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The '''War of the Spark''' is the culmination of the fight between [[Nicol Bolas]] and [[the Gatewatch]], that takes place on [[Ravnica]]. The event is depicted in [[War of the Spark|the 2019 set with the same name]], and fully described in [[War of the Spark: Ravnica|the novel]].
The '''War of the Spark''' is the culmination of the fight between [[Nicol Bolas]] and [[the Gatewatch]], that takes place on [[Ravnica]]. The event is depicted in [[War of the Spark|the 2019 set with the same name]], and fully described in [[War of the Spark: Ravnica|the novel]].


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== Events ==
== Events ==
The following events occur during the War of the Spark.
The following events occur during the War of the Spark.
[[File:War of the Spark art.jpg|thumb|619x619px]]


=== Prelude ===
=== Prelude ===


* Bolas conspires to overthrow the leaders of Ravnica's [[Guild|guilds]] and replace them with planeswalkers loyal to him: [[Ral Zarek]] takes over the [[Izzet League]] after Niv-Mizzet disappears, [[Kaya]] takes over the [[Orzhov Syndicate]] after killing the [[Obzedat]], [[Vraska]] takes over the [[Golgari Swarm]] after assassinating [[Jarad]], [[Domri Rade]] takes over the [[Gruul Clans]] after defeating Borborygmos in a duel, and [[Dovin Baan]] rises to a leadership position in the [[Azorius Senate]].
* Bolas conspires to overthrow the leaders of Ravnica's [[Guild|guilds]] and replace them with planeswalkers that he can influence: [[Ral Zarek]] takes over the [[Izzet League]] after Niv-Mizzet disappears, [[Kaya]] takes over the [[Orzhov Syndicate]] after killing the [[Obzedat]], [[Vraska]] takes over the [[Golgari Swarm]] after assassinating [[Jarad]], [[Domri Rade]] takes over the [[Gruul Clans]] after defeating Borborygmos in a duel, and [[Dovin Baan]] rises to a leadership position in the [[Azorius Senate]].
*Over the next few weeks, Ral, Kaya and Vraska conspire against Bolas, realizing the dragon's treacherous nature. With the help of [[Lavinia]] and the [[Cult of Rakdos|Rakdos]] emissary [[Hekara]], they hope to unite the ten guilds against him. They plan on performing a ritual to make [[Niv-Mizzet]] the new [[Living Guildpact]].
*Over the next few weeks, Ral, Kaya, and Vraska conspire against Bolas, realizing the dragon's treacherous nature. With the help of [[Lavinia]] and the [[Cult of Rakdos|Rakdos]] emissary [[Hekara]], they hope to unite the ten guilds against him. They plan on performing a ritual to make [[Niv-Mizzet]] the new [[Living Guildpact]].
*Their plan goes awry after the meeting of guild representatives, when Vraska kills [[Isperia]] in a fit of rage. The guild representatives immediately become suspicious of each other, and negotiations rapidly break down. Isperia's death allows Dovin to become the new Azorius guildmaster.
*Their plan goes awry after the [[guild summit]], when Vraska kills [[Isperia]] in a fit of rage. The guild representatives immediately become suspicious of each other, and negotiations rapidly break down. Isperia's death allows Dovin to become the new Azorius guildmaster.
*Niv-Mizzet attempts to fight Bolas without the power of the [[Guildpact]], and ends up getting killed. Hekara is murdered as well. Vraska flees to Ixalan to avoid being killed by Ral for her betrayal.
*Niv-Mizzet attempts to fight Bolas without the power of the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]], and ends up getting killed. Hekara is murdered as well. Vraska flees to Ixalan to avoid being killed by Ral for her betrayal.


=== Act 1 ===
=== Act 1 ===
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*As a backup plan, Ral activates the [[Interplanar Beacon]] to lure planeswalkers from across the multiverse to Ravnica, in the hopes that they'll assist him in defending Ravnica against Bolas.
*As a backup plan, Ral activates the [[Interplanar Beacon]] to lure planeswalkers from across the multiverse to Ravnica, in the hopes that they'll assist him in defending Ravnica against Bolas.
*The Gatewatch travels to Ravnica, intending to confront Bolas. Many other planeswalkers find themselves compelled to follow the Beacon's call, unaware of what awaits them.  
*The Gatewatch travels to Ravnica, intending to confront Bolas. Many other planeswalkers find themselves compelled to follow the Beacon's call, unaware of what awaits them.  
*Bolas activates the Immortal Sun, which traps the assembled planeswalkers on Ravnica.  
*Bolas activates the [[Immortal Sun]], which traps the assembled planeswalkers on Ravnica.  
*Bolas and Tezzeret erect <c>Bolas's Citadel</c> and the <c>God-Pharaoh's Statue</c> on the Tenth District Plaza.  
*Bolas and Tezzeret erect [[Bolas's Citadel]] and the <c>God-Pharaoh's Statue</c> on the Tenth District Plaza.  
*Tezzeret opens the [[Planar Bridge]] to [[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]], allowing [[Liliana Vess]] to lead the [[Dreadhorde]] through. Additionally, Tezzeret destroys the Chamber of the Guildpact by opening the Bridge inside it, disrupting Ravnica's [[leyline]]s and causing Jace to lose the power of the Living Guildpact.
*Tezzeret opens the [[Planar Bridge]] to [[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]], allowing [[Liliana Vess]] to lead the [[Dreadhorde]] through. Additionally, Tezzeret destroys the Embassy of the Guildpact by opening the Bridge inside it, disrupting Ravnica's [[leyline]]s and causing Jace to lose the power of the Living Guildpact.
*Bolas' Eternals invade Ravnica, indiscriminately slaughtering civilians in order to lure out planeswalkers.
*Bolas' Eternals invade Ravnica, indiscriminately slaughtering civilians in order to lure out planeswalkers.
*The [[Boros Legion]] and [[House Dimir]] declare their opposition to Bolas. Ral leads the Izzet into battle against the dragon, and convinces the [[Simic Combine]] to join him as well. Kaya appeals to the Orzhov elites. Despite their disdain for her (due to her policy of forgiving debts and raising taxes), they reluctantly agree to help her.
*The [[Boros Legion]] and [[House Dimir]] declare their opposition to Bolas. Ral leads the Izzet into battle against the dragon and convinces the [[Simic Combine]] to join him as well. Kaya appeals to the Orzhov elites. Despite their disdain for her (due to her policy of forgiving debts and raising taxes), they reluctantly agree to help her.
*Under the command of [[Aurelia]] and [[Feather]], the [[Boros Legion]] launches a counter-offensive against Bolas' forces, with the floating fortress [[Parhelion]] leading the charge. With the help of [[Gideon Jura|Gideon]], their assault is initially successful at driving back the invaders.
*Under the command of [[Aurelia]] and [[Feather]], the [[Boros Legion]] launches a counter-offensive against Bolas' forces, with the floating fortress [[Parhelion|Parhelion II]] leading the charge. With the help of [[Gideon Jura|Gideon]], their assault is initially successful at driving back the invaders.
*[[Nissa Revane|Nissa]] animates the [[Selesnya Conclave|Selesnyan]] guildhall of [[Vitu-Ghazi]], using the colossal tree to further push back the Dreadhorde. She uses the massive elemental to topple Bolas' statue, greatly boosting morale for the Ravnican forces.
*[[Nissa Revane|Nissa]] animates the [[Selesnya Conclave|Selesnyan]] guildhall of [[Vitu-Ghazi]], using the colossal tree to further push back the Dreadhorde. She uses the massive elemental to topple Bolas' statue, greatly boosting morale for the Ravnican forces.
*In response, Bolas brings his [[God|God-Eternals]] through the portal. The undead gods quickly destroy Vitu-Ghazi, tearing it to pieces. The Boros troops are forced to retreat.
*In response, Bolas brings his [[God-Eternal]]s through the portal. The undead gods quickly destroy Vitu-Ghazi, tearing it to pieces. The Boros troops are forced to retreat.
*Bolas casts the [[Elderspell]], and his Eternals begin harvesting sparks for him. Domri, despite pledging his loyalty to Bolas, is the first planeswalker to be drained of his spark and killed.
*Bolas casts the [[Elderspell]], and his Eternals begin harvesting sparks for him. Domri, despite pledging his loyalty to Bolas, is the first planeswalker to be drained of his spark and killed.


