Avenant]]. Current leader: '''Cerise D'Avenant'''. Symbol: a pattern of seven crossed arrows.
*House Croger
**A family of rugged individualists and expansionists from eastern Benalia who are still adherents of the [[Church of Angelfire]]. Current leader: '''Eadith Croger'''. Symbol: profile of a wolf's head with seven pointed teeth.
*House Rosecot
**a military clan guarding the grain fields of southeastern Benalia. Current leader: '''Alvan Rosecot'''. Symbol: a rose with seven thorns.
*House Tarmula
**A family of scholars and wizards living on the wooded shores of Lake Tarmula in central Benalia. Current leader: '''Rache Tarmula'''. Symbol: a seven-pointed star.
*House Deniz
**A family of naval traders and merchants, originally from [[Oneah]]. They live along the western coast. Current leader: '''Jerek Deniz'''. Symbol: a conical seashell with seven twists.
*House Joryev
**A secretive house living on the southwestern coast, with possible ties to the [[Cabal]]. Current leader: '''Aveya Joryev'''. Symbol: a ring with seven keys.


===Invasion===
====The Council of Seven====
During the [[Phyrexian Invasion]], Benalia was the first nation victimized by [[Tsabo Tavoc]]'s specialized killers. By 4300 AR, [[Benalia City]] was in the process of being slowly rebuilt.
The Council of Seven is the ruling body of Benalia, made up of the leaders of the seven houses or their representatives. Similar to the old days, each lunar year sees the rotation of the '''Ranking''', the official hierarchy among the houses. The highest-ranking house becomes the lowest and the second-highest attains the highest rank. Some official functions are filled according to the Ranking. The [[Aven]] have no representation on the council yet, but some hope to see that changed.
===Time Spiral===
During the era of the ''[[Time Spiral (novel)|Time Spiral]]'' crisis, Benalia City was besieged by [[slivers]]. Even when the [[time rift]]s opened, Benalia was one of the few places to survive the dust storms and catastrophes. [[Benalia City]] weathered the attacks and eventually became the seat of '''New Benalia'''.


==In-game references==
{{in-game
|cards=
*<c>Coastal Tower</c>
*<c>History of Benalia</c>
*<c>New Benalia</c>
|associated=
*<c>Aron, Benalia's Ruin</c>
*<c>Benalish Cavalry</c>
*<c>Benalish Commander</c>
*<c>Benalish Emissary</c>
*<c>Benalish Faithbonder</c>
*<c>Benalish Heralds</c>
*<c>Benalish Hero</c>
*<c>Benalish Honor Guard</c>
*<c>Benalish Infantry</c>
*<c>Benalish Knight</c>
*<c>Benalish Knight-Counselor</c>
*<c>Benalish Lancer</c>
*<c>Benalish Marshal</c>
*<c>Benalish Missionary</c>
*<c>Benalish Partisan</c>
*<c>Benalish Sleeper</c>
*<c>Benalish Trapper</c>
*<c>Benalish Veteran</c>
*<c>Danitha, Benalia's Hope</c>
*<c>Danitha, New Benalia's Light</c>
*<c>Guardian of New Benalia</c>
*<c>Knight of New Benalia</c>
*<c>Knight of Old Benalia</c>
*<c>Torsten, Founder of Benalia</c>
|referred=
*{{card|Ardent Militia|Weatherlight}}
*<c>Aven Sentry</c>
*<c>Blessed Light</c>
*<c>Call the Cavalry</c>
*<c>Capashen Knight</c>
*<c>Capashen Standard</c>
*<c>Capashen Templar</c>
*<c>Capashen Unicorn</c>
*<c>Darkheart Sliver</c>
*<c>Dauntless Bodyguard</c>
*<c>Drudge Sentinel</c>
*<c>Dub</c>
*<c>Even the Odds</c>
*<c>Fury Sliver</c>
*{{card|Gerrard|Vanguard|PVAN}}
*{{card|Glasswing Grace||MH3}}
*<c>Global Ruin</c>
*{{card|Goldenglow Moth|Magic 2011}}
*<c>Guard Dogs</c>
*{{card|Heroic Charge|Dominaria United}}
*<c>Knight of the New Coalition</c>
*<c>Llanowar Cavalry</c>
*<c>Lunge</c>
*<c>Mesa Cavalier</c>
*<c>Phyrexian Slayer</c>
*<c>Quilled Sliver</c>
*<c>Screeching Sliver</c>
*<c>Sidewinder Sliver</c>
*<c>Sparring Construct</c>
*<c>Spitting Sliver</c>
*{{card|Tower Drake|Invasion}}
*<c>Tromp the Domains</c>
*<c>Wall of Glare</c>
}}


