| Vulshok | |
|---|---|
 | |
| History | |
| Founded on | Mirrodin |
| Status | Remnants exist on Zhalfir. |
| Membership | |
| Notable members | Farris of the Anvil, Korva, Koth of the Hammer, Neyali, Sharaia of the Anvil, Tarrin, Trinu of the Helm |
| Races | Humans |
| Associated Colors | |
 | |
A human ethnic group, the Vulshok were red-aligned mountain barbarians and sorcerers who lived in the Oxidda Chain on the plane of Mirrodin.[1][2] The Vulshok were rendered functionally extinct from the Phyrexian destruction of Mirran culture, with a handful of refugees remaining on Zhalfir.
Description[ | ]
Though largely isolationist, the Vulshok traded weapons with other races and had more or less amiable relations with the goblins of the Krark Clan, but seemed to have a somewhat heated relationship with the humans of the Auriok tribe. The Vulshok were the preeminent blacksmiths of Mirrodin; they salvaged iron from the rich mountains of their home, as well as from artifact creatures such as myr, to create weapons and armor of great quality. They were the only known artisans of Darksteel, with much of the knowledge already lost with the rise of New Phyrexia. The Vulshok were also renowned sorcerers specializing in battle magic, such as offensive bolts of lightning, magnetic weapons that return to their owners, or the summoning of hostile elementals. The details of their religion are unknown, but they performed fire rituals in remembrance of the rising of their world's red sun.
Many Vulshok of both sexes were large and powerful, with muscular frames and thick, tanned skin. Transformed by Mirrodin more than the plane's other cultures, dull iron spikes jutted from their heads, shoulders, and other parts of their bodies, giving them a degree of natural armor.[1] Their internal temperatures can spike hot enough to melt or ignite many other materials, besides their own flesh. Their hair, if they had any, resembled flexible metal wire. Vulshok wore little clothing, usually only iron-studded tunics or loincloths.[3]
The Vulshok burned the bodies of their dead and spread their ashes.[4]
Tribes of the Vulshok[ | ]
The Vulshok were divided into six "forge tribes", and after the Vanishing, they put their differences aside.[1] Each tribe fulfilled a role in Vulshok culture, the Anvil making the weapons, the Helm providing leaders, the Spear specializing in magic, and so on. However, after the Phyrexian corruption began to seep into the core ore of the mountains, the balance of the tribes was upset. Civil war broke up once more among the barbarians, and only the act of the new Vulshok leader, Koth could restore their fragile peace.
- The Spear — highland tribe that created weapons and tools with points, spurs, or piercing functions.[1] Quick to act and quick to anger. Their shamans tended to wield lightning magic.
- The Blade — highland tribe that created edged tools and weapons.[1] Although others thought of them as arrogant, their ability with fire magic was unmatched and unquestioned. Known to rush into combat, some blade-tribe berserkers were known to burn their hands grabbing axes and swords that were still cooling from the forge.[5]
- The Hammer — lowland tribe specializing in blunt instruments and armaments.[1] Natural wielders of earthen magic were also able to use the metal of the mountains themselves as a weapon.
- The Helm — lowland tribe that produced armor but also finer instruments that required care.[1] Members of the Helm also conduct intertribal unions, both social and nuptial. Helm mages wielded emotions as weapons, able to cause fits of rage or fear.
- The Shield — semi-nomadic tribe, moving from region to region to serve the other tribes.[1] They were builders of houses, walls, shields, and other protective elements. Their magic tended to bolster endurance and resolve.
- The Anvil — tribe that occupies the deep valleys and ravines of Oxidda.[1] They refined and supplied metals and smithing goods for all the other tribes. The Anvil tribe also resolved conflicts and disputes. Their shamans are valued for their battle magic.
Notable Vulshok[ | ]
- Farris of the Anvil
- Korva, battlemaster
- Koth of the Hammer
- Neyali of the Helm
- Sharaia of the Anvil
- Tarrin, shaman of the Hammer
- Trinu of the Helm
Gallery[ | ]
Vulshok concept art.
3D model of a Vulshok resistance warrior.
3D models of Vulshok and Auriok resistance soldiers.
References[ | ]
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i Doug Beyer (November 17, 2010). "The Human Cultures of Mirrodin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021.
- ↑ Doug Beyer (February 09, 2011). "Public Displays of Aggression". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (July 21, 2004). "Vulshok Concept Art". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ K. Arsenault Rivera (March 28, 2023). "March of the Machine - Episode 10: The Rhythms of Life". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Doug Beyer (October 20, 2010). "Three's a Craft". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021.
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