It's strange that, while I don't follow the storyline of MTG much, Elspeth has always seemed to have a pretty deep storyline compared to some of the other planeswalkers and pulled more emotion out. And more so in a sad way, from her experience with Phyrexians to losing Bant and Mirrordin. I don't know if they will kill her off, but say if it was, for example, Liliana or Jace that would die, I wouldn't care much personally.
Another year, another crackpot "the villain wants a spark" theory.
It's a very plausible theory in this case, though :P.
In 'Godsend' (the book), they establish that Erebos tries to get whatever souls he thinks he can sneak past Heliod's notice. We know that although he is 'content' with his role as keeper of the dead, he 'idly envies' the world of the living. Having the soul of a planeswalker in his possession? That'd be quite the prize, indeed.
However, Elspeth is one of my favourite planeswalkers, so I hope she doesn't die. D:
Holy ****. Chills, chills, chills. More subtle than the last trailer, but every bit as well made. These could all be movie trailers--great visuals, great voice acting.
And the music.
I really want Elspeth to die, actually--it would punctuate the story well. I like to see the good guys win, but always at a price. The death of a character we care about, when done well, is a powerful way to leave an enduring stamp on a story. Besides, Planeswalkers need to die more often (how many are there now?), and Elspeth is probably the only one whose death would achieve the proper emotional impact.
I'm intrigued that Erebos seems to be taking on a more significant story role than before. I'm glad--along with Xenagos, he's probably the most well-developed and nuanced deity. This trailer portrayed him to blood-chilling perfection: a patient god, calm and inescapable, who has all the time in the world to collect what is due to him. He is not merely a god of death, but of inevitability, and his voice carries a matter-of-fact certainty that not even Elspeth can run from him.
Holy ****. Chills, chills, chills. More subtle than the last trailer, but every bit as well made. These could all be movie trailers--great visuals, great voice acting.
And the music.
I really want Elspeth to die, actually--it would punctuate the story well. I like to see the good guys win, but always at a price. The death of a character we care about, when done well, is a powerful way to leave an enduring stamp on a story. Besides, Planeswalkers need to die more often (how many are there now?), and Elspeth is probably the only one whose death would achieve the proper emotional impact.
I'm intrigued that Erebos seems to be taking on a more significant story role than before. I'm glad--along with Xenagos, he's probably the most well-developed and nuanced deity. This trailer portrayed him to blood-chilling perfection: a patient god, calm and inescapable, who has all the time in the world to collect what is due to him. He is not merely a god of death, but of inevitability, and his voice carries a matter-of-fact certainty that not even Elspeth can run from him.
Yes. He also is not malevolent, but more benevolent in his dealings. He accepts his role as it is, thus also making him the God of Fate. Which is why the above theory doesn't work. Erebos wouldn't want someone's spark, nor would he be a villain.
What if this is some weird cycle on Theros? Elspeth is Heliod's Champion of the Sun, but there have been countless Champions of the Suns throughout the history of Theros. Heliod chooses them one at a time, and each one has a hero's quest to save all of Theros from some impeding threat. I believe that the fate of each Champion of the Sun is to 'rise and fall'. Erebos has claimed the soul of every previous Champion of the Sun, so he is just waiting for Elspeth to beat up Xenagos, where he will abruptly show up and attempt to steal her soul. Elspeth has been chosen for Heliod's cycle, and he will sacrifice her to preserve the relative peace on Theros, and to also maintain his dominion over the plane. Elspeth will probably either planeswalk away from Theros with Ajani, or Elspeth kills Heliod and takes the spot as the White god of Theros after defeating Xenagos.
While Erebos is not 'malevolent' per se; I think he definitely wants Elspeth's soul in the underworld. What else could the meaning of "I am coming to claim my prize" be?
The whole monologue was to comfort Elspeth and have her accept her inevitable death without fear.
That was awesome and also more ominous than I was expecting.
So does this really mean someone (Elspeth or Ajani?) is going to die? Or maybe someone has to die and be reborn as part of the hero's journey? I'm actually excited to see how this turns out.
Elspeth is not going to die.
Ajani is the one who will loose his life, and Elspeth will set of for a "Journey into Nyx" to reclaim his soul and bring him back,
see cards like "Rescue from the Underworld and Worst Fear, the trailer seemed to hint at that pretty much.
She is Journeying into Nyx, for a God can only be slain in their Natural Realm.
When Xenagos' spark ignited and he left Theros to explore the multiverse, Erebos (who is presented here as a sort of arbiter of inevitability) took notice because, with Xenagos now traveling to other planes, he could no longer dictate Xenagos' fate. When Xenagos returned to Theros, Erebos provided Xenagos with the knowledge of how to ascend to Godhood, knowing that Heliod would choose Elspeth, another planeswalker who had already been to Theros before, as his champion. Erebos' true plan is to force Elspeth to enter his domain so that he could collect "his prize," aka...
