The Phyrexian Completion: A Deep Dive into Magic’s Fallen Planeswalkers
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The Phyrexian invasion was a cataclysmic event in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse, leaving an indelible mark on the story and its iconic characters. Central to this horrifying transformation was the process of “compleation,” a brutal Phyrexian method of converting organic beings into extensions of their hive mind. A number of Planeswalkers, beings of immense power, fell victim to this horrific process.
Here’s a list of the Planeswalkers who were compleated during the recent Magic storyline:
- Ajani Goldmane
- Jace Beleren
- Lukka
- Nahiri, Heir of the Ancients
- Nissa Revane
- Tamiyo, the Moon Sage
- Tibalt
- Vraska, Golgari Queen
The Fate of the Compleated
The compleation of these Planeswalkers was a major blow to the forces opposing Phyrexia. They became weapons in Phyrexia’s arsenal, their unique abilities twisted to serve the invaders’ goals. While the story saw some resistance, and even some eventual “reversal” of compleation in certain cases, the Phyrexian war has resulted in a permanent shift in the Magic storyline. The effect on the characters and the future of the multiverse is unknown, but it’s certainly going to be an exciting time for MtG fans to be around to see it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Compleated Planeswalkers
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding the compleated Planeswalkers and their impact on the Magic universe:
1. What does “Compleated” mean?
Compleation is the Phyrexian process of converting living beings into Phyrexian constructs. This involves replacing organic components with metal and other artificial materials, and most importantly, subjugating the individual’s will to the Phyrexian hive mind. Compleated beings become extensions of Phyrexia’s will, acting without independent thought or feeling.
2. How did Planeswalkers get Compleated?
Planeswalkers are typically compleated through exposure to Phyrexian oil, a substance that gradually converts organic matter. Wounds inflicted by Phyrexian creatures can also transmit the oil, as can direct exposure to Phyrexian environments. The process is slow and agonizing, both physically and mentally. The Phyrexians were invading the Multiverse via the Invasion Tree, which allowed the Phyrexians to travel between planes freely.
3. Are all Compleated Planeswalkers dead?
While the term “dead” is debatable, the compleated Planeswalkers are effectively lost as their former selves. Their personalities, values, and independent will are suppressed or erased by the Phyrexian hive mind. Wizards of the Coast (WotC) has indicated that compleation represents a significant change in the storyline, suggesting that these characters may not return in their original forms.
4. Can Compleated Planeswalkers be cured?
The possibility of curing compleation is a complex issue in the Magic lore. While the story shows some instances of limited recovery, such as with Ajani, the long-term effects and completeness of these “cures” are questionable. The Phyrexian influence often leaves lasting scars, both physical and psychological. There have been instances of “reversal” of compleation and the character’s spark fading.
5. Did Nissa lose her spark due to Compleation?
Yes, Nissa’s spark faded after her Phyrexian infection was ‘reversed’. Though the exact cause is debated, the Phyrexian war and the damage to the Multiverse caused the Great Pruning. This resulted in the majority of planeswalkers losing their spark.
6. What are the implications of Compleated Planeswalkers for the storyline?
The compleation of Planeswalkers signals a major shift in the Magic: The Gathering storyline. It allows WotC to introduce new conflicts, explore darker themes, and potentially move away from established character arcs. The death or transformation of beloved characters creates opportunities for fresh narratives and new heroes to emerge.
7. How did the Compleation of Ajani impact the story?
Ajani’s compleation was particularly shocking, as he was a beloved hero and member of the Gatewatch. His transformation into a Phyrexian agent was a devastating blow to the Gatewatch and demonstrated the immense threat posed by Phyrexia.
8. Were any Planeswalkers immune to Compleation?
No Planeswalkers are completely immune. Some, like Tezzeret, were able to navigate the Phyrexian hierarchy without fully succumbing to compleation.
9. What happened to Elesh Norn, the Mother of Machines?
Elesh Norn, the leader of the Phyrexians, was ultimately defeated by Karn. Karn’s magic destroyed Norn by disintegrating her metal, leaving her corpse to burn to nothing. The only trace of Elesh Norn’s remains are a red smear on the ground.
10. How many Planeswalkers lost their sparks during the Phyrexian war?
Most of the Planeswalkers in the Multiverse lost their sparks due to the war, with a few exceptions.
11. Are Jace and Vraska still in love after being Compleated?
The nature of their relationship after compleation is murky. While there is no definitive answer, their individual identities were subsumed by the Phyrexian hive mind, making their pre-existing feelings of love irrelevant.
12. Who was the first Compleated Planeswalker card ever printed?
Tamiyo, Compleated Sage was the first Planeswalker card to feature the Compleated mechanic, released in Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty.
13. How do the Compleated Planeswalker cards work in the game?
Compleated Planeswalker cards typically have Phyrexian mana symbols in their casting costs, allowing players to pay life instead of mana. They also often have abilities that synergize with Phyrexian themes.
14. Are there resources for learning more about Magic: The Gathering and game-based learning?
The Games Learning Society website (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) provides valuable resources and insights into the educational applications of games, including Magic: The Gathering. Exploring the GamesLearningSociety.org can help deepen your understanding of the strategic and cognitive skills involved in the game.
15. Will the Compleated Planeswalkers return in future sets?
The future of the compleated Planeswalkers remains uncertain. While they may reappear in some form, it is unlikely that they will be fully restored to their former selves. Their compleation marks a permanent change in their characters and the overall Magic storyline. Whether they will be enemies, allies, or something entirely new remains to be seen.