The Oily Truth: Are There Phyrexian Planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering?
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Yes, there are indeed Phyrexian planeswalkers in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. The terrifying compleation process, where beings are transformed into Phyrexian versions of themselves through biomechanical augmentation, has successfully been applied to several planeswalkers, making them formidable and corrupted agents of New Phyrexia. These Phyrexian planeswalkers represent a significant threat to the entire Multiverse due to their inherent magical abilities combined with the relentless, single-minded purpose of Phyrexian ideology: to achieve “perfection” through compleation. They are no longer independent agents but extensions of the Phyrexian hive mind, working towards the goal of total assimilation.
The Rise of Phyrexian Planeswalkers
The concept of Phyrexian planeswalkers was a significant turning point in the Magic: The Gathering storyline. For many years, planeswalkers were considered relatively immune to the effects of Phyrexian corruption, but that changed dramatically with the return to New Phyrexia. This set the stage for a narrative that would shake the foundations of the established lore and create some truly compelling and terrifying antagonists.
Tamiyo: The First of Her Kind
Tamiyo, Compleated Sage holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first planeswalker compleated into a Phyrexian. She was kidnapped by Tezzeret and delivered to Jin-Gitaxias, who performed the horrific procedure, transforming her into a Phyrexian. This event demonstrated the horrifying reach and power of New Phyrexia and served as a warning of things to come. Tamiyo’s compleation was particularly impactful because she was a beloved character known for her pacifistic nature and unique moonfolk magic. Seeing her corrupted and twisted into a tool of Phyrexia was a stark illustration of the threat they posed.
Elesh Norn’s Growing Army
Following Tamiyo’s compleation, more planeswalkers fell prey to Elesh Norn’s insidious influence. Jace Beleren, Nahiri, and Nissa Revane are among the notable planeswalkers who were compleated and added to the Phyrexian ranks. This marked a strategic shift for New Phyrexia, leveraging the unique abilities and planeswalking powers of these individuals to spread their influence and conquer new worlds. Each planeswalker was compleated in a way that amplified their existing powers while twisting them to serve the Phyrexian cause. For instance, Jace’s mind magic became a tool for control and assimilation on a massive scale.
The Implications for the Multiverse
The existence of Phyrexian planeswalkers poses a grave danger to the entire Multiverse. With their enhanced abilities and loyalty to New Phyrexia, they can bypass magical defenses, infiltrate planes, and spread the Phyrexian contagion with terrifying efficiency. The compleated planeswalkers are essentially sleeper agents, capable of unleashing devastation and corruption wherever they go. The story of the Phyrexian invasion serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the seductive allure of power. It also highlights the resilience and courage of those who stand against tyranny, fighting to preserve the freedom and diversity of the Multiverse. More information and resources can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is compleation in Magic: The Gathering?
Compleation is the process by which a being is transformed into a Phyrexian. It involves the replacement of organic parts with biomechanical components and the assimilation of the individual’s consciousness into the Phyrexian hive mind. The resulting Phyrexian is typically stronger and more resilient than its original form, but it loses its individuality and free will.
2. How many planeswalkers have been compleated?
While the exact number can fluctuate as the storyline evolves, the notable compleated planeswalkers include Tamiyo, Jace, Nahiri, Nissa, and Ajani. Other characters may have been temporarily or partially compleated as well.
3. Can a compleated planeswalker be cured?
In some cases, it is possible for a compleated planeswalker to be restored to their original form. However, the process is incredibly difficult and not always successful. Kaya was instrumental in attempting to cure those compleated by the Phyrexians.
4. Who was responsible for compleating the planeswalkers?
Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines, the leader of New Phyrexia, played a central role in the compleation of planeswalkers. She directed the efforts of the Praetors and other Phyrexian leaders to capture and transform these powerful individuals.
5. What are the abilities of Phyrexian planeswalkers?
Phyrexian planeswalkers retain their original abilities but often with a Phyrexian twist. For example, Tamiyo, Compleated Sage can tap down creatures, reflecting the Phyrexian desire for control. Jace, the Perfected Mind reflects the Phyrexian desire to control all minds.
6. Why did the Phyrexians target planeswalkers?
Planeswalkers are valuable assets due to their ability to travel between planes. Their powers can be used to spread Phyrexian influence and conquer new worlds. They are powerful weapons in the Phyrexian war effort.
7. What is the role of Tezzeret in the Phyrexian compleation process?
Tezzeret used his Planar Bridge to transport planeswalkers to New Phyrexia, facilitating their compleation. He served as a key facilitator for Elesh Norn’s plans.
8. Is Elesh Norn a planeswalker?
No, Elesh Norn is not a planeswalker. She is a powerful Phyrexian Praetor and the leader of New Phyrexia. While she possesses immense power, she does not have the ability to planeswalk.
9. What happened to the Phyrexian planeswalkers after the Phyrexian invasion?
Following the defeat of New Phyrexia, many Phyrexian planeswalkers were incapacitated or reverted to their original state. However, the long-term effects of compleation and their current status remain uncertain.
10. Were all of the Praetors killed?
Almost all of the New Phyrexian Praetors were killed, and Phyrexians all across the Multiverse abruptly ceased to function. Urabrask‘s fate is unknown. Though some beings recovered from compleation, most died.
11. How did the Praetors planeswalk?
By using the Planar Bridge stored in Tezzeret’s etherium arm, she was able to transport the other praetors to different planes, where they were instructed to complete various tasks.
12. Is Koth a Phyrexian?
Koth, also known as Koth Of The Hammer is a Planeswalker native to the Plane of Mirrodin in Magic: The Gathering that would later be corrupted to become New Phyrexia.
13. Who created the Phyrexians?
Phyrexians were created by Yawgmoth, a Thran eugenicist who believed beings should be made perfect through artifice and organ rearrangement.
14. Are the Eldrazi stronger than the Phyrexians?
Eldrazi attack the plane itself, not merely the organisms living on it. They’re on a level beyond the Phyrexians.
15. Is Urabrask a Phyrexian?
Urabrask is the only Praetor not to be explicitly killed during March of the Machine, with it noted that he was conscious despite having lost all his limbs.