Hey, y'all! I actually just wanted to try writing a world building guide like how I'd imagine it'd be behind the scenes (minus the actual important art description part
). I'd decided to start easy with world building for a return set. Afterwards, I'd try out writing out an exploratory design document about intended mechanics and limited game play. There's a retcon going on with the setting (giving Kamigawa an ocean), but the reasoning is more for design reasons than just expanding flavor options. So that will be discussed more with the exploratory design (if I get there). I don't really intend to make the set, I just wanted to try the writing part of the beginning that coalesces ideas so that multiple people can work on it (instead of the ideas just being willy-nilly in my head).I've started with general setting, but I haven't fleshed out any new characters, or written out race profiles. Feedback is appreciated.
EDIT: For those who saw the Evan Erwin twitter post, there was a slight miscommunication. I was inspired by another fan's commission of the map to actually make a set. I didn't commission it myself.
Worldbuilding Guide
Spoiler
Towabara:
Kamitaki:
Takenuma:
Sokenzan:
Jukai:
Reikai:
Spoiler
The Towabara Plains are a massive flat expanse, where the only natural geographic anomalies are massive collections of rocks that periodically dot the area.
Eiganjo:
Reito:
Sugi Hayashi:
Eiganjo:
Spoiler
Eiganjo Castle stands atop the largest rock in the Araba plains. Real estate near the castle is in high demand, so all houses and buildings also on the rock have become towers. While each floor may be newer than the floor below, ordinances require that each building maintains a similar aesthetic throughout. These ordinances also maintain that no building may cast a shadow on the top of Eiganjo Castle, making property close to it even more valuable. No longer a ruined plain, farms spread out at the base of the rock Eigan City is found upon. Roads spreading out like spokes and concentric circles divide property lines of the farmers. Collectively, the castle, city and surrounding farmland are known as Eigan province.
After the Kami War, Eiganjo maintained its ties to Minamo, Oboro and Sugi Hayashi. Soratami and Kitsune still live within the town, with a few even willing to call it home. However, Eiganjo leadership is always ill at ease. Since the leader of Eiganjo in the Past, Lord Konda, was the one who instigated the Kami War, the current leaders fear that the other communities still blame Eiganjo for the suffering of the past. Whenever scouts report other areas building up forces, Eiganjo also prepares, in case they might be used as a scapegoat for some outside conflict.
Subtly and dedication are prized in Eiganjo. The most popular shows and ritual are the ones that take days or even years to prepare. Plays must be painstakingly mapped out to the step. If a critic views a play twice and notices an actor beginning to smile during different parts of a line, it will be in the review, and the actor will need to find a new vocation.
Dress in Eigan City is ornate. Advisers wear the best kimonos and the women wear the whitest make up. Kitsune clerics wear the fanciest robes and the Soratami wear the most elegant attire. Hair stays up in the most gravity-defying fashion by the work of well placed combs and pins. Samurai armor is all steel plate. Even the traditionally leather parts of armor are steel. Since there is little shade from the sun on the Towabara plains, fabric is pinned onto the plate in order to prevent it from burning the wearer. Law enforces that even soldiers must have well kept facial hair if they choose to have any.
After the Kami War, Eiganjo maintained its ties to Minamo, Oboro and Sugi Hayashi. Soratami and Kitsune still live within the town, with a few even willing to call it home. However, Eiganjo leadership is always ill at ease. Since the leader of Eiganjo in the Past, Lord Konda, was the one who instigated the Kami War, the current leaders fear that the other communities still blame Eiganjo for the suffering of the past. Whenever scouts report other areas building up forces, Eiganjo also prepares, in case they might be used as a scapegoat for some outside conflict.
Subtly and dedication are prized in Eiganjo. The most popular shows and ritual are the ones that take days or even years to prepare. Plays must be painstakingly mapped out to the step. If a critic views a play twice and notices an actor beginning to smile during different parts of a line, it will be in the review, and the actor will need to find a new vocation.
Dress in Eigan City is ornate. Advisers wear the best kimonos and the women wear the whitest make up. Kitsune clerics wear the fanciest robes and the Soratami wear the most elegant attire. Hair stays up in the most gravity-defying fashion by the work of well placed combs and pins. Samurai armor is all steel plate. Even the traditionally leather parts of armor are steel. Since there is little shade from the sun on the Towabara plains, fabric is pinned onto the plate in order to prevent it from burning the wearer. Law enforces that even soldiers must have well kept facial hair if they choose to have any.
Reito:
Spoiler
Reito is a town near the edge of Eigan province known for being stuck in the past. The long-term citizens of the town are all departed souls from when the town was originally hit during the Kami War of old. They all stick to the routines of their last day before they were unexpectedly stuck down by kami forces.
Monks and clerics traverse to the town as a pilgrimage. There, they reflect on the natural hubris that hides beneath everyday life. Many pilgrims have reconstructed the burned down houses, but there is no clear record of which were repaired. Kami illusions hide all damage to the architecture. Those who who chose to stay in the wrong house to bear out inclement weather have unfortunately joined in with the original inhabitants, making it all the harder to figure out who is dead and who is alive.
A small gang of nezumi have decided to call Reito home. Using their sense of smell, they have easily determined where the safest places in the town are. Their reason for staying is simple. The town of Reito was not under nezumi attack when it fell. Thus when the nezumi arrived, they were not treated as disgusting filth like they had been everywhere else. After centuries of having to steal the secrets of bushido and wizardry, the nezumi finally found a place where they were respected. Having tasted dignity, these nezumi will do anything within their power to protect Reito.
Spiritual leaders say that the only reason the spirits remain is that they have tied their existence to the simple tasks that they did in the past. While it is known that departed souls can stick to this side of the veil by such a method, it is also known that the kami may aim to complete their goals in obscure ways. Some leaders worry that the true aims of the kami of Reito might not be what they appear.
The kami spirits of Reito are nigh indistinguishable from humans. The only differences are the ancient clothing and faint minor specks of light that float around them. The Nezumi match their attire, as they rely on the kami tailors and smiths to make their clothing.
