Understanding the Compleated Planeswalker: Lore and Rules in Magic: The Gathering
A Compleated Planeswalker in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a character who has undergone Phyrexian Compleation, a horrifying process involving the replacement of organic parts with artificial, Phyrexian machinery. This transformation isn’t merely cosmetic; it fundamentally alters the planeswalker’s identity, motivations, and loyalty, binding them to the Phyrexian cause. On the tabletop, the term “Compleated” also describes a specific mechanic tied to the Phyrexian mana symbol, allowing players to pay life instead of mana to cast certain planeswalkers, which then enter the battlefield with fewer loyalty counters.
The Phyrexian Threat and Compleation
The concept of Compleation is central to the Phyrexian storyline in MTG. The Phyrexians, relentless beings from the plane of Phyrexia, seek to conquer the Multiverse by “perfecting” it, forcibly converting organic life into Phyrexian constructs. This transformation strips away individuality and free will, replacing it with unwavering devotion to Phyrexian ideology.
The Glistening Oil, the substance that induces Compleation, is a potent and insidious agent. It slowly corrupts its victims, twisting their minds and bodies until they become unrecognizable versions of their former selves. This makes them into tools for the Phyrexian cause.
In-Universe Implications of Compleation
Lore-wise, Compleation represents a tragic fate for a planeswalker. It’s not merely a physical transformation; it’s a loss of self. Compleated planeswalkers become extensions of the Phyrexian hive mind, their unique abilities and powers now serving the goals of New Phyrexia. This development has had profound implications for the story of MTG, leading to the deaths, betrayals, and shifts in allegiances that reshape the landscape of the Multiverse.
Rules Implications: Phyrexian Mana
In terms of gameplay, the “Compleated” mechanic relates to how the Phyrexian mana symbol is treated in casting costs for planeswalker cards. The Phyrexian mana symbol, represented as a colored mana symbol within a circle, allows a player to pay one mana of that color or two life to fulfill that part of the cost. A planeswalker with the “Compleated” ability will enter the battlefield with fewer loyalty counters if the player opts to pay life for one or more of the Phyrexian mana symbols in its mana cost. This creates a risk-reward scenario, allowing for potentially faster access to a powerful planeswalker, but at the cost of starting with less loyalty.
The Future of Compleated Planeswalkers
The events of the March of the Machine storyline have dramatically changed the fate of many planeswalkers, including those who were Compleated. Some have had their Compleation reversed, while others remain under Phyrexian control or have even perished in the conflict. Whether these characters can ever truly return to their former selves remains to be seen. These events mark a significant shift in the overarching narrative of Magic, potentially paving the way for new characters, conflicts, and storytelling directions. As these stories continue to unfold, the GamesLearningSociety.org will undoubtedly examine the narrative and strategic elements in play. It’s crucial to look at how the new mechanics might shape the overall game and its reception.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Compleated Planeswalkers to delve even deeper into this complex topic:
1. What exactly is Phyrexian Compleation?
Phyrexian Compleation is the process by which the Phyrexians transform living beings or artifacts into extensions of their collective. This involves replacing organic components with mechanical ones and brainwashing the individual to serve Phyrexian ideals.
2. How does the Glistening Oil factor into Compleation?
The Glistening Oil is the infectious agent used by the Phyrexians to initiate Compleation. It slowly corrupts its host, both physically and mentally, ultimately turning them into a Phyrexian.
3. What happens to a planeswalker’s spark during Compleation?
The fate of a planeswalker’s spark during Compleation is complex and not entirely understood. It’s implied that the spark becomes tainted or subdued by the Phyrexian influence, effectively preventing the planeswalker from planeswalking until/unless the Compleation is reversed.
4. How does the “Compleated” keyword ability work in-game?
The “Compleated” keyword ability affects how a planeswalker enters the battlefield. If you paid life for any Phyrexian mana symbols in its casting cost, it enters with fewer loyalty counters than it normally would.
5. Why would a player choose to pay life to cast a Compleated planeswalker?
Paying life allows players to cast a Compleated planeswalker faster. This can be strategically advantageous, especially in aggressive decks or when needing a specific planeswalker ability quickly.
6. What are the risks associated with paying life for a Compleated planeswalker?
The primary risk is starting with fewer loyalty counters. This makes the planeswalker more vulnerable to being removed from the battlefield before it can generate value.
7. Can Compleation be reversed?
Yes, but the process is incredibly difficult and not always successful. Some planeswalkers, like Ajani, Nahiri, and Nissa, have had their Compleation reversed, although the long-term effects of this reversal are still being explored.
8. What happens to a Compleated planeswalker when it dies?
A Compleated planeswalker still goes to its owner’s graveyard when its loyalty reaches zero or if it’s otherwise destroyed. Whether their essence or spark can persist beyond this point depends on the specific lore implications.
9. Are all Compleated planeswalkers evil?
Yes, while under the influence of Phyrexia, they are wholly devoted to the Phyrexian cause. Their previous morality and allegiances are suppressed by the Phyrexian programming.
10. How does Compleation affect a planeswalker’s abilities?
Compleation can alter a planeswalker’s abilities, either by enhancing them with Phyrexian technology or by twisting them to serve Phyrexian goals. Some abilities may remain similar, but their application and intent are drastically changed.
11. What sets featured Compleated planeswalkers prominently?
The Phyrexia: All Will Be One set and the March of the Machine set heavily feature Compleated planeswalkers and the ongoing Phyrexian invasion of the Multiverse.
12. Can you have multiple Compleated planeswalkers with the same name on the battlefield?
No. Just as with any other planeswalker, the planeswalker uniqueness rule prevents you from having two planeswalkers with the exact same name on the battlefield at the same time, regardless of whether they are Compleated or not.
13. Has the concept of Compleation been explored in other Magic: The Gathering media besides the card game?
Yes, the storyline of Compleation and its impact on the planeswalkers and the Multiverse has been explored in novels, short stories, and other supplementary materials related to Magic: The Gathering.
14. What is the long-term impact of Compleation on the Magic: The Gathering storyline?
The Phyrexian invasion and the Compleation of planeswalkers have fundamentally altered the status quo of the Magic: The Gathering storyline. It has led to the death or transformation of iconic characters and will likely shape the direction of the narrative for years to come.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore and gameplay of Magic: The Gathering?
You can learn more about Magic: The Gathering through the official Wizards of the Coast website, various MTG-related websites and forums, and by exploring the vast amount of lore and content available. Also, consider exploring the educational aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society for a deeper understanding.
This detailed exploration of Compleated Planeswalkers hopes to provide an understanding of both their lore and the mechanics they introduce to the game. It’s a significant chapter in Magic: The Gathering’s history, and there are many more stories to come!