Makindi
| Makindi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Zendikar |
| Colors |
  |
| Type | Plains |
| Part of | Ondu |
| Formerly part of | Makindi Empire |
Makindi is a vast expanse of mesa-riddled plains that dominates much of Ondu, on the plane of Zendikar. Once the seat of an ancient Kor empire, Makindi is now defined by its deep canyons, sheer cliffs, and windswept highlands.
Description
Makindi’s landscape is a maze of high-walled canyons and sprawling mesas known as the Makindi Trenches. These sheer canyon walls tower above whitewater rivers and stone channels, with mana-fueled winds that roar unpredictably through the Trenches, forcing climbers and builders to secure themselves carefully.
Travelers often stick to wagon trails along the cliffs’ edges, while daring explorers navigate the rivers below. The cliffs and mesas support abundant life: birds, reptiles, insects, and flying beasts like griffins roost here, while kor and goblins build cliffside dwellings, bridges, and ropewalks suspended between canyon walls.[1]
Makindi’s wildlife includes enormous spiders spinning webs under canyon overhangs and trench giants climbing the sheer walls in search of prey. Despite these dangers, goblins and kor thrive, carving out settlements and trade routes among the cliffs.
The Binding Circle and Prison of Omnath
One prominent mesa hosts the Binding Circle, a ritual site enclosing the now-broken Prison of Omnath. According to some ancient myths, Omnath is a primal embodiment of Zendikar’s chaotic mana — possibly predating the gods themselves and called the “flickering heart” by some Ondu scholars.[2]
At the grove’s heart, a binding circle once surrounded a deep pit, marked by globular swamp growths, floating elemental flames, hedron stones, and scattered animal bones that created an unsettling aura. Pilgrims from across Zendikar once gathered here twice yearly to perform the Ritual of Lights, encircling the site with seventy-seven candles to keep Omnath bound in his prison. These rites, however, proved futile as Zendikar’s wild mana broke the circle, releasing Omnath’s fury into the world.[3][2]
Below the pit lies the Soul Stair, an endless spiral staircase descending into a surreal cavern realm where Omnath was once shackled by incomprehensible magical chains. Even today, explorers and desperate pilgrims descend the Soul Stair seeking clues to Omnath’s imprisonment, hoping to find new weapons against the Eldrazi.[2]
Notable Locations
- Makindi Mesas — Towering plateaus that serve as roosts for griffins and kor communities.
- Makindi Trenches — A vast canyon network home to cliffside kor havens, goblin dwellings, and whitewater rivers.
- Kor Cliffhavens — Settlements perched on sheer cliffs, traversed by kor kitesailers and vampire ropewalkers.[2]
- Makindi Faduun — Enormous, enigmatic stone heads scattered throughout the region.
- Palace of Zemgora — An ancient vampire-built palace dedicated to the Eldrazi, its location shifting with the Roil.[4]
- Piston Mountains — Hovering mountain peaks that rise and crash down violently, scattering stone debris.
- Throne of Makindi
— The hidden ancient seat of the Kor Empire, rumored to lie within the Trenches.
- Kor Cliffhavens
- Teetering Stone Canyon — Canyon known for its massive, seemingly unstable boulders.
- The Teetering Peaks — Large slabs of rock perched impossibly on thin stone pillars, far more stable than they appear.
- The Teetering Peaks
History
Makindi was once the capital of a vast Kor empire, which collapsed after a civil war between the city and its Skyclave. The Skyclave fell onto Jwar Isle, fracturing the land into the Trenches seen today.[5]
In 4557 AR, Nissa Revane, Sorin Markov, and Anowon crossed Makindi while traveling from Turntimber to Akoum. During their passage through the Trenches and the Piston Mountains, they endured disruptive surges of the Roil, met the kor prophet Smara, and battled the region’s hazards.[4]
Gallery
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Arid Mesa -
Piston Mountain concept art. -
Teetering Peaks -
Throne of Makindi - the seat of the former Kor Empire.
In-game references
- Represented in:
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Referred to:
References
- ↑ a b Magic Creative Team (November 11, 2009). "A Planeswalker's Guide to Zendikar: Ondu". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2019-08-12.
- ↑ a b c d e James Wyatt (January 5, 2016) - The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Zendikar, WotC.
- ↑ Doug Beyer (January 18, 2010). "Worldwake: A Plane in Revolt". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2022-05-23.
- ↑ a b Robert B. Wintermute (2010) — Zendikar: In the Teeth of Akoum, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Ari Zirulnik and James Wyatt (September 1, 2020). "Zendikar: Things Have Changed". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.