Kaladesh (plane)

Kaladesh
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Kaladesh art.jpg}}|250px]]
Information
First seen	Magic Origins
Last seen	Aether Revolt
Planeswalkers	Chandra Nalaar, Dovin Baan, Saheeli Rai
Rabiah Scale	3
Status	Undergoing political reform

Kaladesh is a plane where aether manifests more than on other planes, being present in the atmosphere. Kaladesh was introduced in Origins as the home plane of Chandra Nalaar. Slightly over a year later, it was the setting for a block of the same name.

Description

The atmosphere of Kaladesh is saturated with Aether due to a greater proximity to the boundaries of the Blind Eternities. The influence and cyclical passage of Aether through the world below is the driving force of the plane. The aethersphere may be observed as twisting swirls in the sky. From time to time, this Aether comes down to the earth via rain or similar weather events. The entire ecosystem is influenced by it and grows with it in similar swirling and twisting patterns. Refined aether is the primary power source for most of Kaladesh. In Ghirapur, the raw aether is harvested from the sky via large aetherspires placed on mountaintops or thopters, refined, and then pumped through large pipelines all over the city.

Kaladesh is an ethnically diverse plane where natural mages are rare. Work that would be done with magic on other planes is instead accomplished through devices. The automatons, thopters and other artifact creatures of the plane are all fueled by the aether. These artifacts are built as much for beauty as for function. Inventors are the most valued members of society.

Natural mages are a rarity on Kaladesh and are regarded with suspicion and dread. Fire magic is strictly banned, and pyromancy punishable with a death sentence, since pyromantic magic interacts dangerously with the aether in the air. Religion plays next to no role in the lives of the plane's people, and magic derived from the power of the gods is unknown.

Kaladesh is ruled by the Consulate. Its forces and works are nearly omnipresent.

History

Great Aether Boom

Since the discovery of harnessing aether by Avaati Vya sixty years ago, the Consulate reportedly has worked to ensure that this refined aether is accessible to all, leading to an era referred to as the Great Aether Boom. This happened around the same time as the Mending.

Inventor's Renaissance

The current era is known as the Inventor's Renaissance, with the Consuls promoting and patronizing new discoveries and scientific studies, awarding the most impressive during the Inventor's Fair. The Consulate also heavily trafficks use of the aether, assigning its use among the citizens. They are opposed by Renegades, who believe that the Consulate is corrupt and constricts their freedoms.

Known locations

Aetherflux Reservoir.

• Ghirapur, the city of wonders, capital of Kaladesh, seat of the Consulate
  • The Inventors' Fair
  • The Gonti's Night Market.
  • Many other locations contained in the city
• Devra Cliffs - a location in the northern mountains
  • Lathnu, a mining city on the cliffs
• Peema, a forest whose fauna is infused with aether.
• Vahd, an expansive region that was once solely devoted to farming, but now has become the center of the aerowright industry.
  • Maranjapur, a village in Vahd
  • Panka, a village in Vahd
  • Cambi, a village in Vahd
  • Vinday River
  • Mapani River
• Bunarat, a village burned down by Captain Baral.

Inhabitants

Most lifeforms of Kaladesh have been transformed by the aether in some way.

• Elves: Kaladeshi Elves are more in tune how aether influences the natural world.
• Humans: One of the few species whose physiology is unaffected by the aether.
• Vedalken: Vedalken on Kaladesh are tall, six-fingered beings that subscribe to the view that nothing is perfect.
• Dwarves: Dwarves on Kaladesh are primary aligned with white mana, for their strong focus on quality of their work.
• Gremlins: Gremlins are red-aligned creatures that are attracted to Aether and often jam artifice in their search for it.
• Aetherborn: A mysterious black-aligned race that spawns from use of the Aether and lives short, hedonistic lives.
• Giants: Massive humanoids that follow aether streams in extended migrations.
• Whales: Flying cetaceans that live in the aethersphere.
• Angels: Living inventions created through white mana.
• Demons: Living inventions created through the Dark Schematic, a blueprint devised by unknown artificers of the ancient past.

Trivia

• Kaladesh is inspired by steampunk and India.
• Kaladesh may be translated from Sanskrit into kala ('tomorrow' or 'black') and desh ('world' or 'country'). While "world of tomorrow" would fit the intended aesthetic and tone, the American pronunciation of "kala" leans it toward "black".

Planeswalkers

Native

• Chandra Nalaar
• Dovin Baan
• Saheeli Rai

Visitors

• Ajani Goldmane
• Daretti
• Gideon Jura
• Huatli
• Jace Beleren
• Jaya Ballard
• Karn
• Liliana Vess
• Nissa Revane
• Teferi
• Tezzeret
• Vivien Reid
• Vraska

In-game references

Associated cards:

• Chandra, Fire of Kaladesh

Referred to:

• Artificer's Epiphany
• Chief of the Foundry
• Commencement of Festivities
• Gearsmith Prodigy
• Inspiring Vantage
• Lawless Broker
• Long-Finned Skywhale
• Paradox Engine
• Prophetic Prism (Kaladesh)
• Rishkar, Peema Renegade
• Thriving Ibex
• Thriving Turtle
• Wind Drake (Kaladesh)

External links

• "Planes of Existence: Kaladesh" — Wizards of the Coast
• Magic Creative Team (November 2, 2016). "Planeswalker's Guide to Kaladesh". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
• Magic Creative Team (November 9, 2016). "The Making of Kaladesh". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
• Plane Shift - Kaladesh