# Chapter 4 : Mardu Clan and Kolaghan Brood A*lesha walked among them, just as she had fought beside them. In each cluster of fighters, she sought out those who had not yet claimed a war name. On this day, many had earned the right to claim their names. She listened to tale after tale of heroic deeds, and with each name chosen, she shouted the name for the horde to hear—with never a moment's hesitation. Fangbreaker. Cliffleaper. Barzeel. Tailrider. Turuk. Vallash. At last she came to the orc who had fought beside her, the orc who had dared to question her.* --James Wyatt, *The Truth of Names* ## Clan Values The Mardu Clan wages an eternal war against the four other clans of Tarkir. Semi-nomadic, they live only for war and they travel as a horde between the borders of their huge territory. They brutally attack armies and settlements, pillaging everything they can before moving toward the next target. They use the Dragon's Wings as their symbol, embodying dragon speed.

``` ``` ### A Culture of War Roaming the central barrens of Tarkir, the Mardu clan have a common border with each of the other four clans, and have declared an eternal war with them all. More than a persistent desire for conquest, the War is what define the Mardu culture, and their reason to exist. The Mardu are war, and without war, there is no Mardu. Over the centuries, they have developed their warcraft around overwhelming hordes, swift ambushes and devastating mounted charges. They can travel trough the land they claim as their territory at great speed, even with a huge army, and can strike unpredictably, anytime, anywhere. Their violent way is formalized and teached via the Edicts of Ilagra, presumably the first Khan of the Mardu. “To conquer is to eat. To rule is to bleed. Victory or death”. The Mardu get most of their food and resources from pillage, so only by conquest can they survive. Moreover, only the strong and the victor deserve to eat and enjoy the spoils of battle. Conquest is not a path toward control and peace, but has to lead to more exploitation and more battles. When a Mardu horde conquer a settlement or a territory, they take what they can use, and then just leave the place empty of defenses, free to be settled back. The Mardu will come back when it's time for a new reaping.

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\page The Mardu count among their rank numerous archery, cavalry and war-magic masters, who have dedicated their life to battle and have no equals when it is time to strike the enemy down. As an unstoppable force, they conquer, punish, loot, and run toward another battle, refusing to be put on the defensive or lose momentum. Yet, their way is not without honor, they do not massacre mindlessly. Glory is to be gain, and there is none in the slaughter of non-combatants or in cowardice. They ride to victory, retreat is never an option. Once the battle has started, there is no going back, glory will be brought to the Mardu either way. ### Home is the battlefield The Mardu may be qualified as semi-nomadic ; they are always on the move and refuse to install any kind of permanent settlement. But the center of their territory has always remained uncontested and has become their de facto everlasting encampment, and the hub of their war operations. Here can be found Wingthrone, their fortress hosting the throne of the Mardu Khan. Yet, in order to maintain their huge army, the Mardu had to install some sort of infrastructures. Farmers, herders and artisans do exist among them, and are skilled in their crafts. If they do not have the respect the warriors have in the clan, they can enjoy some sort of freedom and peace, since the warriors are too busy fighting elsewhere to really cause them trouble. The territory of the Mardu is harsh and lack resources, and they will always have to rely on spoils of war to survive and prepare themselves for the next battle. Growing among the Mardu means living an existence of war, and so only warriors deserve to bear a name. Most children are named at birth, but their true name will be their warname, the one they will earn in battle. Only then will they truly deserve to be called Mardu. To earn their warname, a “soft-heel” must perform a war deed, witnessed by their brothers and sisters in arm. Killing an enemy in battle is most of the time enough, and once the dust has settled, the newly born warrior will be able to claim their new name, witnessed by all. Traditionally, they choose a surname recalling their deed, such as Headcutter, Birdsmasher or Windrunner. ``` ```

### Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury Kolaghan and her dragon brood emerged from the center of Tarkir, and confronted the Mardu in their own kind of war. Their appearance is quite intimating, as they spread their two pairs of feathered wings and neck frills to channel lighting from their breath. Their lightning is a terrific weapon, and conjugated with their speed, they can draw furrows of destruction stretching on miles. Dragons of Kolaghan can speak as any other dragon do, but rarely do they bother, for destruction is the language their privilege. Kolaghan herself has never spoken a single word since the beginning of her existence. Kolaghan and her brood were at first welcome adversaries for the Mardu, and their battle were glorious and celebrated. But eventually, the dragons grew stronger, and the Mardu had to focus all of their resources toward fighting them. They could not wage war and steal from the other clans anymore, they grew hungry and started to envision their own extinction. Even with all their might, they could not defeat Kolaghan. They decided to stop fighting Kolaghan and they accepted her dominion. The Mardu started to ride behind the dragons, following them into their path of destruction. Kolaghan did not become a ruler, she do not give orders or much attention to her followers. She and her brood fly, attack and destroy, and expect the humanoids to keep the pace, or become their next prey. There were no more hierarchy among humanoids, the few infrastructures were abandoned and a fully nomadic lifestyle were progressively adopted. The Mardu organized themselves into smaller groups, each following a single dragon into war, sometime against each other. Under Kolaghan’s lead, any form of law or honor were abandoned . All that matters now is where the dragons will move next, and what will be there to kill.

