The Corrupted Heart of Zendikar: How Omnath Became Phyrexian
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Omnath, a powerful Elemental and the embodiment of Zendikar’s chaotic mana, was compleated as part of New Phyrexia’s Invasion of the Multiverse. This tragic transformation occurred when the Phyrexian forces, seeking to conquer all planes, targeted Zendikar. Omnath, a being deeply connected to the plane’s very essence, was overpowered and subjected to Phyresis, the process of Phyrexian conversion. Through this horrific process, Omnath gained access to corrupted black mana, fundamentally altering its nature and aligning it with the Phyrexian cause. The original manifestation of Zendikar’s raw elemental power was twisted into a tool of the very force it should have opposed.
Omnath’s Journey Before Phyresis
The Elemental of Zendikar
Omnath began as a manifestation of Zendikar’s volatile mana, initially embodying just the green mana of its lush forests and jungles. Over time, it absorbed more and more of the plane’s energies, growing in power and expanding its color identity. It came to embody the fury of the mountains, the unrelenting seas, and the life-giving plains of Zendikar. For many of the Zendikari, Omnath was more than just a force of nature; it was viewed with reverence, worshipped as a creator god. This underscores the immense connection Omnath had with Zendikar, a bond that made its corruption all the more significant.
The Arrival of Phyrexia
During the New Phyrexian Invasion of the Multiverse, no plane was safe from the horrors of compleation. Phyrexia, led by Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines, had the singular goal of assimilating all life into its twisted collective. Zendikar, with its abundant mana, was a clear target, and its powerful elemental guardian, Omnath, became another objective for the Phyrexian forces.
The Fall to Phyresis
The process of Phyresis involves the slow but relentless replacement of organic matter with Phyrexian metal and the corruption of the victim’s mind and spirit. In Omnath’s case, the immense power it wielded, combined with its deep link to Zendikar, was no match for the overwhelming force of the Phyrexian invasion. The corrupted black mana represents its final surrender to Phyrexia, symbolizing a complete transformation from guardian to instrument of destruction. Its initial state was green mana, then added other colors before succumbing to the Phyrexian’s corrupted black mana.
The Aftermath of Compleation
The exact fate of Omnath after the phasing-out of New Phyrexia remains unknown. Given the effects on all compleated beings after the New Phyrexian defeat, it is plausible that it suffered similar fate, or possibly found a way to recover from the horrific Phyresis. It is a stark reminder that even the most powerful beings in the Multiverse are vulnerable to the insidious reach of Phyrexia, and their actions have long-lasting impact on all planes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Omnath and Phyrexia
1. What is Phyresis?
Phyresis is the process of compleation used by the Phyrexians to convert other beings into Phyrexians. It involves the replacement of organic tissue with Phyrexian metal and the corruption of the victim’s mind to serve the Phyrexian cause.
2. What is a Compleated Being?
A compleated being is one that has undergone Phyresis, becoming a Phyrexian. These beings are usually transformed into metal and biomechanical constructs with their free will replaced by absolute loyalty to Phyrexia.
3. Who Created the Phyrexians?
The Phyrexians were created by Yawgmoth, a Thran eugenicist, who sought to perfect life through artifice and mechanical augmentation on a plane he named Phyrexia.
4. Who is Elesh Norn?
Elesh Norn is the leader of New Phyrexia, known as the Mother of Machines. She ascended to power during the Phyrexian invasion of Mirrodin and became the figurehead of the Phyrexian Machine Orthodoxy.
5. Where is Phyrexia Located?
Phyrexia is an artificial plane originally created by an ancient planeswalker. It exists outside the usual structure of the multiverse, a nightmarish world of mechanical horrors.
6. What Happened to Phyrexia?
The plane of New Phyrexia was phased out of existence, severing its connection to the Multiverse. This occurred as a result of a last-ditch effort to stop the Phyrexian invasion. This happened because of the actions of Tezzeret.
7. Does Omnath Keep Mana Between Turns?
Yes. When Omnath is on the battlefield, you can keep green mana in your mana pool indefinitely. You can spend that green mana at any time, even on future turns.
8. Why was Omnath, Locus of Creation banned in Historic?
Omnath, Locus of Creation was suspended in Historic due to its exceptionally high play rate and power level, which disrupted the format’s balance and diversity, ultimately leading to a ban.
9. Which Version of Omnath is Banned?
Omnath, Locus of Creation is banned in the Brawl format due to its high win rate and negative impact on format diversity.
10. Was Ajani Compleated?
Yes, Ajani Goldmane was compleated by the Phyrexians, becoming a sleeper agent for their cause. However, he was later un-compleated after the end of the Phyrexian invasion.
11. Did Nissa Lose Her Spark?
Yes, Nissa Ravane’s spark faded as part of the Great Pruning, an event that occurred in the aftermath of the Phyrexian invasion. She did briefly lose it after being compleated, however, was recovered, only to lose it again during the Great Pruning.
12. How Did Jace Become Phyrexian?
Jace Beleren was compleated by the Phyrexians after being stabbed by Elspeth with a Halo-infused sword. The Phyresis finished its work, turning him into a Phyrexian.
13. What is the Ritual of Lights?
The Ritual of Lights is a ritual performed on Zendikar designed to imprison or contain powerful forces or entities. It is through this ritual that they tried to stop Omnath, which ultimately failed.
14. Was Elspeth a Phyrexian?
No. Elspeth Tirel is a human planeswalker from Capenna. Although Phyrexians dominated her home plane in her past, Elspeth was never a Phyrexian. She actually ascended to an archangel planeswalker.
15. Who is Yawgmoth?
Yawgmoth is the creator of the Phyrexians, also known as the “Father of Machines.” He was a Thran eugenicist who became a god-like figure on Phyrexia. He is sometimes also called “The Ineffable.”