The World of Argaia

A collection of information and stories on Phoenixborn and the world of Argaia, assembled from preview articles, podcasts, official documents, Discord conversations, and different lore excerpts sprinkled everywhere by Isaac Vega, Nick Conley and Plaid Hat Games.

History of Argaia

What the world was like before the Phoenixborn, and shortly after.

Coming soon. For now, the official source has everything: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/board-games/ashes-rise-phoenixborn/the-world-of-ashes/.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

This book contains collected facts about the playable Phoenixborn. Some of the details have come from interviews or Discord conversations, and may not have a linkable source.

Note: Only the playable Phoenixborn are included here. Information about other Phoenixborn, such as Alibrimbor and Felix Galeforce, can be found in the Inhabitants of Argaia section.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Common information about Phoenixborn

The Phoenixborn are humans who were given power by the Phoenix to protect humanity from the Chimera. Many of their magics were previously not thought possible, and it is through this power that they are able to create creatures of their own design, called conjurations.

Most of them chose locations to guard, while others were assigned locations, during the Great Cleansing. Through their combined efforts, they eradicated the Chimera and ushered humanity into a new golden age.

They consider themselves "Children of the Phoenix," and refer to each other as siblings. Despite this, their age varies greatly, from the youngest being born a few years after the Great Cleansing to the oldest being around 600 years old and still alive. All Phoenixborn death is due to battle; a version of "a warrior's death" is attributed to them regardless of the actual circumstances of their death. They are unable to procreate.

A prophecy foretold of the conflict of the Phoenixborn, and a collection of ashes, which are the remains of the Phoenixborn who fall in conflict. Through these ashes, the victorious Phoenixborn absorb the power of their fallen foes and the last one will inherit a newborn world.

As time proceeded, the source of these warriors' power desired reunification, leading to a growing desire among the Phoenixborn to slaughter their own kind and absorb the abilities of their incinerated kin, just as the prophecy predicted. This desire has subsided after the new Red Rains and the re-emergence of the Chimera.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Aradel Summergaard

Aradel Summergaard art from the master set
Master Set art

The Phoenixborn who lives in solitude in Evermist Valley, Aradel first appeared in the Master Set's The Mist Guardian and later in The Frostwild Scourge. She is also known as the Lady of the Mists, and is in her 50s or 60s.

History

Born in the Evermist Valley to Aaron Summergaard and his wife, Aradel lost her mother shortly after birth due to her mother's health issues and a complicated birth. This led her father to be a big influence in her life, and she loved and respected him; his influence can be seen on her conjurations.

During her teenage years, while she was still getting used to and learning her powers, the Great Cleansing began. During the Great Cleansing, Evermist Valley came under attack, and other Phoenixborn were being taken. Her father saved her life by intercepting a poison needle meant for her.

After the Great Cleansing, she desired silence and tranquility, and began a hermit-type lifestyle away from others. She believed the time for war and destruction was done. Her lack of presence around others caused her legendary status go grow, as some people had never seen her, even thinking she didn't exist.

She is conflicted about the current state of her world. She doesn't want to fight the other Phoenixborn; it's not who she is. She didn't want to leave, but when her home was threatened, she felt it was best to go to prevent other people from dying.

Conjurations

Aradel's three conjurations, Blue Jaguar, Butterfly Monk, and Mist Spirit are all based on the stories and legends her father told her when she was young. These creatures guard the denizens of the mists from the outside world, and heed her call en masse, knowing that when she calls, their safety is at risk.

Card appearances

Quotes

Short story

They have come for you.

Aradel ignored the voice and kept walking. Her mist-kissed skin shimmered in the sunlight, and all around flitted strangely beautiful insects and the occasional fay.

Even now they hunt you. You have laid a doom upon this land.

When she arrived at her father's grave, she shook her head. She should have known this was her destination all along. And she saw him there by the gravestone, his deep blue eyes pleading with her.

I died for this land. For its people. Would you strip all meaning from my sacrifice?

“I will fight for them!” she said too loudly, her voice breaking the serenity. “Like I always have. Like you taught me.”

If you stay here, the people of the Evermist will die. Each honest man who labors for his family. Every good woman who toils with her hands. All the sweet babes whose dreams have yet to take shape.

"But I cannot leave,” she pleaded. “My heart is here. Would you have me tear it from my breast? Let the others come to me. I shall fight them, and I shall win.”

Fight them? Yes. Win? Perhaps. But you will lose trees to flame, and the mists will be trapped by dust and ash. The digging of graves is the only prize you can hope to win by staying in this place.

The mists glowed blue, and from out of them emerged a spirit. It rolled lazily through the air, cooing in the strange tongue of its kind. Aradel smiled as it floated by her, and she held out a finger for it to touch. The mist spirit turned and looked at her, its eyes sad and knowing.

“If I leave this place,” she whispered to it, “how long will it be before I can return?” And when Aradel heard the spirit coo the answer, she wept.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Arren Frostpeak

Coming soon.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Astrea

Astrea art from the Goddess of Ishra
Art from The Goddess of Ishra

The self-appointed Goddess of Ishra, little is known about Astrea. She appears in the similarly named deck, The Goddess of Ishra. She reappears in The Blight of Neverset.

History

Again, not much is known about Astrea. She uses her magic to control minds, with examples of that being Echo Greystorm's allies, Light and Sonic Swordsmen.

She arrived at Neverset to aid with destroying the Blight that appeared there.

Conjurations

Astrea has 3 conjurations: Steadfast Guardian, Light Bringer, and Weeping Spirit. As of Blight of Neverset, she has added two more to her repitoire: Shimmer Wing and Eternity Flame.

Card Appearances

Quotes:

Official texts

We lay down our worldly thirsts in pursuit of her enlightenment. We lay down our imperfect bodies to be reborn at her side. All praise be unto the Goddess of Ishra. Her enemies will kneel before her glory. We will peel back their veils. We will end their cycle of pain. All praise be unto Astrea.
-The Goddess of Ishra packaging from Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Brennen Blackcloud

Brennen Blackcloud alternate art full image
Alternate art full bleed
Brennen Blackcloud
Card from Children of Blackcloud

The guardian of the city of Blackcloud, Brennen Blackcloud first appeared in Children of Blackcloud, and later appeared as one of the four Phoenixborn in The Corpse of Viros.

History

Brennen Blackcloud was born a girl, but their grandfather, through manipulations and wanting to follow Blackcloud's old-school tradition, made them live and act as a boy so they could inherit the throne. Brennen's relationship with their grandfather was anything but simple; while he was their only confidant, they also resented the manipulation. They also held some guilt regarding their female identity. Just as they started to think about the throne, how they felt about it, and how they wanted to represent themself, their grandfather, known as the "Never Dying King"[1], passed away and Bennen inherited the kingdom. On top of that, the Collection of Ashes was beginning, creating more conflict in their life.

At 15, they are the last scion of the falling House of Blackcloud, and they aim to restore their family and the city to the terrifying glory of their ancient heritage.