> ##### Great Khans > The Khan of the Mardu is a respected tyrant, chosen by unanimous awe of the clan. As an almost religious figure, the Khan rules by example until their death in batlle, or at the hand of the next Khan. > > **Alesha** was born as a male human, and she adopted the identity and name of her grandmother when she earned her warname. Shortly after, she became a most respected Khan of the Mardu. After the Khanfall, she showed her clan how to preserve the Mardu way by following Kolaghan. > > > > **Zurgo Helmsmasher** was an imposing orc and a Khan who ruled by strength and fear for decades. He eventually lost the respect of his clan while mindlessly pursuing a single human into Temur territory. In the Dragon Timeline, he became Bellstriker, a mere herald of Kolaghan.

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\page ## Clan Races The Mardu are evenly split between orc and human members. Brutal goblins and ogres also play a big part. The other races of Tarkir only find death if they dare approach the horde. ### Humans The Mardu are the only clan of Tarkir in which humans are not the most numerous. They share this honor with the orcs, and they live harmoniously in a strong mutual respect. Men and women of the Mardu possess the same range of skills and adaptability as other humans, but they have an expected tendency to focus on war oriented skills. The humans of Mardu also have a strong inclination toward mounted combat, and the horse is their mount of predilection. They maintain vast herds of war horses, and children learn how to mount before they can walk. #### Human traits Use the human traits of the *Player Handbook* p.31. **Alignment.** The Mardu do not frown upon the horrors of war, and can even be thrilled by it. Even if they live in a somewhat codified and structured society, they tend to be chaotic evil. #### Mardu human names The Mardu who are named at birth get one or several simple and short Tarkirian names, but seldom use them as long as they have not earned their warname. When they have accomplished a glorious battle deed, they can choose their own true name, which can be the same as before, a completely different one, or a title, used as such or in replacement of their full name. **Male Names:** Batar, Kal, Magran, Turuk, Garun. **Female Names:** Alesha, Jalasha, Vashar, Kuru, Irka. **War Names:** Handcutter, Heartpiercer, Wingbreaker, Wallclimber, Swampkiller. ``` ```

### Orcs Many orcs live in the Mardu clan, and their number actually reaches humans' one. Orcs of Tarkir originated from the Mardu lands, and they are presumably the clan's original founders. Some orcs have defected to Abzan or Temur, but most of them still thrive under their home clan, and fit well with its values. Strong and intimidating, the orcs thrive on the battlefield. In accordance to Mardu tradition, the orcs practice mounted combat, but because of their powerful build, they often need more resilient mounts than horses, such as direwolves or krushoks. #### Orcs Traits Use these traits if you choose to play as an orc of Tarkir. **Ability Score Increase.** Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1. . **Age.** Orcs mature a little faster than Humans, reaching Adulthood around age 14. They rarely live longer than 75 years. **Alignment.** Orcs are inclined to violence and chaos. Being a Mardu does not help, and orcs in this clan are usually chaotic evil. **Size.** Orcs are usually over 6 feet tall and weigh between 230 and 280 pounds. Your size is Medium. **Speed.** Your base walking speed is 30 feet. **Darkvision.** You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. **Aggressive.** As a bonus action, you can move up to your speed toward an enemy of your choice that you can see or hear. You must end this move closer to the enemy than you started. **Primal Intuition.** You have proficiency in two of the following skills of your choice : Animal Handling, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Nature, Perception, and Survival. **Powerful Build.** You count as one size larger when determining your carrying and the weight you can push, drag, or lift. **Language.** You can speak, read, and write Common and Orc. #### Mardu orc names In addition to their warname, which they choose the same way as humans do, orcs can have the following example names. **Male Names:** Vallash, Gedruk, Varuk, Zurgo, Shugo. **Female Names:** Barzeel, Gazna, Buchi, Kabirha, Yesug.

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### Goblins Considered as distant and degenerated cousins of orcs, the goblins of Tarkir came from dark caves and deep rifts of the earth. Most of them joined the Mardu and their war, and several generations later, they are now a full-fledged part of the clan. But even after all those years, they are still merely more respected than dogs, and are essentially used as cannon fodder. That being said, they actually do not mind. Small but fierce, they enjoy charging into chaos more than anything, and no Mardu will prvent them from doing so. Their skin can range from grayish green to dark red. Males and females are covered in fur on the back, arms, legs and cheeks.

