The Tragic Demise of Jaya Ballard: A Look at Planeswalker Deaths in Dominaria United

Jaya Ballard, a beloved and fiery pyromancer, is the Planeswalker who dies in Dominaria United. Her death is a pivotal moment in the storyline, highlighting the high stakes and the brutal consequences of the conflict that unfolds. Her demise is not just a narrative device; it’s a significant loss that resonates with long-time fans of Magic: The Gathering, especially those familiar with her role as a mascot for Red Deck Wins.

The Circumstances of Jaya’s Death

Jaya’s death occurs during a confrontation with Ajani, who at this point is under the influence of Phyrexian compleation. The struggle between them centers around the powerstone core of the Skyship Weatherlight. This iconic artifact becomes a focal point, drawing these two powerful characters into a deadly conflict. Jaya, ever the fierce protector, fights with all her might, but she is ultimately overcome by Ajani’s corrupted strength. In the end, she is defeated and sent falling from a cliff, resulting in her tragic end. This scene is a classic example of raising the stakes, showing the dangers that the compleated pose, and how even a legendary planeswalker like Jaya is not immune to their wrath.

Impact of Jaya’s Death

Jaya’s death is not merely a plot point; it is a deliberate narrative move to showcase the ruthlessness of the Phyrexian threat. Her passing serves to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and the fact that no character is safe. It also adds depth to Ajani’s story, giving him a heavy burden of guilt to carry after his compleation is undone. The emotional impact on the story is immense, creating a sense of loss and a feeling that this conflict has truly changed the characters involved. The fact that Jaya’s death comes at the hand of Ajani, a former ally, makes the event all the more poignant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions providing more context about Planeswalker deaths and the events of Dominaria United.

1. What Other Planeswalkers Have Died?

Several Planeswalkers have met their end during the recent story arcs. These include:

• Tamiyo: Killed by the Wanderer after being compleated.
• Lukka: Killed by a team-up between Vivien and Vadrok.
• Nahiri: Trapped within the crumbling Skyclave, assumed dead.

2. What Happened to Ajani in Dominaria United?

Ajani returns to Dominaria in an attempt to stop Teferi from using Urza’s Sylex to travel back in time. His motives are later revealed to be influenced by his Phyrexian compleation. After a fierce battle, Ajani was defeated and sent over a cliff, but is later recovered and un-compleated.

3. Are Compleated Planeswalkers Dead?

In essence, compleated planeswalkers are considered dead in the sense that their former selves have been eradicated. While they technically remain animate, their identities are completely overwritten by the Phyrexian process. The storyline treats these characters as losses, setting the stage for new arcs as WotC seeks to move on from the familiar narratives.

4. Did Teferi Die?

Teferi survived the events of Dominaria United, but he was caught in a slow-time bubble for thirty years, although he only experienced it as thirty seconds.

5. Are the Phyrexians Dead?

Most of the New Phyrexian Praetors were killed during the events of March of the Machine, and Phyrexian beings across the Multiverse ceased to function. However, the fate of Urabrask remains unknown, as he was still conscious despite having lost his limbs.

6. Is Tezzeret Alive?

Tezzeret is alive. He was revived by Nicol Bolas and forced into servitude. He then seized control of the Infinite Consortium.

7. What Was Urabrask’s Fate?

Urabrask’s fate is unknown. Unlike other praetors, he was not explicitly killed during March of the Machine. He was noted to be conscious even after losing his limbs.

8. Who is the Unluckiest Planeswalker?

The unluckiest Planeswalker is an unnamed character from an undefined plane, who is cursed with continuous bad luck.

9. Who Killed Elesh Norn?

Karn’s magic destroyed Elesh Norn, disintegrating her metal body. Her corpse was reduced to a red smear on the ground.

10. Which Planeswalkers Lost Their Spark?

Several Planeswalkers lost their spark, including:

• Calix
• Kiora
• Koth
• Narset
• Nissa
• Ob Nixilis
• Rowan Kenrith
• Samut

11. Was Tibalt Compleated?

Yes, Tibalt was compleated and presumably killed by Tyvar Kell during the events of Phyrexia: All Will Be One.

12. How Did Tamiyo Become Phyrexian?

Tezzeret kidnapped Tamiyo using the Planar Bridge and took her back to New Phyrexia. She was then compleated by Jin-Gitaxias, becoming the first Phyrexian planeswalker.

13. Does Deathtouch Destroy Planeswalkers?

No, Deathtouch affects creatures by inflicting one point of damage. Planeswalkers are not creatures and are therefore not affected by Deathtouch.

14. Is Nissa Still Compleated?

Nissa was un-compleated, but she subsequently lost her spark as a consequence of the invasion.

15. Who Was the First Planeswalker?

The first five Planeswalkers to be printed were the Lorwyn Five: Ajani, Jace, Liliana, Chandra, and Garruk.

The Larger Implications of Jaya’s Death

Jaya’s death represents more than just a loss of one character; it symbolizes a turning point in the Magic storyline. With several beloved planeswalkers either killed or stripped of their sparks, the narrative is clearly shifting to a new phase. This creates room for new characters and storylines, providing an opportunity for the game’s universe to evolve and change. The death of Jaya is a stark reminder that the story is not afraid to take risks and challenge the players’ expectations, ensuring that the world of Magic: The Gathering remains dynamic and engaging.

Her legacy, however, will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of both the characters within the story and the players who have followed her exploits for years. Jaya’s sacrifice, along with the other losses incurred during the Phyrexian invasion, underscores the importance of the battles fought and the lives changed during this turbulent period in the Multiverse. This makes the stakes feel real and the conflicts all the more impactful.

In conclusion, the death of Jaya Ballard in Dominaria United is a pivotal and tragic moment that significantly impacts the narrative, setting the stage for a new era in the Magic: The Gathering storyline. Her passing serves as a reminder that even the most iconic figures are not safe and that the stakes of the ongoing conflicts are incredibly high. This sacrifice, while heart-wrenching, adds to the depth and complexity of the narrative.