Akoum Skyclave
| The Akoum Skyclave | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Zendikar |
| Colors |
 |
| Part of | Akoum |
The Akoum Skyclave is one of the seven massive floating fortresses constructed by the ancient kor empire on the plane of Zendikar. It once hovered above the mountainous continent of Akoum, serving as a center of military and administrative power. Like the other Skyclaves, it was a marvel of magical architecture, maintained in the sky through powerful kor artifice and ancient levitation enchantments. Though shattered and ruined long ago, its remnants were reawakened during the Rise of the Skyclaves in 4561 AR and now drift once more among the peaks of Akoum.
Description
The Akoum Skyclave was originally designed to serve as a stronghold for the kor's imperial presence in the volcanic region of Akoum. It was built to endure the harsh, geologically unstable environment of the continent, where the Roil often warped terrain and weather were unpredictable. After its return, the fragments of the Skyclave remain suspended in the air, scattered across the sky like floating ruins.[1]
Each fragment has developed a distinct character over the centuries. Some of the remnants are inhabited by wild beasts and monsters that have adapted to life among the ruins. Others are empty, with silent halls and broken walls suspended in the clouds. At least one fragment of the Skyclave is known to serve as a dragon's lair, a reminder of the dragons' continued dominance in Akoum. Because of the fragmentation, the site functions less as a single ruin and more as a series of individual sky-dungeons, each offering different hazards and discoveries for adventurers.[2]
The architecture of the Akoum Skyclave follows the typical kor aesthetic: austere, geometric, and constructed from white and gray stone shaped by ancient magical techniques. In places where structures remain intact, the Skyclave's corridors, barracks, and vaults hint at its former function as a military base and command post.
History
The fall of the Akoum Skyclave occurred over six thousand years ago, during the final century of the Kor Empire. As the empire declined, the indigenous Kargan tribes of Akoum learned to tame the dragons of the region, using them as mounts in warfare. With this new advantage, the Kargans launched an aerial assault on the Kor fortresses of the continent. Their coordinated attacks ultimately succeeded in bringing down the Skyclave. The stronghold was shattered in midair, and its remnants were cast across the mountains of Akoum. This decisive victory marked the end of Kor rule in the region and the rise of the Kargan tribes as dominant powers in Akoum.[2]
Thousands of years later, during the Rise of the Skyclaves, the residual magic of the ancient kor structures was reactivated when Kesenya's adventuring party activated the magical defenses of the Emeria skyclave. Although the Akoum Skyclave remains broken and scattered, its fragments began levitating once again, rejoining the sky among the clouds and mountaintops. This sudden reappearance drew the attention of Expeditionary Houses and adventurers eager to explore its ruins and uncover forgotten kor artifacts.[2]
Nahiri, a planeswalker and master lithomancer, studied the shattered floating fortress rising above Akoum’s volcanoes, seeking to harness its ancient power to heal Zendikar despite the chaotic Roil threatening the region. Accompanied by Nissa Revane, Nahiri faced Akoum's instability as they ascended the ruins, mindful of the plane's scars and the challenge ahead. At the Skyclave, Nissa admired the fortress's grand pillars and mosaics, evidence of a lost civilization housing tens of thousands. Though uncertain what they sought, Nahiri trusted she would recognize it. Their exploration was interrupted by Roil tremors, which Nahiri quelled with lithomancy.[1]
Following stone signs, they reached the fortress's heart, despite Nissa's doubts and memories of her late friend Gideon. Inside, they defeated a massive felidar guardian — Nahiri with fiery swords, Nissa with vines — and pressed deeper. In a cavernous chamber, Nahiri's guidance waned, so Nissa summoned a fern elemental to lead them. They survived a deadly geopede trap through teamwork, with Nahiri emphasizing Zendikar's resilience and their shared determination.[1]
At the heart, glowing runes covered every surface. Nahiri focused on a shining tile — the lithoform core, a key said to unlock the power to heal Zendikar. Nissa was skeptical but listened as Nahiri read the runes. Taking the key, Nahiri calmed the Roil's tremors, triggering the fortress's healing, but the fern elemental screamed and withered to ash. Nissa accused Nahiri of sacrificing life to suppress the Roil. Nahiri insisted the cost was justified by the plane's healing. Their confrontation escalated to combat, with stone pillars and swords against vines. Nahiri's stone barrier held firm, and seeing Nahiri's stubbornness, Nissa chose to protect Zendikar alone and planeswalked away.[1]
References
- ↑ a b c d A. T. Greenblatt (September 2, 2020). "Episode 1: In the Heart of the Skyclave". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b c Ari Zirulnik and James Wyatt (September 1, 2020). "Zendikar: Things Have Changed". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.