Karn created his own metallic world on a whim and essentially kidnapped sapient races from other worlds to it to inhabit it.
Karn did not kidnap sapient races to inhabit his world. That was Memnarch, he built the soul traps in hopes of fishing up an unsparked mortal so he could take it and join his creator. Karn's world only had one inhabitant besides himself, the blinkmoth, what/who/how they are is largely unknown.
I wonder if there are any un-infected Blinkmoths left at this point, or if they've all been converted to Inkmoths.
1. It took several minutes between Jace's telepathic message to the crew and Vraska to call Tezzeret to get the Immortal Sun. But the floor (ie, the Immortal Sun) "gave way" almost immediately after Breeches and Malcom heard it. Just a bad time shift in writing, or something else?
2. Where did Jace go after he wiped Vraska's memories? He couldn't Planeswalk away. Did he just run outside? And what's the significance of Vraska hearing rain?
3. Look in the image of Mastermind's Acquisition. That is a very nasty looking spiky world on the other side of that portal. LIke, New Phyrexia maybe? Exactly where did Tezzeret take the Immortal Sun?
4. Ultimately, it looks like we're heading for Invasion 2.0, this time on Ravnica. It took them three years to set the stage for the Invasion Cycle (Tempest, Urza, Masques, and finally Invasion itself). Are we going to get that slow burn again? Or is it Dominaria, maybe another set, and Invasion of Ravnica a go-go? Kinda hoping for the former. And that we don't have anything resembling Prophecy along the way.
4. Ultimately, it looks like we're heading for Invasion 2.0, this time on Ravnica. It took them three years to set the stage for the Invasion Cycle (Tempest, Urza, Masques, and finally Invasion itself). Are we going to get that slow burn again? Or is it Dominaria, maybe another set, and Invasion of Ravnica a go-go? Kinda hoping for the former. And that we don't have anything resembling Prophecy along the way.
Except this run's version of the Legacy seems to be in the hands of the bad guys this time: The Eternal Army, the Immortal Sun and The Planar Bridge.
I wonder if the stories lately were written by two different people, or at least two different editors, for first half and second half. Parts involving Jace/Vraska were clearly superior mood wise.
I mean, how did that human lawmage snuck up eavesdropping on TWO gods? And it is very odd that for a PW as secretive as Ugin he would arrive in broad daylight in front of so many people. Illusion/memory is Ugin's field, and he didn't think about covering up his own presence? That's no less stupid compare to Azor and his statues.
Base on the new story, I think Azor's ultimate desire is "companionship". In the story, narrator described how Ugin calling Azor "my friend" makes the kitty happier than all the catnips and his other past works. A lawful society, by definition, is very much a tightly formed companionship amongst many, many people, and while Azor doesn't walk with them he wants to be recognized, the same way his people embraces each other. Perhaps because of his godhood (or cat-hood) he was unable to find an equal until Ugin, and therefore all the more hurt when his "friend" didn't answer the call. Call Me Maybe?
It is also suspicious that Ugin perhaps used his magic to decipher what Azor wants (as if not obvious enough already) therefore keep calling him 'friend' and what not, give him the attention. Sacrificing one's spark is a big deal, the thing Azor did for Ugin... only to be left alone, it sux. Unless Ugin intends to find Azor (or make use of him), it seems that the law-kitty is going to suffer a very lonely death.
The only solace I got out of this tragedy is knowing that Azor behaves and think like an Earth cat. Gonna go pat mine.
P.S.: I don't think Bolas's plane is to conquer Ravnica or merely imprisoning PWs, there's probably something hidden in Ravnica's past yet to unveil. While Jace and Vraska agree on dating is very sweet, it might end bitterly.
P.S.2: Ugin actually had an upper hand against Bolas till Yasova interfered, how much the history would've been unwritten...
4. Ultimately, it looks like we're heading for Invasion 2.0, this time on Ravnica. It took them three years to set the stage for the Invasion Cycle (Tempest, Urza, Masques, and finally Invasion itself). Are we going to get that slow burn again? Or is it Dominaria, maybe another set, and Invasion of Ravnica a go-go? Kinda hoping for the former. And that we don't have anything resembling Prophecy along the way.
