The Invasion of Phyrexia: How It Reached Dominaria
Phyrexia, a plane created by the ingenious and ruthless planeswalker Yawgmoth, has long been a source of terror and destruction throughout the Multiverse. Its dark and twisted inhabitants have brought ruin to countless worlds, corrupting and enslaving countless populations. But how did Phyrexia originally reach Dominaria, the plane which would become its primary target for devastation?
The Birth of Phyrexia
Phyrexia was born when Yawgmoth, in his quest for immortality and unparalleled power, created an artificial plane with the help of the ancient beings known as the Thran. The original Phyrexians, a group of unfortunate individuals afflicted with the disease called Phthisis, were "cured" by Yawgmoth and transformed into abominations serving his twisted will. [1]
Dyfed’s Portal
However, it is not until the arrival of the planeswalker Dyfed that Phyrexia established a permanent connection to the Multiverse, and specifically, Dominaria. Dyfed, a member of the Urzas’ cabal, open a portal between Phyrexia and Dominaria, creating a pathway for Phyrexian forces to march onto the plane. This decisive act set the stage for the Phyrexian invasion of Dominaria, which would begin in earnest.
The First Striking Force
The first attacking force, led by Tsabo Tavoc, consisted of elite Phyrexian soldiers, including legions of New Phyrexian soldiers, titan-thrull and flesh-metal men. These twisted warriors were supported by Phyrexian fortresses and siege engines, rendering them nearly unstoppable on the battlefield.
| Phyrexian Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Titan-Thrulls | Powerful, massive thrulls created through Phyrexian technology |
| Flesh-Metal Men | humanoid constructs made from the flesh of captives and infused with metal |
| New Phyrexian Soldiers | Elite warrior-caste bred for their strength, cunning, and tactical prowess |
Phyrexia’s March Across Dominaria
Unopposed by a unified counterforce, the Phyrexian assault ravaged the surface of Dominaria. Cities were besieged and taken, populations enslaved or slaughtered. The Phyrexian army systematically dismantled the magical infrastructure and destroyed the fundamental forces that supported the plane’s native life and magic.
Key Events of the Invasion
- Benalia’s Fall: The Phyrexian horde overruns the city, enslaving its inhabitants and bringing ruin to the region.
- Scars of Mirrodin: The Phyrexian presence is sensed on Dominaria, marking the start of the invasion.
- Unification of the Cabal: The planeswalkers, including Venser, Koth, and Niv-Mizzet, realize the gravity of the situation and work together to counter the Phyrexian menace.
Conclusion
The invasion of Phyrexia on Dominaria marked the beginning of a darker era for the plane, one in which native life and magic would be mercilessly suppressed. Phyrexian forces would go on to decimate entire nations, enslave vast populations, and reshape the plane in their own twisted image. The Phyrexians’ relentless campaign would pose a constant threat to the stability and freedom of Dominaria, as we will explore in further articles. For now, the curtain has risen on a tale of unrelenting horror and destruction.
[1] MtG Fandom: Phyrexian History