==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Benalish archers.png|New Benalish archers from ''Magic: Legends''.
File:Benalish heirloom.png|A Benalish artifact from ''Magic: Legends''.
</gallery>


==Maps==
==Maps==
[[image:Benalia.gif|thumb|left|Artist: [[Pete Venters]] ]]
[[File:Benalia.gif|Artist: [[Pete Venters]] ]]
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Locations in the Domains]]
[[Category:Locations in the Domains]]
[[Category:Weatherlight Saga]]
{{Dominaria}}

Latest revision as of 16:11, 22 May 2024

Benalia
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Avenant and Benalia.jpg}}|250px]]
Information
Plane Dominaria
Part of Aerona
Demonym Benalish
Benalkin (archaic)

Benalia (ben-AHL-ee-ah;[1] demonym Benalish: BEN-ah-lish) is a powerful nation with a long history on the continent of Aerona on Dominaria. It was conquered during the Phyrexian Invasion and held for the duration of the war. After the war, it recovered, and became the mercantile and military power sometimes referred to as New Benalia.

History

Birth

Shortly after the Ice Age, the Sheoltun Empire, a militaristic and expansionist nation, collapsed. From its ashes would rise Benalia. The knight Torsten von Ursus, in exile, since an evil mage conquered his homeland of Wrenna, founded Benalia at the spot of the blighted city of Benfosa which he took to be a perfect place to implement his gathered wisdom and philosophies.[2] He took up the reins of the great Horse Civilization and guided the ancestors of Benalia out of the ruins of the once-great Sheoltun Empire. Torsten chose the name Benalia, which meant "aspiration", proclaiming the new nation's intent to rule the world.[3]

The Lost Edict

Using sometimes-brutal tactics, Torsten brought an entire nation into being using nothing more than the force of his will and the brutal charisma of a natural leader. After succeeding in much of his goal, he died at the age of seventy-two, leaving behind the legendary Lost Edict, proclaiming that none of his seven lieutenants would succeed him as sole ruler of Benalia. Instead, Benalia would be ruled via a complex system in which the seven clans of the country each bore a different responsibility.

Nation

A Benalish coastal tower. Art by Don Hazeltine.

A powerful military state influenced by the Churches of Serra and Gabriel Angelfire, Benalia was long Dominaria's preeminent white-aligned human nation, and was the birthplace of Gerrard Capashen. Benalia City became the largest city in the Domains, its population was over 200,000.[4]

Invasion

During the Phyrexian Invasion, Benalia was the first nation victimized by Tsabo Tavoc's specialized killers. It began with sporadic raids on the borderlands with the ultimate goal to destroy the bloodline of Clan Capashen, which had been prophesied to bring about the destruction of Yawgmoth. When the invasion reached its peak in 4205 AR, Benalia City was razed, and its people scattered.

The Years of Salt

Over the next three centuries, Benalia devolved into a patchwork of competing states. When the time rifts opened, the land was plagued by dust storms and catastrophes. The states devolved into roving bands struggling to survive in a barren wasteland of salt flats whipped by unforgiving winds. What remained of Benalia City was besieged by slivers, and it became a salt-choked ruin.[5]

Renewal

After the Mending, the seven houses were quick to reassert themselves. Those who could most reliably trace their lineage to the ancient clans took charge. In the ruins of Benalia City, under the blessing of Serran priests, they forged the Compact of the Seven Pillars in emulation of the Lost Edict, laying out how power would be shared. Using the white limestones of fallen buildings, the city was rebuilt as New Benalia. The Church of Serra was officially embraced as the official religion of the state. Statues and stained-glass murals were raised honoring their fallen heroes. New arrivals were a flock of Aven, which fled Otaria after the cataclysmic events on that continent.[6]