Conjurations

Brennen has only 1 conjuration associated with them: Dread Wraith. Even in the Corpse of Viros, none of the conjurations are tied specifically with them. This lone conjuration is a creation born from the anger and trauma due to the relationship Brennen had with their grandfather.

Pronouns

Brennen's pronouns are a complex issue; on the one hand, we, as readers about the fictional world, know that Brennen was born a girl. However, almost all residents of Argaia believe Brennen to be a young man. More confusion is added if you consider how both of those are tied to past trauma, and both may be appropriate and also inappropriate simultaneously, but neither are wrong. Shortly after the release of The Corpse of Viros, the designer said (in Discord) that Brennen's character story does not have a particular ending in sight, and the original creator of Brennen also did not have one determined. The community's consensus is that any pronouns are acceptable, with most preferring to use "she/her" or "they/them."

Card appearances
Quotes:




Footnote
1: Kept himself alive for hundreds of years with ceremonial dark arts and magic.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Coal Roarkwin

Coal Roarkwin alternate art
Alternate art
Coal Roarkwin
Art from Master Set

The Lord of Iron, Coal is the Phoenixborn of Rustwatch. He is 514, born during the second century of the Sealed Age. He first appears in the Master Set's The Men of Iron and later in The Corpse of Viros.

History

His earliest memories were of roaming the streets with other parentless children, swinging sticks as though they were swords in the hands of the world’s greatest heroes. The danger of regular Chimera attacks made him grow up quickly and by his thirteenth year, he found a job on the famous Captain Gerald Bywater’s ship, the Crusty Heel. Five years flew by on the deck of the old ship, filled with ocean-dwelling chimera, fallen comrades, and promotions as his power, not fully understood, grew.

Before long, his skills caught the attention of the Vermillion Council. They recruited him to join the ranks of the fearless Amurai, training him. He excelled at formal training, learning discipline, surpassing his strength, and discovering that he was more than just a man.

He was a Phoenixborn.

He relished his duty as an Amurai and it took him to the darkened corners of the world where the Chimera were deadliest. This eventually brought him to the shores of Rustwatch, where, in the midst of all the fighting, he found Lyn. Their love for each other blossomed more fiercely than any fighting he had ever experienced, and he quit the Amurai, dedicating himself to her. Decades passed, old age seizing Lyn like it never could a Phoenixborn. It was in her last breath that she whispered to him, “Save them.”

Coal joined the Great Cleansing, destroying leagues of Chimera as his heart ached. Rustwatch came to peace shortly after and there he stayed, enjoying the calm, until the Collection of Ashes called him back to fight.

After the new wave of Red Rains fell, Coal joined several other Phoenixborn as an Adjudicator for the trial of Rowan Umberend[1].

Conjurations

Coal's lone conjuration is the Iron Rhino.

Card appearances

Quotes

Coal's Guide to Inspiring Loyalty

Short story

Coal laid the boy's body on the cold cobblestones, and, drawing his hand down the child's face, closed his eyes. An explosion shook the streets as a flaming arrow flew through the window of a bakery, its fire igniting the flour particles that hung heavy in the air. Coal stood, his face dour, as all around him weapons clashed, people screamed, and buildings burned.

This is Rustwatch. This was my love's home.

The anger inside him boiled over and he bellowed in rage. As if in response, a Rayward knight appeared, and spotting Coal, spurred his horse forward. Coal gave a cry, spittle flying from his lips, and he drew a cutlass that he threw at his foe. His magic launched the blade forward at a blinding speed, and it slammed into the mounted rider. A gurgling sound came from the knight's helmet as the blade punched through his steel plate, and he flew backward to the ground.

I have killed before. But those were monsters. Those were chimera.

Two more assailants came at him on foot, but Coal spun away and lashed out with two more of his blades. One fell to the ground dead. The other fell screaming, hands futilely clutching at the stump of a leg. Coal granted the soldier mercy and the screaming stopped.

Another dead boy. All of this for the mad desires of one person.

And suddenly she was there. Her armor was immaculately clean and she wore a smirk upon her face. “Hello, Coal.”

Dimona,” he spat. He raised his arms, and the multitude of blades he wore upon his jerkin whipped free, beginning to spin around him. “All of this pointless death!”

“And yet there is only one death I actually require,” she said. “Yours.”


References
1: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2022/11/21/argaian-articles/

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Dimona Odinstar

Dimona Odinstar from The Queen of Lightning
Art from The Queen of Lightning

The Radiant Queen of Rayward, Dimona Odinstar commands the Rayward army. In Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn, she was a promotional Phoenixborn, but in Ashes Reborn, she is the Phoenixborn of The Queen of Lightning deck. She has returned in The Siege of Lordswall.

History

Little is known about Dimona before the Collection of Ashes. What is known is that she used the Library of Mariendretta to research old wars, the ones held between humans and not the recent conflicts of humanity against the Chimera. There, she learned military strategy and tactics from the histories. Unlike some of the other Phoenixborn, Dimona was more than willing to involve others in the Collection.

To aid in winning, she has sent scouts around the world to gather information and spy on Phoenixborn, so that she may learn who next to strike against. She is known to be cold and ruthless behind her pristine holy look.

Conjurations

Dimona is one of the Phoenixborn with an exclusive conjuration: Empyrean Mount. Resembling a pegasus, this mount is reserved for her soldiers who have distinguished themselves in battle.

Her other conjuration is the Cloudburst Gryphon, presumably created as a result of the heraldry she found in her studies.

She has most recently created a dragon to ride into battle at the Siege of Lordswall.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Short story

She sat upon her destrier and scowled at the resplendent battle-line that stretched out before her. Dimona wondered if they knew her secrets. Her stomach was a churning ocean of sick. She had never killed another human before, much less waged war against a whole city. She was making everything up as she went. Oh, there had been meticulous planning, but how could one make plans when everything one knew was hypothetical?

But Dimona had crafted schemes nonetheless. She knew her former brothers and sisters would adopt the same fighting styles they had against the Chimera, so Dimona sought out the fabled Library of Mariendretta. In those hallowed and haunted halls she researched the wars of the ancients, learned about formations and maneuvers, and studied the notes long-dead generals had made about the uses of terrain. And yet, despite months of preparation, here she sat, scared once again, just as if she was still that little girl hiding under her bed from monsters.

Enough. She had never been one for self-indulgent reflection, and she would be damned if she would start there in the fields outside of Rustwatch. Dimona reared up on her warhorse and turned to address the soldiers who had pledged their lives to fighting for her cause.

“The world already tried to wipe our precious Rayward from its face,” she yelled. “But we refused to be swept aside. Now night falls once again, but this time Rayward shall be the light that shows the way! Shall we sit back as humanity descends into barbarism? Shall we allow our kin to remain squatting within their little cities, shunning the great wide world? No my brothers and sisters! The great reclamation of the world is at hand, and it is Rayward that will unite our kind and usher them into a new age of civilization. They shall see our glorious example and join us, or like Rustwatch, we will lead them by the sword to salvation. And when the world awakens from its slumber, it shall see stalwart Rayward standing tall, not just as one city, but as a multitude, all saying, here we are! Now and forever!”

