Koth of the Hammer

Koth is a red Vulshok planeswalker of the Hammer tribe, native to Mirrodin during the time of the Phyrexian invasion of the plane. His specialty is geomancy, spells that move mountains, shatter stone and melt iron. His earth magic has a special strength which allows him to purify metal given the unique nature of his homeland. His ability to purify ore reflects Koth’s own desire to bring peace and harmony to his people.Koth is a passionate leader of his people, but he is also wise for his years, taking counsel before rushing headlong into action. But if action is called for, Koth is a decisive man of few words, and can bring a mountain down on top of anyone who dares to threaten his home.

Ascension

His planeswalker spark ignited when the tribes of his once-peaceful people fell into open war for the first time in generations. The metal they had traditionally mined from the mountains of Oxidda became strangely corrupted; the ingots forged by the Anvil tribe turned brittle and inconsistent. Each tribe blamed the others for the weakness of their sacred ore and old hatreds began to reemerge. Koth believed he could use his ability to purify the ore and with Koth’s help, the solidity of the metal was restored and the skirmishes between tribes slowed.

Gathering Forces

When the Phyrexian corruption invading Mirrodin became obvious, he branded their insignia on his arm as a promise to his people to save them. So began his planeswalking journey. A mysterious man pointed Koth towards Urborg and The Heroes' Memorial, where the sages helped him, though initially they distrusted him. While on Urborg, he entered the gladitorial pits where he fought Elspeth Tirel. He refused to fight back, but when Elspeth saw the mark of Phyrexia on his arm after a lucky strike, she tried to kill him in a blind rage. She was stopped by the timely intervention of Ajani Goldmane who had come looking for Elspeth. Soon afterwards, Koth told Elspeth of the Phyrexian invaders taking hold on his plane.

Together the next morning, Koth takes Elspeth to a ruined structure called The Tomb of Flesh. They talk of their homes, of the places they cherish and once more Elspeth laments Bant's fate. Koth uses his geomancy to create a path to the tomb, using his demonstration as a chance to offer wise counsel to the tortured young lady. Elspeth conjures a light once they reach the island. Koth sees nothing within the wreck but Elspeth, terrified and chilled, flees from the dark corners of the world only she can see.

Koth finds her once more at the ruins of a castle, and asks her to come with him to The Heroes' Memorial. Once there, he gifts her with gems, telling her to trap her fear in them, but she simply says that the past is not so easily forgotten. Here in the temple, Koth communes with the stone altar and learns only one thing: They must find a man named Venser.