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**Ral and Izzet Chamberlain [[Maree]] are sent to disable the Interplanar Beacon to prevent even more planeswalkers from being lured to Ravnica. They succeed by draining the device's power supply.
**Ral and Izzet Chamberlain [[Maree]] are sent to disable the Interplanar Beacon to prevent even more planeswalkers from being lured to Ravnica. They succeed by draining the device's power supply.
**[[Chandra Nalaar|Chandra]], [[Saheeli Rai|Saheeli]], Lavinia and [[Lazav]] are sent to shut off the Immortal Sun, which is guarded by Dovin. Lazav disguises himself as Chandra, which allows the real Chandra to disable the Immortal Sun. Lazav defeats Dovin and leaves him blinded, forcing him to planeswalk away.
**[[Chandra Nalaar|Chandra]], [[Saheeli Rai|Saheeli]], Lavinia and [[Lazav]] are sent to shut off the Immortal Sun, which is guarded by Dovin. Lazav disguises himself as Chandra, which allows the real Chandra to disable the Immortal Sun. Lazav defeats Dovin and leaves him blinded, forcing him to planeswalk away.
**[[Karn]], [[Ob Nixilis]], [[Dack]] and [[Samut]] are sent to travel through the Planar Bridge and shut down the portal from the other side. On Amonkhet, they defeat [[Tezzeret]], causing the portal to close. Afterwards, they meet with the god [[Hazoret]], who gives them her spear to aid in the fight against Bolas. Ob Nixilis planeswalks away, but [[Sarkhan Vol|Sarkhan]] comes back to Ravnica with them.
**[[Karn]], [[Ob Nixilis]], [[Dack]] and [[Samut]] are sent to travel through the Planar Bridge and shut down the portal from the other side. On Amonkhet, they defeat [[Tezzeret]], causing the portal to close. Afterward, they meet with the god [[Hazoret]], who gives them her spear to aid in the fight against Bolas. Ob Nixilis planeswalks away, but [[Sarkhan Vol|Sarkhan]] comes back to Ravnica with them.
**Jace, [[Jaya]], [[Teferi]] and [[Vivien Reid|Vivien]] attempt to assassinate Liliana. They almost succeed, but Bolas intervenes to save her.
**Jace, [[Jaya]], [[Teferi]] and [[Vivien Reid|Vivien]] attempt to assassinate Liliana. They almost succeed, but Bolas intervenes to save her.
**[[Kaya]], [[Teyo Verada|Teyo]] and [[Araithia Shokta|Araithia]] are sent to persuade the neutral guilds (Selesnya, Gruul, Golgari and Rakdos) to join the fight against Bolas. Ral later joins them. With some help from a returned Vraska and a resurrected Hekara, they succeed. After Dovin's defeat, Lavinia is able to bring the Azorius on board as well.
**[[Kaya]], [[Teyo Verada|Teyo]] and [[Araithia Shokta|Araithia]] are sent to persuade the neutral guilds (Selesnya, Gruul, Golgari, and Rakdos) to join the fight against Bolas. Ral later joins them. With some help from a returned Vraska and a resurrected Hekara, they succeed. After Dovin's defeat, Lavinia is able to bring the Azorius on board as well.
*Many planeswalkers escape to safety as soon as the Immortal Sun is disabled, but a few stay to help the Gatewatch.
*Many planeswalkers escape to safety as soon as the Immortal Sun is disabled, but a few stay to help the Gatewatch.
*With all ten guilds united, Nissa and the assembled guild representatives perform a ritual that repairs the plane's damaged leylines and resurrects Niv-Mizzet as the new Living Guildpact.
*With all ten guilds united, Nissa and the assembled guild representatives perform a ritual that repairs the plane's damaged leylines and resurrects Niv-Mizzet as the new Living Guildpact.
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*The remaining planeswalkers, along with Ravnican military forces, launch one last attack on Bolas' Citadel. During the battle, Dack is killed by Eternals, who harvest his spark.
*The remaining planeswalkers, along with Ravnican military forces, launch one last attack on Bolas' Citadel. During the battle, Dack is killed by Eternals, who harvest his spark.
*Gideon rides a pegasus toward Bolas, but it gets shot down by the God-Eternal Oketra. Oketra is being directly controlled by Liliana, who chooses to 'miss' by hitting the pegasus instead of Gideon himself.
*Gideon rides a pegasus toward Bolas, but it gets shot down by the God-Eternal Oketra. Oketra is being directly controlled by Liliana, who chooses to 'miss' by hitting the pegasus instead of Gideon himself.
*Rakdos catches Gideon and brings him within striking distance of Bolas. The demon tries to attack Bolas himself, but is effortlessly knocked out by the godlike elder dragon, who's now almost completely invulnerable due to the hundreds of sparks he's consumed.
*Rakdos catches Gideon and brings him within striking distance of Bolas. The demon tries to attack Bolas himself but is effortlessly knocked out by the godlike elder dragon, who's now almost completely invulnerable due to the hundreds of sparks he's consumed.
*Jumping off the demon's head, Gideon strikes Bolas in the face with the Blackblade, only for it to shatter. Bolas reveals he enchanted the Blackblade thousands of years ago, preventing it from being able to harm an elder dragon again.
*Jumping off the demon's head, Gideon strikes Bolas in the face with the Blackblade, only for it to shatter. Bolas reveals he enchanted the Blackblade thousands of years ago, preventing it from being able to harm an elder dragon again.
*Liliana betrays Bolas. He cancels her demonic pact, causing her to start disintegrating. However, Gideon uses his hieromancy to transfer the contract to himself, killing him in her place.
*Liliana betrays Bolas. He cancels her demonic pact, causing her to start disintegrating. However, Gideon uses his hieromancy to transfer the contract to himself, killing him in her place.
*Liliana frees the God-Eternals Oketra and [[Bontu]], who attack Bolas of their own volition.
*Liliana frees the God-Eternals Oketra and [[Bontu]], who attack Bolas of their own volition.
*Bolas prepares to fight them, but is unexpectedly stabbed in the back by Niv-Mizzet, who impales him with Hazoret's spear. Bolas still manages to knock out Niv and obliterate Oketra, but not before Bontu bites him, harvesting all the sparks he's consumed as well as Bolas' own spark. Unable to contain the energy, she explodes.
*Bolas prepares to fight them but is unexpectedly stabbed in the back by Niv-Mizzet, who impales him with Hazoret's spear. Bolas still manages to knock out Niv and obliterate Oketra, but not before Bontu bites him, harvesting all the sparks he's consumed as well as Bolas' own spark. Unable to contain the energy, she explodes.
*[[Ugin]] arrives to bring Bolas' body to the [[Meditation Realm]] in order to prevent him from coming back to life on Ravnica. To prevent anyone from following him, Ugin has Jace create an illusion of Bolas' corpse disintegrating instead.
*[[Ugin]] arrives to bring Bolas' body to the [[Meditation Realm]] in order to prevent him from coming back to life on Ravnica. To prevent anyone from following him, Ugin has Jace create an illusion of Bolas' corpse disintegrating instead.
*The Ravnicans hold a Planewide Celebration. Kaya joins the Gatewatch.
*The Ravnicans hold a Planewide Celebration. Kaya joins the Gatewatch.
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=== Epilogue ===
=== Epilogue ===


* Months later, Bolas is reborn in the Meditation Realm, but finds himself completely powerless, unable to planeswalk or even use the simplest spells.
* Months later, Bolas is reborn in the Meditation Realm but finds himself completely powerless, unable to planeswalk or even use the simplest spells.
* Ugin explains that he worked with Niv-Mizzet and Sarkhan to orchestrate Bolas' defeat. Additionally, he has stripped away Bolas' names, preventing anyone from [[summoning]] the elder dragon.
* Ugin explains that he worked with Niv-Mizzet and Sarkhan to orchestrate Bolas' defeat. Additionally, he has stripped away Bolas' names, preventing anyone from [[summoning]] the elder dragon.
* Ugin expands himself throughout the plane, revealing that he's merged his own essence with the Meditation Realm. He's also sealed the plane off from the rest of the multiverse, preventing anyone from entering or leaving again. Both Ugin and Bolas are trapped there forever now; they can never leave. But just to be certain that Bolas will never plague the multiverse again, Ugin will keep watch over his brother until Bolas' natural death in thousands of years.
* Ugin expands himself throughout the plane, revealing that he's merged his own essence with the Meditation Realm. He's also sealed the plane off from the rest of the multiverse, preventing anyone from entering or leaving again. Both Ugin and Bolas are trapped there forever now; they can never leave. But just to be certain that Bolas will never plague the multiverse again, Ugin will keep watch over his brother until Bolas' natural death in thousands of years.
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===Planeswalkers known to be involved===
===Planeswalkers known to be involved===
There are 36 carded planeswalkers in ''[[War of the Spark]]''. These have a stained glass picture in the list above. In addition Tezzeret shows up as the [[Buy-a-Box]] promo card of the expansion.
There are 36 carded planeswalkers in ''[[War of the Spark]]''. These have a stained glass picture in the list above. In addition, Tezzeret shows up as the [[Buy-a-Box]] promo card of the expansion.