“Now and forever!” her army roared back. “Now and forever!”

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Echo Greystorm

Echo Greystorm art from the Masters of Gravity
Art from The Masters of Gravity

Hailing from Hemlock, Echo Greystorm appears as the Phoenixborn from The Masters of Gravity. He has ventured to Moon Cove to fight the Chimera that has spawned there (deck).

History

Little is known about Echo, though Astrea Marked two of his allies, the Light and Sonic Swordsmen, and turned them against him in the first timeline.

He also had a rivalry with Jericho Kill, though it is unknown if that rivalry is mutual, or even persists, after Jericho's use of time magic.

Conjurations

Echo's only creature conjuration is the Mirror Spirit, which carries a fake black hole on it's back.

He does provide some of his allies with Enhanced Strength, though that is not a direct conjuration of his magic.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Official texts

"Just as the waxing and waning of the moon, just as the tidal push and pull of the Glow Sea, you too are predictable. I can influence your every move to work to my ends. A small adjustment here and simply standing becomes a burden too great for you to bear. You walk an endless path, but it doesn't have to be this way. Join me and I can lift the weight of this long war from your shoulders."
-Expanded text from Masters of Gravity packaging for Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn, also, [1]


References
1. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/774/
Phoenixborn of Argaia

Fiona Mercywind

Fiona Mercywind
Art from The Protector of Argaia

Phoenixborn of Birdsnest. She appears in The Protector of Argaia deck, and returns in The Flood of Moon Cove.

History

Fiona's background is unknown.

Conjurations

Fiona has several bug-themed conjurations: Majestic Titan, Mindfog Owl, and Nightsong Cricket.

In her travels to Moon Cove to fight the Chimera there, she revealed the Metamorpher and its two evolutions, the Sun Scarab and the Moon Moth.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Harold Westraven

Harold Westraven
Art from The Demons of Darmas

Lurking in Darmas is the Phoenixborn Harold Westraven. He appears in The Demons of Darmas. There are hints he may have changed himself to be a vampire or a werewolf. He returns in The Flood of Moon Cove.

The Phoenixborn define their own existence, and this is especially true of Harold Westraven. Harold has embraced the city of Darmas’ legends, and for no other reason than it gives him delight, has used his power to make these horrors a reality. The people of Darmas lock their doors well before the sun sets, and cower in their homes as strange noises echo in the streets. Woe to the weary traveler who finds herself caught outdoors, when the howls of wolves sound from the alleyways, and the squeaking of bats erupts from dark cellars.
-Text from PHG's release announcement

History

The announcement contains almost all of what is known of Harold.

Conjurations

Like most ceremonial users, Harold has only a single conjuration: Vampire Bat Swarm. These are based in the legends of Darmas mentioned above.

His other conjuration, the Hunter's Mark, is likely a callback to the marking and stalking of prey that vampires and werewolves are known for.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Hope Everthorn

Hope Everthorn
Art from The Artist of Dreams

The first all-new Phoenixborn of Ashes Reborn, Hope Everthorn is the guardian of Mosriel. They are adept in changing dreams and creation of magical spirits. Their deck was The Artist of Dreams. They return in The Spawn of Shadowreck.

History

Hope appears to have been good enough friends with Victoria Glassfire to have exchanged presents with her; for her, a lantern, for them, the necklace they still wear. While there is nothing confirmed about what happened between the two of them, it is likely this exchange was meant as a memento due to an impending separation.

Conjurations

Hope's two conjurations are both spirits: the dual-tailed Fox Spirit and the brightly colored Wishing Wing.

In the Spawn of Shadowreck, Hope reveals another conjuration they have created: the mouse-like Scrawler.

Pronouns

Hope is non-binary, and has chosen to use "they/them" as their pronouns.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Issa Brightmore

Coming soon.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

James Endersight

James Endersight
Art from The Grave King

James Endersight is the Phoenixborn of Marrowden. He appears in The Grave King, along with his undead army. He is ruthless, sacrificing and resurrecting armies to overwhelm his enemies. He has joined forces in defending Lordswall in The Siege of Lordswall.

History

Another Phoenixborn whose history is not known.

Conjurations

While most Phoenixborn create entirely new creatures with their magics, James uses necromancy to create the Fallen. He is also responsible for the Hand of Shield that is the counterpart of Hand of Spear.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Jericho Whitepetal

Jericho Reborn
Art from The Breaker of Fate
Jericho Kill
Card from The Path of Assassins

Formerly known as Jericho Kill of Abylon, Jericho Whitepetal is the winner of the first Collection of Ashes. She appeared in the now-retired legacy deck, The Path of Assassins, and was later released as the first Phoenixborn in the Time cycle, Jericho Reborn, with the new deck The Breaker of Fate.

History[1]

Jericho was born into slavery, and trained in violence at a young age. Directed by her mother, she killed all of the Pirate Kings in Abylon. Some time later, she killed the Last Dragon. Her path of killing lead to her ruling over Abylon as The Assassin Queen, using its people as weapons.

She was the eventual winner of the first Collection of Ashes, rising to godhood with the re-unification of the Phoenix's powers. However, there, she learned of the feeling of guilt, and destroyed the Phoenix, fracturing time with her actions. This change in the timeline has caused most of the Phoenixborn to be returned to life as though they had never died, but some were not revived, and not all of the timeline was reset.

No one in Argaia remembers her as Jericho Kill now, except The Final Pythia. Her monikers also now include "of the Forfeited Throne," but she remains an isolated Phoenixborn.

Prior to the Red Rains, but after the Collection had started, she was seen venturing to Gorrenrock and nearby New Gobi. This stands out as strange as it was peaceful, but also because she has rarely left her home since rebirth[2].

She was also conspicuous in her absence as Rowan Umberend was conducting his research on the Chimera and Red Rains beneath Abylon.

Conjurations

Jericho's two conjurations evoke imagery of speed - the slow Turtle Guard, and the faster Time Hopper.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Official texts

Born in bonds, nursed on hatred, honed to kill. Like an assassin's arrow, from her mother's bow, Jericho flew. She stalked and killed each of her mother's slavers, and when the last Pirate King fell, she despaired. Today, Jericho Kill sits on the throne of Abylon. She has now become the wielder, and her people are her weapons.
-The Path of Assassins packaging, also [1].