Monks and clerics traverse to the town as a pilgrimage. There, they reflect on the natural hubris that hides beneath everyday life. Many pilgrims have reconstructed the burned down houses, but there is no clear record of which were repaired. Kami illusions hide all damage to the architecture. Those who who chose to stay in the wrong house to bear out inclement weather have unfortunately joined in with the original inhabitants, making it all the harder to figure out who is dead and who is alive.
A small gang of nezumi have decided to call Reito home. Using their sense of smell, they have easily determined where the safest places in the town are. Their reason for staying is simple. The town of Reito was not under nezumi attack when it fell. Thus when the nezumi arrived, they were not treated as disgusting filth like they had been everywhere else. After centuries of having to steal the secrets of bushido and wizardry, the nezumi finally found a place where they were respected. Having tasted dignity, these nezumi will do anything within their power to protect Reito.
Spiritual leaders say that the only reason the spirits remain is that they have tied their existence to the simple tasks that they did in the past. While it is known that departed souls can stick to this side of the veil by such a method, it is also known that the kami may aim to complete their goals in obscure ways. Some leaders worry that the true aims of the kami of Reito might not be what they appear.
The kami spirits of Reito are nigh indistinguishable from humans. The only differences are the ancient clothing and faint minor specks of light that float around them. The Nezumi match their attire, as they rely on the kami tailors and smiths to make their clothing.
Sugi Hayashi:
Spoiler
Sugi Hayashi is a kitsune village on the edge of the Jukai forest. Here, the kitsune maintain a carefree and welcoming town, providing respite for weary travelers. Huts line a main square, with the hut of the town high elder sitting at the end. The high elder responsibilities also being the spiritual leader of the community. Whenever a kitsune gains a new tail and matches the number of the high elder, he or she joins the town council of elders. There is a meeting of elders, where the high elder may distribute the responsibilities of high elder to the rest of the council. Whenever a member of the council gains a new tail, a year must pass. All elders who do not gain a tail in that time are removed from the council, and the elder who gained the initial tail becomes the new high elder. In order to prevent all responsibilities to fall upon himself or herself, a newly tailed elder will often lead a call for enlightenment during that year, which is not just limited to the town elders.
Kitsune are patient and kind, but Sugi Hayashi is home for the kitsune as a people. They will host outsiders for months or years at a time to help them find their footing, but they will never accept non-kitsune people calling Sugi Hayasi their home. Their wit will become sour and their hospitality cold. After an embittered guest decides to leave, the kitsune will become nice again, often times confusing the outcast. On the rare unfortunate occasion, the outcast has assumed the kitsune are rejecting his or her origins and trying to embrace his or her original people’s enemies.
Sugi Hayashi typically contains orochi of any tribe, budoka monks and Eigan townsfolk at any particular time. Traditional garb for the kitsune of Sugi Hayashi tends to be lighter and looser than in other areas. While it doesn’t allow as much protection as the armor of Eiganjo or Ganzan, Sugi Hayashi armor is made with maneuverability and speed in mind. Small wooden strips sewed into the silken armor will protect the kitsune samurai on the rare chance he or she gets hit. Bows are shorter than the longbows of Eiganjo or Minamo, as they are designed for moving archery in both field and forest over shorter distances.
Kitsune are patient and kind, but Sugi Hayashi is home for the kitsune as a people. They will host outsiders for months or years at a time to help them find their footing, but they will never accept non-kitsune people calling Sugi Hayasi their home. Their wit will become sour and their hospitality cold. After an embittered guest decides to leave, the kitsune will become nice again, often times confusing the outcast. On the rare unfortunate occasion, the outcast has assumed the kitsune are rejecting his or her origins and trying to embrace his or her original people’s enemies.
Sugi Hayashi typically contains orochi of any tribe, budoka monks and Eigan townsfolk at any particular time. Traditional garb for the kitsune of Sugi Hayashi tends to be lighter and looser than in other areas. While it doesn’t allow as much protection as the armor of Eiganjo or Ganzan, Sugi Hayashi armor is made with maneuverability and speed in mind. Small wooden strips sewed into the silken armor will protect the kitsune samurai on the rare chance he or she gets hit. Bows are shorter than the longbows of Eiganjo or Minamo, as they are designed for moving archery in both field and forest over shorter distances.
Kamitaki:
Spoiler
Kamitaki is a region named after the Kamitaki Falls. The falls surround a massive lake, with floating islands in the center. The lake narrows to a small river shortly deposits into the sea.
Minamo:
Akagi:
Otawara:
Mikokoro:
Minamo:
Spoiler
Minamo often refers to both the academy and the surrounding community built upon the floating islands surrounded by Kamitaki falls. It was rebuilt after the rampage of Hidetsugu during the Kami War. For this reason, the academy charter expressly forbids allowing ogre students. Part of the rebuilding was a massive portal project. This allows the nonmagically inclined to travel in between the islands of Minamo. The current project of the headmasters is finding the way that best protects the scrolls in the academy library. Students are often tasked with rewriting scrolls that are about to fade or decompose, but recently, some scrolls have left students as gibbering messes, and no known magic has been able to reverse it. Some have even ran screaming, jumping into portals, but not appearing on the other side. The port town of Akagi has asked the scholars of Minamo to research the Kaiju, but the headmasters have decided to focus on determining what is happening to their students that succumb to the ancient magic.
While Minamo maintains a good relationship with Otawara and Eiganjo, they don’t fully trust them after how those two cities used them during the Kami War. They still accept students from the two places, but have found other means than just diplomacy necessary to get information from the two. Recent scrolls stolen from Otawara reveal that the Soratami are yet again hiding potentially useful information about recent occurrences. The headmasters are currently perplexed about the Soratami’s staunch dislike of the school’s recent diplomacy with the Sakura tribe of the orochi.
Dress in Minamo is simple. Teachers and students alike are expected to focus on their studies. Most students are human, orochi or soratami, but there are few well-watched akki or nezumi in the mix. Though not common, kitsune students are well respected. Hair is required to be kept in simple styles until skill in the field of study has been proven. In the past, there had been a few too many accidents with fancy hair and archery or spellcasting.
