Are Slivers Phyrexian? Unraveling the Truth of MTG’s Hive Mind
The question of whether Slivers are Phyrexian is complex and often misunderstood within the Magic: The Gathering lore. While the answer isn’t a simple yes or no, the most accurate response is: Slivers are not inherently Phyrexian, but they can become Phyrexian through compleation or exposure to Phyrexian influence. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why this is the case.
The Slivers’ Origins and Nature
Slivers originated on an unnamed plane, where they were the dominant predators, exhibiting a unique hive mind that allowed them to share abilities. This plane fell prey to the Phyrexians, who captured many Slivers and brought them to Rath. In Rath, Volrath, the Evincar, recognized their potential and experimented on them, using them to further Phyrexian goals. This initial contact with Phyrexia is crucial, but it’s important to understand it didn’t fundamentally change what a Sliver is.
The key characteristic of Slivers is their hive mind. Any Sliver on the battlefield grants its abilities to all other Slivers you control. This synergistic ability is what makes them such a formidable threat in gameplay. Cards with the Sliver creature type share an ability or characteristic with other Slivers.
Phyrexian Influence and Compleation
The crucial distinction lies in the Phyrexian influence. While Slivers were initially captured by the Phyrexians, they weren’t inherently created by them. However, the Phyrexians have a history of compleating other creatures, turning them into Phyrexian versions of themselves. This involves infecting them with the Phyrexian oil, also known as compleation, which slowly transforms them into beings subservient to Phyrexia.
Therefore, if Slivers are exposed to the Phyrexian oil and compleated, they become Phyrexian. This is explicitly supported in the game with cards like “Slivers you control have Infect and are Phyrexians in addition to their other creature types. If one falls to the oil, so do they all.” This shows that Slivers can fall to Phyrexia.
Lore and Game Mechanics
In terms of the lore, there isn’t extensive information about widespread Phyrexian Sliver armies. However, the game mechanics allow for the creation of Phyrexian Slivers. Specifically, the existence of cards that grant Slivers the Phyrexian creature type through abilities or effects demonstrates the possibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Slivers aren’t Phyrexian by default, they are vulnerable to Phyrexian corruption. Therefore, they can become Phyrexian if subjected to compleation or effects that transform them into Phyrexian creatures. The history of Slivers and their exposure to Phyrexian forces in Rath sets the stage for this possibility, and the game mechanics confirm it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slivers and Phyrexia
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Slivers and Phyrexia in the Magic: The Gathering universe.
Are there officially printed Phyrexian Slivers?
There are no cards specifically named “Phyrexian Sliver.” However, there are cards like ones that state “Silver creatures you control have Infect and are Phyrexians in addition to their other creature types.” This means that any Slivers in play would then have the Phyrexian creature type.
Can Sliver Queen produce Phyrexian tokens?
Sliver Queen produces Sliver tokens that are inherently colorless creatures. However, if you control an effect that turns your Slivers into Phyrexians, those tokens would also become Phyrexian.
If a Sliver is compleated, does it affect the entire hive?
The lore suggests that Phyrexian influence can spread through the hive, making them all vulnerable. “If one falls to the oil, so do they all.“
Was Volrath a Phyrexian?
Volrath was not inherently Phyrexian, but he was heavily influenced by Phyrexian technology and used it for his own purposes, including experimenting on Slivers.
Is Sliver Overlord a Phyrexian?
Sliver Overlord is not inherently Phyrexian. Like other Slivers, it could potentially become Phyrexian through compleation, but its base card doesn’t reflect that. The ability to search your library for Slivers and put them in your hand makes Sliver Overlord a highly sought-after commander.
What is the best way to combat Phyrexian Slivers in a game?
Counterspells, artifact and enchantment removal (for any effects making them Phyrexian), and board wipes are all effective strategies. Targeted removal can also work, especially against key Slivers.
Are there any Sliver Planeswalkers?
While there is a sliver planeswalker named Ess-Nelek in Magic’s lore, there are no sliver planeswalker cards printed in the game.
Is Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer a Sliver?
Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is not a Sliver. He is a Phyrexian Artificer who specializes in creating tokens.
What made Karn become Phyrexian?
Karn was the bringer of the Phyrexian oil to Mirrodin. Slowly losing his mind, Karn became the Father of Machines and the leader of Phyrexia.
Is Ajani Goldmane a Sliver?
Ajani Goldmane is a Leonin Planeswalker. He was compleated by the phyrexians into becoming a sleeper agent.
How do Slivers reproduce?
Sliver Queen can create Sliver tokens, but the lore also implies other methods of reproduction, such as budding or spore-like dispersal.
Can Slivers be blocked by non-Slivers?
Some slivers have the text “Slivers can’t be blocked except by Slivers.”
What is the role of Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) is dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games, and Magic: The Gathering offers a rich landscape for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and social interaction, all of which align with the mission of the GamesLearningSociety.org.
How can I learn more about Sliver lore?
Explore Magic: The Gathering‘s official website, novels, and comics. Community forums and wikis are also valuable resources.
Why is Sliver Queen so sought after?
Sliver Queen is highly sought after because she can produce Sliver tokens and is on the Reserved List, meaning she will not be reprinted.