Except this run's version of the Legacy seems to be in the hands of the bad guys this time: The Eternal Army, the Immortal Sun and The Planar Bridge.
I didn't mean it'd be a copy, or even that it's a bad thing. Obviously there's a huge diff between Bolas going after Ravnica and Yawgmoth going after Dominaria. Bolas is far more vulnerable than the Ineffeable... but the defenders are going to be much less prepared.
What if Bolas doesn't really want the Immortal Sun somewhere specific, but rather OFF of Ixalan. It could be he just wants to kill Azor, but knew he couldn't get to him as long as the Sun would prevent him from leaving? I mean, having a massive artifact that turns any plane you want into a prison is a nice bonus, but this could just be a nice little game of kill the kitty. In which case, Jace and Vraska just giftwrapped that for him.
P.S.: I don't think Bolas's plane is to conquer Ravnica or merely imprisoning PWs, there's probably something hidden in Ravnica's past yet to unveil. While Jace and Vraska agree on dating is very sweet, it might end bitterly.
Vraska did mention that law magic is actually a natural trait of the plane, much like the Curse of Wandering is for Amonkhet.
I reckon that she wouldn't bring that up if it wasn't going to be relevant, especially since Bolas tends to co-opt natural aspects of the planes he conquers for his own ends.
2. My guess is that an invasion of Ravnica is only the end of Phase 1. On a related note, does anyone else think that conquering Ravnica with an army of Eternals is entirely unreasonable? We don't know the size of either the Eternal army or Ravnica's population, but I can't imagine the Eternal army numbers anything more than a few tens of thousands, while Ravnica very likely has a population in the millions or even billions (depending upon the size). The Boros Legion alone could conceivably have more members than Bolas's Eternal Army.
There has been some confusion on who was made into an eternal;
1) Anyone who passed the trial of ambition not just the winners of the trial of zeal.
2) All the Viziers.
3) Many follows of Bontu would try to sneak into the trial of zeal and would gain a "worthy death" and be allowed based the gates of the afterlife.
4) Many beast or creatures Bolas or his servants found powerful enough (such as cats and demons).
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
So, something they've clearly been setting up for years is growing infighting inside the guilds. As far back as Family Values (or earlier?), we've gotten bits and pieces of stories about in-guild conflicts:
-Teysa plotting against the Ghost Dads.
-Vraska and Mazirek's coup against Jarad.
-Ral working for Bolas behind Niv-Mizzet's back.
-Feather getting stuck in a bubble and Aurelia taking over.
I can't imagine all of these doesn't add up. Seems like a fair assumption that they're dissolving the guilds when Bolas nullifies the Guildpact and we get all-out war.
The scenes shifted faster now, barely even an image forming before being replaced. A fizzling torch (Gruul?). A broken clock with a clean face. A mummified head facing backward atop a mummified body. A split tree, its sap oozing into the ground (Selesnya?). A shattered shield, its shiny metallic pieces torn and scattered.
This is IMO the defeat of the Gatewatch. Chandra doused. Jace, memory erased (clean face) and mind (clock) broken. Liliana. Nissa. Gideon.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
100% Vorthos Spike and Storyline Expert
Former Fact Prospector of the Greek Alliance.
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
The scenes shifted faster now, barely even an image forming before being replaced. A fizzling torch (Gruul?). A broken clock with a clean face. A mummified head facing backward atop a mummified body. A split tree, its sap oozing into the ground (Selesnya?). A shattered shield, its shiny metallic pieces torn and scattered.
This is IMO the defeat of the Gatewatch. Chandra doused. Jace, memory erased (clean face) and mind (clock) broken. Liliana. Nissa. Gideon.
Good catch - I was confused about that one, but now that you pointed it out, it makes sense. I assume the mummified head and body represent Liliana's defeat?
Should someone make a new thread just to discuss Nissa's visions from that story? I think we have enough of the larger picture to make some educated guesses now.