While Minamo maintains a good relationship with Otawara and Eiganjo, they don’t fully trust them after how those two cities used them during the Kami War. They still accept students from the two places, but have found other means than just diplomacy necessary to get information from the two. Recent scrolls stolen from Otawara reveal that the Soratami are yet again hiding potentially useful information about recent occurrences. The headmasters are currently perplexed about the Soratami’s staunch dislike of the school’s recent diplomacy with the Sakura tribe of the orochi.
Dress in Minamo is simple. Teachers and students alike are expected to focus on their studies. Most students are human, orochi or soratami, but there are few well-watched akki or nezumi in the mix. Though not common, kitsune students are well respected. Hair is required to be kept in simple styles until skill in the field of study has been proven. In the past, there had been a few too many accidents with fancy hair and archery or spellcasting.
Akagi:
Spoiler
The port town of Akagi sits on the edge of the river it is named after and the vast sea. While all the denizens will claim to be simple fishermen, a good majority are either wokou pirates or shinobi. Akagi is the most racially diverse place in all of known Kamigawa. It is packed full of Minamo dropouts, and characters looking to disappear from the mainland. Akki who have been promised new opportunities to explore hang out with rebellious orochi. Ogres looking to get away from their blood magic heritage drink their sorrows away from being rejected immediately at Minamo.
Stories claiming far off lands with beautiful fish women, tricky crow people or devious catfolk used to litter the air of the local inns and pubs. Nowadays, it’s been horror stories of close encounters with Kaiju emerging from the depths. After getting hit from many attacks from the giant beasts, the local landowners sent a call to Minamo and Oboro to keep a look out for Kaiju, so that there can be time for an evacuation when needed. However, while the two agreed to do so, the Akagi diplomats noticed that it didn’t seem to be a high priority for either. Considering current actions, many murmur that Oboro might might even want the disaster to strike. In any case, Akagi has started a continual army sized watch to keep a lookout at the sea.
Dress in Akagi tends to favor either easily discarded layers, water-resisting wools or tattered leather. Locals need to easily escape hypothermia that comes from cold rain or cold seas. There are many a mismatched boot after one shoe drifted off after an unexpected swim at sea.
Stories claiming far off lands with beautiful fish women, tricky crow people or devious catfolk used to litter the air of the local inns and pubs. Nowadays, it’s been horror stories of close encounters with Kaiju emerging from the depths. After getting hit from many attacks from the giant beasts, the local landowners sent a call to Minamo and Oboro to keep a look out for Kaiju, so that there can be time for an evacuation when needed. However, while the two agreed to do so, the Akagi diplomats noticed that it didn’t seem to be a high priority for either. Considering current actions, many murmur that Oboro might might even want the disaster to strike. In any case, Akagi has started a continual army sized watch to keep a lookout at the sea.
Dress in Akagi tends to favor either easily discarded layers, water-resisting wools or tattered leather. Locals need to easily escape hypothermia that comes from cold rain or cold seas. There are many a mismatched boot after one shoe drifted off after an unexpected swim at sea.
Otawara:
Spoiler
Otawara is a sprawling city in the sky. Its spiraling levels present an ever slowly shifting cloudscape. Weather magic prevents the building from colliding. Young soratami are carefully watched, as they have not yet learned to fly. However, due to a new influx of non-flying folk, the soratami are researching new safety measures to keep people from accidentally falling to their deaths. Although, it is just now occurring to soratami leadership that the nonflying will also need means to reach areas they cannot fly to.
Tamiyo’s explorations of the multiverse has dramatically changed the soratami way of life. Humbled by their insignificance in the whole of the multiverse, they poured themselves into the stories their field searcher fed them. They tasked Tamiyo to search for more stories across the multiverse, and stored them in the palace of Oboro. Stories regarding the Phyrexian invasion of Dominaria and the world changing process of the Eldrazi led the soratami to realize the need of all the civilizations of Kamigawa to be able to stand together if the need arise. They tasked Tamiyo to search for more stories across the multiverse, and stored them in the palace of Oboro.
In order to help their reputation, soratami decided that in times of devastation of the races below, they should offer to help raise care for the orphans and victims. However, the first attempts had poor showings. The people below first saw the adoptions as kidnapping and brainwashing. Meanwhile, the newly adopted were constantly told about how their old culture was inferior. It wasn’t until one Ganzan girl mentioned that she didn’t feel like an adoptee, but rather a pet that the soratami how much their culture would need to change to help unite the civilizations of Kamigawa.
Dress in Otawara is simple and elegant. Clothes must match the dancing of the wind. To the people of Otawara, wearing heavy clothes represents having simple, stubborn thoughts, the ultimate insult. Mirrors are always kept on hand, not for vanity, but for divination and illusion magic.
Tamiyo’s explorations of the multiverse has dramatically changed the soratami way of life. Humbled by their insignificance in the whole of the multiverse, they poured themselves into the stories their field searcher fed them. They tasked Tamiyo to search for more stories across the multiverse, and stored them in the palace of Oboro. Stories regarding the Phyrexian invasion of Dominaria and the world changing process of the Eldrazi led the soratami to realize the need of all the civilizations of Kamigawa to be able to stand together if the need arise. They tasked Tamiyo to search for more stories across the multiverse, and stored them in the palace of Oboro.
In order to help their reputation, soratami decided that in times of devastation of the races below, they should offer to help raise care for the orphans and victims. However, the first attempts had poor showings. The people below first saw the adoptions as kidnapping and brainwashing. Meanwhile, the newly adopted were constantly told about how their old culture was inferior. It wasn’t until one Ganzan girl mentioned that she didn’t feel like an adoptee, but rather a pet that the soratami how much their culture would need to change to help unite the civilizations of Kamigawa.
Dress in Otawara is simple and elegant. Clothes must match the dancing of the wind. To the people of Otawara, wearing heavy clothes represents having simple, stubborn thoughts, the ultimate insult. Mirrors are always kept on hand, not for vanity, but for divination and illusion magic.