Once she was known as Jericho Kill. Warlord. Assassin. Monster. But upon ascending the throne of God, Jericho was crushed with a feeling altogether alien to her - guilt. Reeling from the horrors she had caused, Jericho wielded her new power and tore asunder the heart of the Phoenix. Time has been broken and reset, and Jericho cast from the realms beyond. Can she change all that she previously wrought, or will she succumb to madness once more?
-The Breaker of Fate packaging

No one remembers the violent mercenary who called herself Jericho Kill. Indeed, it is as if she never existed. In the place of that ruthless killer is a new Jericho, one who knows mercy, self control, and who can tap into a previously unknown source of power. What has happened? For the common folk of Argaia, guessing at the motives of the Phoenixborn is an old and popular sport…
-PHG news article


References
1. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/774/
2. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2021/06/23/forfeiter-throne-nigh/
3. Announcing the End of Argaia
Phoenixborn of Argaia

Jessa Na Ni

Jessa Na Ni alternate art full bleed
Alternate art full bleed
Jessa Na Ni
Art from The Bloodwoods Queen

Jessa Na Ni is a Phoenixborn who uses blood directly in many of her magics, earning herself the name "The Red Queen". She first appears in the Master Set's The Bloodwoods Queen, and later as one of the ceremonial Phoenixborn in The Corpse of Viros.

History

Jessa took over the Bloodwoods Clan by killing Maggada, a Chimera that had been ruling the Clan. Jessa maintains complete control over the clan, dictating life, death, and revival of its members, making these choices to further her plans to claim control of everything.

During the second Red Rains, Jessa ventured to Viros to fight the Chimera there.

Conjurations

Jessa has two conjurations: the cursed Blood Puppet, and the predatory Bone Crow.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Short story

The throne was hers now. Jessa giggled as she climbed atop it and settled into its polished seat. She looked off to her right, her eyes focusing on something distant and unseen, and she cackled at some joke that went unheard by the others. Those of the Bloodwoods Clan that were present looked at each other questioningly. But then they looked back at the smoking, squelching corpse, its eight enormous legs twitching in the air. That had been their queen. Maggada had ruled the Bloodwoods Clan for as long as anyone could remember. The outside world would have called her Chimera, but to the people of the woods, the spider thing with the three human faces was their queen, their goddess, and their eternal tormentor.

“My king!” shouted Jessa. “Bring me my king!” An eyeless and tongueless woman ran up to the throne and handed the Phoenixborn the straw doll dressed up like royalty. The pitiful creature grunted excitedly before bowing away in a hurry. “King Strawbaby,” Jessa cooed. “Do you see it? All this is ours,” and she gestured wildly at the dark gloom that enveloped them. “These people are ours now. So much flesh. So many plans.”

“Jessa!” shouted a warrior.

“Queen Jessa” she corrected him.

“Perhaps,” he sneered. “Do you think we shall follow you simply because you cast down Maggada?”

“No,” she said softly. “You will follow me out of fear.” And the warrior made a whimpering noise. He looked around in confusion before staggering backward.

“What are you doing witch?” he gasped. Jessa opened her mouth, and from out of it dribbled dark rivulets of blood. The warrior gave a wheezing cry and flailed his arms, his limbs contorting, his skin turning pale and pulling tightly over his bones. The flow of blood that came from Jessa's mouth grew stronger, gushing forth in a crimson vomit. The warrior's exsanguinated corpse hit the ground. The blood trickled to a stop, and Jessa grinned as she wiped her lips with the back of a hand.

“Jessa!” came the cries of her clan. “Queen Jessa!”

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Koji Wolfcub

Koji Wolfcub
Art from The Boy Among Wolves

Phoenixborn of the Spiral Jungle. The youngest Phoenixborn, who first appears in The Boy Among Wolves, and later appears in The Frostwild Scourge.

History

Not known.

Conjurations

Koji's conjurations all resemble plants. Biter is a carnivorous plant. Indiglow Creeper is born from vines, but upon death, creates a Luminous Seedling that brings forth Brilliant Thorns. Some of his allies are capable of bringing forth conjurations of their own, the Panther Spirit and Pack Wolf.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Official texts

Wild is the son of the Spiral Jungle. Untrained, undisciplined, and ill-prepared for the trials that await him. Nevertheless, Koji Wolfcub walks boldly forward. His every step splits the earth beneath his feet. Out of the fissures grow the jungle’s verdant flora. Groping vines tear down the gaudy edifices of man. Wild animals heed the boy’s call. The jungle rises up and joins the boy in his fight to restore the world.
-Text from Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn The Boy Among Wolves packaging

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Leo Sunshadow

Leo Sunshadow
Leo Sunshadow

Leo is a charming, mind-reading, and manipulating Phoenixborn who calls Neverset his home. He first appears in the mono-Charm deck, The Roaring Rose, and is back again in The Blight of Neverset.

History

Leo has a history with fighting Victoria Glassfire, and is most likely responsible for her insanity, as he has ransacked her memories. His meddling has also caused her to forget Hope Everthorn, a former friend of hers. How Hope feels about this is unknown.

The Blight appearing in his home has drawn other Phoenixborn to it, including Maeoni Viper, Rin Northfell, Astrea, and Saria Guideman.

Conjurations

Leo's conjurations are all birds: the Glow Finch, the Nightshade Swallows, and the seemingly unthreatening Orchid Doves.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Lulu Firststone

Lulu Firststone
Art from Gorrenrock Survivors

“My dear Elga, while I hope you are enjoying your stay here in Gorrenrock, I must decline to meet with you at this time. Please remember, you are a foreigner in this city and not in a position to impose yourself upon me. You are right to fear the coming storm. But I am told you amassed a small fortune in your morning years, so why not enjoy those comforts you have earned, and savor this twilight? Rest easy. In Gorrenrock, there are still strong shoulders to carry the many burdens of this world.”[1]

Lulu Firststone is the Phoenixborn of Gorrenrock, a place known for valuing power, aggression, and fighting. She is the epitome of those values. She first appeared as a promotional card in Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn, but that card and the corresponding unique have been retired and replaced with the Lulu that appears in The Gorrenrock Survivors. She also appears in The Frostwild Scourge.

History

Mostly unknown, though she seems to have a rivalry with her neighbor, Orrick Gilstream.

Conjurations

Lulu boasts 4 conjurations, one of which is a boost to her friends: Spark. Omen Bringer is a desert bird, and the Emberoot Lizard resembles a desert lizard, except for its burning tail. Her last conjuration, the Adaptodon, is shared with Rin Northfell.

Card appearances

Quotes:


References
1. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2021/08/11/gorrenrock-survivors-preview-3/

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Maeoni Viper

Maeoni Viper
Alternate art
Maeoni Viper
Art from The Snakes in Silver

The Queen in Silver and Gold, Maeoni Viper is around 134 years old. She first appears in the Master Set's The Snakes in Silver, and has journeyed to Neverset to fight in The Blight of Neverset.

History

Maeoni was born in Silverwood. Her childhood was modest but happy, as she helped her mother sell jewelry of twisted silver on the streets of the Goldleaf district. Most importantly, she grew up safe.

Then, everything changed when the Chimera breached the Outer Walls. Maeoni spent many years fending off the chaos of blood and fire, surviving. When the chimera reached the Inner Wall, she answered the cries of her fellow citizens, leading Silverwood’s charge in the Great Cleansing.

When the great war ended, Silverwood made her their queen. She is known for reigning over her citizens wisely, giving them many peaceful years. Now with the prophecy birthing the Collection of Ashes, she waits in her beloved home, loathing the fighting that will come. Yet ready to again do what she must.