Re: Ravnica - if it turns out that Aurelia's coup of the Boros Legion was due to Bolas's manipulations, and Feather returns as one of the heroes of the Return to Return to Ravnica, I will be over the moon.
Hell, if we go all the way back to the RtR storylines, I remember a lot of discussions about conflicts between factions within the Guilds and between the Guilds and the Guildless, and stories seeming to set up that both those conflicts. (For example, I recall discussions about "In Praise of the Worldsoul" (https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/uncharted-realms/praise-worldsoul-part-2-2012-10-01) and people wondering if Cecilee was set up to be killed by a rival jealous of her or something...) At the time, I assumed it was merely establishing the chaos that existed without the Guildpact being in effect and the necessity of a new Guildpact. But maybe, just maybe, all the inter- or intra-Guild civil struggles we have seen (Boros, Golgori, etc.) have been fanned by Bolas to weaken them or put his puppets into power, just in time for his invasion?
[...]
In "The Hand That Moves" from Amonkhet
[...]
That passage sounds suspiciously like the Immortal Sun being used to destroy the Guildpact. Which makes some sense - since the Immortal Sun contains Azor's spark, can it be used to undo Azor's other creations?
That's an important catch, given what we now know. It makes sense that if Nicol Bolas wants to dominate Ravnica, he'll have to destroy the Guildpact. I doubt that dominating a single plane, albeit an important one, is the end of Bolas' plans though. My understanding is that early drafts of the RtR storyline had Ravnica become the new centre of the Multiverse. As others have speculated, what if they were saving that story beat for later? Ruling the literal centre of everything? Now that's a goal worthy of Nicol Bolas.
On a meta level, Wizards clearly wants to pass the torch of Magic's main plane from Dominaria to Ravnica. If Bolas destroys the Guildpact, then Ravnica becomes the perfect blank lore-canvas. They get to keep the diverse, developed, (and popular) urban setting, but they rid themselves of the restrictions that every character and story needs a basis in the guild system. They also get to have the climax of their current story happen on a plane that both recent and long-enfranchised players care about, and where their flagship characters are based. It's marketing genius, and it makes me frankly excited for the future of the story.
While I would be a little disappointed with such a transition, it does make sense from a marketing perspective.
I think we ought consider the possibility that Dominaria may become the new Equilor- an ancient place whose importance is now peripheral to main plot lines, with Ravnica becoming The New Wheel or Nexus of the Multiverse.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Wizards. listen. The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
This story answered many of my concerns about the last one. It filled in some of the glaring inconsistencies from the last story. Specifically, its revelation that Ravnica's guild system is an inherent feature supported by native heiromamcy rather than a system that happened to be in place when Azor showed up. This explains why the Guildpact was so convoluted and why he needed to involve the other Paruns, as he wouldn't have been able to overcome the magic of the plane otherwise. Interestingly, this both largely absolves him of any responsibility for the excesses of the guilds while simultaneously eliminating the idea that he had some sort of democratic ideals behind his meddling (that he wanted to involve the residents of the planes in his fixes and not merely dictate to them), which would have painted him in a more favorable light.
Interestingly as well, while Jace thought that Azors motives were noble but his methods deserving of punishment, Ugin thought the opposite, that his methods were noble but his motives weren't.
Also, Azor mentions that Bolas had ruined one of his former projects, destroyed everything and made it his own. Amonkhet? The pre Bolas system there does seem rather up Azors alley, and the Gods mentioned a previous interloper who had altered, and ultimately harmed, the plane.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The Meaning of Life: "M-hmm. Well, it's nothing very special. Uh, try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations"
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Whether its blue players countering your spells, red players burning you out, or combo, if you have a problem with an aspect of Magic's gameplay, you can fix it!
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
Also, Azor mentions that Bolas had ruined one of his former projects, destroyed everything and made it his own. Amonkhet? The pre Bolas system there does seem rather up Azors alley, and the Gods mentioned a previous interloper who had altered, and ultimately harmed, the plane.