Mikokoro:
Spoiler
In the middle of sea, just out of sight from Akagi, lies an island. On this island are crystalline structures from which many paper prayers hang. Some savvy wokou have discovered that Kaiju steer clear of the place, though no one knows why.
Takenuma:
Spoiler
Takenuma is the bamboo swamp of Kamigawa. Many treasures of the past lie in its sinking silt, but so too lie many curses. The locals know that if anything seems different than muck and despair, one should run as there is little magic in Takenuma that is benevolent.
Numai:
Kitanosu:
Mirenshi:
Shizo:
Numai:
Spoiler
Numai is the traditional home for those with no where else to go to. Its ramshackle homes house the disloyal and the unwanted. Numai is ruled by competing gangs who utilize whatever means necessary to maintain power. Bosses must not just worry about other gangs, but their own subordinates that might get a lust for power. They call upon jushi wizards with forbidden magic (like magic that can make shadows kill their owners), ninjas without conscience, or assassins without guilt to clean up any enemy or potential upstart.
Even with this constant turf warfare, many consider the city of Numai the premier city in Takenuma. The anonymity of business allows for wares not seen elsewhere in all of Kamigawa. Every vice is legal and easily available. Most of the bloodshed only affects those vying for power. If a person can find a niche, then he or she can survive rather peacefully. Those who murder needlessly easily find themselves shipped off as tribute to Mirenshi. Akagi might be an upstart city stealing some of Numai’s thunder, but the bosses of Numai do keep tabs on any entrepreneur who might want to start up any shop in Akagi.
Folk aren’t too concerned about dress in Numai. The mud makes everything a shade of gray. The nezumi, ogres, humans and orochi all have tattoos for their gangs on the inside of their off hand wrist. A common warning a gang member would make is to make a closed fist with the back of the hand against his or her own mouth, to show what gang would take action.
Even with this constant turf warfare, many consider the city of Numai the premier city in Takenuma. The anonymity of business allows for wares not seen elsewhere in all of Kamigawa. Every vice is legal and easily available. Most of the bloodshed only affects those vying for power. If a person can find a niche, then he or she can survive rather peacefully. Those who murder needlessly easily find themselves shipped off as tribute to Mirenshi. Akagi might be an upstart city stealing some of Numai’s thunder, but the bosses of Numai do keep tabs on any entrepreneur who might want to start up any shop in Akagi.
Folk aren’t too concerned about dress in Numai. The mud makes everything a shade of gray. The nezumi, ogres, humans and orochi all have tattoos for their gangs on the inside of their off hand wrist. A common warning a gang member would make is to make a closed fist with the back of the hand against his or her own mouth, to show what gang would take action.
Kitanosu:
Spoiler
Kitanosu is the largest of the nezumi villages in Takenuma. While most of the buildings are lean-tos made out of bamboo, the town pride is the old converted temple in the center of town. It has been a nezumi academy since before the Kami War. Here, they keep the first magic scrolls the nezumi stole from the original Minamo. Though, with no magical knowledge to begin with, it took generations to fully comprehend the scrolls. Over time, new stolen scrolls and makeshift writings have been added to the collection. While it is no competition to the libraries of Minamo or Otarawa, it is more extensive than either would care to admit. Though many of the stolen scrolls are actually useless for teaching magic. Some were actually useful for teaching swordsmanship, and many a young nezumi spend years mastering the blade wanting to be a noble samurai.
Kitanosu is also home base of the Okiba Gang. They have major connections with many of the gangs of Numai, and their ninja are often called upon for jobs in and outside the city. Even to the rest of the town, Okiba’s members are unknown and their training tactics are a mystery. The nezumi take great pride in the Okiba Gang, since they are one of the few nezumi things feared in all of Kamigawa.
While it is the home of the nezumi, plenty of other races live there too. Any fool who finds himself or herself wanted in Numai typically runs to Kitanosu. After a hazing ritual, the nezumi will treat a newcomer with relative respect (as much as nezumi ever show respect). However, during times out trouble, the nezumi will first turn on the outsiders before they start turning on each other, even if they find the outsiders better than some of their own kind. It doesn’t help that most of that time is from ogres of Mirenshi demanding slaves. Ogres specialize in blood magic, and there’s no way non-nezumi blood will accidentally work on nezumi.
Kitanosu garb matches that Numai. However, with no humans of matter to have to impress, Kitanosu garb tends to forgo the cloth and just focus on the wooden protection. Bone paraphernalia also pops out during times of hazing.
Kitanosu is also home base of the Okiba Gang. They have major connections with many of the gangs of Numai, and their ninja are often called upon for jobs in and outside the city. Even to the rest of the town, Okiba’s members are unknown and their training tactics are a mystery. The nezumi take great pride in the Okiba Gang, since they are one of the few nezumi things feared in all of Kamigawa.
While it is the home of the nezumi, plenty of other races live there too. Any fool who finds himself or herself wanted in Numai typically runs to Kitanosu. After a hazing ritual, the nezumi will treat a newcomer with relative respect (as much as nezumi ever show respect). However, during times out trouble, the nezumi will first turn on the outsiders before they start turning on each other, even if they find the outsiders better than some of their own kind. It doesn’t help that most of that time is from ogres of Mirenshi demanding slaves. Ogres specialize in blood magic, and there’s no way non-nezumi blood will accidentally work on nezumi.
Kitanosu garb matches that Numai. However, with no humans of matter to have to impress, Kitanosu garb tends to forgo the cloth and just focus on the wooden protection. Bone paraphernalia also pops out during times of hazing.
Mirenshi:
Spoiler
Mirenshi is a town built around Miren, the Moaning Well. Over time, more and more ogre bloodmages moved toward the well, hoping to find a way to take advantage of its mass magical potential. Though normally solitary, they agreed to endure each other so that they could each take advantage of the well. Eventually this led to collaboration instead of just tolerance. Slowly, as they made more advances, the need for more blood supplies arose. Then, the ogres formed raiding parties to collect more blood needed for their rituals. Now, it is an organized system, with storage areas to keep live slaves to last them if there’s ever a drought in supply.
