Lithoform Core
| Lithoform Core | |
|---|---|
|
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Nahiri lithoform core.png}}|250px]] | |
| Characteristics | |
| Origin | Zendikar |
| Creator | Makindi empire |
| User | Nahiri |
| Status | Unknown |
The Lithoform Core is powerful and dangerous artifact created by the founders of the Makindi empire on Zendikar.
Description
The lithoform core is a multifaceted purple gemstone the size of a small melon. It is the last one of its kind in existence. Both the Core and its key are compared to stars in terms of brilliance.[1][2] It sends out incomprehensible whispers to its user.[3]
The Kor Planeswalker Nahiri believes that the power of the core can stop Zendikar's Roil forever. She expects to heal Zendikar of all its scars with it, wanting to make the world a safe and prosperous place again, just like it was before the Eldrazi arrived.[4] Jace Beleren theorizes that it is channeling Zendikar's power itself, and Nissa Revane sees it as a threat to Zendikar's current-day plants, animals and elementals.
The power of the artifact causes a Lithoform Blight, a dark effect that withers leaves, branches, and bark, transforming them into something rigid and unmovable.
History
Finding the key
Nahiri asked for Nissa's assistance in searching for the the core in the Skyclave of Akoum.[1] When they entered the skyclave's heart, they found ancient kor runes covering every surface, every inch of the stone walls, floors, and ceiling. On the dais in the very center of the room, in the heart of the heart stood a small tile, glowing like a star. This wasn't the core she was looking for, but merely a key. The runes told her search for the core itself in the Murasa skyclave.
Using the little bit of the core's power stored in the key, Nahiri was able to partially restore the skyclave and to stop the Roil's influences for a while. However, the effect apparently absorbed life from organic matter. When it killed an elemental summoned by Nissa, Nahiri thought is was worth the cost. For this, Nissa broke up their partnership.
Finding the Core
Nahiri hired Akiri, Zareth San, Kaza and Orah to accompany her to Murasa.[5][4] When they finally found the Core in the Murasa skyclave, the remaining party-members were set upon by aggressive elementals.[6] Using the artifact to defend herself, Nahiri killed Zareth in the process. Realizing the danger of the core, Akiri threatened to drop the artifact over a cliff. Applying her lithomancy, Nahiri used a hedron to petrify Akiri, take back the artifact, and then push Akiri over the edge.[2]
The Singing City
The Skyclave runes guided Nahiri to the Singing City.[3] In the center of this old Kor structure would a magical focal point from where she could channel the Core's energy all over Zendikar through the leylines, making the transformation of Zendikar universal. Jace Beleren promised to not hinder her in her endeavor to save Zendikar, if she promised not to use the Core until they had studied it mechanism in more detail. He knew that if he was ever going to unlock the mysteries of the Core, he was going to have to understand how it was activated. That if it was going to be a useful weapon in the battles to come, its mysterious power had to be quantified first.
Arriving at the focal point they found that Nissa had found it earlier and had destroyed it with help from Ashaya and her other elementals. Nissa felt betrayed and he was unable to prevent an all-out battle between the two women.[3]
Using the Core
Her lithoforming powers enhanced by the Core, Nahiri started to reshape the world according to her will and to still the chaotic effects of the Roil.[7] In this way, she was unconsciously emulating the Eldrazi.[8]
In-game references
- Associated cards:
References
- ↑ a b A. T. Greenblatt (September 2, 2020). "Episode 1: In the Heart of the Skyclave". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b A. T. Greenblatt (September 16, 2020). "Episode 3: The Dangerous Climb, The Long Fall". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b c A. T. Greenblatt (September 23, 2020). "Episode 4: Of Haunting Songs and Whispered Warnings". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b A. T. Greenblatt (September 9, 2020). "Episode 2: Race to the Murasa Skyclave". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Miguel Lopez (September 4, 2020). "Red Route". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Zendikar Rising Official Trailer (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (September 1, 2020).
- ↑ Blake Rasmussen (September 17, 2020). "Zendikar Rising Art Descriptions". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Lithoform Blight