Can Compleated Planeswalkers Be Healed? A Deep Dive into Magic: The Gathering Lore
The question of whether a compleated planeswalker can be healed is complex and deeply intertwined with the lore of Magic: The Gathering. The short answer is: yes, compleated planeswalkers can be healed, but it’s exceptionally difficult, rare, and with potential lasting consequences. The process of Compleation is essentially a Phyrexian form of forced transformation, overwriting a being’s identity with Phyrexian dogma. This is not simply an infection; it’s a radical restructuring of mind and body, effectively making the original individual a puppet of Phyrexia. However, the lore does offer examples of successful restoration, albeit with significant caveats. This article will explore the intricacies of Compleation, the process of reversing it, and the far-reaching implications for the Magic: The Gathering universe.
The Horrors of Compleation
Before diving into the possibility of healing, it’s crucial to understand the nature of Compleation itself. Phyresis, the process by which a being is turned into a Phyrexian, is brutal. It involves a systematic dismantling of the individual’s physical form and mind, replacing them with mechanical parts and an unshakeable loyalty to Phyrexia. This isn’t mere corruption; it is a complete overhaul. Compleated individuals are not just infected; they become fundamentally new entities with the personalities, desires, and will of their past lives replaced by a single-minded devotion to Phyrexian expansion. This is why many consider compleated characters to be effectively dead – their original selves are gone, supplanted by a Phyrexian husk.
The Challenge of Reversal
The lore consistently states that phyresis is typically considered irreversible. The changes inflicted are so drastic and deep-seated that the original being is thought to be lost forever. However, Magic: The Gathering’s narrative has shown us it’s not absolutely impossible to undo. The key to reversing Compleation lies in a specific and incredibly difficult ritual. This ritual requires not just powerful magic but also the correct tools and resources.
The Ritual of Un-Compleation
The most prominent example of successful un-compleation comes from the events of the recent Phyrexian invasion of the Multiverse. A specialized ritual, used by Karn, Kaya, Koth, Melira, and Teferi Akosa, was successfully used to restore both Ajani and Nissa Revane from their compleated states. It’s worth noting that these characters also have a significant narrative presence, which may play a role in their restoration. This ritual involved a complex mixture of powerful magic and specialized knowledge, highlighting the rarity and difficulty of reversing Phyrexian transformation. It was a process that required specific circumstances and a deep understanding of Phyrexian mechanics, and it was not a guaranteed success. This demonstrates that the ability to reverse Compleation is not a simple spell or potion, but a highly complex and specific undertaking.
The Lasting Consequences
Even when un-compleated, there can be lasting consequences. For example, after being freed, Nissa Revane was shown to have lost her planeswalker spark, a rare and powerful magical ability that allows one to travel between worlds. This significant loss highlights the toll Compleation takes and suggests that even successful un-compleation may come with a steep price. It seems that while the body and mind can be restored to a large degree, the spiritual consequences can be profound.
The Uncertain Future of Compleated Planeswalkers
The fate of other compleated planeswalkers, like Jace, Vraska, and Lukka, remains uncertain. The lore currently hasn’t provided a specific path to restoring them. While the ritual used on Nissa and Ajani provides hope, it’s unclear if the same process could be replicated, or if each individual case requires a unique method of un-compleation. It is also unclear what the long-term plans are for these characters. Will these villains get a path to redemption, or are they permanently lost to the Phyrexian cause? The narrative has demonstrated the extreme difficulty in dealing with Compleation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about compleated planeswalkers and the possibility of healing:
1. What exactly is “Compleation” in Magic: The Gathering?
Compleation is the process by which Phyrexians transform living beings, both physically and mentally, into Phyrexianized servants completely dedicated to the Phyrexian cause. It’s a complete overhaul of an individual, not just a simple infection.
2. Are compleated individuals still their original selves?
No. While they may retain the physical form of their original selves, their minds and personalities are completely rewritten, replaced with unwavering loyalty to Phyrexia. They’re essentially Phyrexians wearing the skin of their former selves.
3. Is Compleation reversible?
Generally, Compleation is considered irreversible. However, the lore shows it is possible with a specialized and incredibly complex ritual, though it’s not guaranteed.
4. Which planeswalkers have been compleated?
Planeswalkers who have been compleated include Jace, Vraska, Nissa, Lukka, Tamiyo, Nahiri, and Ajani.
5. How was Ajani un-compleated?
Ajani was un-compleated using a specialized ritual involving Karn, Kaya, Koth, Melira, and Teferi.
6. How was Nissa un-compleated?
Nissa was un-compleated by the same ritual that healed Ajani. However, Nissa lost her planeswalker spark as a result.
7. What is the “Compleated” rule in Magic: The Gathering card game?
In the card game, Compleated refers to a Planeswalker’s ability, usually with Phyrexian mana. If a player pays life for the Phyrexian mana, the planeswalker enters with fewer loyalty counters.
8. Can compleated planeswalkers planeswalk?
Yes, compleated planeswalkers can still planeswalk, but their ability may be affected by their Phyrexian nature.
9. Can Phyrexians reproduce?
Yes, Phyrexians reproduce through flesh-vats, birthing pods, and by infecting other beings with glistening oil.
10. Who was the first planeswalker to be compleated?
Tamiyo, Compleated Sage, was the first planeswalker card to be given the Compleated mechanic.
11. Does Tezzeret get compleated?
Tezzeret is not compleated. He is aligned with the Phyrexians but is not one of them.
12. What happened to Old Phyrexia?
Old Phyrexia was destroyed, and Karn became an unwitting carrier of its oil.
13. Who was the first to be infected with the Phyrexian Oil?
Karn was the first to be infected with the Phyrexian Oil after he came into contact with it following the destruction of Old Phyrexia.
14. What happened to Tibalt after being compleated?
Tibalt was compleated and presumably killed by Tyvar Kell during the events of Phyrexia: All Will Be One.
15. Is the Wanderer compleated?
It is speculated that The Wanderer may be compleated. This is to explain how she is able to remain on Dominaria despite her planeswalking disability.
Conclusion
The prospect of healing compleated planeswalkers is a complex issue within the Magic: The Gathering universe. While the lore has established that un-compleation is exceptionally difficult and rare, it’s not impossible. The examples of Ajani and Nissa offer a glimmer of hope, but also serve as a reminder of the potential lasting consequences. The future of other compleated planeswalkers remains uncertain, leaving players to speculate about their ultimate fates. Only time will tell if these characters will find redemption, or if they are doomed to remain forever servants of Phyrexia.