Curiously, [[Dack Fayden]] and [[Mu Yanling]] show up in the story, but aren't featured on any planeswalker cards, while [[Ashiok]] and [[Kasmina]] have their own cards despite not appearing in the novel at all. However, Kasmina was later later given a brief cameo in one of the ''War of the Spark'' side stories on [[DailyMTG.com]].<ref name="Path">{{DailyRef|magic-story/war-spark-ravnica-path-opulent-2019-05-15|War of the Spark: Ravnica – The Path to Opulent|[[Greg Weisman]]|May 15, 2019}}</ref> The book also introduces a new named planeswalker, [[Khazi]], although she is killed in her first appearance.
Curiously, [[Dack Fayden]] and [[Mu Yanling]] show up in the story, but aren't featured on any planeswalker cards, while [[Ashiok]] and [[Kasmina]] have their own cards despite not appearing in the novel at all. However, Kasmina was later given a brief cameo in one of the ''War of the Spark'' side stories on [[DailyMTG.com]].<ref name="Path">{{DailyRef|magic-story/war-spark-ravnica-path-opulent-2019-05-15|War of the Spark: Ravnica – The Path to Opulent|[[Greg Weisman]]|May 15, 2019}}</ref> The book also introduces a new named planeswalker, [[Khazi]], although she is killed in her first appearance.


{| class="wikitable sortable wrapped-table"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
|+
!<span class="explain" title="{{#replace:steined-glass art|&quot;|&quot;}}">Art</span>
!<span class="explain" title="{{#replace:steined-glass art|&quot;|&quot;}}">Art</span>
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{{cell|None}}
{{cell|None}}
|Fought the [[Dreadhorde]].<ref name="Path"/>
|Fought the [[Dreadhorde]].<ref name="Path"/>
{{cell|none|Unknown.}}
{{cell|tick|Survived, later travelled or returned to [[Strixhaven]]}}
|-
|-
|[[File:Stained-glass 05.jpg|40px]]
|[[File:Stained-glass 05.jpg|40px]]
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|[[File:Stained-glass 12.jpg|40px]]
|[[File:Stained-glass 12.jpg|40px]]
|[[The Wanderer]]
|[[The Wanderer]]
|''Unknown''
|[[Kamigawa]]
|[[Human]]
|[[Human]]
| Absorbing and channeling kinetic energy
| Absorbing and channeling kinetic energy
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|[[Kaladesh (plane)|Kaladesh]]
|[[Kaladesh (plane)|Kaladesh]]
|[[Vedalken]]
|[[Vedalken]]
| Master [[artificer]]
| Master [[artificer]] and master strategist
{{cell|cross|[[Nicol Bolas]]}}
{{cell|cross|[[Nicol Bolas]]}}
| Recently installed as guildmaster of the [[Azorius Senate]].<br>Protected the Immortal Sun.
| Recently installed as guildmaster of the [[Azorius Senate]].<br>Protected the Immortal Sun.
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{{cell|None}}
{{cell|None}}
| Stayed to help the Gatewatch against Bolas even after the Immortal Sun was disabled.
| Stayed to help the Gatewatch against Bolas even after the Immortal Sun was disabled.
{{cell|none|Unknown.}}
{{cell|none|Survived.}}
|-
|-
|[[File:Stained-glass 20.jpg|40px]]
|[[File:Stained-glass 20.jpg|40px]]
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|[[File:Stained-glass 21.jpg|40px]]
|[[File:Stained-glass 21.jpg|40px]]
|[[Jiang Yanggu]]
|[[Jiang Yanggu]]
|[[Plane of Mountains and Seas]]
|[[Shenmeng]]
|[[Human]]
|[[Human]]
| Summoning, controlling, and enhancing creatures of the forest<br>Planeswalking dog companion
| Summoning, controlling, and enhancing creatures of the forest<br>Planeswalking dog companion
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{{cell|tick|[[The Gatewatch]] (temporary ally)}}
{{cell|tick|[[The Gatewatch]] (temporary ally)}}
| Led ground troops against the [[God|God-Eternal]] [[Rhonas]].<br>Protected and rescued civilians.
| Led ground troops against the [[God|God-Eternal]] [[Rhonas]].<br>Protected and rescued civilians.
{{cell|none|Unknown.}}
{{cell|tick|Survived.}}
|-
|-
|[[File:Stained-glass 23.jpg|40px]]
|[[File:Stained-glass 23.jpg|40px]]
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|[[Tarkir]]
|[[Tarkir]]
|[[Human]]
|[[Human]]
| Martial arts
| Martial arts, counter magic
{{cell|None}}
{{cell|None}}
| Fought the [[Dreadhorde]].
| Fought the [[Dreadhorde]].
{{cell|none|Unknown.}}
{{cell|tick|Survived.}}
|-
|-
|[[File:Stained-glass 26.jpg|40px]]
|[[File:Stained-glass 26.jpg|40px]]
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|[[Gorgon]]
|[[Gorgon]]
| Petrifying gaze
| Petrifying gaze
{{cell|tick|[[The Gatewatch]] (temporary ally)<br>Formerly [[Nicol Bolas]])}}
{{cell|tick|[[The Gatewatch]] (temporary ally)<br>Formerly [[Nicol Bolas]]}}
| Recently installed as guildmaster of the [[Golgari Swarm]].<br>Enlisted help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact, and took part in the ritual to do so.
| Recently installed as guildmaster of the [[Golgari Swarm]].<br>Enlisted help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact, and took part in the ritual to do so.
{{cell|tick|Survived; present at the <c>Planewide Celebration</c>. [[Niv-Mizzet]] tasked her with capturing [[Dovin Baan]].}}
{{cell|tick|Survived; present at the <c>Planewide Celebration</c>. [[Niv-Mizzet]] tasked her with capturing [[Dovin Baan]].}}
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|[[File:Stained-glass 30.jpg|40px]]
|[[File:Stained-glass 30.jpg|40px]]
|[[Kaya]]
|[[Kaya]]
|''Unknown''
|[[Tolvada]]
|[[Human]]
|[[Human]]
| Incorporeal form, ability to damage and kill [[ghost]]s
| Incorporeal form, ability to damage and kill [[ghost]]s
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|  
|  
|[[Mu Yanling]]
|[[Mu Yanling]]
|[[Plane of Mountains and Seas]]
|[[Shenmeng]]
|[[Human]]
|[[Human]]
| Hydromancy (water magic)
| Hydromancy (water magic)
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| Protected and rescued civilians.
| Protected and rescued civilians.
{{cell|cross|Spark harvested.}}
{{cell|cross|Spark harvested.}}
|-
|
|[[Basri Ket]]<ref name="Magic 9">MacKay, Jed. (2021). ''[[Magic (BOOM! comic)|Magic]]''. Vol 1, iss 9.</ref> (non-[[List of storyline sources|canon]])
|[[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]]
|[[Human]]
|
{{cell|None}}
|
{{cell|tick|Survived.}}
|}
|}