Too soon, Bolas corrupts Amonkhet during the first few days of the mending and this is set 1300 in the past.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
The scenes shifted faster now, barely even an image forming before being replaced. A fizzling torch (Gruul?). A broken clock with a clean face. A mummified head facing backward atop a mummified body. A split tree, its sap oozing into the ground (Selesnya?). A shattered shield, its shiny metallic pieces torn and scattered.
This is IMO the defeat of the Gatewatch. Chandra doused. Jace, memory erased (clean face) and mind (clock) broken. Liliana. Nissa. Gideon.
Love it. So to recap the visions in order, we've got:
Bolas remodelling Amonkhet.
The mummies mining Lazotep.
Djeru, Samut, and Nakht journeying outside the Hekma.
Jace's memory flood below Orazca.
Bolas' path of travel through the planes.
The immortal sun being used to abolish the guildpact or open/release something (presumably on Ravnica).
The defeat of the Gatewatch at Bolas' hands.
Presumably Bolas' invasion of Ravnica (including either Bolas' or, more probably, Niv Mizzet's defeat, the eternalization of some 'giants' (possibly nephilim), and the immortal sun being brought to the plane).
And then Nissa's personal revelation/resolve to 'be the hand that moves' (and also potentially foreshadowing Emrakul's eventual release from Innistrad's moon).
I'm actually a teensy bit disappointed that we seem to have already accounted for all of Nissa's visions.
Why would Jace decide to ask for Niv Mizzet's help instead of Ugin's? He knows for a fact that Ugin knows about Bolas and wants to kill him, while Niv could be either completely in the dark about Bolas or be working for Bolas already thanks to the Ral Zarek connection. Plus Ugin presumably has his own plans and planeswalker minions that would be more helpful to combat Bolas. This seems like something that should have been addressed - at the very least, they could have said that Jace thought of Ugin but decided he couldn't trust him due to the manipulation. Regardless, it's clear that while they're setting up for Bolas on Ravnica, they've consciously decided to keep Ugin mostly or entirely out of the picture. Since there doesn't seem to be much else to do with Ugin than to set up a giant interplanar war with Bolas, I have a feeling that we're not going to see the last of Bolas on Ravnica. Obviously WotC won't completely sacrifice Ravnica because they want to continue making money, so either Bolas is driven off of Ravnica but lives to fight another day, or he conquers Ravnica successfully but leaves the guilds somewhat intact, so that eventually we can have another true Ravnica set.
I initially thought that Ravnica was going to be two sets - five for each guild - but now that seems unlikely. Players want and expect a mechanic for each guild and a large amount of attention to whatever their favorite guild is. As a result, trying to cram Bolas's invasion and the associated mechanics and themes in with all the guild stuff seems like a mistake. Instead, I think that the first two sets will happen take place before Bolas's invasion, and that each will feature five guilds with the same amount of focus on each one as we've seen in past Ravnica blocks. The stories will focus on the conflicts that have broken out in Jace's absence, as well as Gatewatch's efforts to clean up the damage and create an alliance of Ravnican leaders against Bolas. This could also include Vraska (and possibly Ral, given all the hints about how he loves Ravnica) being turned to the Gatewatch's side.
I think the third set will still have a little bit of each guild, similar to Dragon's Maze, but will also have a large focus on the Bolas invasion and the Eternals, which might include the return of Afflict. I don't think that Eternalize will return because it represents the Eternals being created, which has already happened. Cycling could also return (assuming that it doesn't return in Dominaria), which would help to smooth out mana fixing in a limited format with all 10 guilds (but the set would have significantly less multicolor than past Ravnica sets anyway, both to make room for Bolas and to not repeat the mistakes of Dragon's Maze).
It's possible that they could do it in two sets, but in that case we probably couldn't have a mechanic for every guild. Instead, they would likely choose a few mechanics and apply each one to some or all of the guilds. I would expect split cards (with or without fuse) to be in all guilds in this case, as well as some sort of multicolored matters mechanic (think radiance, but less awful). Investigate would also work nicely, since it's popular, it plays well, and it fits the flavor of several guilds quite well (Azorius, Dimir, Boros, maybe others if it's flavored as uncovering Bolas's influence before he gets there).
