WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Excalibur #24, available now from Marvel.
The mutants of Krakoa have increasingly found the world turned against them, with more and more nations turning their backs while embracing the human/technology organization, Orchis. Now, a mystical conflict in Otherworld has escalated to battle, and it could only further risk some of Krakoa's standing in the universe.
In Excalibur #24 by Tini Howard, Marcus To, Erick Arciniega, and VC's Ariana Maher reveal a new battle has broken out in Otherworld for the fate of Avalon -- and the mutant team Excalibur might be the best hope of keeping it an ally to Krakoa.
Excalibur has increasingly realized just how much danger Mutants are in when they visit Otherworld, despite nominally being the bonding connecting between Krakoa (and the rest of Earth) with the mystical realm. Although the X-Men and their Krakoa allies rallied to the defense of the mystical realm -- and were ultimately responsible for the protection of it from the demonic forces of Amenth during the conclusion of X of Swords -- many of the kingdoms of Otherworld have been opposed to the spread of the "Witchbreed." Saturnyne has continued to use the Captain Britain Corps and Roma has expressed affection for the Mutants, but others (like the vampiric nation of Sevalith and the Crooked Market) have become less accommodating. Assassins have even begun to target some of the mutants.
Most worrisome of all is the prescribe of Merlin, who has become an increasing threat to both mutant interests and general stability within Otherworld. He's threatened war with the mutants over their adventures into his land, and his attempts to wrestle control of Otherworld and specifically Avalon away from Mutants and their allies have only grown more bold. The discovery that Mordred -- King Arthur's villainous son with Morgan Le Fay -- was also a mutant might have given him the final push he needed, as Merlin has summoned an army to Arthur's back as he goes to confront the Starlight Citadel. Arthur -- who has been convinced the X-Gene is a blight -- demands the return of Avalon, despite it being currently the realm controlled by the Braddock family.
Standing in his way is Excalibur as well as the extended Braddock family, who quickly raise their weapons and charge into battle to protect their place in Otherworld. It's a quietly vital fight, as the fate of Otherworld could have ramifications for the entire Marvel multiverse. If Merlin were to begin clawing back more power and influence in the realm, it could continue to become a problem for Mutants-- especially considering his views on them have darkened. It's possible he's being controlled by -- or even working with -- Morgan Le Fay, which would give him additional cause to strike out at Mutants, as she has no affection for them either.
If they lose their connection to Otherworld, the Mutants lose a great deal of potential growth, as well as their connection to the multiversal armies of Betsy Braddocks that make up the Captain Britain Corps. They could also lose any chance to rely on the realm of the mystics in it for help -- and would finally and fully be cut off from Apocalypse, who has made a home in a distant realm with Genesis and most of his children. War in Otherworld could further divide Krakoa's attention at a time when countless other threats like Inferno threaten to derail the entire future of the mutant nation. It's up to Excalibur to end the conflict with one of legend's most famous warriors -- and to do so quickly, before the repercussions begin to get out of control.