Influence of the Cabal

Sixty years after the Mending, Benalia was fully restored and more. However, the expansion of The Cabal corrupted the great expanses of the empire.[7]

Dominaria United

In 4561 AR, there was a peace summit at Oyster Bay between the Keldons, led by Radha, and the Benalish led by Aron Capashen to end hostilities in the Ice Rime Hills.[8] The summit was interrupted, when the planeswalkers Karn and Teferi revealed the threat of a New Phyrexian invasion and several of the Benalish knights turned out to be Phyrexian sleeper agents. Houses Capashen and Tarmula joined to rescue Aron, but when it was discovered that he had already been compleated he was killed by his daughter, Danitha.[9]

After the second Phyrexian Invasion of Dominaria, the merchant lords of Orvada made peace with Benalia and furnished food and supplies to the Serran troops led by Lyra Dawnbringer.[10]

Geography

Benalia map from Magic: Legends

Benalia covers much of the western portion of Aerona and nearby islands, including (once again) the isle of Avenant and much of the Spice Isles to the west.[7][11][12] Benalia is a land of natural and architectural beauty. Vast fields of grain are crisscrossed by meandering rivers and dotted with cities of white limestone towers and vivid stained glass. Though most famous for its fertile fields, the land also includes forests, mountains, and a lengthy coastline.

Benalia is bordered to the east by the Red Iron Mountains. The mountains' native Crookshank Kobolds fared poorly during the Rift Era, and the mountains are now dotted with Benalish mining settlements. Beyond the Red Iron Mountains lie the more formidable Hurloon Mountains, where permanent settlements and missionaries are met with open hostility by the local minotaurs. To the southeast are the Kb'Brian Highlands, whose warrior clans are effectively a Benalish protectorate.[12] The Ironclaw Mountains in the east prohibit land passage to the east coast.

Known locations

  • Benalia City. The capital. It is a port at the Reitmar River on the northwestern peninsula.
  • Andrion Bay, the bay south of the peninsula.
  • Capashen Manor, on the west coast. Razed during the first Phyrexian Invasion of Dominaria and later rebuilt.[13]
  • Lake Tarmula in central Benalia, surrounded by a forest.[14]
  • The Floating Spires, the floating buildings of the Church of Serra dotting the skies, with a heavy concentration above Benalia City.
  • The Caligo Morass, situated on the narrow coastal plain between the Red Iron Mountains and the Sea of Avenant, fed by the Tiel River.[7][12]
    • Vess Estate
  • The Atrivak Mounds, once Benalia's greatest penal colony.
  • Devas, a village that was home to the Serran refugees of Lyanii.[15]
  • Sursi, a colony on Aerona's east coast.[12]
  • The Isle of Avenant
  • The Spice Isles
  • The City of Estark in southern Aerona, conquered by troops under command of Knight-Commander Aryel.[12]

Culture

Old Benalia

A hero of Benalia. Art by Douglas Shuler.

Benalia ever had a complex caste system that changed with the lunar year; the highest caste became the lowest and the process repeated. In the past, the lowest caste of Benalish women had to submit to higher casted males on a whim.[16] The only caste that could be attained without heredity or money is that of the Hero. The Heroes were neutral guardians of the realm, trained to place Benalia's interests above clan politics. Gerrard was a member of the Masters of Arms, an elite group of Heroes that had shown exemplary skill and courage in the service of the Empire.[4]

New Benalia

File:Benalish marshal.jpg
A marshal of New Benalia from Magic: Legends.

In the Modern Times, Benalish knights can be recognized by their white and silver armor, and their quartered shields. The mage-smiths of New Benalia have perfected the art of blending fine steel and enchanted glass into weapons that are both beautiful and deadly. Benalish glazeplate is stained with salts from the Rift Era and enchanted to deflect blows. Only elite knights are entrusted with these martial works of art.[17] Stained glass is predominant in all artistic expressions.[7] Benalish citizens born under the same constellations share a star-clan. Their loyalty to one another interlaces the Seven Houses.[18] The army consists of knights and soldiers, each aligned with one of the seven Houses. Battle Priests of the Church of Serra march with the army and Aven form their own airborne companies. The leather-clad heroes still make up a special class. They owe their loyalty directly to Benalia City and the Council of Seven.

