Is Tezzeret Alive? A Deep Dive into the Fate of Magic: The Gathering’s Enigmatic Planeswalker
The short answer is: yes, Tezzeret is currently alive within the established lore of Magic: The Gathering. However, his existence is far from simple. His history is a tumultuous one marked by servitude, ambition, near-death experiences, and, most recently, a complex role within the Phyrexian invasion. Understanding Tezzeret’s current state requires a journey through his convoluted past and recent activities.
Tezzeret’s Tumultuous Past
The Beginning of the Saga
Tezzeret’s story began when his spark ignited, landing him on the Grixis shard of Alara. He quickly encountered Nicol Bolas, the elder dragon planeswalker. This fateful meeting would define much of Tezzeret’s existence. Offered power in exchange for loyalty, he entered into forced servitude. Tezzeret’s ambition led him to seize control of the Infinite Consortium, a clandestine organization, though it’s implied that this control was merely permitted by Bolas.
Near-Death Experience and Rebirth
A pivotal moment in Tezzeret’s story is when he was left brain-dead in a burned village following a series of calamitous events. He was found by ratfolk called the Nezumi, who kept him until Nicol Bolas arrived to claim his mangled body. This period illustrates the extreme physical damage Tezzeret has suffered and underscores the powerful control Bolas wielded over him. His mindlessness implies that he was essentially a puppet at Bolas’s command.
War of the Spark and Beyond
During the massive conflict known as the War of the Spark, Tezzeret fought on the side of Nicol Bolas. It’s during this time that Bolas’s plan to steal planeswalker sparks was foiled, sending Bolas himself to his prison. Tezzeret, however, survived. This survival is not just testament to his own resilience but also speaks to his manipulative nature. It was his own scheming and resourcefulness that got him through.
Tezzeret and the Phyrexians
Embracing Phyrexia
One of the most significant twists in Tezzeret’s narrative is his integration into the Phyrexian hierarchy. Utilizing his cunning, he quickly established a place for himself within their ranks. He wasn’t merely a pawn or thrall, but actively participated in their plans. This is not something that anyone expected as it did not fit his pattern of servitude to Bolas. This indicates a significant shift in his loyalty and alliances.
The Compleation of Tamiyo
His involvement with the Phyrexians went beyond his personal status. Tezzeret was instrumental in the compleation of Tamiyo, a planeswalker he kidnapped and brought to New Phyrexia. Tamiyo was transformed by Jin-Gitaxias, becoming the first Phyrexian planeswalker. This act highlights Tezzeret’s crucial role in expanding the Phyrexian threat, solidifying his status as a major antagonist. He aided in the expansion of Phyrexia’s influence beyond their original plane.
Current Status
While many Phyrexians were defeated or neutralized during the recent war, Tezzeret’s fate was not explicitly addressed. His knowledge and position within the Phyrexian structure suggest that he would not be among the casualties. Therefore, while much of the Phyrexian threat was quelled, Tezzeret remains alive and at large. He remains a wildcard in the Multiverse, a threat yet to be addressed and still roaming free.
Is Tezzeret Evil?
Tezzeret is often described as a secondary antagonist in Magic: The Gathering. His actions, particularly his complicity in the Phyrexian invasion and his manipulation of others, certainly position him as an “evil” character. However, his motives are complex and often driven by his personal ambition and need for control. It’s important to note that he isn’t typically depicted as a chaotic villain. He is rather a calculated threat who will do whatever necessary to increase his own standing. He doesn’t inherently seek widespread destruction like some villains, but will cause destruction if it benefits him. This makes him a more nuanced character than a typical “bad guy”. He is neutral at best when it comes to morals, making him a wild card whose intentions are rarely predictable.
FAQs about Tezzeret
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Tezzeret to provide further insight into his character and his lore:
1. How did Tezzeret become a Planeswalker?
Tezzeret became a Planeswalker after his spark ignited during a traumatic event, though the details of this event are not explicitly given.
2. Was Tezzeret always a villain?
Tezzeret’s path to villainy is gradual, driven by his ambition and the manipulative influence of Nicol Bolas. He begins as a driven and ambitious character, and his decisions slowly make him a villain.
3. Did Tezzeret have any choice in serving Bolas?
Initially, Tezzeret had little choice in serving Nicol Bolas, as he was under Bolas’ control. However, later, his own ambition and thirst for power also became motivating factors.
4. How powerful is Tezzeret?
Tezzeret is a powerful artificer and blue-aligned Planeswalker with expertise in manipulating metal and artifacts. His knowledge of Phyrexian technology also makes him extremely dangerous.
5. Is Tezzeret a threat now that the Phyrexian invasion has been stopped?
Yes, Tezzeret remains a threat due to his intelligence, knowledge of Phyrexian technology, and manipulative nature. Even though the main Phyrexian threat is over, he could still prove to be a danger in the future.
6. Did Tezzeret suffer from compleation like the other Phyrexians?
There is no confirmation that Tezzeret suffered from compleation in the same way as others. He seemed to integrate into Phyrexian society due to his own agency, rather than becoming a mindless thrall.
7. What were Tezzeret’s motivations for working with the Phyrexians?
Tezzeret seems to have aligned himself with the Phyrexians in an effort to increase his personal power and standing in the multiverse. His ambition is what pushes him into this dangerous path.
8. How does Tezzeret’s metal arm work?
Tezzeret’s metal arm is a magically enhanced prosthetic that grants him immense power and control over metal and artifacts. It was also implied that it was made from darksteel, a metal with incredible durability.
9. Did Tezzeret betray Nicol Bolas?
Yes, Tezzeret did betray Nicol Bolas in the War of the Spark by going off on his own. Although he seemed to have worked closely with Bolas in the past, this final act of betrayal was crucial to his survival.
10. Has Tezzeret ever worked with the Gatewatch?
No, Tezzeret has never worked with the Gatewatch. He has always been portrayed as an antagonist to the group.
11. Where is Tezzeret now?
Tezzeret’s current location is unknown but he is presumed to be at large in the Multiverse, with his knowledge of Phyrexian technology making him a danger.
12. What is Tezzeret’s connection to the Infinite Consortium?
Tezzeret seized control of the Infinite Consortium, using it as a power base to pursue his own goals.
13. Is Tezzeret’s body entirely metal?
No, Tezzeret’s body is not entirely metal. He has a metallic arm, and some metallic enhancements, but he is not entirely robotic.
14. Does Tezzeret have any weaknesses?
Tezzeret’s weaknesses are not as apparent, but his arrogance and ambition could potentially be exploited. His reliance on control can also make him vulnerable.
15. Will Tezzeret be a major villain in future stories?
Given his current status, his knowledge of Phyrexian technology, and his ongoing history of villainy, it’s highly likely that Tezzeret will continue to be a significant villain in future Magic: The Gathering stories.