Oni freely roam Mirenshi, living beside their ogre disciples. Occasionally, they see promise in a slave and empower that slave to join the ogre researchers. Slaves know that these chosen are often more sadistic and creative than the average ogre and try to avoid them if able.
The ogres of Mirenshi are quite methodical in their studies. Slaves aren’t killed unless necessary for a spell. Instead, the ogres carefully farm blood from the slaves. If a new slave looks spirited, a fresh corpse is bound to that slave in order to hinder escape or reprisal. Spell studies come in three stages. The first stage is invention, where ogres play with ideas until a new spell is created. If the spell is promising, a slave strong of body is selected. The spell is recreated in a controlled setting, while the chosen slave is vivisected, so that the ogres can fully understand the effects. The third stage is field testing to see how effective the spell would be in practice. Survivors are isolated and watched until the spell’s effects wear off; though most of the time, that means death.
All other civilizations fear Mirenshi and its sister city of Shinka. Shinka chides Mirenshi, calling its orderly methods as limiting the true potential of blood magic mastered by the historic master Hidetsugu. Mirenshi has made a secret deal with the highest leadership of Oboro. The ogres will provide whatever knowledge their studies provide to the soratami. In exchange, the soratami mollify any collective attempts to destroy Mirenshi. The ogres believe they can fend off any attack, but the interruption would not be appreciated, and the soratami wouldn’t be able to stomach to actually perform any of the spells.
Slaves are provided only enough clothes to provide warmth. Ogres themselves wear barely more. There is just enough differentiation so that garb given to oni chosen can be picked out from the slaves.
Oni freely roam Mirenshi, living beside their ogre disciples. Occasionally, they see promise in a slave and empower that slave to join the ogre researchers. Slaves know that these chosen are often more sadistic and creative than the average ogre and try to avoid them if able.
The ogres of Mirenshi are quite methodical in their studies. Slaves aren’t killed unless necessary for a spell. Instead, the ogres carefully farm blood from the slaves. If a new slave looks spirited, a fresh corpse is bound to that slave in order to hinder escape or reprisal. Spell studies come in three stages. The first stage is invention, where ogres play with ideas until a new spell is created. If the spell is promising, a slave strong of body is selected. The spell is recreated in a controlled setting, while the chosen slave is vivisected, so that the ogres can fully understand the effects. The third stage is field testing to see how effective the spell would be in practice. Survivors are isolated and watched until the spell’s effects wear off; though most of the time, that means death.
All other civilizations fear Mirenshi and its sister city of Shinka. Shinka chides Mirenshi, calling its orderly methods as limiting the true potential of blood magic mastered by the historic master Hidetsugu. Mirenshi has made a secret deal with the highest leadership of Oboro. The ogres will provide whatever knowledge their studies provide to the soratami. In exchange, the soratami mollify any collective attempts to destroy Mirenshi. The ogres believe they can fend off any attack, but the interruption would not be appreciated, and the soratami wouldn’t be able to stomach to actually perform any of the spells.
Slaves are provided only enough clothes to provide warmth. Ogres themselves wear barely more. There is just enough differentiation so that garb given to oni chosen can be picked out from the slaves.
Shizo:
Spoiler
In the middle of Takenuma is a beautiful field known a Shizo. Here, Shirei provides a pastoral setting for all the souls of those that have departed there. Shirei isn’t as kind to the living, dragging any who set foot on his domain underground to become fertilizer for his precious field. Years of experience allow him to calculate the precise depth needed to make it impossible to escape. After death, Shirei becomes much more hospitable.
Sokenzan:
Spoiler
The Sokenzan Mountains are a massive expanse of snow-capped peaks that divide the land of Kamigawa. While their beauty is stunning, the climate is deadly and the locals border on uncivilized.
Tendo Peaks:
Untaidake Monastery:
Ganzan:
Shinka:
Tendo Peaks:
Spoiler
The most jaw-dropping panoramas of the Sokenzan Mountains come from the Tendo Peaks. Jagged spires that reach the sky are coated by the softest glaze of snow. However, passage is dangerous. At some points, wayfarers must cross unsteady ice bridges that form during the worst blizzards of winter. To escape unexpected snowstorms, many travelers seek the caves within the peaks. There they may discover that the peak is actually a dormant volcano with magma a short distance from the cave entrance.
This environment is home to the akki clans. Generations of evolution have allowed the akki to adapt to both the extreme cold and the extreme heat within the environment. This imperviousness has lead to extreme recklessness among the akki. A core hedonism is bred into each one, leading them to try to enjoy as much fun as they can. With no sense of the concept of fragility, it takes months of training for akki to fully comprehend that not all other races can withstand the amount of punishment the akki willingly inflict upon themselves in the name of adventure.
The akki clans do not give their clans names, but the there have been names put upon the clans by outside observers. The Frostheart clan, for example, is named not only because they live on the mountain known as the Heart of Frost, but also because of their mastery of ice and snow magic. The Lavarunner clan’s resistance to heat exceeds others. Members have been rumored to be able to swim in magma and survive. The Hanabi Pebble clan, named after their expertise with projectile weapons, are one of the few akki clans with a notable penchant for trade. Their goat cheese is noted by many an Eigan gourmet to be the best cheese in the land.
This environment is home to the akki clans. Generations of evolution have allowed the akki to adapt to both the extreme cold and the extreme heat within the environment. This imperviousness has lead to extreme recklessness among the akki. A core hedonism is bred into each one, leading them to try to enjoy as much fun as they can. With no sense of the concept of fragility, it takes months of training for akki to fully comprehend that not all other races can withstand the amount of punishment the akki willingly inflict upon themselves in the name of adventure.
The akki clans do not give their clans names, but the there have been names put upon the clans by outside observers. The Frostheart clan, for example, is named not only because they live on the mountain known as the Heart of Frost, but also because of their mastery of ice and snow magic. The Lavarunner clan’s resistance to heat exceeds others. Members have been rumored to be able to swim in magma and survive. The Hanabi Pebble clan, named after their expertise with projectile weapons, are one of the few akki clans with a notable penchant for trade. Their goat cheese is noted by many an Eigan gourmet to be the best cheese in the land.