Felix Galeforce is one such Phoenixborn who attempted to claim her powers, but failed. While Maeoni is known to have been the first Phoenixborn to have killed another Phoenixborn during the Collection, it is not known if Felix was that Phoenixborn.

Also, at some point after the Collection had started, but before the new Red Rains, she and Rin Northfell shared a lunch date at her palace, but he fled that night, before either of them could be consumed by the desire to kill one another.

Following the arrival of the new Red Rains, Maeoni was one of several Phoenixborn to be an Adjudicator in Rowan Umberend's trial[1].

She has most recently set off to Neverset, to fight the Blight that has appeared there, and in doing so, has reunited with Rin.

Conjurations

Maeoni's two conjurations are the Silver Snake, and the guardian Gilder. It is suspected that she is responsible for the Bastion Badger, though it may also have had influences from other Phoenixborn.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Short story

Dust clouds swirled through the damaged plaza in howling gusts, but Maeoni hung over nothingness, her clothes and hair as still as the air in a sealed room.

Felix!” she cried, her voice deep and terrible. “My war ended forty years ago. Begone from my sight! Begone from my city! And only then might you survive this.” Her opponent staggered backward in terror, but the young Phoenixborn's eyes were defiant. He gesticulated wildly, and brought forth another colossus.

“Kill her!” Felix screamed. “Smash her! Wipe her from the face of this world!” Maeoni merely waved an arm. There was a great cracking noise, the smell of ozone, and the colossus exploded into fiery chunks.

“Wipe me from the face of this world?” she yelled in rage. “I who have existed in this world and the next? So be it, Galeforce.”

From out of the smoking depths of the plaza arose her silver snakes. Only now Felix saw that they had grown, made monstrous by the power of their mistress.

And he gave one last scream[2].




Footnotes
2: Isaac said Maeoni is the first Phoenixborn to kill another one. This might be it.

References
1: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2022/11/21/argaian-articles/

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Namine Hymntide

Namine Hymntide
Art from Song of Soaksend

Namine hails from Soaksend. She first appeared in The Song of Soaksend, and is one of the protagonists reappearing in The Flood of Moon Cove.

History

Namine has lived several human lifetimes, and fought with other Phoenixborn during the Great Cleansing.

Conjurations

Namine's conjurations are Salamander Monk, Salamander Monk Spirit, and Squall Stallion. She is the most likely Phoenixborn to have created the Cerulean Diver.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Official texts

An ancient song binds its silvery strings to every living soul. Namine adds her voice to this unending melody. She plays the strings and subtly alters the song to her will. She changes the tempo from a calm wind to a crashing storm. She and the people of Soaksend know this song and live serenely within its melody. Woe unto those that cannot hear its beauty.
-The Song of Soaksend packaging

There are connections that bind all things in the world of Argaia. Namine has spent several lifetimes examining and identifying these connections, but now she is forced to use them against the very Phoenixborn she once fought alongside.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Noah Redmoon

Alternate art for Noah Redmoon
Alternate art
Noah Redmoon
Art from The Shadows of Viros

Noah Redmoon is the last survivor of the Redmoon siblings, and the ruler of the ruined city of Viros. Called the Master of Shadows, he lived in an illusionary world until the Red Rains pulled forth a dragonic Chimera in his city. He first appeared in the Master Set's The Shadows of Viros, and later in The Corpse of Viros.

History

During the Great Cleansing, Noah was one of the Phoenixborn who traveled the most, but he was also pulled in many different directions; he was expected to meet the wants and needs of the ruling Vermillion Council, the city of Viros, and others in the world. As a traveling Phoenixborn, he was at their beck and call.

It is unclear, but it is possible it was during this time when his siblings were killed. A Chimera tasked with killing them attacked the three of them, and during the fight, a second Chimera arrived, and split the trio. This resulted in Astor and Moses dying, and the Chimera leaving. The Chimera has not been seen since.

When Noah returned to Viros, the city council decided that his two siblings would be better rulers. Furious at this denial of what he felt was rightfully his, he created an enormous illusion of destruction on an apocalyptical level, but underneath that illusion, he tore the city apart piece by piece over time.

Following the wiping of Viros from the map, Noah decided to save a group of children, adopting and raising them as his own. They became the Stormwind Snipers, and are his loyal guards and fighters. But the new city, those children's families, and their own children, are all an illusion; an imaginary world created by Noah.

During this time, he was thought to be dead, when in fact, he was living in a world of his own creation.

Noah Redmoon desires nothing less than to be the figure of destiny in the prophecy of Collection. He considers those who resist the reunification to be weaker souls that prove his own right to power. By striking down his weaker brethren before they even know they are in peril, he saves them from the pain of anticipating their doom, yet some realize their fate before the end comes.

His plans may go awry, however, as the Corpse of Viros has emerged from his own feelings. His illusion of the bustling city of Viros is no longer constant, as the Chimera can cause it to fade in and out of reality, exposing the ruined city beneath it.

He was most recently seen among the Phoenixborn in Shadowreck, slaying the Chimera that emerged from there.[1]

Conjurations

Noah is one of the few Phoenixborn with a signature conjuration: the Masked Wolves. He also can summon forth the illusionary False Demon.

Card appearances

Quotes

Short story

“You can take off the mask,” gasped the Lord Mayor as he lay at the base of the stairs leading up to the prytaneum. His right leg was bent at a grotesque angle, and the older man's breathing was heavy and uneven. “Is this what you wanted, Redmoon? Viros burns. This city that held you in esteem. Did you save us from the chimeras solely so you could be the one to light the match?”

His masked adversary chuckled as he came down the stairs, each step slow and deliberate. Wolves howled in the night, and screams echoed from every street and alleyway. The great Clocktower of the Sun burned, casting light over the city like some obscene candle from hell.

Noah Redmoon pulled the mask from his face. “Do you pretend to know what I want, human?” He held his sword over the prostrate mayor, and let the weight of the blade settle into the man's midsection. If the Lord Mayor felt pain, he refused to show it. “I never wanted more than your love. Yet since I was boy, no one wanted anything from me other than the weapon that flows through my veins. Your kind has stripped away everything I am, and now you wag your tongue in anger at discovering only the weapon remains.” Noah pressed down on the sword, and the mayor screamed. The man's hands tried to hold the blade by its sides, but Noah pushed down further.

From down the street, a common woman shrieked in terror, and the gnashing snarls of a wolf rang out in response. The woman screamed, the wolf growled, and soon her voice was cut off in a hideous, wet instant. Noah grinned at this and leaned down to the mayor's face.

“Please,” gasped the mayor. His hands were slick with his own blood, and it began to trickle from the corners of his mouth. He mouthed more words, but only a sickly, rattley noise emerged. Noah smiled and pulled the blade from the man's belly.

“You plead to me like the sheep pleads to the lion,” Noah sneered. Growling wolves emerged from the darkness. “Eat,” he said to them. “For I have had my fill.”


