Are the Compleated Planeswalkers Dead? The Murky Truth of Phyrexian Transformation
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The short answer is: it’s complicated. While not all Compleated planeswalkers are physically deceased, their original identities are often irrevocably lost, making them, in essence, effectively dead as the characters we once knew. Some have been cured, some have died as a result of their Compleation, and others exist in a changed, often diminished, state. The impact of Phyrexian Compleation varies wildly, leaving us with a tapestry of fates rather than a clear-cut answer. This article will delve into the nuances of Compleation, exploring the fates of specific planeswalkers and the broader implications for the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. Let’s dive into this fascinating topic!
Understanding Compleation: More Than Just a Zombie Bite
Before dissecting the fates of individual planeswalkers, it’s crucial to understand what Compleation is. It’s not merely a physical transformation or a simple case of mind control. Phyrexian Compleation is a complete overhaul, a biological and mental restructuring process that replaces the individual’s original essence with unwavering devotion to Phyrexia and its ideals. The Phyrexian glistening oil, the catalyst of this conversion, corrupts the mind and body, rewriting the very DNA and thought patterns of the victim.
Think of it less like a zombie bite and more like a complete system override. The original personality, memories, and motivations are often suppressed or erased, replaced by a new, Phyrexian-aligned consciousness. While the physical form might resemble the original individual, the person inside is fundamentally different. This is why many consider Compleated planeswalkers to be “dead” – their former selves are effectively gone, even if their bodies still function.
The Fates of the Compleated: A Patchwork of Outcomes
The recent events of March of the Machine brought a degree of resolution (and further complication) to the story of the Compleated planeswalkers. Some were cured, some were killed, and others remain in states of ambiguous existence. Let’s examine some specific examples:
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Ajani Goldmane: A particularly devastating Compleation for fans, Ajani was later cured of his Phyrexian influence. However, the trauma of his experience undoubtedly left a lasting impact.
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Jace Beleren: Another prominent member of the Gatewatch, Jace also underwent Compleation. He, thankfully, was among those cured.
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Nissa Revane: While Nissa was also cured, she tragically lost her spark in the process. This means she can no longer planeswalk, effectively severing her connection to the wider multiverse.
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Tamiyo: Tamiyo’s fate was far more tragic. She was killed by the Wanderer, putting an end to her Phyrexian existence.
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Lukka: Lukka met his end at the hands of Vivien and Vadrok, removing another Compleated threat from the board.
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Nahiri: Nahiri’s fate is perhaps the most ambiguous. She was last seen trapped within the Skyclave as it crumbled, leaving her presumed dead.
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Tibalt: Tibalt was quite decisively killed by Tyvar Kell, ending his reign of Phyrexian-influenced mischief.
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Vraska: While listed among the compleated, the article doesn’t mention a change in status so we can only assume she is still compleated.
The “Dead” Designation: Context is Key
So, are the Compleated planeswalkers dead? The answer depends on your perspective. Physically, some are deceased, while others are cured and still alive. Mentally and spiritually, however, the lines are much blurrier. The Compleation process fundamentally alters the individual, often erasing their original identity. Therefore, while the body might survive, the “person” they once were is often lost forever.
This ambiguity is part of what makes the Phyrexian storyline so compelling. It forces us to confront questions of identity, free will, and the very nature of existence. Are the cured planeswalkers truly the same after their ordeal? Can they ever fully recover from the trauma of Compleation? These are the questions that linger long after the battles have been fought and the Phyrexian threat has (for now) been quelled. The Games Learning Society could certainly examine the philosophical implications of these narrative choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the fates of Compleated planeswalkers and the broader implications of Phyrexian Compleation:
How does Compleation affect a planeswalker’s spark?
Compleation can have various effects on a planeswalker’s spark. In some cases, it might be suppressed or corrupted. In other cases, like that of Nissa, the spark can be lost entirely during the process of being cured. The interaction between Phyrexian influence and a planeswalker’s unique magical essence is complex and not fully understood.
Can all Compleated planeswalkers be cured?
The narrative suggests that curing Compleation is possible, but not guaranteed. The process seems to be difficult and potentially risky, as evidenced by Nissa’s loss of her spark. It’s also possible that some individuals are simply too far gone to be saved.
What are the long-term consequences of Compleation for those who are cured?
Even for those who are cured, the experience of Compleation is likely to leave lasting scars. Trauma, psychological changes, and potential magical side effects could all impact their future actions and motivations. We’ve yet to see the full extent of these consequences play out in the story.
Is there a way to prevent Compleation?
The most effective way to prevent Compleation is to avoid contact with Phyrexian oil and other Phyrexian influences. However, this is often easier said than done, especially given the Phyrexians’ insidious methods of infiltration and conversion. The GamesLearningSociety.org could even design a game scenario to teach these methods.
Did Elesh Norn die in March of the Machine?
Yes, Elesh Norn, the Mother of Machines, was defeated and presumably killed during the events of March of the Machine. Her death significantly impacted New Phyrexia and the Phyrexian invasion efforts.
What happened to Karn after the Phyrexian invasion?
Karn, having a unique connection to Phyrexia, is around and helping the other Planeswalkers deal with this catastrophe.
Are there any Phyrexians still active in the multiverse?
While the main Phyrexian threat was neutralized, it’s likely that scattered Phyrexian cells and remnants remain throughout the multiverse. These could potentially pose a future threat. Urabrask’s fate is unknown, leaving an open door for his return.
What role did the Wanderer play in the Phyrexian conflict?
The Wanderer was instrumental in combating the Phyrexian threat, most notably by killing Tamiyo. Her unique abilities and mysterious nature made her a valuable asset in the fight against Phyrexia.
What is the significance of planeswalkers losing their sparks?
The loss of a planeswalker’s spark is a significant event. It removes their ability to travel between planes, effectively limiting their influence and agency in the multiverse. It can also be seen as a form of “nerfing” a character to allow for new power dynamics within the story.
How did Tezzeret avoid Compleation?
Tezzeret managed to navigate the treacherous landscape of New Phyrexia through manipulation, deception, and a willingness to serve Phyrexian interests without fully surrendering his own identity. He proved himself valuable to the Phyrexians without undergoing the irreversible process of Compleation.
What is the Prison Realm, and why is Nicol Bolas trapped there?
The Prison Realm is Nashi’s (formerly Bolas’) transformed Meditation Realm, created to contain him. It’s a place where he is stripped of his power and prevented from interfering in the multiverse.
How does Phyrexian Compleation compare to other forms of mind control or corruption in Magic: The Gathering lore?
Phyrexian Compleation is arguably one of the most extreme and irreversible forms of corruption in Magic lore. Unlike simple mind control or temporary influence, Compleation involves a complete restructuring of the individual’s mind and body, effectively creating a new entity.
What does the future hold for the Magic: The Gathering multiverse after the Phyrexian invasion?
The aftermath of the Phyrexian invasion has left the multiverse scarred and changed. New alliances will need to be formed, old wounds will need to be healed, and new threats will undoubtedly emerge. The story is ripe for exploration and evolution.
Did all of the Phyrexians die?
Almost all of the New Phyrexian Praetors were killed, and Phyrexians all across the Multiverse abruptly ceased to function. Urabrask’s fate is unknown, leaving an open door for his return. Though some beings recovered from Compleation, most died.
What is the “Great Pruning?”
It appears there are no references to a “Great Pruning” in the official Magic: The Gathering lore. The question about The Wanderer losing her spark is unrelated to this phrase.