Elspeth's spark!
wouldn't it be easier to trade those knowledge for Xenagos's spark, in this case?
Very nice and very sad trailer. Strange I never thought about Elspeth dying there before; failing again and running - yes, but no dying.
I've have been wanting her to die ever since she killed Koth. And don't tell me that wasn't her fault. She's a klutz, and she may be powerful, but mentally, spiritually, she's weak. She has to die. The Multiverse was bound to break her sooner or later. Maybe compassion is pleasant to the ignorance of a continual plane, but the Blind Eternities has no patience for generosity. I'm sorry. Maybe she'll be forever remembered in the halls of heroes, but Elspeth being alive is a liability to everyone around her.
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():
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I fear I won't have much time to play Magic these days.
I get to watch worlds develop around me.
I get to watch great leaders, terrible oppressors, and trend setters rise and fall.
Limited, Standard, Modern, everything is a different playing field I feel I can observe, but will not actually touch.
I look forward to the stories I will hear.
And more so to the ones I will watch unfold first hand.
Isn't the unknown exciting?
May as well write a transcript since no one else has yet
-----
When does a hero's journey begin?
The moment you step outside the safety of your home?
Or when you realise the fight has just begun?
Is it when you comprehend how small you are compared to the vastness of what threatens to destroy you?
When did you learn that the journey isn't a lonely road,
and you didn't have to face the darkness alone?
Lesser souls lose heart, and lay down their swords.
But a champion risks everything for the greater good.
Take comfort in this: true heroes never die. (Or do they)
The sun rises. The sun sets. But we all have to cross the river some day.
Even her. (Elspeth)
Resign yourself to your glorious fate.
I am coming to claim my prize.
Okay, should we be assuming that Elspeth's soul is "the prize"? Let's say Elspeth dies - Erebos probably gets a non-Theran soul (sparked, no less,) out of the deal. Why care? She's Heliod's Champion, so it's not like the pantheon won't notice - in fact, Heliod has probably cut a deal about "immortalizing" his Champions in constellations or whatnot. Even if he gets to keep her, it's just one more soul - and we know that Therans can be born with a spark, so it's not like he doesn't have countless other planeswalkers in his collection.
On the other hand... let's say Xenagos dies (which is kind of everybody's intent right now.) It's an assumption to say that the other deities don't have souls, but it's consistent with the rest of the faith-based constructs in the MTG multiverse (angels, illusions, etc.) Xenagos, on the other hand, is confirmed to have retained his spark post-ascension. He is a god with a soul! This is something new and, for some inexplicable reason, all the other gods want to kill him and be rid of him - they *want* to give his planeswalking-godsoul to Erebos!
What I'm seeing here is a very long con, and the end-game will probably involve what happened to the last RG deity. My guess is that that deity still exists, somehow imprisoned by Erebos. As faith for the god disappeared, his or her power diminished, creating a vacancy in the pantheon. Then after a long process of subtly manipulating events to incite a mortal to ascend and seeding hostility among the other gods for the "upstart", Erebos can sit back and sip on his mimosa while the rest of Theros and Nyx rush to give him *exactly* what he wants. At the end he can reluctantly agree to take custody of the soul so long as everyone remembers what a favor he's doing for them. Profit!
Of course, if that were the case Elspeth would foil the entire plan and release the original RG god (by journeying into Nyx,) Xenagos would be unthroned and escape into the multiverse seething, and Erebos will be chastened. At the end of the day everyone will just shrug because no-one else wants his job and it's his role as the black-mana god to do stuff like this every now and then.
Or it could be something else entirely, like all the gods having started off as planeswalkers (Kruphix is Urza's head, calling it now!)
Okay, should we be assuming that Elspeth's soul is "the prize"? Let's say Elspeth dies - Erebos probably gets a non-Theran soul (sparked, no less,) out of the deal. Why care? She's Heliod's Champion, so it's not like the pantheon won't notice - in fact, Heliod has probably cut a deal about "immortalizing" his Champions in constellations or whatnot. Even if he gets to keep her, it's just one more soul - and we know that Therans can be born with a spark, so it's not like he doesn't have countless other planeswalkers in his collection.
On the other hand... let's say Xenagos dies (which is kind of everybody's intent right now.) It's an assumption to say that the other deities don't have souls, but it's consistent with the rest of the faith-based constructs in the MTG multiverse (angels, illusions, etc.) Xenagos, on the other hand, is confirmed to have retained his spark post-ascension. He is a god with a soul! This is something new and, for some inexplicable reason, all the other gods want to kill him and be rid of him - they *want* to give his planeswalking-godsoul to Erebos!