References

1. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2024/09/18/the-spawn-of-shadowreck-preview-6/
Phoenixborn of Argaia

Odette Diamondcrest

Full bleed alternate art
Alternate art full bleed
Odette Diamondcrest
Art from Law of Lions

The Phoenixborn of Lordswall, Odette Diamondcrest and her Sword of Virtue have protected it for many decades. She appears in The Law of Lions, and returns to defend her hometown in The Siege of Lordswall.

History

Odette forged the Sword of Virtue herself, as well as penned all the laws of Lordswall. The sword has enforced the law of Lordswall for generations, and can dispense both justice and security equally.

Following the arrival of the new Red Rains, Odette joined several of the other Phoenixborn as an Adjudicator in Rowan Umberend's trial.[1]

Conjurations

Odette's conjurations carry out her judgement without hesitation. The Emperor Lion is capable of "creating" laws, while the Winged Lioness can easily hit her prey. The Lioness is also one of the few conjurations with a Recover value.

She is the most likely Phoenixborn to have created the Shining Stag Mount.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Official texts

She is the commander of the pride, the follower of the path, the righteous judge and the merciful servant. She emboldens the virtuous and strikes fear in the heart of the transgressor. She is Odette Diamondcrest. Her quill wrote Lordswall’s law. Her sword protected its gate. Her word sent forth its crusaders. She will see the world restored to divine order.
-The Law of Lions


References
1: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2022/11/21/argaian-articles/

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Orrick Gilstream

Orrick Gilstream
Art from The Messenger of Peace

Orrick hails from New Gobi, and was previously of Gobi. Darius considers him to have always shown wisdom and trustworthiness. He was a promotional Phoenixborn in Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn, but his original version has been retired, and for Ashes Reborn, he has been given a new version and a full deck in The Messenger of Peace.

History

Orrick disappeared for some time, causing the Vermillion Council to believe he had vanished from the planet. His reappearance seems to have coincided with Jericho's visit to New Gobi.

His top priority has been to keep peace during the ever-raging war.

He was last seen in the trial of Rowan Umberend, as one of the Adjudicators.[1]

Conjurations

Orrick has a unique conjured alteration, The Awakened State, indicating his reaching of a higher power. His other conjurations, the Ruby Cobras and Ash Spirits, are able to survive the deserts of the Gobi region.

Card appearances

Quotes:

“The Phoenix cannot bear the strain of its fractured soul, but I would urge you to resist. I have walked the flow of time and I tell you now, our future is our past. We must be united as we once were, for our great task is not yet complete!” in a letter to his Phoenixborn siblings.


References
1: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2022/11/21/argaian-articles/

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Rimea Careworn

Rimea Careworn
Art from The Ghost Guardian

Sitting upon the throne of Shadowreck, Rimea has all but abandoned this world for another she has seen. She appears in The Ghost Guardian, and she defends her home in The Spawn of Shadowreck.

History

Rimea Careworn has glimpsed the spirit world, and with it the knowledge of a realm beyond our own, the "Beyond." She calls upon the power of her ancestors and leads their spectral forces into battle to avenge Shadowreck.

Relying on sight beyond sight, Rimea influences the battlefield and imbues her allies with the knowledge needed to dispatch their enemies with ease. When all else fails, Rimea's powerful conjurations can summon an army of Ancestral Spirits to turn the tide of battle.

Conjurations

Rimea's conjurations are all ghosts. The Ancestor Spirit footsoldiers, and the trio of horsemen: the Pale Steed Mount, the Spectral Charger, and the fearsome Nightmare Mount.

In the Spawn of Shadowreck, Rimea reveals her newest creations: the Whisperer, and the Soul Delver.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Short story

Taya tried not to giggle as she filled her sack with the precious treasures that decorated the massive chamber. She turned her eyes to the Phoenixborn who sat on the throne, staring into nothing, drool gathering on her collar. The tip Taya had purchased had been worth every coin. It was true: Rimea Careworn’s mind had long since left this world behind. Now Taya quietly slid countless treasures into her bag, and considered that if she hurried, she would still be able to take the next ship out of Shadowreck before anyone discovered what had happened. But as she lifted a silver statuette from a squat serving table, she felt it grow cold, and a slight rime grew over its surface. She dropped it, then suddenly realized she could see her own breath. Turning, Taya saw she was not alone. The chamber was filled with the dead, all of them armed, and there, among their number, Taya saw herself.

“Your death has been ordained by powers you cannot comprehend,” said the Phoenixborn from her seat, her gaze still vacant. “So much so that your soul already dwells with the dead.”

Taya screamed.

Official texts

In the highest spires of Shadowreck, sits Rimea Careworn. She sits silent and still, her eyes empty, and her subjects claim she gathers her holy powers for the conflict ahead. But Rimea cares little for the hollow war her siblings fight. Her spirit wanders through the Beyond as her interest in this world fades.
-Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn's The Ghost Guardian packaging

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Rin Northfell

Alternate art full bleed
Alternate art full bleed
Rin Northfell
Art from The Frostdale Giants

The jovial Phoenixborn of Phoenixborn of Frostdale, Rin first appears in The Frostdale Giants, and has re-appeared for a fight in The Frostwild Scourge.

He is straight-forward, though usually relaxed and a big enjoyer of life and battle.

History

Rin was a Phoenixborn who enjoyed the powers bestowed upon him, having a relaxed life.

In 2005, he visited Silverwood, and met Maeoni Viper. They had a date at her palace, and that night, Rin dreamed of them embracing passionately, then it turned violent and he consumed her ashes. That same night, he fled, and back in his homeland, resolved to be the winner of the collection.

Recently, the Frostwild Scourge appeared near his home, and he has joined forces with Aradel, Koji, and Lulu to destroy it. He and Lulu do not agree on exactly how this should be done.

With the Blight of Neverset's appearance, he and the other Phoenixborn appear to have been triumphant over the Frostwild Scourge, as he has journeyed to Neverset and reunited with Maeoni.

Conjurations

Like his spells, his conjurations are generally robust and as large as his spirit. His Frostback Bear is a staple in nature decks, and, though vulnerable to his own Ice Traps, Ice Golems still pack a punch. He also has a unique conjured alteration, the Ice Buff, to protect his allies and conjurations.

He also shares a conjuration, the Adaptodon, with Lulu.

Card apperances

Quotes:

Short story

I remember when I first heard Alibrimbor's prophecy. I was drunk in a Gorrenrock brothel, and when I heard those fateful words, I laughed and threw my cup at the messenger who was interrupting my fun. The notion that my blessing could be my doom seemed so absurd, but perhaps if I had been sober I would have thought about how my dreams had started to turn strange. Perhaps then I would not have been so quick to scoff. But I have never been one to dwell overlong on serious matters.

Later in the fifth year of two thousand, I was a passenger on a boat that took port in Silverwood, and there I met Maeoni Viper. How could I land in that city and not seek out the Viper? Arranging a meeting was more difficult than I expected – she had little interest in seeing me. When I finally saw her, and heard those first words fall from her mouth, I was immediately overwhelmed by the tremendous presence the woman possessed. I fell in love with her then and there, though I'll admit falling in love has never been too difficult for me. We shared an awkward lunch on a patio outside her home. She was all formal pleasantries, and I played the bumbling, fawning fool. Me! But such was my unexpected love for her that I could bring none of my charms to bear.

