Ari Shokta
| Ari Shokta | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Race | Human |
| Birthplace | Ravnica |
| Lifetime | Mending Era |
| Spouse | Gan Shokta |
| Children | Araithia Shokta (daughter) |
| Sources | |
| [1] [2] [3] | |
Ari Shokta is a Gruul warrior on the plane of Ravnica, and mother of Araithia Shokta.
Description
Ari Shokta is a strong and imposing figure, both in her physical presence and her personality. She is described as considerably taller and more muscular than her daughter, Araithia ("Rat"). Ari has dark hair and a smile similar to her daughter's. She is often armed with a sword, axe, two long daggers, and an iron chain around her waist, indicating her readiness for battle at all times. Ari's demeanor is stern and no-nonsense, as seen in her interactions with Rat, where she mixes tough love with genuine affection. Her bear hugs and physical reprimands like cuffing Rat both roughness and warmth. Despite her tough exterior, Ari shows moments of vulnerability and tenderness, particularly when she expresses giddy hope about Rat having new friends and shares her sorrow over Hekara's death. As one of the few people who can see through Rat's concealment enchantment, Ari and her daughter share a particularly close bond.
History
Ari Shokta raised her daughter Araithia Shokta to be Gruul, but since Rat's godfather Boruvo defected to Selesnya, her relationship with the centaur soured. Rat grew up to be a capable spy and would often be sent on missions for long periods. During the War of the Spark, Rat returned home and called out to her mother, who responded with affection masked by sternness. Ari scolded Rat for shouting but then hugged her tightly, expressing that she missed her.
Rat informed Ari about the urgent situation where Gan Shokta and Borborygmos were fighting, and Ari responded with both nonchalance and readiness to help. As they joined the gathering, Ari supported Rat's efforts to mediate and remained attentive to the situation. She was present during the ritual to resurrect Niv-Mizzet and reacted to the threat of the God-Eternal with anxiety and determination.
When Teyo Verada, Rat's new friend, successfully protected the group from Eternals, Ari acknowledged his efforts and praised him, showing her softer side. Throughout these events, Ari balanced her warrior instincts with her role as a mother, demonstrating both her strength and her deep care for her daughter.
Ari survived the War of the Spark and was part of the new Gruul guild without Domri Rade.
