Savai
- This page is about Ikoria's triome. For the forest on Oneah, see Savaea.
| Savai | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Ikoria |
| Colors |
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| Type | Mountain Plains Swamp |
| Scryfall Statistics | |
Savai is one of Ikoria's three-color triome regions, aligned primarily with white mana, but also influenced by black and red.[1] It is a harsh, arid land of dry plains, deep canyons, and cavernous underground networks, ruled above by vicious prides of monster cats and below by those seeking refuge from them. Water is scarce, often drawn from magic or monster migrations, while crystals rich in mana rise across the land and even pierce the underworld. Beneath the region’s fractured surface and towering cliffs lie secrets, shelters, and the lair of Snapdax, the region’s terrifying apex predator.
Description
Savai is a rugged and fractured region defined by sweeping plains of dry grassland and towering cliffs that overlook an expansive coastline. Below the surface of this arid terrain lies a complex network of branching caves and swamp-riddled tunnels that twist beneath the land. The surface of the region is dominated by massive prides of cat monsters, which hunt freely across the steppes. In contrast, the subterranean areas serve as shelter and refuge for populations of humans and other vulnerable species seeking protection from the monsters above.[1]
The region has an extremely arid climate, receiving minimal natural rainfall throughout the year. Inhabitants must ration their use of water carefully, and human settlements often rely on magical means to generate the water needed for survival. In contrast, many species of Savai's native wildlife survive by following the movements of large monsters. These immense creatures frequently carry localized weather systems with them, bringing brief periods of moisture as they migrate across the plains.[1]
Like all regions in Ikoria associated with triomes, crystalline growths are found throughout Savai. These mana-charged crystals grow both above and below the surface of the land. Crystals with deep enough roots can pierce the underground catacombs beneath Savai, while others rise skyward to such heights that they are capable of disrupting weather patterns across the region.[2]
Locations
- Egali – Egali is a fertile and verdant plain found in the lower elevations of Savai. It stands out in contrast to the arid environment surrounding it, thanks to natural springs and rich soil that support more vegetation.
- The Argalith – This is the largest single crystal in the world, and serves as a central landmark of Egali. The fortified city of Drannith was originally constructed around this green crystal, which served as the city's central axle and the foundation of the city's magical defenses.[3]
- Drannith Ruins
– Once known as the invincible city, Drannith was a prominent human stronghold. It was ultimately destroyed during the New Phyrexian Invasion, and now lies in ruins.[4]
- Drannith Ruins
- The Magra River – A notable river that runs through Egali, contributing to the region's relative fertility compared to the surrounding Savai plains.
- The Argalith
- Jal Korcha, the Terror Road – This is a monumental road that extends thousands of miles across the continent. It begins in Drannith and runs westward across the Egali plains. It passes by Lake Attayal in Ketria, continues through the Ongra mountain range in Raugrin, and terminates in the city of Lavabrink in the far southwest. The portion of Jal Korcha that traverses Savai is especially treacherous, requiring travelers to cross numerous fragile and ancient stone bridges that span the region’s deep canyons and trenches.[1][4]
The caverns of Unundo - Unundo – This vast cave system sprawls beneath the surface of Savai. It extends for many miles and is composed of dark, swampy tunnels. These interconnected passageways are a hidden world unto themselves, hosting subterranean life and providing sanctuary for creatures and humanoids who cannot survive the dangers of the open plains.[1]
The gorge of Glondo - Glondo Gorge – Located deep within the Unundo, the Glondo Gorge is a dramatic vertical drop that appears to have no discernible bottom. It marks the abrupt end of certain tunnels and adds to the perilous geography of the cave system.[1]
- Snapdax's Lair – The lair of Snapdax, the apex monster of Savai, is located somewhere within the Unundo. Snapdax's lair is feared by all who live in or near the tunnels, as the creature dominates its domain with overwhelming power.
- Glondo Gorge
Dominant clade
The dominant clade of monsters in Savai is the Cat clade. These monsters are aggressive carnivores that live and hunt in coordinated groups known as prides. They prowl the open plains, rocky outcroppings, and wind-swept mesas of Savai, preying upon native herbivores such as oxen, antelope, and elephants. Ikorian cats are known for their sadistic streak, often toying with their prey before killing it. Their large size and natural intelligence make them one of the most dangerous threats to humans in the region. They frequently hunt traveling caravans, lone monster hunters, and even attempt coordinated assaults on sanctuary cities, using their agility and cunning to bypass defenses.
Members of the Cat clade share a variety of features that connect them visually to traditional feline species. These include familiar anatomical traits such as paws, tails, sharp retractable claws, pointed ears, and manes. Many resemble large predators from other planes, such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, or jaguars. Additionally, it is common for Ikorian cats to possess wings. This is not considered a mutation, but rather a natural feature of the clade, and is accepted as such by the inhabitants of the plane.
The apex monster of Savai is Snapdax, a fearsome and powerful entity that dominates the food chain in the region. Snapdax is a unique predator that embodies the full destructive potential of the Cat clade.
In-game references
- Represented in:
- Associated cards:
- Referred to:
References
- ↑ a b c d e f Chris Mooney (April 02, 2020). "Planeswalker's Guide to Ikoria". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Flavor text of Savai Crystal
- ↑ Django Wexler (April 7, 2020). Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths — Sundered Bond. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786967162.
- ↑ 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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