Lavabrink
| Lavabrink | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Ikoria |
| Part of | Raugrin |
| Scryfall Statistics | |
Lavabrink is one of the few permanent human settlements found within the volcanic and geologically unstable region of Raugrin on the plane of Ikoria. It is situated beneath an enormous volcanic shelf in the Ongra Range, a mountainous region known for its frequent eruptions and constant lava flows.[1] Despite being located in such a hazardous area, Lavabrink has been deliberately constructed to take advantage of its harsh environment to repel the monstrous threats common to the surrounding wilderness. The city is known across Ikoria for its skill in metalwork and its lava-based defense systems, as well as for being a rare refuge in a region otherwise dominated by apex predators and hostile terrain.
Description
Lavabrink is positioned just beneath a massive outcropping of volcanic rock, where lava from the mountains above flows continuously over the edge. These lava streams are diverted into a carefully maintained system of canals, sluices, and floodways that run through and around the city. The molten rock flows eventually down toward Kauld, a large lava lake located at a lower elevation in the Ongra Mountains. The infrastructure of Lavabrink is built directly over and around these lava channels, with its buildings, shops, homes, and markets all supported by elevated bridges and sturdy stone walkways suspended above the rivers of molten stone.
The central thoroughfare running through Lavabrink is the Jar Korcha, or 'terror road', a massive roadway that links the city to distant parts of Ikoria through treacherous mountain passes and volcanic landscapes.[2] Jar Korcha begins in Lavabrink and continues northeastward, passing through much of Raugrin and eventually into other triomes such as Ketria and Savai. Along this route, alarm crystals are placed to detect the approach of large monsters, giving the inhabitants time to react to potential threats.
The defensive strategy of Lavabrink relies not on walls or fortresses, but on the natural hostility of its volcanic setting. The city has few access points, and most are perilous to approach. Stonesingers, a group of specialized mages who live and work in Lavabrink, can manipulate the flow of lava using geomantic magic. They can divert magma down certain channels or release reservoirs held behind igneous dams above the city. In extreme emergencies, they are capable of creating a sustained lava curtain—essentially a wall of flowing molten rock—around the perimeter of Lavabrink. This curtain acts as both a visual deterrent and a lethal barrier, discouraging monsters from entering the area and making the city nearly impossible to breach without extraordinary force or flight.
The people who live in Lavabrink are regarded as some of the most resilient and resourceful on all of Ikoria. Despite the inherent dangers of living near lava and monster-infested lands, the residents have chosen this location because it reduces the number of monster incursions they must face. The abundant geothermal heat provides energy for forges, workshops, and furnaces, supporting a thriving artisan class. Lavabrink's craftsmen and blacksmiths are especially well-known for producing high-quality weapons, armor, and tools, many of which are traded with other communities across the plane. Sculptors and stoneworkers also benefit from the readily available volcanic stone and obsidian.
History
During the events of the New Phyrexian Invasion, Lavabrink became a temporary haven for displaced people from other regions of Ikoria. After the city of Drannith was attacked and overwhelmed by Lukka and Phyrexian forces, many survivors fled westward. Lavabrink's natural defenses and relative isolation made it one of the few locations still considered defensible, and it became a focal point for resistance against the invaders.[2]
In-game references
- Associated cards:
- Referred to:
References
- ↑ Chris Mooney (April 02, 2020). "Planeswalker's Guide to Ikoria". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b Roy Graham (March 20, 2023). "March of the Machine - Episode 5: Survival of the Fittest". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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