I also think it's worth noting that there's been a repeated failure to recruit new members since Ajani in Aether Revolt, despite what was promised by WotC at the conception of the Gatewatch. Since I assume that they weren't being completely dishonest and Ajani said that he was going to recruit allies, I think that Dominaria could feature several new Oaths. Obviously Ravnica 3 should have Oaths as well - Vraska's, obviously, but perhaps Domri or Ral. If they stall the Bolas invasion until the third set in the block (meaning the spring of 2019), it gives them more time to build up a large team of planeswalkers that should be a given for a massive Bolas confrontation.
It's also worth noting that this year's core set was originally planned to be a second set on Dominaria, and between that and the fact that the new core sets are supposedly going to be different from the old ones, I think it's safe to say that a large portion of the core set will take place on Dominaria, similar to how Shandalar was utilized in past core sets (and now that I think about it, Shandalar doesn't bring much to the table that Dominaria doesn't have already, and they probably should have started using Dominaria as the default core set setting years ago). So while Dominaria might only get three planeswalker cards (presumably Jaya, Karn, and an arbitrary Gatewatch member), we could see 3-5 more planeswalker cards for different planeswalkers in the core set. If the core set is integrated with the main story the way that Origins was, and sincerely hope that it is, that means that the planeswalkers in the core set might actually be planeswalkers who are present on Dominaria in real time, and we could even theoretically see more oaths printed in the core set.
So TL;DR:
Dominaria and the core set will both take place on Dominaria and the story will be focused on recruitment.
The fall and winter sets will be free of Bolas (except for indirect influence via planeswalker agents) and will also be focused on gaining allies to fight Bolas, including Vraska and Niv-Mizzet among others. Mechanically, they'll focus primarily on the guilds.
The third set on Ravnica will focus on Bolas's invasion with less emphasis on the guilds. It will ultimately have to result in neither Ravnica nor Bolas being completely destroyed, and will set up a future rematch against Ugin and/or the Gatewatch, though it might at least take Bolas out of the picture for a little while so that there can be a different big bad for a while.
Wasn't the Planar Bridge destroyed long ago by Chandra-Gideon's Kamikaze missile?
It's also depicted in Dark Intimations for Tezzy looking at the wreckage probably thinking oh *****
The Planar Bridge they destroyed was just the shell. Tezzeret tucked away the core component before that happened. IIRC, he integrated it into his Etherium arm so that he's now basically a walking teleporter.
Wasn't the Planar Bridge destroyed long ago by Kandra-Gideon's Kamikaze missile?
It's also depicted in Dark Intimations for Tezzy looking at the wreckage probably thinking oh *****
It's hinted in story (the way Tez's arm glows when Liliana confronts him) and outright stated in the art book, that Tez incorporated the planar bridge's core into his arm prior to its destruction.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I wonder if there are any un-infected Blinkmoths left at this point, or if they've all been converted to Inkmoths.
1. It took several minutes between Jace's telepathic message to the crew and Vraska to call Tezzeret to get the Immortal Sun. But the floor (ie, the Immortal Sun) "gave way" almost immediately after Breeches and Malcom heard it. Just a bad time shift in writing, or something else?
2. Where did Jace go after he wiped Vraska's memories? He couldn't Planeswalk away. Did he just run outside? And what's the significance of Vraska hearing rain?
3. Look in the image of Mastermind's Acquisition. That is a very nasty looking spiky world on the other side of that portal. LIke, New Phyrexia maybe? Exactly where did Tezzeret take the Immortal Sun?
4. Ultimately, it looks like we're heading for Invasion 2.0, this time on Ravnica. It took them three years to set the stage for the Invasion Cycle (Tempest, Urza, Masques, and finally Invasion itself). Are we going to get that slow burn again? Or is it Dominaria, maybe another set, and Invasion of Ravnica a go-go? Kinda hoping for the former. And that we don't have anything resembling Prophecy along the way.
Except this run's version of the Legacy seems to be in the hands of the bad guys this time: The Eternal Army, the Immortal Sun and The Planar Bridge.