Untaidake Monastery:
Spoiler
At the base of the tallest spire of the Tendo Peaks is a yamabushi monastery. The monastery is a rather elementary settlement meant more as a home base for the yamabushi as they meditate in the harsh environment. With it’s bare provisions, it is the only sign of civilization beside the akki within the Tendo Peaks. Many wanderers who lost their way after a blizzard owe their lives to the yamabushi resting at the monastery.
Yamabushi are normally human, but a few kitsune and curious akki are known to be within the ranks. Garb is mendicant, often only rags. The only adornment is a white face paint. Hair is pulled back into a long braid. Skin is often red and leathery due to being perpetually stuck in the beginning stages of frostbite.
Yamabushi are normally human, but a few kitsune and curious akki are known to be within the ranks. Garb is mendicant, often only rags. The only adornment is a white face paint. Hair is pulled back into a long braid. Skin is often red and leathery due to being perpetually stuck in the beginning stages of frostbite.
Ganzan:
Spoiler
Ganzan is a city built atop one of the few mountain passes through the Sokenzan Mountains. It was founded by Godo after the Kami War. Known for its harsh winters and stubborn inhabitants, Ganzan isn’t usually a target for political intrigue. Usually, the city takes a neutral stance in world affairs. The local hot springs and local cuisine do bring in plenty of tourists; though the natives are known for being prickly. The majority of the populace is human, akki or ogre, but there are the occasional orochi, nezumi or kitsune. The akki of Ganzan are calmer than their Tendo relatives, and often work in the more janitorial roles.
The people of Ganzan are highly individualistic. Parents instill hunting and cooking skills in their children in case they ever get separated in winter. After they master the skills to survive the wild, they are taught to defend themselves from fellow people, whether it be by the sword or by magic. When a child masters the basics of both, the parents hold a coming of age ceremony called Genpuku. During this ceremony, the parents provide the children with their own armor modeled in their family tradition that they will now have to take care of by themselves.
Though it varies by year, Ganzan does get snowed in for about three months of the year. During this time, sometimes an individual can suffer the phenomenon known as Dog Fever. A sufferer will experience paranoia which slowly causes the sufferer to to grow more and more violent. A person with a severe case will hunt down anyone they know, starting with the people they are closest to. In order to prevent this from happening, many people who think they are in the beginning stages will lock themselves up in the local sanitarium. There, loved ones will have to provide food for the sufferer until the paranoia passes. Thankfully, dog fever disappears as soon as the snow melts.
There have been reports of a mountain species of Kaiju moving through the Sokenzan Mountains. There have also been more instances of self check-in for dog fever during the winter months. The relationship between the two is unknown, but the common theory is that fear of the Kaiju puts a person in the mindset that begins dog fever.
Typical armor for Ganzan ronin is a mix of leather and plate. Many ronin adorn their armor with prizes from their greatest hunts: serow or goat horns, deer antlers, hawk feathers, wolf claws or bear pelts.
The people of Ganzan are highly individualistic. Parents instill hunting and cooking skills in their children in case they ever get separated in winter. After they master the skills to survive the wild, they are taught to defend themselves from fellow people, whether it be by the sword or by magic. When a child masters the basics of both, the parents hold a coming of age ceremony called Genpuku. During this ceremony, the parents provide the children with their own armor modeled in their family tradition that they will now have to take care of by themselves.
Though it varies by year, Ganzan does get snowed in for about three months of the year. During this time, sometimes an individual can suffer the phenomenon known as Dog Fever. A sufferer will experience paranoia which slowly causes the sufferer to to grow more and more violent. A person with a severe case will hunt down anyone they know, starting with the people they are closest to. In order to prevent this from happening, many people who think they are in the beginning stages will lock themselves up in the local sanitarium. There, loved ones will have to provide food for the sufferer until the paranoia passes. Thankfully, dog fever disappears as soon as the snow melts.
There have been reports of a mountain species of Kaiju moving through the Sokenzan Mountains. There have also been more instances of self check-in for dog fever during the winter months. The relationship between the two is unknown, but the common theory is that fear of the Kaiju puts a person in the mindset that begins dog fever.
Typical armor for Ganzan ronin is a mix of leather and plate. Many ronin adorn their armor with prizes from their greatest hunts: serow or goat horns, deer antlers, hawk feathers, wolf claws or bear pelts.
Shinka:
Spoiler
The ogres of Shinka believe in furthering the great work of chaos demonstrated by the ascended Hidetsugu. The world is destined to be destroyed by chaos, and it is futile to resist. The ogres take what they want, eat who they want and kill at their heart’s desire. Unfortunately for passersby, the ogres have a keen sadistic nature. They enjoy forcing many a bystander to endure unspeakable tortures. Unlike their Mirenshi cousins, however, they have an out for their victims: if you can survive their whims for three weeks, you can leave. Most don’t survive. The most common survivors (and victims) are akki, and a notable number have chosen to stay having grown accustom to the ogre’s brand of fun. Budoka and yamabushi have also been noted as good finds for long term enjoyment.
Many Shinka ogres make pacts with Oni, since, in the end, there is no consequence, and, in general, those with the most power get the most freedom. Whenever an oni gets involved, things are bound to get more brutal to satisfy the oni blood lust. When the springs of Ganzan run red, the Ganzan stop all travel and shut the town gates for fear of catching the end of a Shinka oni party.
The ogres of Shinka enjoy adjoining parts of their victims clothes and body to their clothes. The results are a mishmash of Eigan helms with akki shells as shoulder pads, and snakeskin boots peeled from the flesh of orochi. Usually, an ogre will have some sense of aesthetic; so, while the pieces of the outfit will have come from all over, the whole will have a unified look, usually due to some personal alterations.
Many Shinka ogres make pacts with Oni, since, in the end, there is no consequence, and, in general, those with the most power get the most freedom. Whenever an oni gets involved, things are bound to get more brutal to satisfy the oni blood lust. When the springs of Ganzan run red, the Ganzan stop all travel and shut the town gates for fear of catching the end of a Shinka oni party.