That night I retired to a room her servants prepared for me. I had no interest in exploring the city's nightlife. I lay in bed and fell asleep thinking of her exquisite face.

But I did not sleep easy.

In my dream our bodies were entangled in a lover's embrace, my mouth tasting hers, and my dream self had lost all his awkwardness, and she was good and truly mine. But the dream changed in that way dreams do, the shift coming so subtly that it is impossible to identify, and suddenly we were not entwined in love, but in murderous violence. She screamed as I dug my clawed hands into her flesh, and from out of her burst fay fire. The flames licked my body, but they did not scorch or burn, but filled me with euphoria, and I tore her asunder like a dog rooting for a buried bone. Her wailing reached a terrible pitch and the fire consumed the last of her. I sucked my breath in with a mighty huff, and the fires filled my lungs. Maeoni was naught but hot ashes, and these I rubbed into my flesh with manic glee.

I awoke in tears and sweat, and instantly recalled Alibrimbor's prophecy. Suddenly my youthful frolics seemed so pointless. The future did not seem so sweet.

That night I fled Silverwood in shame. I made my way back to Frostfell[1] and let the stinging cold there freeze away my feelings. And while I found some solace, the cold could not keep the dreams from coming. I have not always been a good man, but I have striven, in my own way, to do good. But now I see that such concerns are for mortals. For the children of the Phoenix there can be no peace, no solace. These people were my brothers and sisters. I have fought by their sides. I have loved them. But gods save me, I see what is coming, and so help me, I am going to kill them all.

Rin Northfell
Frostfell, 2009




Footnote
1: Not sure if this is suppose to be Frostdale or not.

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Rowan Umberend

Rowan Umberend
Art from The Scholar of Ruin

“If my expulsion from the Vermillion Council has provided benefit, it is that I am never again required to share space with Rowan Umberend.”
- Darius, Terminal Amurai

A member of the Vemillion Council until his expulsion for Blasphemy, Rowan of the Abylon Outskirts seeks to become the most powerful Phoenixborn. As his status of Phoenixborn was a secret, he had no area to protect. He is a new Phoenixborn for Ashes Reborn, and appeared with The Scholar of Ruin deck.

History

Rowan was a member of the Vermillion Council, a secretive organization dedicated to studying the Phoenixborn, though he kept his status as a Phoenixborn hidden from them.

This gave him several allies whose knowledge he could exploit with his time and ceremonial magics, accelerating his own research into the physical and temporal ruins of Abylon's battle sites. There, he found the Red Raindrops, ancient and dark artifacts that could call forth the Red Rains.

His success has earned him hatred and expulsion from the Council, as well as disdain from his fellow Phoenixborn. He is correctly blamed for the return of the Red Rains, and bears a price on his head placed by Elga Trilling.

He does not see himself as a villain, rather, non-Phoenixborn are of little value in his eyes.[1]. Even during his trial, he showed no remorse at his actions.

Conjurations

For a ceremonial Phoenixborn, Rowan boasts many conjurations. His Eroding slows enemies, and his Ruin Dwellers are dangerous, left alone or attacked.

His reputation comes from his other two conjurations, the Red Raindrops, and the Reborn Chimera. Reanimating a certain other Phoenixborn's former ally, this version is the first of its kind, but it is still considered "kind of a botched abomination."[2]

Card appearances

Quotes:


References
1: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2022/11/21/argaian-articles/
2: Nick Conley, interview

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Saria Guideman

Alternate art
Alternate art
Saria Guideman
Art from Cloudsea Siren

The Belle of the Ball, Saria Guideman is the Phoenixborn keeping watch from Lighthouse Bay. She commands attention from Argaia's high society, and gets it. Her first appearance is in the master set's The Cloudsea Siren, and she reappears in The Blight of Neverset.

History

Little is known, or, perhaps, allowed to be remembered, of Saria. She concerns herself only with those who support the arts, and all others are dead to her. Possibly literally.

Since the Red Rains began, her Lighthouse Bay palace has been destroyed, and she is forced to live without the luxury she had built up.1

Conjurations

Saria has her own unique conjuration, the Seaside Raven, as well as the deceptively dangerous Three-eyed Owls.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Short story

The viola's haunting melody carefully lay beneath the volume of the party's many conversations. Glasses clinked, the occasional fork scraped across a plate, and here and there noble ladies threw back their heads and laughed at the jests of their gentleman companions. She strolled through the lavishly furnished manor, guests turn to her with hypnotic fascination as she entered each room.

“Saria, darling,” cooed one moneyed widow. “You must have your cook share their recipe for this devil's punch. The spices are Olympian, are they not?” A handful of other guests stood there in the drawing room, anticipating the response, their eyes glazed and vacant.

“Well done Lady Mennan,” whispered Saria with a smile. “The spices are indeed from Olympus. I'll make sure your man has the recipe before you leave.” There were nods of approval, and one dandy even clapped at Lady Mennan's guess. A servant sidled up behind Saria and whispered in her ear. “How many ships?” she asked him.

“Three,” responded the thin man. Saria walked to the enormous window that looked out over the Bone Sea. She waited as the Guideman light house passed its yellow gaze over the dark waters, and there! Three large ships crept toward the cliffs on which Guideman Manor rested.

Saria raised her hands, and suddenly there were two enormous seaside ravens upon the lighthouse where previously there had been none. She casually waved a hand, and the two birds descended upon the ships.

“Oh gods!” cried a man as panic seized the room. “Attackers! Call for our carriage at once!” But Saria turned back to her guests and smiled. She exhaled gently and suddenly the room was calm once more. A single line of blood ran from the nose of Lady Mennan, though she gave no sign she noticed.

“Come,” said Saria. “Who wants to join me in the hall for games of chance?” They all professed their excitement at this. And outside, on the dark waves of the sea, men went screaming to their deaths.


References
1: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2023/11/08/blight-neverset-preview-4/

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Sembali Grimtongue

Sembali Grimtongue
Art from The Spirits of Memoria

Even for Phoenixborn, Sembali of Memoria is unusual: her original abilities in Rise of the Phoenixborn were determined through a player participation event called the War Within, in which she was the main protagonist. While her light side was the victor there, Ashes Reborn saw her ability changed to an entirely new one. She appears as the Phoenixborn in The Spirits of Memoria, and returns for The Spawn of Shadowreck.

History

"Two paths lie before you. One cloaked in shadow, another basked in light. Which will you choose?"

For years Sembali pored over the ancient holy tomes within Memoria's walls, and it was deep within the darkened halls of the cloistered libraries that she discovered a secret that made her question all she knew about not only her fellow Phoenixborn, but the Gods themselves. In the wake of this discovery, Sembali was forced to choose which path she would now follow: would she continue to use her Phoenixborn abilities to safeguard the faithful of Argaia or would she instead embark on a path of conquest to take her rightful place as the Phoenixborn supreme? In the end, she chose the path basked in light.

