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. The artificer was not hard to find, being a long standing target for the acolytes who tended the memorial. The pair went to see Venser and Koth was shocked to find a phyrexian vessel being rebuilt, improved in fact, to act as a planeshifting ship. When it became obvious Venser had no idea the powers he was meddling with, Koth flew into a rage and encased his head in a stone mask, coercing him to walk to Mirrodin. Venser needed to see the threat he was unwittingly toying with and what it had done to Koth's home, and for that reason, Koth would do anything to make him fight.

Scarred

Koth takes his allies to the lands he calls home. Despite his dire warnings, the pair see nothing particularly threatening and Venser continues his tirade against the geomancer. Koth breaks off his argument with Venser long enough to tell the foreigners of the conflicts raging across the surface, and of the dark threat that corrupts the plane itself. Koth uses his power to ferry the pair across the world in search for an old friend to help him tell them of their true enemy, but what he finds is the surprising spread of the Mephidross, stretching farther than he could possibly have expected when he left. The trio finds something other than Koth's acquaintance, a shambling corpse that attacks as soon as it senses the group. The allies quickly fight off the nim, but once again Elspeth becomes sullen and withdrawn, and with a doleful sigh, she tells the arguing walkers that she cannot go any further.

Unfortunately, without her warrior's expertise, Venser and Koth fall quickly to a Corrupted Harvester and are dragged back to its lair near Ish Sah. Koth awakes under the harsh lights strapped to a table next to his reluctant ally. He quickly frees himself, but cannot awaken Venser before the Phyrexians come. He valiantly fights them, but is overpowered until Elspeth's sudden reappearance. With her help the trio subdues their captors and proceed to the Black Lacuna. Venser teleports inside for recon and Koth declares his assurance that it will all be over soon, knowing nothing of the forces massed inside the Vault.

In-Game References

Represented in cards:

• Koth of the Hammer

Associated cards:

• Geosurge
• Koth's Courier
• Slagstorm

Quoted or referred to:

• Darksteel Plate
• Phyrexia's Core
• Rally the Forces
• Turn to Slag