Sandsteppe
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| Sandsteppe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Tarkir |
| Status | Threatened by dragonstorms |
The central Sandsteppe is the territory of the nomadic Mardu Horde, and formerly of the Kolaghan brood, on Tarkir.[1][2]
Description
The Sandsteppe touches the borders of all the other clans.[2] The climate is typically dry in summers with a short rainy season, and the steppe is dotted with rocky plateaus, swamps, chasms, and surrounding mountains.
Known locations
- The Dalkovan cities — Nomadic cities that can be broken down and built within hours.[2] Dalkovans are often differentiated from each other by the name of their generals. As they are constantly on the move, many Mardu refer to their dalkovan simply as "home."
- Thunder Stadium — The central tent in the largest dalkovan city where Mardu congregate for market trade, play, eating, and other day-to-day activities.[2] It is also where the main feasts for the Great Assemblage are held.
- Dragonsong Rock — A nickname for a long, circular rock formation that is used as a waypoint and vaguely resembles a dragon from above.[2] It has been heavily painted and is regarded as a peaceful meeting point for diplomacy. Mardu like to sing here for the way it echoes their voices.
- Sandsteppe Gate — A former Abzan city that has since been captured by the Mardu.[2] Remnants of the Abzan structures can be seen amongst the Mardu banners and tents. The region marks the transition from the Mardu steppe to more arid Abzan territory.
- Screamreach — A small system of bogs and swamps located near the intersection between Abzan, Mardu, and Sultai territory.[2] The name is taken from the screeching ravens that dwell in the hollow trees.
- Goldengrave — A lowland grassy expanse that connects Screamreach to Sandsteppe.[2] These rolling meadows form much of the Mardu territory. Large creatures roam this region, attracting dragons, and sudden storms are known to form frequently. The steppe is dotted with several permanent markers built by the Mardu as guideposts and refuges from storms. These are often also shrines marking the site of great battles and where Mardu and the enemy dead are buried.
- The Scour — A deep chasm that passes through Mardu lands and into the Qal Sisma mountains in Temur lands.[2] It's eroded by constant winds spiked with a fine black grit. Despite the danger, it's a great source for mining and ambush and a frequent point of regional conflict.
Historical
- In the original timeline, the Wingthrone was the Mardu fortress where Kolaghan died in ancient times, smashed against a cliffside.[1]
- In the current timeline, Screamreach used to be the favored domain of Kolaghan.
In-game references
- Represented in:
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Referred to:
References
- ↑ a b Magic Creative Team (September 10, 2014). "Planeswalker's Guide to Khans of Tarkir, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i Lauren Bond & DK Billins (February 24, 2025). "Planeswalker's Guide to Tarkir: Dragonstorm, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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