Sembali Grimtongue is the leader of the Gatekeepers, a death cult whose rituals are celebratory in nature. Her worshippers bring the corpses of their loved ones to the city's many temples, so that she, the priestesses of the cult, can guide the souls of the departed to their loved ones in the world beyond.

This guidance has taken a toll on her, as the dead whisper of calamities to come. She has taken refuge in illusion magics, but she might be going too far, and runs the risk of losing herself in them.

Conjurations

Sembali has but 2 conjurations: the Admonishers, and the solitary Spectral Assassin.

In the Spawn of Shadowreck, she reveals a darker creation: the Shade Prowler.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Tristan Darkwater

Tristan Darkwater
Art from The Ocean's Guard

"I met Tristan Darkwater once when he visited Sunhold. The lad was bright and friendly but only spoke when etiquette required, and never more than was needed. I am certain he felt great unease socializing among his own kind."
- Darius, Terminal Amurai[1]

Guarding Erris Isle, Tristan communes with the life of every being in the ocean. He is a new Phoenixborn, introduced for Ashes Reborn in The Ocean's Guard.

History

A solitary Phoenixborn, less is known about him than many others. There are hints that he might not be human.

Conjurations

Tristan has created a large number of conjurations, all a part of sea life. The small Prism Tetras can combine into a larger Radiant Leviathan, and disassemble back. He has also made Tidal Crabs, and Seafoam Snappers.

Card appearances

Quotes:


References:
1: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2022/07/20/the-oceans-guard-preview-2/

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Victoria Glassfire

Alternate art full bleed
Alternate art full bleed
Victoria Glassfire
Art from Duchess of Deception

The chaotic Queen of Mean, Victoria dwells in Smogborogh. She first appeared in The Duchess of Deception, but has traveled to fight The Spawn of Shadowreck.

History

Her past is almost certainly hard to discover, as Leo Sunshadow destroyed some number of her memories, though no one knows why. One of the memories previously thought destroyed was her relationship with Hope Everthorn, from whom she got her signature lantern. However, the events of the fight at Shadowreck have made it clear she still has some fond memories of their time together.

She is not considered sane.

After the defeat of the Spawn of Shadowreck, she stayed for a week to let them celebrate her (and the other Phoenixborn) for the defeat of that Chimera.

Conjurations

Victoria's ghostly conjurations are the generally cute Shadow Spirit and the nauseatingly malformed Shadow Hound.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Xander Heartsblood

Xander Heartsblood
Art from The King of Titans

Xander Heartsblood is the primal defender of Vallen, and he uses the savage reptile beasts of the oasis to defend it. He appears in The King of Titans. He has teamed up with others to defend Lordswall during The Siege of Lordswall.

History

Largely unknown, though he is known to have sworn to protect the balance of life in the desert oasis. To aid with this, he has gifted several allies with magic of their own.

Conjurations

Xander boasts several strong conjurations, including the Archasaurus Mount, Shining Hydra (and heads), and the Cerasaurus Mounts. He has also gifted some of his allies with the magic to bring forth Raptor Hatchlings.

For the Siege of Lordswall, he has also bestowed Ptera Hatchlings to more of his allies.

Card appearances

Quotes:

Phoenixborn of Argaia

Phoenixborn Precon Magic Affiliations


Ceremonial.png Charm.png Illusion.png Nature.png Divine.png Sympathy.png Time.png Astral Artifice
Ceremonial.png Brennen Blackcloud.png







Charm.png Jessa Na Ni.png Leo Sunshadow.png






Illusion.png Noah Redmoon.png Saria Guideman.png Victoria Glassfire.png





Nature.png Coal Roarkwin.png Maeoni Viper.png
Aradel Summergaard.png Rin Northfell.png




Divine.png James Endersight.png Astrea.png Sembali Grimtongue.png Xander Heartsblood.png Odette Diamondcrest.png



Sympathy.png Harold Westraven.png Fiona Mercywind.png Rimea Careworn.png Koji Wolfcub.png Echo Greystorm.png Namine Hymntide.png


Time.png Rowan Umberend.png Orrick Gilstream.png Hope Everthorn.png Lulu Firstone.png Dimona Odinstar.png Tristan Darkwater.png Jericho Reborn.png

Astral






Arren Frostpeak.png
Artifice







Issa Brightmore Placeholder.png

Places of Argaia

The world of Ashes is full of locations, from continent to cities and buildings. This list contains informations to help form a sense of grandeur of what Argaia is.

Abylon

Argaia

Ashen Forest

Birdsnest

Blackcloud

Bloodwoods

Bone Sea

Curlston

Darmas

Delphi

Eros

Erris Isle

Evermist Valley

Frostdale

Gobi

Goldwater

Gorrenrock

Hemlock

Ironside

Ishra

Lighthouse Bay

Lordswall

Marrowden

Memoria

Moon Cove

Mosriel

Neverset

New Gobi

Olympus

Rayward

Redsand

Rustwatch

Shadowreck

Silverwood

Smogborough

Soaksend

Spiral Jungle

Sunhold

Vallen

Viros

Inhabitants of Argaia

This list contains names of non-Phoenixborn inhabitants of Argaia. Those details were read or heard throughout articles and interviews.

Aaron

Alibrimbor

Amurai

Ancestor Ari

Astor Redmoon[1]

Darius

Elga Trilling

Farial

Felix Galeforce

Final Pythia

Flock Shepherd

Gerald Bywater

Lady Mennan

Last Dragon

Lyn

Lord Mayor

Mauger Fleissman

Michael Glassfire

Moses Redmoon[1]

Pirate King

Sergeant Crystalmere

Taya

Tillian Marlowe


Footnotes
1: For now, since they are siblings, last name is assumed to be the same as Noah's.


References

2. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2024/08/15/the-spawn-of-shadowreck-preview-1/
3. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2024/08/21/the-spawn-of-shadowreck-preview-2/
4. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2024/08/28/the-spawn-of-shadowreck-preview-3/
5. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2024/09/04/the-spawn-of-shadowreck-preview-4/
6. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2024/09/11/the-spawn-of-shadowreck-preview-5/
7. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2024/09/18/the-spawn-of-shadowreck-preview-6/
8. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/news/2025/01/15/january-2025/
9. https://www.plaidhatgames.com/board-games/ashes-rise-phoenixborn/the-world-of-ashes/

Creatures of Argaia

This list contains names of creatures of Argaia. Those details were read or heard throughout articles and interviews.

Chimera

Colossus

Conjurations

Godslayers

King Strawbaby

Maggada

Phoenix

Rainwalkers

Royals

Miscellaneous

This list contains names and descriptions of various events, organisations and other things related to the world of Argaia. Those details were read or heard throughout articles and interviews.

Collection of Ashes

Gatekeepers

Great Cleansing

Iron Couriers

Magic Realms

Red Rains

Sealed Age

Vermillion Council

War Within



Footnotes
1: Legacy Organized Play poster tagline.