#### Goblin traits Use these traits if you wish to create a Mardu goblin. **Ability Score Increase.** Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1. **Age.** Goblins reach adulthood around age 8. They age noticeably faster than humans, and though few goblins live to old age, the most cautious rarely last longer than 50 years. **Alignement.** Goblins are deeply chaotic, and do not understand rules. They can still follow a tradition. Among the Mardu, they are a rather evil. **Size.** Goblin are the smallest humanoid race of Tarkir. They are about 3 feet tall. Your size is Small. **Speed.** Your base walking speed is 30 feet. **Darkvision.** You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. **Fury of the Small.** When you damage a creature with an attack or a spell and the creature's size is larger than yours, you can cause the attack or spell to deal extra damage to the creature. The extra damage equals your level. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest. **Nimble Escape.** You can take the Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action on each of your turns. **Languages.** You can speak, read, and write Common and Orc. #### Mardu goblin names Mardu goblins usually do not use their birth names, and even fewer of them live to earn their warname. When they do, they usually pick a sillier name than orcs or humans, such as Rocklover or Toebiter. **Male Names:** Aka, Ghis, Sog, Oko, Krung. **Female Names:** Bihs, Kana, Cha, Kiri, Gheen. ## Clan Classes The Mardu use all the tools at their disposal to wage war and destroy their ennemy. These are the most common classes available to them. ### Barbarian *The sky darkens, and a single horseman appears at the horizon. He lifts his sword to the sky, and charges at the enemy lines with a war cry. Lightning channel through his limbs and those of his mount. The sound of thunder rings as he meets his foes at formidable speed and strenght.* The reckless charge of a barbarian is a rather common sight when the Mardu battle. The rage of these warriors is the fuel that drives them into war and gives them the strength to fight through miles and hours. The barbarians of Mardu are its army frontline. On foot or on horseback, once the enemy is in sight, they charge violently to claim the first blood of the battle. Once frenzy has settled, they cannot be stopped until they win or die. This blood-thirsty fervor was always encouraged among the Mardu members, and was even more so when they followed Kolaghan. Besides, the dragonlord's brood fights in a quite similar enraged way. #### Barbarian features Use the barbarian class of the *Player Handbook* p.46 if you want to create a Mardu barbarian. Choose any primal path at 3rd level that can fit the Mardu edicts. The Path of the Berserker and the Path of the Totem Warrior can be good choices, as well as the Path of the Zealot and the Path of the Storm Herald from *Xanathar's Guide to Everything*. You can also pick the new Path of the Saddlebrute, presented below.

> ##### Totems and Storms > The Path of the Totem Warrior and the Path of the Storm Herald can make good barbarian paths for a Mardu. However, you may want to slightly modify some of their features in order to better fit the world of Tarkir and the Mardu clan. Ask your DM if they would include these changes : >
> > **Totems Warrior.** You can change the denomination of some totem for beasts traditionally used and mounted by the Mardu. The effects of each totem remain unchanged. - use **Kruskok** instead of **Bear**. - use **Horse** instead of **Elk**. - use **Sabertooth** instead of **Tiger**. > > **Storm Herald.** The sea environment is a great fit for a lightning oriented barbarian, but you may want to replace the water-themed feature of 6th level of the **Sea** environment with the following : > >**Barrens.** You gain resistance to lightning damage, and you have advantage on saving throws made to avoid falling off your mount. If you fall off your mount and descend no more than 10 feet, you can land on your feet if you’re not incapacitated. >Finally, mounting or dismounting a creature costs you only 5 feet of movement, rather than half your speed.

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### Primal Path : Path of the Saddlebrute Speed is the symbol of the Mardu, they mark their banner with a pair of dragon wings to represent it. Speed is their way of travelling and fighting, in order to reach the battlefield as quickly as possible. Some mounted barbarians, called saddlebrutes, embody speed when they rage. Channeling lightning magic, they and their mount can charge with the speed of dragons. Under the lead of Kolaghan's brood, their speed became quite literally draconic: The saddlebrutes used metallic banners to channel dragon's lightning breath and enhance their own power and speed. #### Enraged Cavalier Starting when you choose this path at 3rd level, while you are raging, all your speeds are increased by 10 feet. If you are mounted and raging, your mount also benefit from your rage features. This includes : - Advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. - A bonus to its melee weapons damage equal to your rage damage. - Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage. - An increase of 10 feet to all of its speeds. #### Lightning Stirrups Beginning to 6th level you and your mount have resistance to lightning and thunder damage when you rage. Additionally, mounting or dismounting a mount costs you only 5 feet of movement, rather than half your speed. ``` ```

#### Kinetic Charge Beginning at 10th level, you accumulate lightning when you charge, releasing them in a violent electric bolt on the first enemy you meet. You can accumulate charge points when you move on your turn, and on your mount's turn, while you are raging. For each 5 feet you move in the same direction as your first movement on each of those turns, you gain 1 charge point. You cannot accumulate more than 20 charge points this way. Whenever you hit a creature with a weapon attack using your Strength, you automatically add your number of charge points to the damage of the attack as lightning damage. After the attack, you lose all your charge points. You also lose all your charge points when you stop raging. #### Ride to War Beginning at 14th level, your thundering war fervor inspire those around you. Whenever you enter your rage, choose a number of other creatures you can see within 30 feet of you equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum of one creature). These creatures can use their reactions to move up to their speed and make one melee weapon attack. They do not provoke opportunity attacks with this movement. Additionally, while you are raging, when your mount dashes on its turn, you can use your reaction to make one weapon attack.

