Multiverse (Magic: The Gathering)
The Multiverse in Magic: The Gathering refers to the vast and interconnected collection of planes, each a distinct reality with its own unique laws of physics, cultures, and histories. These planes are often governed by different types of mana, influencing the magic available to its inhabitants and the creatures that evolve within it.
Structure and Scope:
The Multiverse is not a single, uniform space, but rather a collection of vastly disparate realms. Planes can range in size from small, contained pocket dimensions to seemingly infinite realities. They are often separated by the Blind Eternities, a dangerous and chaotic realm of raw mana that is difficult to traverse.
Planeswalkers:
Planeswalkers are powerful mages who possess the rare ability to travel between planes, navigating the Blind Eternities. This ability grants them access to a wider range of resources, knowledge, and allies, making them significant figures within the Multiverse.
Key Planes:
The Multiverse contains a multitude of planes, each with its own characteristics. Some of the most frequently featured planes include:
- Dominaria: A central plane with a long and turbulent history, considered the "homeworld" of much of Magic's early lore.
- Ravnica: A vast city-plane governed by ten guilds, each aligned with two colors of mana.
- Innistrad: A gothic horror plane plagued by monsters and protected by angels (though their presence is often unreliable).
- Zendikar: A plane of raw, untamed mana and powerful elemental forces known as the Eldrazi.
- Mirrodin/New Phyrexia: A metal plane originally created by the planeswalker Karn, now corrupted by the insidious Phyrexian oil.
- Theros: A plane inspired by Greek mythology, ruled by gods and filled with heroes and monsters.
- Kaladesh: A plane focused on innovation and invention, characterized by elaborate automatons and aether-infused technology.
- Amonkhet: A desert plane inspired by ancient Egypt, where inhabitants undergo rigorous trials to prepare for the afterlife.
- Eldraine: A plane inspired by Arthurian legends and fairy tales, where knights and mythical creatures coexist.
- Ikoria: A plane dominated by giant monsters and the humans who bond with them.
- Arcavios: A plane composed of five distinct colleges dedicated to the study of magic.
- Strixhaven: (See Arcavios) The name of the plane containing the magic colleges.
- New Capenna: A plane inspired by 1920s organized crime and Art Deco architecture.
- Kamigawa: A plane inspired by Japanese mythology and culture, where spirits and mortals coexist.
- Wilds of Eldraine: (See Eldraine)
- Ixalan: A plane of diverse cultures, including conquistadors, pirates, dinosaurs, and merfolk.
- Murders at Karlov Manor: Set on Ravnica, this set explores mystery and intrigue within the established guild structure.
Conflicts and Threats:
The Multiverse is frequently threatened by powerful forces seeking to conquer or destroy planes. These threats can range from individual planeswalkers with nefarious intentions to entire races, such as the Phyrexians or the Eldrazi, that seek to assimilate or consume entire realities. Planeswalkers often band together to combat these threats, forming loose alliances to protect the Multiverse.
Evolution of the Multiverse:
The Multiverse is constantly evolving, with new planes being discovered and old planes undergoing significant changes. Story events within the Magic: The Gathering storyline can have far-reaching consequences, shaping the landscape and inhabitants of entire planes and impacting the overall balance of power within the Multiverse.
Related Concepts:
- Mana: The fundamental energy that powers magic within the Multiverse.
- The Blind Eternities: The chaotic realm between planes.
- Planeswalker Spark: The inherent ability to travel between planes.
- Color Pie: The philosophical and mechanical framework that defines the five colors of mana.
- Legend Rule: A game rule related to legendary permanents that reflects the unique individuals of the multiverse.