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These unknown planeswalkers account for the vast majority of the harvested planeswalker sparks shown flying through the air (e.g. <c>The Elderspell</c>, <c>Spark Reaper</c>).<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/184066665793/in-the-war-trailer-we-see-dacks-spark-taken-and-a|title=So many sparks flying around...|April 09, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/184313304943/so-when-all-those-planeswalker-sparks-flew-out-of|title=It's just characters that didn't get cards?|April 20, 2019}}</ref> The book reveals that hundreds of planeswalkers were killed by Eternals and had their sparks harvested. Among the casualties were a lime-green [[viashino]], at least two different [[vedalken]], a tall [[elf|elven]] woman, a four-armed [[ogre]], a short male [[human]] with green hair, an old woman, and a young teenager. A female human planeswalker with a shaved head and metal-casting powers was killed by the [[God|God-Eternal]] [[Rhonas]], and a tall [[elven]] planeswalker in a long white hooded cloak was killed by the [[God|God-Eternal]] [[Kefnet]].
These unknown planeswalkers account for the vast majority of the harvested planeswalker sparks shown flying through the air (e.g. <c>The Elderspell</c>, <c>Spark Reaper</c>).<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/184066665793/in-the-war-trailer-we-see-dacks-spark-taken-and-a|title=So many sparks flying around...|April 09, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/184313304943/so-when-all-those-planeswalker-sparks-flew-out-of|title=It's just characters that didn't get cards?|April 20, 2019}}</ref> The book reveals that hundreds of planeswalkers were killed by Eternals and had their sparks harvested. Among the casualties were a lime-green [[viashino]], at least two different [[vedalken]], a tall [[elf|elven]] woman, a four-armed [[ogre]], a short male [[human]] with green hair, an old woman, and a young teenager. A female human planeswalker with a shaved head and metal-casting powers was killed by the [[God|God-Eternal]] [[Rhonas]], and a tall [[elven]] planeswalker in a long white hooded cloak was killed by the [[God|God-Eternal]] [[Kefnet]].


On the other hand, there are some known living planeswalkers that don't show up on Ravnica: [[Garruk]], [[Daretti]], and [[Koth]]. The absence of Garruk is explained to be because his hunter personality didn't fit story wise and because [[R&D]] had other plans for him.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/183859231098/is-there-a-reason-in-the-storyline-as-to-why|title=Is there a reason in the storyline as to why Garruk doesn't show up to the plane with 36 planeswalkers?|April 01, 2019}}</ref> In-universe, it was specified that Bolas didn't want Garruk killing the trapped planeswalkers before he could harvest their sparks, and took steps to prevent him from being lured to Ravnica.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/183938222303/actually-since-garruk-hunts-planeswalkers-and|title=Is there a reason in the storyline as to why Garruk doesn't show up to the plane with 36 planeswalkers?|April 04, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/odds-ends-war-spark-2019-05-13|Odds & Ends: War of the Spark|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 13, 2019}}</ref>  Koth didn't appear because he's currently trapped on [[New Phyrexia]], where he's being forced to fight in the Phyrexian Arena.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/183937966788/ive-noticed-garruk-isnt-the-only-missing|title=Why hasn't Koth made an appearance?|April 04, 2019}}</ref><ref><c>Phyrexian Arena</c></ref> No explanation has been given for Daretti's absence, although he may have been present on Ravnica "off-camera."
On the other hand, there are some known living planeswalkers that don't show up on Ravnica: [[Garruk]], [[Daretti]], and [[Koth]]. The absence of Garruk is explained to be because his hunter personality didn't fit story-wise and because [[R&D]] had other plans for him.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/183859231098/is-there-a-reason-in-the-storyline-as-to-why|title=Is there a reason in the storyline as to why Garruk doesn't show up to the plane with 36 planeswalkers?|April 01, 2019}}</ref> In-universe, it was specified that Bolas didn't want Garruk killing the trapped planeswalkers before he could harvest their sparks, and took steps to prevent him from being lured to Ravnica.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/183938222303/actually-since-garruk-hunts-planeswalkers-and|title=Is there a reason in the storyline as to why Garruk doesn't show up to the plane with 36 planeswalkers?|April 04, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/odds-ends-war-spark-2019-05-13|Odds & Ends: War of the Spark|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 13, 2019}}</ref>  Koth didn't appear because he's currently trapped on [[New Phyrexia]], where he's being forced to fight in the Phyrexian Arena.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/183937966788/ive-noticed-garruk-isnt-the-only-missing|title=Why hasn't Koth made an appearance?|April 04, 2019}}</ref><ref><c>Phyrexian Arena</c></ref> No explanation has been given for Daretti's absence, although he may have been present on Ravnica "off-camera."


Other planeswalkers who don't show up include [[Estrid]], [[Aminatou]], [[Will Kenrith]], and [[Rowan Kenrith]]. However, these characters have yet to be introduced in the ''Magic: The Gathering'' storyline, and it's unclear if they're even active when ''War of the Spark'' takes place. Since they were never tied to any particular point in the ''Magic: The Gathering'' timeline, it's possible that they died a long time ago, or that they haven't ignited yet.
Other planeswalkers who don't show up include [[Estrid]], [[Aminatou]], [[Will Kenrith]], and [[Rowan Kenrith]]. However, these characters have yet to be introduced in the ''Magic: The Gathering'' storyline, and it's unclear if they're even active when ''War of the Spark'' takes place. Since they were never tied to any particular point in the ''Magic: The Gathering'' timeline, it's possible that they died a long time ago, or that they haven't ignited yet. (This theory was confirmed in ''[[The Wildered Quest]]'', which confirms that Will and Rowan Kenrith's sparks don't ignite until the events of ''[[Throne of Eldraine]]'', set after War of the Spark.)


It has been speculated that, with his luck, the [[The Unluckiest|Unluckiest Planeswalker]] certainly would have ended up in the conflict.
The story did not include any planeswalkers from the lore who don't have their own cards, even those (such as [[Baltrice]] and [[Ramaz]]) who are known to be currently active and have ties to Bolas. However, it has been speculated that with his luck, [[the Unluckiest]] Planeswalker certainly would have ended up in the conflict.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/184335446998/did-the-unluckiest-planeswalker-participate-in-the|title=Did the unluckiest planeswalker participate in the War of the Spark?|April 21, 2019}}</ref>


===Other main participants===
===Main participants (non-planeswalkers)===
{| class="wikitable sortable wrapped-table"   
{| class="wikitable sortable"   
! Character  
! Character  
! Origin  
! Origin  
Line 522: Line 540:
| [[Ravnica]]
| [[Ravnica]]
| [[Human]] [[Mutant]]
| [[Human]] [[Mutant]]
| Selective invisiblity (involuntary, always active)
| Selective invisibility (involuntary, always active)
{{cell|tick|[[The Gatewatch]] (temporary ally)}}
{{cell|tick|[[The Gatewatch]] (temporary ally)}}
|Helped Ral, Kaya, and Vraska enlist help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact.  
|Helped Ral, Kaya, and Vraska enlist help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact.  
Line 538: Line 556:
| [[Amonkhet]]
| [[Amonkhet]]
| [[Eternalize]]d [[God]]
| [[Eternalize]]d [[God]]
| Invulnerability<br>[[The Elderspell|Spark harvesting]]
| Invulnerability<br>[[Elderspell|Spark harvesting]]
{{cell|cross|[[Nicol Bolas]]}}
{{cell|cross|[[Nicol Bolas]]}}
|Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.<br>Destroyed Vitu-Ghazi.<br>Led an army of [[Eternal]]s against the assembled Ravnicans and planeswalkers.
|Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.<br>Destroyed Vitu-Ghazi.<br>Led an army of [[Eternal]]s against the assembled Ravnicans and planeswalkers.
Line 546: Line 564:
| [[Amonkhet]]
| [[Amonkhet]]
| [[Eternalize]]d [[God]]
| [[Eternalize]]d [[God]]
| Invulnerability<br>[[The Elderspell|Spark harvesting]]
| Invulnerability<br>[[Elderspell|Spark harvesting]]
{{cell|cross|[[Nicol Bolas]]}}
{{cell|cross|[[Nicol Bolas]]}}
|Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.<br>Attacked Nissa and the guildmasters while they were performing the ritual to restore the Guildpact.
|Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.<br>Attacked Nissa and the guildmasters while they were performing the ritual to restore the Guildpact.
{{cell|cross|Incinerated by the newly-resurrected Niv Mizzet.}}
{{cell|cross|Incinerated by the newly-resurrected Niv-Mizzet.}}
|-
|-
| [[Oketra]]
| [[Oketra]]
| [[Amonkhet]]
| [[Amonkhet]]
| [[Eternalize]]d [[God]]
| [[Eternalize]]d [[God]]
| Invulnerability<br>[[The Elderspell|Spark harvesting]]
| Invulnerability<br>[[Elderspell|Spark harvesting]]
{{cell|None<br>Formerly [[Nicol Bolas]]}}
{{cell|cross|[[Nicol Bolas]]}}
|Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.<br>Shot down Gideon's pegasus.<br>Attacked Bolas after being freed by Liliana.
|Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.<br>Shot down Gideon's pegasus.<br>Attacked Bolas after being freed by Liliana.
{{cell|cross|Obliterated by Bolas.}}
{{cell|cross|Obliterated by Bolas.}}
Line 562: Line 580:
| [[Amonkhet]]
| [[Amonkhet]]
| [[Eternalize]]d [[God]]
| [[Eternalize]]d [[God]]
| Invulnerability<br>[[The Elderspell|Spark harvesting]]
| Invulnerability<br>[[Elderspell|Spark harvesting]]
{{cell|None<br>Formerly [[Nicol Bolas]]}}
{{cell|cross|[[Nicol Bolas]]}}
|Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.<br>Attacked Bolas after being freed by Liliana and struck the fatal blow against him, harvesting his spark and all the sparks he'd absorbed.
|Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.<br>Attacked Bolas after being freed by Liliana and struck the fatal blow against him, harvesting his spark and all the sparks he'd absorbed.
{{cell|cross|Exploded after harvesting hundreds of sparks at once.}}
{{cell|cross|Exploded after harvesting hundreds of sparks at once.}}
|}
|}