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### Bard *A goblin is at the frontline of a charge against an Abzan phalange. The soldiers stand still, shields up, side by side, confident. The goblin unexpectedly screams an eldritch sound, and chaos emerges in Abzan ranks. Disorganised, they take the Mardu charge at full force.* Also called ragesingers, the bards of Mardu are not light-hearted entertainers, but deadly shamans made for war. They lead the hordes into battle with the rhythm of drums and the blow of horns, instilling rage and fervor into the hearts of the warriors. But they would not be real Mardu if they had not their own way to dispatch and kill foes: with war cries and an arsenal of thunder spells, the bards can spread chaos and fear into the enemy ranks. And if it wasn't enough, they are also just as deadly with a sword or a bow in hand. #### Bard Features Use the Bard Class of the Player Handbook p.51 At 3rd level, you can choose a battle oriented bard college, such as the College of Valor or the College of Swords from *Xanathar's Guide to Everything*. Alternatively, the College of Warcries presented below was made especially for the Mardu. ### Bard College : College of Warcries Some ragesingers have trained to use their voice as a deadly weapon. They do not use instruments to channel their magic, but their powerful voice instead. With a panoply of warcries, they can magically bolster their allies, but also damage and stun their enemies with deafening screeches. Their hands being free of weak music instruments, they can yield true weapons and give death with both magic and steel. #### War Shrieker When you join the College of Warcries at 3rd level, you can use your voice to channel your magic, leaving your hands free to hold weapons. You can use your voice as a spellcasting focus for your bard spells. Somatic components of your spells still require hand gestures, but you can perform them with a hand holding a weapon or a shield. You also become proficient with shields and martial weapons. ``` ```

#### Warcry At 3rd level, you can use your voice to shout powerful cries with various effects. When you gain this feature, you learn War Shout, Battle Cry, and another Warcry option of your choice (see "Warcry Options" below). In order to use a Warcry, you must use a bonus action and expand one use of your Bardic Inspiration. Unless specified otherwise, a Warcry has the following features : - It affects all creatures in a 30-foot cone originating from you, or only creatures of your choice within the same area if it is a beneficial warcry. You never affect yourself. - Creatures affected by a detrimental Warcry must make a Constitution saving throw against your Bard spell save DC, reducing or canceling the effects of the Warcry on a successful save. - Creatures that cannot hear you succeed automatically on any saving throw imposed by your Warcry, and cannot be affected by a beneficial Warcry. - It uses your Bardic Inspiration die, which starts as a d6. You gain two additional Warcry options of your choice when you reach 6th and 14th level in this class. Most options also improve when you become a 14th-level bard. #### Loud Signal At 6th level, you can shout so loudly that you can be heard for miles. As an action, you can shout up to 5 words. These words are heard distinctly by all creatures that can hear up to 5 miles around you. They cannot however point your direction unless you want them to. Once you have used this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a short or long rest. #### Voice Modulation At 14th level, you have a better control over your voice and your Warcries. You can choose the size of the area of any Warcry you use. It must still be a cone, but you choose its size ranging down from 5 feet up to 60 feet.