The ogres of Shinka enjoy adjoining parts of their victims clothes and body to their clothes. The results are a mishmash of Eigan helms with akki shells as shoulder pads, and snakeskin boots peeled from the flesh of orochi. Usually, an ogre will have some sense of aesthetic; so, while the pieces of the outfit will have come from all over, the whole will have a unified look, usually due to some personal alterations.
Jukai:
Spoiler
The Jukai is a massive forest covering Kamigawa. It’s foliage is so thick, that it took centuries for anyone besides the orochi or the soratami to glimpse the ocean shore on the other side.
Boseiju:
Fudaiju:
Colonies:
Boseiju:
Spoiler
The Kami War all but annihilated the budoka temples in Jukai. The survivors of the five temples came together and rebuilt at Okina Temple under the sacred cedar Boseiju. With the help of Sugi Hayashi, Untaidake Monastery and the Kashi Tribe, the budoka have been able to reestablish a community. Here, they train their mind and body together in community.
The numbers have grown back enough that Okina masters are considering reviving some of the other temples. However, only the orochi know the forest well enough to be able to find the ruins of the old temples, and they are hesitant to offer assistance. The soratami have offered to research their locations, and their field researchers are using Okina as a home base. The Kashi tribe has warned them about the Matsu tribe’s dislike of the soratami, but expeditions are still in the works. One thing the soratami researchers have noted in their private logs is that the monks’ strength tend to surge around the same time kaiju reports come in from Akagi.
At night, many children complain about hearing a ringing bell deep within the woods. They all recount the same nightmare during the morning after: They first hear tree creak and crash. The child runs along a path, hearing the sounds of screams and fighting, but by the time the child reaches the unfamiliar temple, all the human budoka there are dead. The child continues to pass kitsune and orochi performing burial rites until the child reaches the door to the budoka master’s room. Inside, scattered all across the room, are dolls on their faces with knives in their backs. The only exception are two dolls standing up and holding hands lit by a hole in the ceiling. When the child steps outside, the kitsune and orochi are gone. The dead budoka are now just skeletons.
Budoka wear simple clothes died in bright autumn colors. Those who train in the physical martial (budoka) arts wear reds and oranges, while those who study the magical (kannushi) wear more yellows and greens. Young male disciples shave their heads while female ones keep a simple style. Though, a few females may wear an ornate comb.
The numbers have grown back enough that Okina masters are considering reviving some of the other temples. However, only the orochi know the forest well enough to be able to find the ruins of the old temples, and they are hesitant to offer assistance. The soratami have offered to research their locations, and their field researchers are using Okina as a home base. The Kashi tribe has warned them about the Matsu tribe’s dislike of the soratami, but expeditions are still in the works. One thing the soratami researchers have noted in their private logs is that the monks’ strength tend to surge around the same time kaiju reports come in from Akagi.
At night, many children complain about hearing a ringing bell deep within the woods. They all recount the same nightmare during the morning after: They first hear tree creak and crash. The child runs along a path, hearing the sounds of screams and fighting, but by the time the child reaches the unfamiliar temple, all the human budoka there are dead. The child continues to pass kitsune and orochi performing burial rites until the child reaches the door to the budoka master’s room. Inside, scattered all across the room, are dolls on their faces with knives in their backs. The only exception are two dolls standing up and holding hands lit by a hole in the ceiling. When the child steps outside, the kitsune and orochi are gone. The dead budoka are now just skeletons.
Budoka wear simple clothes died in bright autumn colors. Those who train in the physical martial (budoka) arts wear reds and oranges, while those who study the magical (kannushi) wear more yellows and greens. Young male disciples shave their heads while female ones keep a simple style. Though, a few females may wear an ornate comb.
Fudaiju:
Spoiler
Deep within the woods lies the fallen temple of Fudaiju. Here, plant and spider kami lie in wait to finish off any mortal who steps into the temple. The female kumo have mastered an illusion spell that makes them look like beautiful maidens from afar in order to trap mortals in their webs. They sit and wait, unaware that Ayumi’s last command no longer holds.
The plant kami prefer to guard the outer courtyards, where they can soak up the rays of the sun. A few flower kami emit a soothing pollen, that lulls suspicion. If caught unaware, a person will fall asleep content. Then a kumo will come out and wrap the sleeper to drag him or her into the Temple.
The Matsu Tribe have made it a goal to try to clear out the Temple of the kami before any other mortal clans reach there, but the attempts have been costly. No root is safe, and no corner can offer rest. The kumo’s powers of illusion have been growing, as often members of a Matsu Tribe party turn on each other as they see one another as kami.
Deep within the Temple, kumo stockpile wrapped orochi. In there, there are some eggs that the kumo assume to be spider eggs. The kumo have learned to focus on expanding their illusion capabilities when the eggs glow, as it seems to give them a boost in power. However, they are kaiju eggs which have layed dormant for hundreds of years. The ancient warnings are etched on the self-mummified corpse of a budoka monk in the middle of the ancient master’s room.
The plant kami prefer to guard the outer courtyards, where they can soak up the rays of the sun. A few flower kami emit a soothing pollen, that lulls suspicion. If caught unaware, a person will fall asleep content. Then a kumo will come out and wrap the sleeper to drag him or her into the Temple.
The Matsu Tribe have made it a goal to try to clear out the Temple of the kami before any other mortal clans reach there, but the attempts have been costly. No root is safe, and no corner can offer rest. The kumo’s powers of illusion have been growing, as often members of a Matsu Tribe party turn on each other as they see one another as kami.
Deep within the Temple, kumo stockpile wrapped orochi. In there, there are some eggs that the kumo assume to be spider eggs. The kumo have learned to focus on expanding their illusion capabilities when the eggs glow, as it seems to give them a boost in power. However, they are kaiju eggs which have layed dormant for hundreds of years. The ancient warnings are etched on the self-mummified corpse of a budoka monk in the middle of the ancient master’s room.