Selesnya acting guildmaster [[Emmara Tandris]], Simic guildmaster [[Vannifar]], and Gruul guildmaster [[Borborygmos]] also played a significant role, as they took part in the ritual to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact. Other notable established characters who appear in the novel include Orzhov chief enforcer [[Bilagru]], Selesnya guildmaster [[Trostani]], Izzet chamberlain [[Maree]], Simic biomancer [[Vorel]], Rakdos bloodwitch [[Exava]], Golgari warrior [[Varolz]], [[Devkarin]] leader [[Izoni]], [[Erstwhile]] leader [[Storrev]], and resurrected Dreadhorde champion [[Neheb]] (who is killed once and for all by Samut). The novel also introduces several new characters, such as Selesnya warrior [[Boruvo]], Izzet chief chemister [[Varryvort]], [[Kraul]] leader [[Azdomas]], Golgari shaman [[Cevraya]] (who had only been mentioned on flavor text before), and Gruul warriors [[Gan Shokta|Gan]] and [[Ari Shokta]]. Additionally, one of the side stories on DailyMTG.com introduces the current Orzhov [[Triumvirate]], comprised of [[Armand Morov]], [[Slavomir Zoltan]], and [[Maladola]].
===Others===
The novel features many other characters who serve in secondary roles. Selesnya acting guildmaster [[Emmara Tandris]], Simic guildmaster [[Vannifar]], and Gruul guildmaster [[Borborygmos]] all played a brief but significant role, as they took part in the ritual to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact. Other notable established characters who appear in the novel include Orzhov chief enforcer [[Bilagru]], Selesnya guildmaster [[Trostani]], Izzet chamberlain [[Maree]], Simic biomancer [[Vorel]], Rakdos bloodwitch [[Exava]], Golgari warrior [[Varolz]], [[Devkarin]] leader [[Izoni]], [[Erstwhile]] leader [[Storrev]], and resurrected Dreadhorde champion [[Neheb]] (who is killed once and for all by Samut). The novel also introduces several new characters, such as Selesnya warrior [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Boruvo]], Izzet chief chemister [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Varryvort]], [[Kraul]] leader [[Azdomas]], Golgari shaman [[Cevraya]] (who had only been mentioned on flavor text before), and Gruul warriors [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Gan]] and [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Ari Shokta]]. Additionally, one of the side stories on DailyMTG.com introduces the current Orzhov [[Triumvirate]], comprised of [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Armand Morov]], [[Slavomir Zoltan]], and [[Maladola]].
 
Many of the characters who received legendary creature cards in the [[Guilds of Ravnica block|block]] were not present in the novel: Orzhov matriarch [[Teysa Karlov]] and Simic speaker [[Zegana]] are mentioned in the novel, but do not appear in the story, while [[Ilharg]], [[Nikya]], [[Feather]], [[Tajic]], [[Judith]], [[Etrata]], <c>the Haunt of Hightower</c>, [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Roalesk]], [[Tolsimir Wolfblood|Tolsimir]], [[Massacre Girl]], [[Krenko]], and [[Fblthp]] were not even mentioned. Ilharg's absence is particularly conspicuous; he was part of the set's cycle of gods, and the first two sets in the block had built up the prophecy of his return and the apocalyptic "end-raze" that would follow. However, as with Kasmina, Feather was later given a brief appearance in one of the side stories on DailyMTG.com.


Many of the characters who received legendary creature cards in the set were not present in the novel: Orzhov matriarch [[Teysa Karlov]] and Simic speaker [[Zegana]] are mentioned in the novel, but do not appear in the story, while [[Ilharg]], [[Feather]], [[Roalesk]], [[Tolsimir]], [[Massacre Girl]], [[Krenko]], and [[Fblthp]] were not even mentioned. Ilharg's absence is particularly conspicuous; he was part of the set's cycle of gods, and the previous two sets had built up the prophecy of his return and the apocalyptic "end-raze" that would follow. However, as with Kasmina, Feather was later given a brief appearance in one of the side stories on DailyMTG.com.
==In-game references==
{{In-game
|cards=
* <c>War of the Spark</c>
}}


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 00:41, 16 March 2024

War of the Spark/Event
 
 
 
 
 
 

The War of the Spark is the culmination of the fight between Nicol Bolas and the Gatewatch, that takes place on Ravnica. The event is depicted in the 2019 set with the same name, and fully described in the novel.

Description

Dozens of powerful planeswalkers, from many disparate realities, unite against the elder dragon, who has claimed dominion over Ravnica and is perilously close to completing the Elderspell that harvests sparks and will grant him "ultimate power" and godhood. The stakes are high: Spark harvesting is lethal, and the assembled planeswalkers soon find themselves trapped on Ravnica due to Bolas' use of the Immortal Sun.[1] As the planeswalkers and native Ravnicans fight alongside the Gatewatch — led by Jace Beleren and Gideon Jura — against Bolas and his relentless army of Eternals, nothing less than the fate of the multiverse is at stake.[2] Little do the Gatewatch suspect that Bolas has not only accounted for their interference, but he is practically relying on it.[3]

Events

The following events occur during the War of the Spark.

Prelude

  • Bolas conspires to overthrow the leaders of Ravnica's guilds and replace them with planeswalkers that he can influence: Ral Zarek takes over the Izzet League after Niv-Mizzet disappears, Kaya takes over the Orzhov Syndicate after killing the Obzedat, Vraska takes over the Golgari Swarm after assassinating Jarad, Domri Rade takes over the Gruul Clans after defeating Borborygmos in a duel, and Dovin Baan rises to a leadership position in the Azorius Senate.
  • Over the next few weeks, Ral, Kaya, and Vraska conspire against Bolas, realizing the dragon's treacherous nature. With the help of Lavinia and the Rakdos emissary Hekara, they hope to unite the ten guilds against him. They plan on performing a ritual to make Niv-Mizzet the new Living Guildpact.
  • Their plan goes awry after the guild summit, when Vraska kills Isperia in a fit of rage. The guild representatives immediately become suspicious of each other, and negotiations rapidly break down. Isperia's death allows Dovin to become the new Azorius guildmaster.
  • Niv-Mizzet attempts to fight Bolas without the power of the Guildpact, and ends up getting killed. Hekara is murdered as well. Vraska flees to Ixalan to avoid being killed by Ral for her betrayal.