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\page #### Warcry Options The Warcry feature lets you choose options for it at certain levels. At 3rd level, You automatically learn War Shout and Battle Cry at 3rd level, as well as one additonnal option of your choice. You learn two additional options of your choice at 6th and 14th level. **War Shout (detrimental).** Your powerful voice can deal deafening damage to your enemies. Each creature affected by this Warcry takes thunder damage equals to 2 rolls of your Bardic Inspiration die and becomes deaf until the end of your next turn. A creature which succeeds on a Constitution saving throw takes only half damage and is not deafened. After you reach 14th level , the damage becomes equal to 3 rolls of your Bardic Inspiration die instead of 2. **Battle Cry (beneficial).** With this Warcry, you can inspire several allies at a time. This cry affects only creatures of your choice within its area. All affected creatures gain a Bardic Inspiration die from you, if they did not already have one. This die has the same effect as a normal one, and lasts for the same amount of time. Before using this Warcry, you must expand one additional use of your Bardic Inspiration for each affected creature beyond the third. For example, if you inspire 5 creatures with this Warcry, you must expand 3 uses of your Bardic Inspiration feature. **Enraging Growl (beneficial).** When creatures hear your guttural voice, they feel a battle frenzy growing inside. This cry affects only creatures of your choice within its area. Each affected creature gains temporary hit points equals to 1 roll of your Bardic Inspiration die. These temporary hit points last for 1 minute. While a creature still has these temporary hit points, during each of its turn, the first time it deals damage with a melee weapon attacks, it deals extra damage equal to its proficiency bonus. After you reach 14th level, the temporary hit points become equal to 2 rolls of your Bardic Inspiration die instead of 1. **Exposing Yelp (detrimental).** This sharp cry shatters the confidence of those who hear it, and increases pain. Each creature affected by this Warcry must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against a DC of 8 + a roll of your Bardic Inspiration die. Until the start of your next turn, each creature which failed this saving throw gets a vulnerability to piercing, slashing and bludgeoning damage. After you reach 14th level, the DC of the saving throw becomes 10 + a roll of your Bardic Inspiration die. **Foul Tongue Shriek (detrimental).** Black miasmas of draconic language poison body and soul. Each creature affected by this Warcry takes necrotic damage equals to 1 roll of your Bardic Inspiration die and is poisoned until the end of your next turn. A creature poisoned this way also has all its speeds reduced by half. A creature which succeeds on a Constitution saving throw takes only half damage and is not poisoned. After you reach 14th level, the damage becomes equal to 2 rolls of your Bardic Inspiration die instead of 1. **Haunting Howl (detrimental).** Your voice can instill fear even in the bravest hearts. Each creature affected by this Warcry takes thunder damage equals to 1 roll of your Bardic Inspiration die and is frightened by you until the end of your next turn. A creature frightened this way must use its reaction (if it still has one) to move 10 feet away from you in a straight line, stopping before any obstacle. A creature which succeeds on a Constitution saving throw takes only half damage and is not frightened. After you reach 14th level, the damage becomes equal to 2 rolls of your Bardic Inspiration die instead of 1. **Horde Roar (beneficial).** Lightning from your mouth engulf your allies and give them haste. This Warcry affects only creatures of your choice within its area. Each affected creature can use its reaction to move a number of feet equal to 5 time the result of 1 roll of your Bardic Inspiration die. This movement does not provoke opportunity attacks. Until the end of your next turn, they also add the rolled number to their AC. **Pain Absorbing Wail (detrimental)** You can absorb cries of pain to fuel your magic. Each creature affected by this Warcry takes thunder damage equals to 1 roll of your Bardic Inspiration die. A creature which succeeds on a Constitution saving throw takes no damage. If at least one affected creature which failed the saving throw did not have its maximum hit points prior to the damage, the next time, before the end of your next turn, that you expand a spell slot to cast a Bard spell, you can consider that spell slot to be 1 level higher. You still need to expand a spell slot that is available for this spell, but you consider that spell slot to be 1 level higher when determining the spell's effects. This effect cannot be stacked to increase the level of a spell slot more than once. After you reach 14th level, damage become equal to 2 rolls of your Bardic Inspiration die instead of 1. **Shattering Scream (detrimental).** Your scream can shatter creatures and walls alike. Each affected creature affected by this Warcry takes thunder damage equals to 1 rolls of your Bardic Inspiration die. Creatures which cannot hear you or are behind total cover are still affected. A nonmagical object that is not being worn or carried is also affected and takes double the damage if it is in the Warcry’s area. After you reach 14th level, damage become equals to 2 rolls of your Bardic Inspiration die instead of 1. **Stunning Screech (detrimental).** With a sudden scream, you can daze your opponent's mind. Each creature affected by this Warcry must succeed on a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 8 + a roll of your Bardic Inspiration die. Until the start of your next turn, each creature which failed the saving throw is stunned. After you reach 14th level, the DC of the saving throw becomes 10 + a roll of your Bardic Inspiration die.

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\page ### Fighter *Riding her horse, a Mardu archer infuses her arrow with magic and shoot it at a Jeskai wizard, hidden behind a massive rock. The arrow curves and pierce the wizard's heart, putting an end to their abjuration magic.* Most of the Mardu are fighters. From the battle master with a clawed shield in each hand, to the fierce armored cavalier and the archer with lightning infused arrows, a great variety of combat styles can be encountered when fighting with the Mardu. Besides, the only widespread crafts among the clan are weaponsmithing and armorsmithing, essential to equip such a large amount of fighters. Not every Mardu fighter has to become a warrior worthy of a warname, but the weak will eventually die to let the strong prevail in victory. #### Fighter Features Use the Fighter class of the *Player Handbook* p.70 You can choose any Martial Archetype that you see fit at 3rd level. If you have access to *Xanathar's Guide to Everything*, the Cavalier or the Arcane Archer archetype are great flavorful choices.

