‘Magic the Gathering’: How are the Phyrexians Planeswalking?
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the Blind Eternities, you find Phyrexians. But wasn’t that supposed to be impossible?
Ultimate Evil
The many planes of Magic: the Gathering have had a smattering of baddies over the years; Tibalt, the Eldrazi, and even a timeless Elder Dragon with a Planeswalker spark. But I think it can be agreed that the most enduring villains are the Phyrexians. Terrifying amalgamations of flesh and machine, these conquerers want nothing more than to “compleat” their foes, sharing the perfection of Yawgmoth with their fleshy rivals.
Many of the protagonists thought the Phyrexians were defeated after the events of the Apocalypse set, but in the words of Galadriel, “they were all of them deceived.” On the metallic plane of Argentum, renamed Mirrodin, black Phyrexian oil inadvertently spread by the Planeswalker golem Karn began to infect the populace. Before long, the oil had infected the biological inhabitants; five powerful Phyrexians, the Praetors, were born, empowered by the five suns of Mirrodin, and New Phyrexia was born.
One thing was known for sure about Phrexians; they could not survive the Blind Eternities, the interplanar space Planeswalkers use to travel. This wasn’t a huge surprise, as only Planeswalkers or exceptionally powerful beings can traverse the roiling realm. When the events of New Phyrexia ended with the portals back to Dominaria collapsing, the inhabitants were justified in thinking the threat was behind them. But Praetors have been seen in other planes, wounded but very much alive, and in the latest set, we learn that they have infiltrated Dominarian society. This leads us to the big question; How?
Compleated Planeswalkers
The most obvious answer would be the Planeswalkers the Phyrexians have already completed, like Tamiyo and (sadly) Ajani. A completed individual would be entirely bound to the will of the Praetors, so it would make sense that they could facilitate interplanar travel. However, that doesn’t explain how the Praetors are crossing the Eternities alive. If the Planeswalkers were helping them, you’d think they’d send entire armies, not just a few powerful warriors, but we know at least four Praetors have crossed; Jin-Gitaxias in Kamigawa, Urabrask in New Capenna, Vorinclex in Kaldheim, and now Sheoldred in Dominaria. It may be Vorinclex, though, that offers us a clue into how they’re really doing it.
Sap of the World Tree
Vorinclex was the first Phyrexian we saw in a plane he didn’t belong, and brute though he is, he may have been there with a purpose. The World Tree, guarded by the goddess Esika, was capable of facilitating interplanar travel, and Vorinclex was able to escape with some of its sap. It makes sense that Vorinclex was sent first since he’s arguably the most durable of the Praetors and most likely to survive the impossible trip (which he almost didn’t). What they’re doing with the sap is anyone’s guess, but it can’t be good. Thankfully, Esika survived her encounter and has been seen in the art for the upcoming March of the Machines set, so it won’t be long before we find out.
How do you think they’re doing it?