Act 1

  • As a backup plan, Ral activates the Interplanar Beacon to lure planeswalkers from across the multiverse to Ravnica, in the hopes that they'll assist him in defending Ravnica against Bolas.
  • The Gatewatch travels to Ravnica, intending to confront Bolas. Many other planeswalkers find themselves compelled to follow the Beacon's call, unaware of what awaits them.
  • Bolas activates the Immortal Sun, which traps the assembled planeswalkers on Ravnica.
  • Bolas and Tezzeret erect Bolas's Citadel and the God-Pharaoh's Statue on the Tenth District Plaza.
  • Tezzeret opens the Planar Bridge to Amonkhet, allowing Liliana Vess to lead the Dreadhorde through. Additionally, Tezzeret destroys the Embassy of the Guildpact by opening the Bridge inside it, disrupting Ravnica's leylines and causing Jace to lose the power of the Living Guildpact.
  • Bolas' Eternals invade Ravnica, indiscriminately slaughtering civilians in order to lure out planeswalkers.
  • The Boros Legion and House Dimir declare their opposition to Bolas. Ral leads the Izzet into battle against the dragon and convinces the Simic Combine to join him as well. Kaya appeals to the Orzhov elites. Despite their disdain for her (due to her policy of forgiving debts and raising taxes), they reluctantly agree to help her.
  • Under the command of Aurelia and Feather, the Boros Legion launches a counter-offensive against Bolas' forces, with the floating fortress Parhelion II leading the charge. With the help of Gideon, their assault is initially successful at driving back the invaders.
  • Nissa animates the Selesnyan guildhall of Vitu-Ghazi, using the colossal tree to further push back the Dreadhorde. She uses the massive elemental to topple Bolas' statue, greatly boosting morale for the Ravnican forces.
  • In response, Bolas brings his God-Eternals through the portal. The undead gods quickly destroy Vitu-Ghazi, tearing it to pieces. The Boros troops are forced to retreat.
  • Bolas casts the Elderspell, and his Eternals begin harvesting sparks for him. Domri, despite pledging his loyalty to Bolas, is the first planeswalker to be drained of his spark and killed.

Act 2

  • The trapped planeswalkers get together with Ravnican leaders to strategize. Nissa rejoins the Gatewatch at this meeting.
  • At Jace's recommendation, they decide to split up into teams to focus on specific tasks:
    • Gideon, Aurelia, Angrath and Huatli lead Ravnican military forces into battle against the God-Eternal Rhonas and his battalion of Eternals. Gideon kills Rhonas using the Blackblade, completely draining the god's essence.
    • Ajani, Jiang Yanggu, Mu Yanling and Khazi volunteer to help protect and rescue civilians. Huatli later joins them.
    • Ral and Izzet Chamberlain Maree are sent to disable the Interplanar Beacon to prevent even more planeswalkers from being lured to Ravnica. They succeed by draining the device's power supply.
    • Chandra, Saheeli, Lavinia and Lazav are sent to shut off the Immortal Sun, which is guarded by Dovin. Lazav disguises himself as Chandra, which allows the real Chandra to disable the Immortal Sun. Lazav defeats Dovin and leaves him blinded, forcing him to planeswalk away.
    • Karn, Ob Nixilis, Dack and Samut are sent to travel through the Planar Bridge and shut down the portal from the other side. On Amonkhet, they defeat Tezzeret, causing the portal to close. Afterward, they meet with the god Hazoret, who gives them her spear to aid in the fight against Bolas. Ob Nixilis planeswalks away, but Sarkhan comes back to Ravnica with them.
    • Jace, Jaya, Teferi and Vivien attempt to assassinate Liliana. They almost succeed, but Bolas intervenes to save her.
    • Kaya, Teyo and Araithia are sent to persuade the neutral guilds (Selesnya, Gruul, Golgari, and Rakdos) to join the fight against Bolas. Ral later joins them. With some help from a returned Vraska and a resurrected Hekara, they succeed. After Dovin's defeat, Lavinia is able to bring the Azorius on board as well.
  • Many planeswalkers escape to safety as soon as the Immortal Sun is disabled, but a few stay to help the Gatewatch.
  • With all ten guilds united, Nissa and the assembled guild representatives perform a ritual that repairs the plane's damaged leylines and resurrects Niv-Mizzet as the new Living Guildpact.
  • Niv-Mizzet uses his newfound power to destroy Kefnet, completely incinerating the God-Eternal, although the strain of killing a god leaves him unconscious.

Act 3

  • As part of his plan to kill Bolas, Gideon has Chandra reactivate the Immortal Sun, trapping the elder dragon on Ravnica.
  • The remaining planeswalkers, along with Ravnican military forces, launch one last attack on Bolas' Citadel. During the battle, Dack is killed by Eternals, who harvest his spark.
  • Gideon rides a pegasus toward Bolas, but it gets shot down by the God-Eternal Oketra. Oketra is being directly controlled by Liliana, who chooses to 'miss' by hitting the pegasus instead of Gideon himself.
  • Rakdos catches Gideon and brings him within striking distance of Bolas. The demon tries to attack Bolas himself but is effortlessly knocked out by the godlike elder dragon, who's now almost completely invulnerable due to the hundreds of sparks he's consumed.
  • Jumping off the demon's head, Gideon strikes Bolas in the face with the Blackblade, only for it to shatter. Bolas reveals he enchanted the Blackblade thousands of years ago, preventing it from being able to harm an elder dragon again.
  • Liliana betrays Bolas. He cancels her demonic pact, causing her to start disintegrating. However, Gideon uses his hieromancy to transfer the contract to himself, killing him in her place.
  • Liliana frees the God-Eternals Oketra and Bontu, who attack Bolas of their own volition.
  • Bolas prepares to fight them but is unexpectedly stabbed in the back by Niv-Mizzet, who impales him with Hazoret's spear. Bolas still manages to knock out Niv and obliterate Oketra, but not before Bontu bites him, harvesting all the sparks he's consumed as well as Bolas' own spark. Unable to contain the energy, she explodes.
  • Ugin arrives to bring Bolas' body to the Meditation Realm in order to prevent him from coming back to life on Ravnica. To prevent anyone from following him, Ugin has Jace create an illusion of Bolas' corpse disintegrating instead.
  • The Ravnicans hold a Planewide Celebration. Kaya joins the Gatewatch.
  • Niv-Mizzet and the other guild leaders declare that Ral, Kaya, and Vraska must atone for helping Bolas. As penance, the three of them are assigned to bring Bolas' other planeswalkers to justice: Ral volunteers to find Tezzeret, Vraska is assigned to track down Dovin, and Kaya is sent to assassinate Liliana.

Epilogue

  • Months later, Bolas is reborn in the Meditation Realm but finds himself completely powerless, unable to planeswalk or even use the simplest spells.
  • Ugin explains that he worked with Niv-Mizzet and Sarkhan to orchestrate Bolas' defeat. Additionally, he has stripped away Bolas' names, preventing anyone from summoning the elder dragon.
  • Ugin expands himself throughout the plane, revealing that he's merged his own essence with the Meditation Realm. He's also sealed the plane off from the rest of the multiverse, preventing anyone from entering or leaving again. Both Ugin and Bolas are trapped there forever now; they can never leave. But just to be certain that Bolas will never plague the multiverse again, Ugin will keep watch over his brother until Bolas' natural death in thousands of years.

Characters

Planeswalkers known to be involved

There are 36 carded planeswalkers in War of the Spark. These have a stained glass picture in the list above. In addition, Tezzeret shows up as the Buy-a-Box promo card of the expansion.

Curiously, Dack Fayden and Mu Yanling show up in the story, but aren't featured on any planeswalker cards, while Ashiok and Kasmina have their own cards despite not appearing in the novel at all. However, Kasmina was later given a brief cameo in one of the War of the Spark side stories on DailyMTG.com.[4] The book also introduces a new named planeswalker, Khazi, although she is killed in her first appearance.