### Ranger *An orc find a fishing village hidden among Sultai swamps. She marks the way that can be used by horses to navigate the bog. She does not bother to hide her passage, let them know the Mardu horde is coming.* Mobility and speed are two essential components of Mardu warmongering. Thus, rangers of the clan contribute to both with their skills of the land. They know better than anyone Mardu territory and its ever-changing borders. They can scout the next target of the horde, and guide the clan toward it at immense speed, while assuring terrain advantage to their side once armies clash. In order to achieve such momentum, as well as the clan sustenance, the rangers are also those who raise the horses and the other beasts serving as mounts and meat for the warriors. They are able to tame nature to the will of the Mardu with a shamanic form of magic. #### Ranger Features Use the Ranger class of the *Player Handbook* p.90 When you have to choose a Ranger Archetype at 3rd lvl, you can consider the Hunter, or the Beast Master if you want to create a special bond with your mount. ``` ``` ### Rogue *While the horde face a mighty Kolaghan dragon, a sneaky human manages to bypass the beast's attention and get close. He draw his dagger, and aim at the beast's eye. This kill will be his, and he will claim a glorious warname.* The sly rogues are on the verge on what is considered as acceptable by the Mardu. Yet, the clan know the value of ambushes and attacking from the shadows in order to achieve victory, and a rogue sneaking into the enemy ranks in order to claim a key target for themselves is well deserving of their glory. Stealing from the other clans is also quite fitting with the Mardu philosophy. But the Mardu cannot help but consider those who choose roguish ways as cowards, less worthy than the frontline warriors. Nonetheless, rogues of the clan are plenty, and essential in war. #### Rogue Features Use the Rogue class of the *Player Handbook* p.94. When you choose a roguish archetype at 3rd level, you can pick an Assassin or, at a lesser extent, a Thief. The Scout from *Xanathar's guide to everything* is also a very fitting choice for the Mardu.

### Sorcerer *Elements clash as a Mardu human mage fights a Temur shaman from two opposite cliffs. Witnesses from both clans choose to not interfere. Whoever win will bring glory, and a new hunting ground, to their respective clan.* Magic is a powerful war tool, and the Mardu use it without restriction. But few clan members are born with a talent for magical arts, and even fewer have the patience to pursue its demanding studies. Thus, the rare Mardu spellcasters are sorcerers, who developed their innate magical powers to support the horde and spread death and destruction from the back lines. #### Sorcerer Features Use the Sorcerer class of the player Handbook p.100. Regarding your sorcerous origin at 1st level, the Draconic Bloodline is an obvious choice in Tarkir. But the Wild Magic, or the Storm Sorcery from *Xanathar's guide to everything*, are also good options for the Mardu.

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\page ## Clan background and Spells ### Mardu Background Your clan determines your origin and replaces your background. Determine your starting equipment by using the starting wealth rule in Chapter 5 of the *Player Handbook*. Being a Mardu gives you access to the following starting features : * **Skill Proficiencies:** Animal Handling, Intimidation. * **Tool Proficiencies:** Two proficiencies from : Carpenter's tools, Cobbler's tools, Leatherworker's tools, Smith's tools, Woodcarver's tools, Drums, Horns, or Land Vehicles. #### Feature: Hordeling You are used to fight as a horde, and you know how to exploit your superior numbers. You can gain an advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of your allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated. You can use this feature a number of time equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expanded uses when you finish a long rest.

#### Suggested Characteristics Not all Mardu are bloodthirsty mindless beasts. But growing into a culture of war likely leads to a violent mind, centered around strength worship, victory at all cost, and glory seeking. The Mardu have also a proud sense of camaraderie, and rarely steal or fight among themselves. ``` ```

| d8 | Personality Trait | |:---:|:-------------| | 1 | I only enjoy what I've earned in battle. To conquer is to eat. | | 2 | I never rest on my successes. To rule is to bleed. | | 3 | I do everything I can to maintain others' and my fighting spirit. Victory or death ! | | 4 | I have an overwhelming sense of pride when we achieve victory together, fighting as one. | | 5 | I can stare down a dragon without flinching. | | 6 | I've difficulties to stay motionless for long, I need to constantly be doing something.| | 7 | I like to brag on my war deeds, either real or slightly exaggerated. | | 8 | I enjoy experimenting new ways to wound and kill. | | d6 | Ideal | |:---:|:-------------| | 1 | **War**. WE. ARE. WAR. (Chaos)| | 2 | **Conquest**. The strong takes what they deserve from the weak. (Evil) | | 3 | **Momentum**. We will be doomed the day we start settling. Always be on the move. (Neutral) | | 4 | **Horde**. If we fight in numbers, nothing will be able to stop us. (Loyal) | | 5 | **People**. We make war to protect our culture, and to save the lives which depend on us. (Good)| | 6 | **Victory**. I will achieve victory, no matter the cost. (Any) | | d6 | Bond | |:---:|:-------------| | 1 | I've grown in the shadow of a renown war hero, and I aspire to reach their glory one day.