What I'm seeing here is a very long con, and the end-game will probably involve what happened to the last RG deity. My guess is that that deity still exists, somehow imprisoned by Erebos. As faith for the god disappeared, his or her power diminished, creating a vacancy in the pantheon. Then after a long process of subtly manipulating events to incite a mortal to ascend and seeding hostility among the other gods for the "upstart", Erebos can sit back and sip on his mimosa while the rest of Theros and Nyx rush to give him *exactly* what he wants. At the end he can reluctantly agree to take custody of the soul so long as everyone remembers what a favor he's doing for them. Profit!
Of course, if that were the case Elspeth would foil the entire plan and release the original RG god (by journeying into Nyx,) Xenagos would be unthroned and escape into the multiverse seething, and Erebos will be chastened. At the end of the day everyone will just shrug because no-one else wants his job and it's his role as the black-mana god to do stuff like this every now and then.
Or it could be something else entirely, like all the gods having started off as planeswalkers (Kruphix is Urza's head, calling it now!)
That planeswalker thing is interesting. Maybe you need a spark to enter nyx as a mortal.
I forgot speculate on why Erebos might want an ascended spark. We've been told that some of the other deities are aware of the multiverse, but that they cannot planeswalk. If we assume that Erebos knows about other planes (and it makes sense that he would, as he's apparently removing and perusing the memories of every mortal who dies,) possessing a mortal spark might not be enough to let him reach beyond Theros. An ascended spark might be worth trying instead. Plus, it would be cool symmetry: turn a planeswalker into a god to enable a god to become a planeswalker.
I think if Elspeth dies in Nyx, she won't stay dead forever. Like others have already stated, somebody at some point will rescue her from the underworld. If she dies, I would expect a future card of hers to be "Elspeth, the Reborn." The story looks good. I look forward to seeing what the consequences of this story are.
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():
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All your base are belong to us!
RIP Batman guy. I hope somebody picks up the slack now that you are gone. Sick children need their Batman.
Holy *****, that was incredible! They've seriously stepped up their game, applause all around. I'm curious whether the flashback art of Elspeth's childhood was commissioned for the trailer, or if it will show up on a card too. I really like Swithi's theory, it fits very well with what we know of Erebos' character.
Private Mod Note
():
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Xantcha, Phyrexian Reject
Jodah, Archmage Eternal
Tovolar, Howlpack Alpha
Pivlic, Orzhov Informant
Crixizix, Master Engineer
Feather, Boros Peacekeeper
Marisi Coilbreaker
O-Kagachi
Gix, Phyrexian Praetor
Karn, Father of Machines
Yawgmoth, Father of Machines
Serra, Mother of All Angels
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
Leshrac the Nightwalker
Jeska, the Thrice-Touched
Elspeth Returned
Crucius the Mad
Taysir the Infinite
Urza's Head (Unglued!)
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Love Elspeth... & Story seems awesome.
EDH/Commander: Karn silver golem (foiled), Narset combo, Maelstrom Wanderer random goodies, Nekusar grixis draw stuff, freyalise, Gissa Zombies!, marchesa obliterate,
Prosh just wins!,
--- Will WOTC just visit Cybertron already! ----
Melira Pod - Modern
It's a very plausible theory in this case, though :P.
In 'Godsend' (the book), they establish that Erebos tries to get whatever souls he thinks he can sneak past Heliod's notice. We know that although he is 'content' with his role as keeper of the dead, he 'idly envies' the world of the living. Having the soul of a planeswalker in his possession? That'd be quite the prize, indeed.
However, Elspeth is one of my favourite planeswalkers, so I hope she doesn't die. D:
And the music.
I really want Elspeth to die, actually--it would punctuate the story well. I like to see the good guys win, but always at a price. The death of a character we care about, when done well, is a powerful way to leave an enduring stamp on a story. Besides, Planeswalkers need to die more often (how many are there now?), and Elspeth is probably the only one whose death would achieve the proper emotional impact.
I'm intrigued that Erebos seems to be taking on a more significant story role than before. I'm glad--along with Xenagos, he's probably the most well-developed and nuanced deity. This trailer portrayed him to blood-chilling perfection: a patient god, calm and inescapable, who has all the time in the world to collect what is due to him. He is not merely a god of death, but of inevitability, and his voice carries a matter-of-fact certainty that not even Elspeth can run from him.
Yes. He also is not malevolent, but more benevolent in his dealings. He accepts his role as it is, thus also making him the God of Fate. Which is why the above theory doesn't work. Erebos wouldn't want someone's spark, nor would he be a villain.
Many thanks to DNC at Heroes of the Plane Studios
The whole monologue was to comfort Elspeth and have her accept her inevitable death without fear.
So does this really mean someone (Elspeth or Ajani?) is going to die? Or maybe someone has to die and be reborn as part of the hero's journey? I'm actually excited to see how this turns out.
