Orvada
| Orvada | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Dominaria |
| Type | Island |
| Demonym | Orvadish[1] |
| Part of | The Domains |
Orvada, also known as the Orvadan Empire, is a powerful merchant empire that rivals Benalia as one of the principal economic forces on Dominaria.[1][2] Situated within the region known as the Domains, Orvada is strategically located to control key maritime trade routes and supply lines between islands and continents. The empire takes its name from its main city, Orvada, which acts as its political, cultural, and economic center.[3]
Description
The Orvadan Empire consists of a chain of islands that stretch in a north–south arc through the Voda Sea, effectively connecting the northern continent of Aerona with the southern volcanic Burning Isles.[4] The two largest islands are Denawa in the north and Walassa in the south, both of which host important cities and trade ports.[5] The capital city, Orvada, located on Walassa, is notable for hosting a campus of the prestigious Tolarian Academy, strengthening the empire's ties to magical research and education.[6] Another notable settlement is the coastal city of Lucassa, renowned for its grand lighthouse which serves as a beacon for merchant vessels navigating the busy shipping lanes around Walassa.[7] To the west of Walassa lies the shifting shape of Vesuva, a land of illusions and reflections,[8] while the island of Kieve sits to the north, marking the limit of Orvada's maritime reach.[9]
History
Orvada's history stretches back many centuries, entwined with the region's complex web of rival powers and shifting alliances. Two generations after Galina reappeared around 3200 AR and seized control of the kingdom of Etlan Shiis, the Orvadan fisherman Tarin became embroiled in a conspiracy to depose her and end her reign.[10] Despite this attempt, Galina's unnaturally extended life allowed her to rule for a further thousand years, and the plot ultimately failed. In the centuries that followed, the empire's influence reached as far as Aerona, when in circa 3500 AR Joryev of Orvada emerged as one of the most enigmatic lieutenants of Torsten Von Ursus, helping to establish House Joryev as one of the Seven Great Houses of Benalia.[3] By the mid-fifth millennium AR, Orvada's reputation as a center of trade, learning, and diplomacy had grown so strong that the Tolarian Academy opened a campus on Walassa, further integrating the empire into Dominaria's scholarly and arcane networks.[3] Following the devastation of the second Phyrexian Invasion, Orvada's powerful merchant lords negotiated a fragile peace with Benalia and played a crucial role in supplying food, ships, and provisions to the Serran hosts commanded by Lyra Dawnbringer, demonstrating the empire's continued importance in Dominaria's military and humanitarian efforts.[11]
Maps
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The Domains
In-game references
- Referred to:
References
- ↑ a b Hanovi Braddock (1996). Magic: the Gathering - Ashes of the Sun, Harper Prism
- ↑ Encyclopedia Dominia “The Enemy of My Enemy”
- ↑ a b c James Wyatt (2018), The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Dominaria. VIZ Media.
- ↑ Martha Wells (March 21, 2018). "Return to Dominaria, Episode 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Ethan Fleischer on Twitter
- ↑ Blake Rasmussen (March 26, 2018). "Dominaria Card of the Day: Wizard's Lightning and Retort". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2018-03-27.
- ↑ Encyclopedia Dominia - The Enemy of My Enemy (archived)
- ↑ Squirle (June 11, 2018). "Legends of Dominaria & Magic Story Podcasts". Multiverse in Review. Tumblr.
- ↑ Heroes of Dominaria rule book.
- ↑ Christopher R. Wilkes - The Enemy of My Enemy (1998)
- ↑ Reinhardt Suarez (October 21, 2022). "The Brothers' War - Chapter 1: Stronghold". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.