| | 2 | I've trouble finding a good war name. I take every occasion to ponder on it. | | 3 | I did not choose my war name. It was given to me. | | 4 | My mount is not just a mere tool. I have a special bond with it. | | 5 | I've sworn to kill a specific dragon. | | 6 | Once, I fought in a glorious battlefield. I hope to fight there again one day. | | d6 | Flaw | |:---:|:-------------| | 1 | I slowly become overwhelmed by grief. I've seen too many death.| | 2 | I've earned the ire of my warlord, who looks for every opportunity to send me to my death. | | 3 | I pick fights, but I commit only when I'm sure I will win. | | 4 | My bloodlust can reach detrimental levels for me and my allies. | | 5 | My pride is very fragile, and I overreact at the slightest provocation. . | | 6 | And after all, why not peace ? |

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\page ### Mardu Spells The Mardu are not known for their inventiveness in magical arts, but they are nonetheless famous for being the first to discover one of the most spread spell of Tarkir : Morph. With it, the Mardu mages where able to concealed the true nature of their forces while they charges at full speed. Once the enemy realized what they was up against, it was too late to run. #### Morph *3rd-level transmutation* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** Touch - **Components:** V, S, M (a scale from reptile) - **Duration:** Concentration, up to 1 hour You transform the aspect of a willing creature you touch into a Morph for the duration. The target, along with everything it is wearing and carrying, adopts the form of a Large dusty sphere with scaled feathers revolving around it. The spell ends if the creature drops to 0 hit points. For the spell duration, the target has an AC of 12, a single hovering speed of 60 feet, has advantage on all saving throws, and is unrecognizable, except with truesight or divination spells. It can't cast spells, can't talk or manipulate objects, and can't take bonus actions. It retains its other characteristics. When the target take the Attack action on its turn, or use its reaction to make on opportunity attack, it can only make one magical melee weapon attack called Morph Strike. It uses your spell attack modifier to hit, as a range of 5 feet, and inflicts 2d6 + 2 force damage on a hit. The target can choose to end the Morph state at any time on its turn, or as a reaction to an attack targeting it, possibly changing a hit into a miss. It recovers all of its equipment, and whatever it was holding or carrying prior to the transformation. **At Higher Levels.** When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, add 1d6 to the damage roll of Morph Strike for each slot level above the 3rd. ``` ```

### Mardu Weapons The Clawed Shield is a weapon prized by the Mardu, allying offense and defense. #### Clawed Shield The clawed shield is a melee martial weapon as well as a shield. In order to use it, a creature must be proficient with shields and martial weapons. It as the defensive property, depicted bellow.

**Defensive.** When wielding a weapon with the defensive property, add +1 to your AC. This bonus is cumulative. ##### Clawed Shield | Cost | Damage | Weight | Properties |:----:|:---------|:------|:------| | 20 gp | 1d6 piercing | 4lb | Light, defensive

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## Clan Creatures The land that has been a long time under Mardu dominion has been stripped of most of its resources and wildlife. When travelling these barrens, the main danger is the clan itself. They have eyes everywhere, it is very hard to walk their lands unnoticed, and even more so to escape them once spotted. When they find intruders, they usually attack mounted on horses or other beasts. And of course, there is also Kolaghan's dragons, scouting the skies for anything killable. ##### Mardu Creatures |Challenge | Creature |Source| |:----:|:-------------|:----:| | 1/8| Mardu Outrider (Bandit)| MM | 1/8| Pony| MM | 1/4 | Goblin | MM| | 1/4 | Wolf | MM| | 1/4 | Riding Horse| MM | | 1/2 | Orc | MM | | 1/2 | Warhorse| MM | | 1 | Goblin Boss |MM| | 1 | Direwolf |MM| | 1 | Giant Eagle| MM | | 2 | Krushok (Rhinoceros) | MM | | 2 | Mardu Hateblade (Berserker) | MM | | 2 | Ogre | MM | | 3 | Mardu Heart-Piercer (Archer)| VGM | | 3 | Mardu Forerunner (Hobgoblin Captain) | MM | | 4 | Mardu Hordechief (Orc War Chief) | MM | | 4 | Mardu Warshrieker | JTT | | 4 | Ogre Battering Ram | MTF | | 5 | Mardu Skullhunter (Gladiator) | MM | | 8 | Kolaghan Broodling | JTT | | 11 | Roc | MM | | 12 | Mardu Warlord (Warlord) | VGM | | 16 | Kolaghan Dragon | JTT |

### Mounts Nearly all animals living in Mardu territory have been domesticated as mounts or livestock, often both. Those who did not provide have likely been exterminated by now. **Horses** are the most common mount and meat of the clan. They have been trained to be as fierce as their masters, and they attack strangers even when they are alone. Goblins prefer **ponies** that they can mount by three or four, while ogres and some orcs try to tame **krushoks** and **direwolves**. Some riders with a need for extravaganza have even tried to mount sabertooths or rocs, and some legends even recall a Khan who was riding a mammoth. However, no one ever managed to use a dragon as a mount, and lived to tell about it.

