Are Slivers Phyrexian?
Magic: The Gathering’s rich lore has given rise to a multitude of fascinating characters, planes, and mythologies. Among the many, Slivers, small, insectoid creatures that exhibit a hive-mind, have captured the hearts of many players. Another entity that has made significant impact is Phyrexia, a plane shrouded in darkness and darkness, ruled by the iconic and feared Yawgmoth. The question is: are Slivers, these curious creatures, tied to Phyrexia? In this article, we’ll delve into the history and connections between Slivers and Phyrexia.
The Origins of Slivers
Slivers were created on an unknown plane where they were the dominant species. According to Magic: The Gathering lore, Harmon Levin, a researcher and a member of the Riptide Project, captured Slivers and took them to the plane of Rath, where they became servants to the Evincar Volrath. Volrath saw potential in the Slivers and employed them as his personal troops, furthering his goals to dominate the plane. Thus, the Slivers began their existence as minions under Volrath’s rule.
Phyrexia and the Connection to Slivers
Phyrexia, a plane steeped in darkness, came into being when Yawgmoth, the founder of Phyrexia, was consumed by the horrors of his own creations and his desire for immortality. The Phyrexian world was born, governed by Yawgmoth’s insidious power and influenced by his own corruptive forces. Herein lies the connection between Phyrexia and Slivers.
Slivers Are Already Phyrexian
The first answer to our question lies in the cards. The text on many Sliver cards explicitly states, "Slivers are Phyrexians in addition to their other creature types." [1] Furthermore, [2] in an article, Slivers are described as already Phyrexian by their nature. This straightforward information from the Magic community reinforces the notion that Slivers have a connection to Phyrexia.
Rath and the Spread of Phyrexian Influence
When the Phyrexians invaded Rath, they had already developed a rapport with the Slivers, leveraging them as their pawns in the struggle against their foes. [3] The Phyrexian invasion brought about the degradation of the plane, plunging Rath into darkness. In this context, Slivers were already exposed to the corrupting influence of Phyrexia, absorbing the darkness and its tendrils. This process enabled Slivers to thrive and expand, spreading Phyrexian influence across the planes.
The Spread of Phyrexian Tainted
Phyrexia’s corruptive forces and its agents, like Harmonic Sliver ([4]), continued to spread the disease, tainting planes like Rath, infecting innocent worlds, and further encroaching on the light of the multiverse. As the Slivers assimilated with Phyrexia’s darkness, they acquired certain characteristics, making them integral to the Phyrexian scheme.
Risks and Consequences of Phyrexian Infiltration
The implications of Slivers being Phyrexian are far-reaching, and their connection poses numerous risks. [5] Slivers can contaminate other planes and influence other creatures, insidiously spreading the cancer of Phyrexia, while Yawgmoth and his followers, aware of this connection, [6], exploited Slivers to further their sinister agenda.
Are Slivers Phyrexian?
In conclusion, based on the historical development of Slivers, the texts on their cards, and the lore of Phyrexia, slivers are indeed Phyrexian. This intricate relationship has far-reaching implications for the multiverse and highlights the dangers of Slivers’ influence spreading further, corrupting innocent planes. Magic players and enthusiasts would do well to remain aware of these connections, monitoring the unfolding narrative of Magic’s lore.
Appendix
- [1] Magic: The Gathering official cards
- [2] Article on Gatherer (Wizards.com)
- [3] Storyline on MTGNexus
- [4] Harmonic Sliver, Time Spiral ( Gatherer, Wizards.com )
- [5] Takedown request on Vintage is the New Old (mtgnexus.com)
- [6] Article on Magic: The Gathering’s Phyrexia lore