Cori Mountain Monastery
Cori Mountain Monastery | |
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Information | |
Plane | Tarkir |
Colors |
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Part of | Tiansun |
Formerly part of | Cori Mountain Stronghold |
Cori Mountain Monastery is one of the most remote sanctuaries of the Jeskai on the plane of Tarkir. Built within the flooded caldera of an ancient volcano, it serves as both a spiritual retreat and a training ground for monks dedicated to mastering the principle of Cooperative Action, one of the three pillars of the Jeskai’s Way.[1]
Description
Hidden among the rugged peaks of Tiansun, Cori Mountain Monastery is difficult to reach and even harder to leave behind. Its tall pagodas rise from the caldera’s crystal-blue lake, framed by cooled obsidian flows that arc dramatically over the water. The surrounding slopes bloom with vibrant orange and red flora, nourished by rich volcanic soil.[2] Within its halls, monks lead austere lives devoted to rigorous martial training, meditation, and communal rituals that emphasize perfect synchronicity of body and mind.
History
Following the return of dragons and the overthrow of Tarkir’s ancient clans, the original teachings of the Jeskai were nearly lost. Yet a hidden archive survived Ojutai’s purge, preserving the ancient writings of Shu Yun. Among these was the mantra: “To achieve peace, achieve unity.” This phrase became the foundation of the reborn Jeskai Way, guiding its followers toward a shared world-mind that could bring lasting harmony to Tarkir.[2]
Cori Mountain Monastery became a bastion of this legacy, focusing intensely on the principle of Cooperative Action — the belief that unity of mind arises through unity of body. Monks at Cori refined this ideal into a demanding discipline, where perfect coordination and collective purpose shaped every aspect of life.[1]
Throughout their lives, monks often travel between monasteries, spreading Cori’s teachings across the clans and helping to unify scattered enclaves under Shu Yun’s vision.
In 4564 AR, Asham, a young monk of Cori Mountain Monastery, practiced martial forms alone at the caldera lake but failed to manifest the flames required by an advanced technique. This failure weighed heavily on him, especially after a recent public defeat by a visiting Temur clan fighter — a humiliation Asham took personally and felt reflected on the monastery’s honor. During his training, his childhood friend Ru visited him, and their candid conversation revealed Asham’s internal struggle between pride and the teachings of the Way, as well as his growing frustration and sense of unworthiness. Though Ru reassured him, Asham remained determined to redeem himself by defeating the Temur fighter in a rematch.[2]
Ai Wen, the seasoned Temur warrior returning from visiting Jeskai monks, encountered Asham again and accepted his renewed challenge. She easily defeated him again, highlighting the vast difference in their skill, leaving Asham badly injured but alive. Ai Wen departed with respect for his potential. Asham later awoke under Ru’s care, who had rescued him and concealed the incident. Recognizing his pride and impulsiveness as flaws, Asham resolved to broaden his training by traveling to other monasteries and clans. Asham and Ru reaffirmed their bond of love as Asham set out on a new journey of personal growth.[2]
In-game references
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References
- ↑ a b Lauren Bond & DK Billins (February 21, 2025). "Planeswalker's Guide to Tarkir: Dragonstorm, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b c d Michael Yichao (March 5, 2025). "Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Jeskai: The Unknown Way". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.