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### Kolaghan Brood No other dragon brood of Tarkir represents more the Dragonstorms than the Kolaghan Brood. They are born in the center of the world and immeditelly scatter around to aggress humanoids and dragons alike. A Kolaghan dragon's breath is pure lightning, a destructive weapon able to destroy anything. They have two pairs of big feathered wings, their scales are red or brown, and they have intimidating quills around their neck. Kolaghan's brood are the fastest dragons of Tarkir, and also maybe the most dangerous. They are not interested in much beyond death and destruction, and if they are able to speak, they seldom bother to address their fellow dragons, and humanoids even less. They do not scheme, aggression is all that matter to them, and if humanoids can be allowed to follow them in their endless war, those who don't quickly become their next target. ``` ``` ___ > ## Kholagan Broodling >*Huge dragon, chaotic evil* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 16 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 119 (14d10 + 42) > - **Speed** 60ft., fly 100ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|21 (+5)|15 (+2)|17 (+3)|10 (+0)|10 (+0)|17 (+3)| >___ > - **Saving Throws** For +8, Dex +5, Cha +6 > - **Skills** Athletism +8, Perception +6 > - **Damage Immunities** lightning > - **Senses** blindsight 30ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16 > - **Languages** Draconic > - **Challenge** 8 (3,900 XP) > ___ > > > ***Reckless.*** At the start of its turn, the dragon can gain advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls during that turn, but attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn. > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The dragon makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws. > > ***Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +8 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. *Hit* 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage plus 5 (1d10) lightning damage. > > ***Claw.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +8 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 10 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage. > > > ***Lightning Breath (Recharge 5-6).*** The dragon exhales lightnings in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that area must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 55 (10d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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___ ___ > ## Kolaghan Dragon >*Huge dragon, chaotic evil* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 19 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 196 (17d12 + 90) > - **Speed** 60ft., fly 120ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|23 (+6)|17 (+3)|20 (+5)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|19 (+4)| >___ > - **Saving Throws** For +11, Dex +8, Cha +9 > - **Skills** Athletism +11, Perception +10 > - **Damage Immunities** lightning > - **Senses** blindsight 60ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 20 > - **Languages** Common, Draconic > - **Challenge** 16 (15,000 XP) > ___ > > ***Legendary Resistance (3/Day).*** If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead. > > ***Reckless.*** At the start of its turn, the dragon can gain advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls during that turn, but attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn. > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws. > > ***Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +11 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. *Hit* 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage plus 5 (1d10) lightning damage. > > ***Claw.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +11 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 11 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage. > > ***Tail.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +11 to hit, reach 15ft., one target. *Hit* 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage. > > ***Frightful Presence.*** Each creature of the dragon's choice that is within 120 feet of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the dragon's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours. > > ***Lightning Breath (Recharge 5-6).*** The dragon exhales lightnings in a 90-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that area must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 66 (12d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. > > ### Legendary Actions > The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. > > **Detect.** The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
> **Tail Attack.** The dragon makes a tail attack.
> **Wings Attack (Costs 2 Actions).** The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 19 saving throw or take 20 (4d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

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\page ### Mardu NPC The Mardu seldom fight alone, when they ride, they do as a horde of warriors of various weapons and skills. A Mardu raiding party may consists of several archers, berserkers, warshriekers, and many other warriors under the command of a war leader. Most of them will have their own mount. They are humans and orcs, but also savage goblins and ogres, and together, they are an unstoppable and terrifying force.

___ > ## Mardu Warshrieker >*Medium Humanoid (any race), chaotic evil* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 14 (Studded leather, clawed shield ) > - **Hit Points** 61 (11d8 + 11) > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|16 (+3)|13 (+1)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|10 (+0)|16 (+3)| >___ > - **Saving Throws** Dex +4, Cha +6 > - **Senses** passive Perception 10 > - **Languages** Common, Draconic > - **Challenge** 4 (1,100 XP) > ___ > > ***Taunt (2/day).*** The warshrieker can use a bonus action on its turn to target one creature within 30 feet of it. If the target can hear the warshrieker, the target must succed on a DC 14 Charisma saving throw or have disadvantage on ability checks, attack rolls, and saving throws until the start of the warshrieker next turn. > > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The Warshrieker makes three attacks, two with its sword, and one with its clawed shield. > > ***Sword.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +6 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 7 (1d8 + 3) > > ***Clawed Shield.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +6 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 5 (1d6 + 3) > > ***Warshriek (Recharge 5-6).*** The warshrieker shouts a powerful shriek in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) thunder damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A creature which cannot hear the warshrieker automatically succeeds on this saving throw. ``` ```

> ##### Credits > Made by **/u/Drenghbar** using the Homebrewery, inspired by the Tarkir plane from the *Magic the Gathering* multiverse. Visit my reddit profile to find my work on other Tarkir clans. >

>All images are the property of Wizards of the Coast. >

> Thanks to my proofreaders: Arcady, Jeremy and Natacha. >
>Special thanks to the r/UnearthedArcana community for their fantastic tools, feedback and inspiration. >

>**Current Version : V1.0**

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