Art Planeswalker Origin Race Signature magic Alliance Roles and relations Fate
Samut Amonkhet Human Enhanced speed, agility, and reflexes The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Sought revenge against Bolas for ruining her plane.
Convinced Ravnican leaders not to surrender.
Traveled to Amonkhet to help shut off the Planar Bridge.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Nicol Bolas Dominaria Dragon Telepathy, mind control, and memory erasure
Absorbing sparks
Nicol Bolas Conspired to lure planeswalkers to Ravnica using the Interplanar Beacon and trap them there with the Immortal Sun.
Invaded Ravnica with his Dreadhorde, bringing them through the Planar Bridge from Amonkhet.
Cast the Elderspell to regain his godlike pre-Mending power by stealing the sparks of the trapped planeswalkers.
Spark harvested[5]. Trapped in the Meditation Realm by Ugin after his revival.
Ashiok Unknown Unknown Dream manipulation, bringing nightmares to life None Wasn't present on Ravnica during the invasion. Wasn't involved in the conflict.
Kasmina Unknown Human Transformation spells, mind control None Fought the Dreadhorde.[4] Survived, later travelled or returned to Strixhaven
Domri Rade Ravnica Human Summoning, controlling, and enhancing beasts Nicol Bolas Recently installed as guildmaster of the Gruul Clans.
Intended to bring about the End-Raze.
Betrayed by Nicol Bolas.
Spark harvested.
Teyo Verada Gobakhan Human Creating light-shields The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Protected Ravnicans and other planeswalkers with his shields.
Helped Ral, Kaya, and Vraska enlist help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Ral Zarek Ravnica Human Electricity manipulation, control over weather The Gatewatch (temporary ally)
Formerly Nicol Bolas
Recently installed as guildmaster of the Izzet League.
Creator of the Interplanar Beacon. Later disabled it.
Enlisted help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact, and took part in the ritual to do so.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration. Niv-Mizzet tasked him with capturing Tezzeret.
Tamiyo Kamigawa Moonfolk Story magic The Gatewatch (permanent ally) Reluctantly joined the fight against the Dreadhorde.[6] Survived.
Karn Dominaria Golem Master artificer, control over metal
Time travel
The Gatewatch (permanent ally) Granted his allies the ability to see the auras of other planeswalkers.
Traveled to Amonkhet to help shut off the Planar Bridge.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Jaya Ballard Dominaria Human Pyromancy The Gatewatch (permanent ally) Tried to assassinate Liliana. Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Tibalt Innistrad Half-Devil Pain magic None Led an army of devils and demons alongside Davriel. Survived; went on to torment Chandra.
The Wanderer Kamigawa Human Absorbing and channeling kinetic energy None Stayed to help the Gatewatch against Bolas even after the Immortal Sun was disabled. Survived.
Kiora Zendikar Merfolk Summoning, controlling, and enhancing sea creatures The Gatewatch (permanent ally) Fought the Dreadhorde. Survived.
Sorin Markov Innistrad Vampire Sangromancy (blood magic) None[7] Used the conflict to seek vengeance against Nahiri.
Later joined forces with her against the Dreadhorde.
Stayed to help the Gatewatch against Bolas even after the Immortal Sun was disabled.
Survived.
Teferi Dominaria Human Chronomancy (time magic) The Gatewatch Used time manipulation to slow the advance of the Dreadhorde and save civilians.
Tried to assassinate Liliana.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Angrath Unknown Minotaur Pyromancy, flaming chains
Inspiring rage, hatred, and betrayal
The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Angered at being trapped again.
Took control of some of Bolas' Eternals, amassing a miniature army of his own.
Led ground troops against the God-Eternal Rhonas.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Dovin Baan Kaladesh Vedalken Master artificer and master strategist Nicol Bolas Recently installed as guildmaster of the Azorius Senate.
Protected the Immortal Sun.
Survived; burned and blinded by Lazav; currently hunted by Vraska.
Ajani Goldmane Alara (Naya) Leonin Healing magic, strengthening others, summoning replicas of allies The Gatewatch Bolstered the anti-Bolas forces with aetherial copies of his allies.
Boosted morale among planeswalkers.
Protected and rescued civilians.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Arlinn Kord Innistrad Werewolf Lycanthropy
Summoning, controlling, and enhancing wolves
None Stayed to help the Gatewatch against Bolas even after the Immortal Sun was disabled. Survived.
Ob Nixilis Unknown Demon Pyromancy
Death magic, consuming souls
None[8] (briefly allied with the Gatewatch out of self-interest) Traveled to Amonkhet to help shut off the Planar Bridge. Survived.
Jiang Yanggu Shenmeng Human Summoning, controlling, and enhancing creatures of the forest
Planeswalking dog companion
The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Protected and rescued civilians. Survived.
Huatli Ixalan Human Summoning, controlling, and enhancing dinosaurs The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Led ground troops against the God-Eternal Rhonas.
Protected and rescued civilians.
Survived.
Sarkhan Vol Tarkir Human Transforming into a dragon
Summoning, controlling, and enhancing dragons
Ugin Former minion of Nicol Bolas. Sought revenge against his former master for ruining his plane and his mind.
Conspired with Ugin to resurrect Niv-Mizzet and retrieve Hazoret's spear.
Survived.
Saheeli Rai Kaladesh Human Master artificer The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Helped Chandra disable the Immortal Sun.
Disabled the Immortal Sun again after Bolas' defeat.
Survived.
Narset Tarkir Human Martial arts, counter magic None Fought the Dreadhorde. Survived.
Nahiri Zendikar Kor Lithomancy (stone magic) None[7] Used the conflict to seek vengeance against Sorin.
Later joined forces with him against the Dreadhorde.
Stayed to help the Gatewatch against Bolas even after the Immortal Sun was disabled.
Survived.
Ugin Dominaria Dragon Ghostfire (colorless fire magic)
Transforming energy into matter and vice-versa
Ugin Wasn't present on Ravnica during the invasion.
Conspired with Sarkhan and Niv-Mizzet to stop his brother's plans.
Showed up after Bolas' defeat to take his body away.
Trapped himself in the Meditation Realm to ensure that his brother could never escape.
Davriel Cane Unknown Human Shadow magic
Memory erasure, spell/power stealing
Binding and controlling demons
None Led an army of devils and demons alongside Tibalt. Survived.
Vraska Ravnica Gorgon Petrifying gaze The Gatewatch (temporary ally)
Formerly Nicol Bolas
Recently installed as guildmaster of the Golgari Swarm.
Enlisted help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact, and took part in the ritual to do so.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration. Niv-Mizzet tasked her with capturing Dovin Baan.
Kaya Tolvada Human Incorporeal form, ability to damage and kill ghosts The Gatewatch
Formerly Nicol Bolas
Recently installed as guildmaster of the Orzhov Syndicate.
Enlisted help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact, and took part in the ritual to do so.
Survived; joined the Gatewatch; present at the Planewide Celebration. Niv-Mizzet tasked her with killing Liliana Vess.
Jace Beleren Vryn Human Telepathy, mind control, memory erasure, illusions, invisibility The Gatewatch Led the Gatewatch.
Held a strategy meeting with planeswalkers and Ravnican leaders. Came up with the plan to split the group into different teams to handle different problems.
Tried to assassinate Liliana. Later stopped Chandra from killing Liliana.
Helped cover up Ugin's involvement in Bolas' defeat.
Survived; lost the power of the Living Guildpact; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Gideon Jura Theros Human Invulnerability
Hieromancy (law magic)
The Gatewatch Led the Gatewatch.
Joined in the Boros Legion's initial assault against the Dreadhorde.
Led aerial troops against the God-Eternal Rhonas, and killed the god with the Blackblade.
Came up with the plan to trap and kill Bolas by reactivating the Immortal Sun.
Attempted to kill Bolas with the Blackblade, but failed.
Gave his life to save Liliana by transferring her contract to himself.
Sacrificed himself to save Liliana.
Liliana Vess Dominaria Human Necromancy None
Formerly Nicol Bolas (unwilling minion)
Formerly the Gatewatch (forced to betray them)
Forced to serve as the reluctant general of the Dreadhorde.
Turned against Bolas at the end of the battle, at the risk of her own life. Survived due to Gideon's sacrifice. Responsible for Bolas' defeat at the hands of the God-Eternals Oketra and Bontu.
Survived; currently hunted by Kaya.
Nissa Revane Zendikar Elf Leyline manipulation
Elementalism (animating earth and plants as elementals under her control)
The Gatewatch Animated Vitu-Ghazi and used it to topple Bolas' statue.
Repaired the leylines that power the Guildpact, allowing Niv-Mizzet to be resurrected as the Living Guildpact.
Survived; rejoined the Gatewatch; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Chandra Nalaar Kaladesh Human Pyromancy The Gatewatch Disabled the Immortal Sun.
Later reactivated the Immortal Sun to trap Bolas.
Threatened to kill Liliana after Gideon's death.
Survived; struggles with guilt and pain over Gideon's death; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Vivien Reid Skalla Human Binding the spirits of animals in her Arkbow; summoning, controlling, and enhancing those animal spirits The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Sought revenge against Bolas for destroying her plane.
Convinced Ravnican leaders not to surrender.
Tried to assassinate Liliana.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Tezzeret Alara (Esper) Human Master artificer Nicol Bolas Operated the Planar Bridge on Amonkhet. Defeated by Karn. Survived; currently hunted by Ral Zarek.
Dack Fayden Fiora Human Psychometry (absorbing knowledge/magic by touch) The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Traveled to Amonkhet to help shut off the Planar Bridge. Spark harvested.
Mu Yanling Shenmeng Human Hydromancy (water magic) The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Protected and rescued civilians. Survived.
Khazi Unknown Unknown Unknown The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Protected and rescued civilians. Spark harvested.
Basri Ket[9] (non-canon) Amonkhet Human None Survived.