A comic about the world's most addictive game, Magic: The Gathering.
She is Journeying into Nyx, for a God can only be slain in their Natural Realm.
Many thanks to DNC at Heroes of the Plane Studios
I've have been wanting her to die ever since she killed Koth. And don't tell me that wasn't her fault. She's a klutz, and she may be powerful, but mentally, spiritually, she's weak. She has to die. The Multiverse was bound to break her sooner or later. Maybe compassion is pleasant to the ignorance of a continual plane, but the Blind Eternities has no patience for generosity. I'm sorry. Maybe she'll be forever remembered in the halls of heroes, but Elspeth being alive is a liability to everyone around her.
I get to watch great leaders, terrible oppressors, and trend setters rise and fall.
Limited, Standard, Modern, everything is a different playing field I feel I can observe, but will not actually touch.
I look forward to the stories I will hear.
And more so to the ones I will watch unfold first hand.
Isn't the unknown exciting?
-----
When does a hero's journey begin?
The moment you step outside the safety of your home?
Or when you realise the fight has just begun?
Is it when you comprehend how small you are compared to the vastness of what threatens to destroy you?
When did you learn that the journey isn't a lonely road,
and you didn't have to face the darkness alone?
Lesser souls lose heart, and lay down their swords.
But a champion risks everything for the greater good.
Take comfort in this: true heroes never die. (Or do they)
The sun rises. The sun sets. But we all have to cross the river some day.
Even her. (Elspeth)
Resign yourself to your glorious fate.
I am coming to claim my prize.
Okay, should we be assuming that Elspeth's soul is "the prize"? Let's say Elspeth dies - Erebos probably gets a non-Theran soul (sparked, no less,) out of the deal. Why care? She's Heliod's Champion, so it's not like the pantheon won't notice - in fact, Heliod has probably cut a deal about "immortalizing" his Champions in constellations or whatnot. Even if he gets to keep her, it's just one more soul - and we know that Therans can be born with a spark, so it's not like he doesn't have countless other planeswalkers in his collection.
On the other hand... let's say Xenagos dies (which is kind of everybody's intent right now.) It's an assumption to say that the other deities don't have souls, but it's consistent with the rest of the faith-based constructs in the MTG multiverse (angels, illusions, etc.) Xenagos, on the other hand, is confirmed to have retained his spark post-ascension. He is a god with a soul! This is something new and, for some inexplicable reason, all the other gods want to kill him and be rid of him - they *want* to give his planeswalking-godsoul to Erebos!
What I'm seeing here is a very long con, and the end-game will probably involve what happened to the last RG deity. My guess is that that deity still exists, somehow imprisoned by Erebos. As faith for the god disappeared, his or her power diminished, creating a vacancy in the pantheon. Then after a long process of subtly manipulating events to incite a mortal to ascend and seeding hostility among the other gods for the "upstart", Erebos can sit back and sip on his mimosa while the rest of Theros and Nyx rush to give him *exactly* what he wants. At the end he can reluctantly agree to take custody of the soul so long as everyone remembers what a favor he's doing for them. Profit!
Of course, if that were the case Elspeth would foil the entire plan and release the original RG god (by journeying into Nyx,) Xenagos would be unthroned and escape into the multiverse seething, and Erebos will be chastened. At the end of the day everyone will just shrug because no-one else wants his job and it's his role as the black-mana god to do stuff like this every now and then.
Or it could be something else entirely, like all the gods having started off as planeswalkers (Kruphix is Urza's head, calling it now!)
That planeswalker thing is interesting. Maybe you need a spark to enter nyx as a mortal.
I forgot speculate on why Erebos might want an ascended spark. We've been told that some of the other deities are aware of the multiverse, but that they cannot planeswalk. If we assume that Erebos knows about other planes (and it makes sense that he would, as he's apparently removing and perusing the memories of every mortal who dies,) possessing a mortal spark might not be enough to let him reach beyond Theros. An ascended spark might be worth trying instead. Plus, it would be cool symmetry: turn a planeswalker into a god to enable a god to become a planeswalker.
RIP Batman guy. I hope somebody picks up the slack now that you are gone. Sick children need their Batman.
Xantcha, Phyrexian Reject
Jodah, Archmage Eternal
Tovolar, Howlpack Alpha
Pivlic, Orzhov Informant
Crixizix, Master Engineer
Feather, Boros Peacekeeper
Marisi Coilbreaker
O-Kagachi
Gix, Phyrexian Praetor
Karn, Father of Machines
Yawgmoth, Father of Machines
Serra, Mother of All Angels
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
Leshrac the Nightwalker
Jeska, the Thrice-Touched
Elspeth Returned
Crucius the Mad
Taysir the Infinite
Urza's Head (Unglued!)