The Seven Great Houses

The primary unit of government within Benalia is the Seven Great Houses. Most of these date back approximately 1000 years to the Lost Edict, but at least three houses have fallen by the wayside and have been replaced with a new noble line established by a prominent heroic figure. One of the lost houses is Clan Ternsev.

  • House Capashen
    • The strongest and richest house, ruling the north of Benalia. Current leader: Danitha Capashen.[9] Symbol: a tower with seven windows.
  • House Avenant
    • A matriarchal family ruling the Isle of Avenant. Current leader: Cerise D'Avenant. Symbol: a pattern of seven crossed arrows.
  • House Croger
    • A family of rugged individualists and expansionists from eastern Benalia who are still adherents of the Church of Angelfire. Current leader: Eadith Croger. Symbol: profile of a wolf's head with seven pointed teeth.
  • House Rosecot
    • a military clan guarding the grain fields of southeastern Benalia. Current leader: Alvan Rosecot. Symbol: a rose with seven thorns.
  • House Tarmula
    • A family of scholars and wizards living on the wooded shores of Lake Tarmula in central Benalia. Current leader: Rache Tarmula. Symbol: a seven-pointed star.
  • House Deniz
    • A family of naval traders and merchants, originally from Oneah. They live along the western coast. Current leader: Jerek Deniz. Symbol: a conical seashell with seven twists.
  • House Joryev
    • A secretive house living on the southwestern coast, with possible ties to the Cabal. Current leader: Aveya Joryev. Symbol: a ring with seven keys.

The Council of Seven

The Council of Seven is the ruling body of Benalia, made up of the leaders of the seven houses or their representatives. Similar to the old days, each lunar year sees the rotation of the Ranking, the official hierarchy among the houses. The highest-ranking house becomes the lowest and the second-highest attains the highest rank. Some official functions are filled according to the Ranking. The Aven have no representation on the council yet, but some hope to see that changed.

In-game references

Represented in:
Associated cards:
Referred to:

Gallery

  • New Benalish archers from Magic: Legends.

    New Benalish archers from Magic: Legends.

  • A Benalish artifact from Magic: Legends.

    A Benalish artifact from Magic: Legends.

Maps

Artist: Pete Venters

References

  1. ↑ Matt Cavotta (March 22, 2007). "Speak the Word, the Word is All of Us". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017.
  2. ↑ Encyclopedia Dominia - Torsten von Ursus (archived).
  3. ↑ Encyclopedia Dominia “History of Benalia”
  4. ↑ a b Pete Venters (October 1997). "Dominian Chronicles: Weatherlight Ports of Call." The Duelist #19, 33-34
  5. ↑ Roy Graham, Ethan Fleischer, Jenna Helland, Gerritt Turner (August 31, 2022). "Planeswalker's Guide to Dominaria". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Flavor text for Aven Sentry
  7. ↑ a b c d Martha Wells (March 21, 2018). "Return to Dominaria, Episode 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ Langley Hyde (August 11, 2022). "Sand in the Hourglass". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ a b Langley Hyde (August 15, 2022). "A Brutal Blow". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Reinhardt Suarez (October 21, 2022). "The Brothers' War - Chapter 1: Stronghold". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ Ethan Fleischer (April 20, 2018). "Dominarian Cartography". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ a b c d e James Wyatt (2018), The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Dominaria. VIZ Media.
  13. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (July 1, 2002). "Card of the Day - July, 2002". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021.
  14. ↑ Ethan Fleischer (April 25, 2020). "I created a highly-detailed version of the Dominaria map for internal reference use.". Twitter.
  15. ↑ Loren L. Coleman (1999). Bloodlines. Wizards of the Coast
  16. ↑ William R. Forstchen (1994). Magic: The Gathering - Arena. Harper Prism.
  17. ↑ Flavor text for Knight of New Benalia
  18. ↑ Flavor text for Call the Cavalry
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