Other planeswalkers

Aside from the named planeswalkers above, there were hundreds of other planeswalkers who were lured to Ravnica. A few of these nameless planeswalkers were seen in the novel, including an old man with turquoise eyes and a carefully trimmed white beard, an aven who considered surrendering to Bolas, and a woman with jet black hair and glowing green eyes who suggested hiding from the Dreadhorde.

These unknown planeswalkers account for the vast majority of the harvested planeswalker sparks shown flying through the air (e.g. The Elderspell, Spark Reaper).[10][11] The book reveals that hundreds of planeswalkers were killed by Eternals and had their sparks harvested. Among the casualties were a lime-green viashino, at least two different vedalken, a tall elven woman, a four-armed ogre, a short male human with green hair, an old woman, and a young teenager. A female human planeswalker with a shaved head and metal-casting powers was killed by the God-Eternal Rhonas, and a tall elven planeswalker in a long white hooded cloak was killed by the God-Eternal Kefnet.

On the other hand, there are some known living planeswalkers that don't show up on Ravnica: Garruk, Daretti, and Koth. The absence of Garruk is explained to be because his hunter personality didn't fit story-wise and because R&D had other plans for him.[12] In-universe, it was specified that Bolas didn't want Garruk killing the trapped planeswalkers before he could harvest their sparks, and took steps to prevent him from being lured to Ravnica.[13][14] Koth didn't appear because he's currently trapped on New Phyrexia, where he's being forced to fight in the Phyrexian Arena.[15][16] No explanation has been given for Daretti's absence, although he may have been present on Ravnica "off-camera."

Other planeswalkers who don't show up include Estrid, Aminatou, Will Kenrith, and Rowan Kenrith. However, these characters have yet to be introduced in the Magic: The Gathering storyline, and it's unclear if they're even active when War of the Spark takes place. Since they were never tied to any particular point in the Magic: The Gathering timeline, it's possible that they died a long time ago, or that they haven't ignited yet. (This theory was confirmed in The Wildered Quest, which confirms that Will and Rowan Kenrith's sparks don't ignite until the events of Throne of Eldraine, set after War of the Spark.)

The story did not include any planeswalkers from the lore who don't have their own cards, even those (such as Baltrice and Ramaz) who are known to be currently active and have ties to Bolas. However, it has been speculated that with his luck, the Unluckiest Planeswalker certainly would have ended up in the conflict.[17]

Main participants (non-planeswalkers)

Character Origin Race Signature magic Alliance Roles and relations Fate
Niv-Mizzet Ravnica Dragon Experimental magic Ugin Former Izzet guildmaster.
Killed by Bolas, but resurrected with the power of the Guildpact.
Destroyed the God-Eternal Kefnet.
Impaled Bolas with Hazoret's spear, allowing the God-Eternal Bontu to deliver the fatal strike against the elder dragon.
Tasked Ral, Kaya, and Vraska to atone for helping Bolas by hunting down Tezzeret, Liliana, and Dovin.
Survived; serves as the new Living Guildpact; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Lavinia Ravnica Human Law magic The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Rebelled against Dovin Baan.
Helped Chandra disable the Immortal Sun.
Took part in the ritual to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact.
Survived; acting Azorius guildmaster; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Lazav Ravnica Shapeshifter Shapeshifting, invisibility, illusions, memory erasure The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Dimir guildmaster.
Helped Chandra disable the Immortal Sun, burned and blinded Dovin while disguised as her.
Took part in the ritual to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact.
Disguised himself as Saheeli during the Planewide Celebration.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration; back to planning to seize power over Ravnica.
Aurelia Ravnica Angel Divine fire and light The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Boros guildmaster.
Led the Boros Legion's initial assault against the Dreadhorde.
Led aerial troops against the God-Eternal Rhonas.
Took part in the ritual to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Rakdos Ravnica Demon Pyromancy
Inflicting madness
None Rakdos guildmaster.
Carried Gideon within striking distance of Bolas. Fought the elder dragon, but was quickly defeated.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration; planning to celebrate Bolas' defeat and lift people's spirits with a planewide carnival.
Hekara Ravnica Human Revenant Enhanced agility and reflexes, resistance to injury and pain The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Rakdos emissary.
Killed by Bolas' agents, but reanimated as a bloodwitch.
Helped Ral, Kaya, and Vraska enlist help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact, and took part in the ritual to do so.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Tomik Vrona Ravnica Human Law magic The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Orzhov representative. Secretly Ral's lover.
Helped Ral, Kaya, and Vraska enlist help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact.
Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Rat Ravnica Human Mutant Selective invisibility (involuntary, always active) The Gatewatch (temporary ally) Helped Ral, Kaya, and Vraska enlist help from the guilds to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact. Survived; present at the Planewide Celebration.
Hazoret Amonkhet God Vast divine powers
Invulnerability
Divine fire and light
None Gave her spear to the Gatewatch team on Amonkhet. Survived; watching over the survivors on Amonkhet.
Rhonas Amonkhet Eternalized God Invulnerability
Spark harvesting
Nicol Bolas Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.
Destroyed Vitu-Ghazi.
Led an army of Eternals against the assembled Ravnicans and planeswalkers.
Annihilated by Gideon using the Blackblade.
Kefnet Amonkhet Eternalized God Invulnerability
Spark harvesting
Nicol Bolas Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.
Attacked Nissa and the guildmasters while they were performing the ritual to restore the Guildpact.
Incinerated by the newly-resurrected Niv-Mizzet.
Oketra Amonkhet Eternalized God Invulnerability
Spark harvesting
Nicol Bolas Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.
Shot down Gideon's pegasus.
Attacked Bolas after being freed by Liliana.
Obliterated by Bolas.
Bontu Amonkhet Eternalized God Invulnerability
Spark harvesting
Nicol Bolas Served as one of Bolas' God-Eternals.
Attacked Bolas after being freed by Liliana and struck the fatal blow against him, harvesting his spark and all the sparks he'd absorbed.
Exploded after harvesting hundreds of sparks at once.

Others

The novel features many other characters who serve in secondary roles. Selesnya acting guildmaster Emmara Tandris, Simic guildmaster Vannifar, and Gruul guildmaster Borborygmos all played a brief but significant role, as they took part in the ritual to resurrect Niv-Mizzet as the Living Guildpact. Other notable established characters who appear in the novel include Orzhov chief enforcer Bilagru, Selesnya guildmaster Trostani, Izzet chamberlain Maree, Simic biomancer Vorel, Rakdos bloodwitch Exava, Golgari warrior Varolz, Devkarin leader Izoni, Erstwhile leader Storrev, and resurrected Dreadhorde champion Neheb (who is killed once and for all by Samut). The novel also introduces several new characters, such as Selesnya warrior Boruvo, Izzet chief chemister Varryvort, Kraul leader Azdomas, Golgari shaman Cevraya (who had only been mentioned on flavor text before), and Gruul warriors Gan and Ari Shokta. Additionally, one of the side stories on DailyMTG.com introduces the current Orzhov Triumvirate, comprised of Armand Morov, Slavomir Zoltan, and Maladola.

Many of the characters who received legendary creature cards in the block were not present in the novel: Orzhov matriarch Teysa Karlov and Simic speaker Zegana are mentioned in the novel, but do not appear in the story, while Ilharg, Nikya, Feather, Tajic, Judith, Etrata, the Haunt of Hightower, Roalesk, Tolsimir, Massacre Girl, Krenko, and Fblthp were not even mentioned. Ilharg's absence is particularly conspicuous; he was part of the set's cycle of gods, and the first two sets in the block had built up the prophecy of his return and the apocalyptic "end-raze" that would follow. However, as with Kasmina, Feather was later given a brief appearance in one of the side stories on DailyMTG.com.

In-game references

Represented in:

References