2. Ran outside, made himself invisible, hid behind rubble take your pick.
3. That appears to be the edges of the planar bridge, not the world it currently is in.
4. My personal guess in we are less than a year away from Ravnica being invaded.
I mean, how did that human lawmage snuck up eavesdropping on TWO gods? And it is very odd that for a PW as secretive as Ugin he would arrive in broad daylight in front of so many people. Illusion/memory is Ugin's field, and he didn't think about covering up his own presence? That's no less stupid compare to Azor and his statues.
Base on the new story, I think Azor's ultimate desire is "companionship". In the story, narrator described how Ugin calling Azor "my friend" makes the kitty happier than all the catnips and his other past works. A lawful society, by definition, is very much a tightly formed companionship amongst many, many people, and while Azor doesn't walk with them he wants to be recognized, the same way his people embraces each other. Perhaps because of his godhood (or cat-hood) he was unable to find an equal until Ugin, and therefore all the more hurt when his "friend" didn't answer the call. Call Me Maybe?
It is also suspicious that Ugin perhaps used his magic to decipher what Azor wants (as if not obvious enough already) therefore keep calling him 'friend' and what not, give him the attention. Sacrificing one's spark is a big deal, the thing Azor did for Ugin... only to be left alone, it sux. Unless Ugin intends to find Azor (or make use of him), it seems that the law-kitty is going to suffer a very lonely death.
The only solace I got out of this tragedy is knowing that Azor behaves and think like an Earth cat. Gonna go pat mine.
P.S.: I don't think Bolas's plane is to conquer Ravnica or merely imprisoning PWs, there's probably something hidden in Ravnica's past yet to unveil. While Jace and Vraska agree on dating is very sweet, it might end bitterly.
P.S.2: Ugin actually had an upper hand against Bolas till Yasova interfered, how much the history would've been unwritten...
Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest WUR Voltron Control
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun WU Unblockable Mirror Trickery
Ra's al Ghul (Sidar Kondo) and Face-Down Ninjas
Brudiclad, Token Engineer
Vaevictis (VV2) the Dire Lantern
Rona, Disciple of Gix
Tiana the Auror
Hallar
Ulrich the Politician
Zur the Rebel
Scorpion, Locust, Scarab, Egyptian Gods
O-Kagachi, Mathas, Mairsil
"Non-Tribal" Tribal Generals, Eggs
I didn't mean it'd be a copy, or even that it's a bad thing. Obviously there's a huge diff between Bolas going after Ravnica and Yawgmoth going after Dominaria. Bolas is far more vulnerable than the Ineffeable... but the defenders are going to be much less prepared.
What if Bolas doesn't really want the Immortal Sun somewhere specific, but rather OFF of Ixalan. It could be he just wants to kill Azor, but knew he couldn't get to him as long as the Sun would prevent him from leaving? I mean, having a massive artifact that turns any plane you want into a prison is a nice bonus, but this could just be a nice little game of kill the kitty. In which case, Jace and Vraska just giftwrapped that for him.
Vraska did mention that law magic is actually a natural trait of the plane, much like the Curse of Wandering is for Amonkhet.
I reckon that she wouldn't bring that up if it wasn't going to be relevant, especially since Bolas tends to co-opt natural aspects of the planes he conquers for his own ends.
There has been some confusion on who was made into an eternal;
1) Anyone who passed the trial of ambition not just the winners of the trial of zeal.
2) All the Viziers.
3) Many follows of Bontu would try to sneak into the trial of zeal and would gain a "worthy death" and be allowed based the gates of the afterlife.
4) Many beast or creatures Bolas or his servants found powerful enough (such as cats and demons).
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
-Teysa plotting against the Ghost Dads.
-Vraska and Mazirek's coup against Jarad.
-Ral working for Bolas behind Niv-Mizzet's back.
-Feather getting stuck in a bubble and Aurelia taking over.
