Ob Nixilis: Demon Warlord, Planeswalker, and Master Manipulator – A Deep Dive
Yes, Ob Nixilis is a planeswalker. He is a complex and compelling figure in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse, having undergone a dramatic transformation from a human warlord to a demonic planeswalker. His story is one of ambition, manipulation, and the ever-present struggle for power. He’s a character that exemplifies the dark side of planeswalking and the corrupting influence of unchecked desire.
The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Ob Nixilis
From Human Tyrant to Demonic Planeswalker
Ob Nixilis’s origins lie in a world consumed by endless war. As a human warlord, he was ruthlessly efficient, a natural leader who brought order to chaos through brute force. However, this success was built upon a foundation of demonic manipulation. He was unknowingly guided by demons, who orchestrated events to ensure he would be the sole survivor of his world. This orchestrated tragedy, coupled with the revelation of his puppet status, triggered his planeswalker spark, granting him the ability to traverse the Multiverse.
Consumed by rage and seeking to understand (and potentially undo) the demonic influence, Ob Nixilis encountered an ancient artifact. Instead of freeing him, the artifact transformed him into a demon. Initially, he resisted this change, seeking a way to revert to his human form. However, he eventually embraced his demonic nature, recognizing the immense power it granted him. This acceptance marked a turning point, solidifying his identity as the demonic planeswalker we know.
The Loss and Regaining of His Spark
Ob Nixilis’s journey has been far from smooth. At one point, he lost his planeswalker spark. This occurred during an attempt by Gideon Jura and his allies to imprison the Eldrazi titan Ulamog. In a calculated move, Ob Nixilis capitalized on the chaos, siphoning the power of the hedron network meant to contain Ulamog, and in doing so, reignited his dormant spark. This act perfectly illustrates his opportunistic nature and his willingness to seize power wherever he finds it.
Ob Nixilis, The Adversary and the Casualty Mechanic
One of the most recent and intriguing iterations of Ob Nixilis is seen in the card “Ob Nixilis, the Adversary“. This card introduces the casualty mechanic, allowing players to copy the spell by paying an additional cost. This copy isn’t legendary, and its starting loyalty is determined by the value chosen for ‘X’ when casting the spell. This mechanic reflects Ob Nixilis’s ability to create chaos and sow discord, multiplying his influence on the battlefield.
Ob Nixilis in the Grand Scheme of Magic
Ob Nixilis stands apart from many other planeswalkers. He is not driven by altruism or a desire to protect the innocent. Instead, he is motivated by a relentless pursuit of power and a desire to dominate. He represents the darker aspects of planeswalking, showing the potential for corruption and the dangers of unchecked ambition. His presence in the Magic: The Gathering lore adds a layer of complexity, reminding us that not all planeswalkers are heroes. Some, like Ob Nixilis, are forces of chaos and destruction.
His interactions with other planeswalkers have been consistently adversarial. He has clashed with heroes like Gideon Jura and demonstrated a willingness to exploit any situation to his advantage. He is a master manipulator, skilled at playing others against each other to achieve his own goals. This makes him a formidable opponent and a compelling character to follow within the sprawling Magic: The Gathering narrative.
He serves as a reminder that planeswalking isn’t inherently good or evil. It’s a power, and like any power, it can be used for noble purposes or twisted to serve selfish ends. Ob Nixilis embodies the latter, and his story continues to be a captivating exploration of the corrupting nature of power within the Magic: The Gathering universe. Consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society to delve deeper into the strategic and narrative elements surrounding characters like Ob Nixilis. The Games Learning Society offers research and insights into how games can be used for educational purposes. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ob Nixilis
H3 FAQ 1: What are Ob Nixilis’s defining characteristics?
Ob Nixilis is defined by his ruthless ambition, demonic nature, and mastery of manipulation. He’s a pragmatic individual, always seeking to maximize his power, often at the expense of others.
H3 FAQ 2: How did Ob Nixilis become a demon?
He was transformed by an ancient artifact he encountered while seeking to understand and reverse the demonic manipulation he had been subjected to as a human. The artifact amplified the demonic influence, permanently altering his form.
H3 FAQ 3: Is Ob Nixilis considered an evil character?
Yes, Ob Nixilis is generally considered an evil character. His actions are consistently self-serving and often involve inflicting pain and suffering on others. He lacks a moral compass and prioritizes his own power above all else.
H3 FAQ 4: What planes has Ob Nixilis visited?
Ob Nixilis has visited numerous planes throughout the Multiverse. The exact list is extensive, but he has notably been present on Zendikar, where he sought to regain his lost spark.
H3 FAQ 5: Has Ob Nixilis ever been part of any alliances?
Ob Nixilis is primarily a lone wolf. He is not prone to forming alliances, as he views others as tools to be used and discarded. Any temporary collaborations are purely strategic and based on mutual benefit.
H3 FAQ 6: What is the significance of the “Ob Nixilis, the Adversary” card?
This card showcases his manipulative abilities and introduces the casualty mechanic, which allows players to create copies of spells. This reflects Ob Nixilis’s ability to spread chaos and amplify his influence.
H3 FAQ 7: How powerful is Ob Nixilis compared to other planeswalkers?
Ob Nixilis is a powerful planeswalker, wielding considerable magical abilities and demonic strength. He is a formidable opponent in both combat and strategic manipulation. While not necessarily the most powerful, he is certainly a force to be reckoned with.
H3 FAQ 8: What is Ob Nixilis’s ultimate goal?
Ob Nixilis’s ultimate goal is to achieve absolute power and domination. He seeks to control and rule over others, amassing as much influence as possible throughout the Multiverse.
H3 FAQ 9: How does Ob Nixilis view other planeswalkers?
He generally views other planeswalkers as obstacles or potential tools. He sees them as either threats to his power or resources to be exploited. He respects power, but ultimately believes himself to be superior.
H3 FAQ 10: Has Ob Nixilis ever been defeated?
Yes, Ob Nixilis has faced defeats on multiple occasions. However, he is remarkably resilient and resourceful, always finding ways to recover and return stronger. His losses are typically temporary setbacks rather than permanent defeats.
H3 FAQ 11: What role did Ob Nixilis play on Zendikar?
On Zendikar, Ob Nixilis was focused on regaining his lost planeswalker spark. He capitalized on the chaos surrounding the Eldrazi to siphon power from the hedron network.
H3 FAQ 12: What are some of Ob Nixilis’s notable weaknesses?
Despite his power, Ob Nixilis is not without weaknesses. He can be overconfident and arrogant, which can lead to him underestimating his opponents. He is also vulnerable to manipulation, though he rarely admits it.
H3 FAQ 13: Is Ob Nixilis likely to appear in future Magic: The Gathering sets?
Given his popularity and complex character arc, it is highly likely that Ob Nixilis will appear in future Magic: The Gathering sets. He remains a significant figure in the lore and a compelling antagonist.
H3 FAQ 14: How does the legendary Planeswalker rule affect Ob Nixilis?
The legendary planeswalker rule prevents a player from controlling two planeswalkers with the same name simultaneously. If a player controls “Ob Nixilis, Reignited” and then plays “Ob Nixilis, the Adversary”, they must choose one to keep and the other is sent to the graveyard.
H3 FAQ 15: What is Ob Nixilis relationship with Gideon Jura?
Ob Nixilis and Gideon Jura have a antagonistic relationship. Gideon was directly involved in the events that led to Ob Nixilis losing his spark initially, creating a deep-seated animosity between them. They are ideological opposites, representing order versus chaos.