Colonies:
Spoiler
The orochi are split into three tribes: the Sakura, the Matsu and the Kashi. The three tribes live in separate camps, but meet once a season at a rotating location known to the orochi as the Soul of Jukai. According to tradition, the innate ability to find this place comes from a gift of the Myojin of Life’s Web.
The Kashi tribe has settled near the Okina Temple. Tradionally the warrior tribe, the monks and orochi have slowly incorporated their fighting styles into one another’s. If an Okina monk has proven himself trustworthy, the monk will be invited to live with the Kashi. It is a great honor both for the Kashi and Okina when this occurs. It means the orochi trust that the monk is willing and able to help the orochi at their weakest. To that end, the orochi believe they are weakest at childhood.
The Sakura tribe, the shaman tribe, settled closer to Kamitaki. Though initially wary of wizards of Minamo, the Sakura began to respect them when they asked for help after the Kami War. The ability to swallow one’s pride requires more strength than more orochi have. In time, they became aware of the unique skills they both had, and came to a mutually beneficial cooperation between the two. Some students of Minamo have even been invited to the Sakura Tribe camp. An ongoing subject of debate in the Sakura Tribe is whether or not to allow a soratami student to visit. It would be a first, but the Sakura Tribe doesn’t want to risk strained relations with their fellow Matsu Tribe.
The Matsu Tribe of archers is the only remaining nomadic tribe. Orochi hatchery pods are strapped to members’ back as they relocate throughout the forest. They trust no one outside of other orochi. For the sake of the other tribes, they take it upon themselves to patrol the forest and clear out any potential threats to their kind. With the Sakura and the Matsu both befriending human allies, this has become harder to do as human sensibilities are more reckless than orochi sensibilities. The growing activity of the Kaiju are a growing concern to the Matsu. Having known of the beasts from even before the Kami War, the current population of active Kaiju are at levels orders of magnitude greater than ever before. Aware of the soratami penchant for scheming, they had tried to hide the existence of the beasts from them for centuries to prevent them from manipulating them. However, the Matsu are now at a point where they recognize that everyone knows and they are unsure about how to proceed.
The Kashi tribe has settled near the Okina Temple. Tradionally the warrior tribe, the monks and orochi have slowly incorporated their fighting styles into one another’s. If an Okina monk has proven himself trustworthy, the monk will be invited to live with the Kashi. It is a great honor both for the Kashi and Okina when this occurs. It means the orochi trust that the monk is willing and able to help the orochi at their weakest. To that end, the orochi believe they are weakest at childhood.
The Sakura tribe, the shaman tribe, settled closer to Kamitaki. Though initially wary of wizards of Minamo, the Sakura began to respect them when they asked for help after the Kami War. The ability to swallow one’s pride requires more strength than more orochi have. In time, they became aware of the unique skills they both had, and came to a mutually beneficial cooperation between the two. Some students of Minamo have even been invited to the Sakura Tribe camp. An ongoing subject of debate in the Sakura Tribe is whether or not to allow a soratami student to visit. It would be a first, but the Sakura Tribe doesn’t want to risk strained relations with their fellow Matsu Tribe.
The Matsu Tribe of archers is the only remaining nomadic tribe. Orochi hatchery pods are strapped to members’ back as they relocate throughout the forest. They trust no one outside of other orochi. For the sake of the other tribes, they take it upon themselves to patrol the forest and clear out any potential threats to their kind. With the Sakura and the Matsu both befriending human allies, this has become harder to do as human sensibilities are more reckless than orochi sensibilities. The growing activity of the Kaiju are a growing concern to the Matsu. Having known of the beasts from even before the Kami War, the current population of active Kaiju are at levels orders of magnitude greater than ever before. Aware of the soratami penchant for scheming, they had tried to hide the existence of the beasts from them for centuries to prevent them from manipulating them. However, the Matsu are now at a point where they recognize that everyone knows and they are unsure about how to proceed.
Reikai:
Spoiler
An important aspect about Kamigawa to keep in mind is the Reikai. The Reikai is another spiritual layer to the world that is bonded to the known mortal realm. It is a bit like a dual space in mathematics. Every object, idea and creature in the mortal realm has a corresponding spirit in the Reikai. There are classifications of spirits (kami), like plant spirits (kodama), object spirits (tsukumogami), spider spirits (kumo), dragon spirits (ryu), demon spirits (oni), kirin, etc. Spirits in the Reikai have their own internal conflicts like the mortal realm. The main difference is that the kami are immortal, even if the mortal version perishes. Kami can manifest in the mortal realm, but it must have strong ties to the mortal realm to do so. If all ties in the mortal realm fade, a kami cannot affect the mortal realm.
To visit the Reikai is like visiting a hazy, dream version of the mortal realm. The laws of physics are a living, breathing thing there, which adapts and grows with time. The locations of the mortal realm have corresponding locations in the Reikai. What happens in the mortal realm affects the Reikai and vice versa. There are places (like Reito, Shizo, and Fudaiju) where the distinction of mortal realm and the Reikai become hazy, but for the most part, this block should concern itself with the mortal realm. Ignore the bathhouse in spirit Ganzan.
To visit the Reikai is like visiting a hazy, dream version of the mortal realm. The laws of physics are a living, breathing thing there, which adapts and grows with time. The locations of the mortal realm have corresponding locations in the Reikai. What happens in the mortal realm affects the Reikai and vice versa. There are places (like Reito, Shizo, and Fudaiju) where the distinction of mortal realm and the Reikai become hazy, but for the most part, this block should concern itself with the mortal realm. Ignore the bathhouse in spirit Ganzan.
The set so far.
Initial story plan
Planesculptors Link
: Tap target creature.
Tap up to one target creature. It doesn’t untap during its controller’s next untap step. Then, draw a card.
Search your library for a card with the same name as target permanent, reveal that card, put it into your hand, then shuffle your library.
You get an emblem with “Whenever a player casts a spell, you may copy it. If you do, you may choose new targets for the copy. (Copies of permanent spells enter the battlefield as tokens.)”
You gain 100 life.
You get an emblem with “At the beginning of your upkeep, you may put target card in a graveyard on top of its owner’s library.”
to your mana pool.
(