Decoding Compleation: A Comprehensive Guide to Phyrexian Planeswalkers
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The Phyrexian invasion of the Magic: The Gathering multiverse left an indelible mark, twisting beloved characters into terrifying reflections of their former selves. The question on everyone’s mind: Which planeswalkers fell victim to Compleation? The confirmed list includes: Ajani Goldmane, Jace Beleren, Lukka, Nahiri, the Lithomancer, Nissa Revane, Tamiyo, and Vraska. While some were later restored (at least partially), the psychological and physical scars remain, shaping their destinies and the fate of the multiverse.
Understanding Compleation
Compleation isn’t mere corruption; it’s a systematic dismantling and reconstruction. The Phyrexians don’t just infect; they transform. Organic matter is replaced with metal, bone, and glistening oil, forging unwavering loyalty to Phyrexia’s cause. The result? A being stripped of individuality, driven solely by the will of New Phyrexia’s praetors. This process raises profound questions about identity, free will, and the very nature of what it means to be alive – concepts explored in many contexts, including the fascinating field of Games Learning Society.
The Process of Phyrexianization
The process typically involves the Glistening Oil, a vile substance that slowly replaces the subject’s biological components with Phyrexian equivalents. This transformation affects both the body and the mind, stripping away empathy and replacing it with a fanatical devotion to Phyrexia. In some cases, like that of Ajani, the Compleation was more subtle, turning him into a sleeper agent. In others, like Tamiyo, the transformation was overtly brutal, showcasing the gruesome efficiency of Phyrexian engineering.
Answering Your Burning Questions: FAQs on Compleated Planeswalkers
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Compleated Planeswalkers.
FAQ 1: What exactly is Compleation in Magic: The Gathering?
Compleation is the Phyrexian process of converting organic beings into Phyrexian constructs. It involves replacing biological components with artificial, often metallic, ones, fundamentally altering both the body and the mind of the subject. This transformation erases the individual’s former personality, replacing it with an unwavering devotion to Phyrexia and its ideals.
FAQ 2: How does the Glistening Oil factor into Compleation?
The Glistening Oil is the primary vector for Phyrexian transformation. It’s a viscous, oily substance that contains the Phyrexian pathogen. When exposed to the oil, the victim’s organic tissues are gradually replaced with Phyrexian metal and other artificial components.
FAQ 3: Were all Compleated Planeswalkers permanently lost?
No, not all Compleated Planeswalkers remained permanently in Phyrexian thrall. Ajani, Nissa, and Nahiri were all, to varying degrees, freed from Phyrexian control, though the experience undoubtedly left lasting scars. GamesLearningSociety.org could explore how these stories reflect larger narratives of redemption and transformation in games and literature.
FAQ 4: How did Tamiyo become Compleated?
Tamiyo was kidnapped by Tezzeret and brought to New Phyrexia. There, she was subjected to the horrific Phyrexian process by Jin-Gitaxias, becoming the first known Phyrexian Planeswalker. Her transformation was particularly brutal and served as a grim symbol of Phyrexia’s reach.
FAQ 5: What was Ajani’s role after his Compleation?
Ajani, as a sleeper agent, infiltrated the ranks of the heroes. His most devastating act was the murder of Jaya Ballard and the destruction of the Sylex, a potential weapon against the Phyrexians. This betrayal highlighted the insidious nature of Phyrexian influence.
FAQ 6: What happened to Lukka after he was Compleated?
Lukka, susceptible due to his bond with a Phyrexian beast, fully embraced the Phyrexian cause. His story is marked by a tragic loss of control and a descent into madness. Ultimately, he was killed by Vivien Reid and Vadrok, Apex of Thunder.
FAQ 7: How did Nissa become vulnerable to Compleation?
Nissa’s initial encounter with Phyrexian influence occurred when stranded with Lukka in the Hunter Maze. However, she was later fully Compleated during the events of Phyrexia: All Will Be One. Although ultimately freed, the experience left a profound mark on her, forcing her to confront the darker aspects of her own nature.
FAQ 8: What was Vraska’s role as a Compleated Planeswalker?
Vraska served as a ruthless agent of Phyrexia, her skills as an assassin enhanced by her Phyrexian modifications. While her memories were suppressed, key elements of her personality remained, allowing Jace to eventually restore her.
FAQ 9: What were the motivations behind Compleating Planeswalkers?
The Phyrexians sought to corrupt and control powerful individuals to further their agenda of universal assimilation. Planeswalkers, with their ability to traverse the multiverse, represented valuable assets in their quest for dominance.
FAQ 10: Did Tezzeret ever get Compleated?
No, Tezzeret managed to navigate the treacherous politics of New Phyrexia without succumbing to Compleation. He skillfully manipulated events to his advantage, maintaining his own autonomy while serving Phyrexia’s interests. His cunning and self-preservation are hallmarks of his character.
FAQ 11: Why did so many Planeswalkers lose their Sparks during this period?
The events of the Phyrexian invasion and the subsequent use of the Sylex triggered a multiversal phenomenon known as “The Great Pruning”. This event diminished the number of Planeswalkers and served as a narrative reset, allowing for new stories and characters to emerge.
FAQ 12: What is the Compleated ability on cards?
The Compleated ability on certain Planeswalker cards allows you to pay life instead of mana to cast them. This comes at the cost of fewer loyalty counters, representing the character’s diminished state after Compleation.
FAQ 13: Which Compleated Planeswalkers ultimately died?
The following Compleated Planeswalkers are confirmed to have died: Tamiyo (killed by The Wanderer), Lukka (killed by Vivien and Vadrok), and Tibalt (presumably killed by Tyvar Kell). Nahiri was trapped within the Skyclave as it crashed, though her ultimate fate remains somewhat ambiguous.
FAQ 14: How can the stories of Compleated Planeswalkers be used in education?
The narratives surrounding Compleated Planeswalkers offer a compelling lens through which to explore themes of identity, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. These stories can spark meaningful discussions in educational settings, particularly when exploring themes of good vs. evil and the cost of ambition. Check out the Games Learning Society for resources on using game narratives in education.
FAQ 15: What is the long-term impact of Compleation on the Magic: The Gathering storyline?
The Phyrexian invasion and the Compleation of Planeswalkers have fundamentally altered the landscape of the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. These events have introduced new conflicts, shaped character arcs, and opened up exciting possibilities for future storylines. The consequences of Compleation will continue to reverberate through the multiverse for years to come.
The Enduring Legacy of Phyrexia
The story of the Compleated Planeswalkers is a dark chapter in Magic: The Gathering history. However, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of hope, the importance of free will, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The battles fought, the sacrifices made, and the scars endured will continue to shape the multiverse for generations to come.