What is Avishkar?
Avishkar is a world of imagination, artistry, and endless creativity, powered by a magical substance called aether. Originally known as Kaladesh—a beloved plane from Magic: The Gathering—it recently underwent a political shift, emerging as Avishkar. This fresh chapter brings new stories and adventures, making it the perfect moment to dive in, whether you’re already a fan or completely new to the setting.
At the heart of Avishkar is the vibrant city of Ghirapur, renowned for its dazzling architecture, flashy aether-powered vehicles, and sophisticated mechanical constructs known as automata. Every year, the city hosts the Inventors’ Fair, a month-long festival celebrating innovation. But beyond the festivities and competitions lie hidden rivalries, covert schemes, and plenty of intrigue—just waiting for heroes to uncover them.
Why Play D&D in Avishkar?
If you’re tired of traditional dungeon crawls and wilderness adventures, Avishkar is an engaging alternative. Rather than exploring forgotten tombs, or foiling Red Wizards, you’ll navigate the bustling streets and hidden secrets of a city alive with possibility and intrigue.
At first glance, Avishkar might seem similar to Eberron—another popular D&D setting mixing magic and technology—but there’s a crucial difference in tone and atmosphere. Eberron feels gritty, war-weary, and often darkly mysterious, while Avishkar radiates optimism, innovation, and beauty. Think less “film noir,” more “techno-utopian dream.”
In Avishkar, magic is part of everyday life—but not necessarily part of every individual. Ordinary people don’t typically cast spells directly; instead, they channel magic through inventions. Imagine devices that replicate spell effects, mechanical companions powered by aether, or skyships racing through luminous clouds. If you’ve seen Arcane, you know exactly the idea: a city thriving with magical technology, built not by spellcasters but by inventors and visionaries. This fresh take on magic and technology encourages you to approach D&D creatively, challenging what fantasy can look like.
With all of that in mind, our adventures in Avishkar aren’t just built for people familiar with Kaladesh or Magic: The Gathering; we’ve specifically crafted them to introduce newcomers to this fascinating world through play itself. Of course, existing fans will also find familiar elements and exciting new angles that enrich the lore they already love.
Introducing Our Exclusive Mini-Campaign
Excited to get started? We’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new mini-campaign, “The Aether Cycle,” debuting at the April Virtual D&D Weekend. Kicking off with “The Inventors’ Fair,” you’ll immediately find yourself immersed in the energy and excitement of Avishkar’s signature event.
In “The Inventors’ Fair,” your characters dive into the heart of Ghirapur’s iconic celebration, competing in inventive challenges across five categories: vehicles, architecture, aether science, weapons, and lifecraft constructs. Each category brings its own unique puzzles, fierce rivals, and a few unexpected dangers. Will your team impress the legendary judges, or will sabotage and subterfuge derail your dreams?
Following this dynamic opening, the story unfolds further each month through July, steadily escalating the stakes and challenges:
- Episode Two (May): With the fair behind you, the Avishkar Assembly adds news members to its ranks and tensions flare as inventive renegades work to unravel the city’s good works. Loyalties will be tested and choices made will impact Avishkar’s prominent role in the aether cycle.
- Episode Three (June): A new omenpath on Avishkar opens in the Peema forest. Who controls it, where does it lead, and does this foretell weal or woe for the entire plane?
- Episode Four (July): In the thrilling finale, the second annual Ghirapur Grand Prix takes place. Secret enemies and bold-faced competitors do everything they can to win a race through the planes of Amonkhet, Muragana, and Avishkar.
Each episode of “The Aether Cycle” promises memorable encounters, inventive puzzles, and opportunities to impact Avishkar’s unfolding story. Combat is just one piece; your choices, creativity, and ingenuity will shape the experience far more.
Join us at the April Virtual D&D Weekend for the premiere of “The Inventors’ Fair.” Whether you’re stepping into Avishkar for the first time or revisiting a favorite plane, there’s a place waiting for you. Are you ready to innovate, explore, and create your legacy in this amazing world?