I can't imagine all of these doesn't add up. Seems like a fair assumption that they're dissolving the guilds when Bolas nullifies the Guildpact and we get all-out war.
what guarantee do we have that Bolas will actually keep up his end of the bargain with Vraska?
Click the pic for more info.
A little visual evidence for this:
high-res of the planar bridge
mastermind's acquisition image from the article
seems to check out that we're seeing the edges of the planar bridge
This is IMO the defeat of the Gatewatch. Chandra doused. Jace, memory erased (clean face) and mind (clock) broken. Liliana. Nissa. Gideon.
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
Art student, EDH lover and a strong believer that Delver has the best design in all of MTG.
Good catch - I was confused about that one, but now that you pointed it out, it makes sense. I assume the mummified head and body represent Liliana's defeat?
Should someone make a new thread just to discuss Nissa's visions from that story? I think we have enough of the larger picture to make some educated guesses now.
Re: Ravnica - if it turns out that Aurelia's coup of the Boros Legion was due to Bolas's manipulations, and Feather returns as one of the heroes of the Return to Return to Ravnica, I will be over the moon.
Hell, if we go all the way back to the RtR storylines, I remember a lot of discussions about conflicts between factions within the Guilds and between the Guilds and the Guildless, and stories seeming to set up that both those conflicts. (For example, I recall discussions about "In Praise of the Worldsoul" (https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/uncharted-realms/praise-worldsoul-part-2-2012-10-01) and people wondering if Cecilee was set up to be killed by a rival jealous of her or something...) At the time, I assumed it was merely establishing the chaos that existed without the Guildpact being in effect and the necessity of a new Guildpact. But maybe, just maybe, all the inter- or intra-Guild civil struggles we have seen (Boros, Golgori, etc.) have been fanned by Bolas to weaken them or put his puppets into power, just in time for his invasion?
While I would be a little disappointed with such a transition, it does make sense from a marketing perspective.
I think we ought consider the possibility that Dominaria may become the new Equilor- an ancient place whose importance is now peripheral to main plot lines, with Ravnica becoming The New Wheel or Nexus of the Multiverse.
The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
Interestingly as well, while Jace thought that Azors motives were noble but his methods deserving of punishment, Ugin thought the opposite, that his methods were noble but his motives weren't.
Also, Azor mentions that Bolas had ruined one of his former projects, destroyed everything and made it his own. Amonkhet? The pre Bolas system there does seem rather up Azors alley, and the Gods mentioned a previous interloper who had altered, and ultimately harmed, the plane.
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
Too soon, Bolas corrupts Amonkhet during the first few days of the mending and this is set 1300 in the past.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
Love it. So to recap the visions in order, we've got:
Bolas remodelling Amonkhet.
The mummies mining Lazotep.
Djeru, Samut, and Nakht journeying outside the Hekma.
Jace's memory flood below Orazca.
Bolas' path of travel through the planes.
The immortal sun being used to abolish the guildpact or open/release something (presumably on Ravnica).
The defeat of the Gatewatch at Bolas' hands.
Presumably Bolas' invasion of Ravnica (including either Bolas' or, more probably, Niv Mizzet's defeat, the eternalization of some 'giants' (possibly nephilim), and the immortal sun being brought to the plane).
And then Nissa's personal revelation/resolve to 'be the hand that moves' (and also potentially foreshadowing Emrakul's eventual release from Innistrad's moon).
I'm actually a teensy bit disappointed that we seem to have already accounted for all of Nissa's visions.
JundBGR
RW Blood MoonRW
Pauper
Delver U
Elves G
Control B
Commander
Edgar Markov BRW
Captain Sisay GW
Niv-Mizzet, Parun UR
Tymna and Ravos WB
So TL;DR:
It's also depicted in Dark Intimations for Tezzy looking at the wreckage probably thinking oh *****
The Planar Bridge they destroyed was just the shell. Tezzeret tucked away the core component before that happened. IIRC, he integrated it into his Etherium arm so that he's now basically a walking teleporter.
It's hinted in story (the way Tez's arm glows when Liliana confronts him) and outright stated in the art book, that Tez incorporated the planar bridge's core into his arm prior to its destruction.