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| colors = {{B}}{{G}}
| colors = {{B}}{{G}}
| parun = [[Svogthir]] <small>(deceased; return possible)</small>
| parun = [[Svogthir]] <small>(deceased; return possible)</small>
| leader = [[Sisters of Stone Death]] <small>(deceased)</small><br/>[[Savra]] <small>(deceased)</small><br/>[[Jarad vod Savo]] <small>(deceased)</small><br/>[[Vraska]]  
| leader = [[Sisters of Stone Death]] <small>(?-10,000)</small><br/>[[Savra]] <small>(9999)</small><br/>[[Jarad vod Savo]] <small>(9999-10,076)</small><br/>[[Vraska]] <small>(10,076-)</small>
| champion = [[Savra]] <small>(deceased)</small><br/>[[Varolz]]<br/>[[Izoni]]
| champion = [[Savra]] <small>(deceased)</small><br/>[[Varolz]]<br/>[[Izoni]]
| hall = [[Svogthos]]<br/><small>(surrounded by [[Korozda]])</small>
| hall = [[Svogthos]]<br/><small>(surrounded by [[Korozda]])</small>
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{{TOCright}}
{{TOCright}}
The '''Golgari Swarm''' is a [[black]]/[[green]] [[Ravnican guild|guild]] from the plane and city of [[Ravnica]]. Introduced in ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'', the guild is also featured in ''[[Return to Ravnica]]'', the ''[[Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari|Izzet vs. Golgari]]'' set<ref>[http://magic.wizards.com/en/content/duel-decks-izzet-vs-golgari ''Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari''] {{Em}} Wizards of the Coast</ref> and in ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''.
The '''Golgari Swarm''' is a [[black]]/[[green]] [[Ravnican guild|guild]] from the plane and city of [[Ravnica]]. Introduced in ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'', the guild is also featured in ''[[Return to Ravnica]]'', the ''[[Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari|Izzet vs. Golgari]]'' set<ref>[http://magic.wizards.com/en/content/duel-decks-izzet-vs-golgari ''Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari''] {{Em}} Wizards of the Coast</ref> and in ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''.
[[File:GRN Golgari basic lands.png|right|thumb|300px|Golgari basic lands from ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]]]
[[File:GRN Golgari basic lands.png|right|thumb|300px|Golgari basic lands from ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]'']]


==Background==
==Background==
The Golgari Swarm is the embodiment of life and death.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/building-guilds-golgari-swarm-2018-10-26|Building the Guilds – Golgari Swarm|Chris Gleeson|October 26, 2018}}</ref> The teeming masses of the Swarm believe that life and death are both natural <ref name="Life in the Big City">{{DailyRef|feature/life-big-city-2005-09-05|Life in the Big City|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|September 5, 2005}}</ref> and equally essential too.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/> To them, life and death are natural elements of a cycle with no intermediary break.<ref name="Life and Death">{{DailyRef|making-magic/life-and-death-2005-10-24-0|Life and Death|Mark Rosewater|October 24, 2005}}</ref><ref name="Green Thumb">{{DailyRef|feature/green-thumb-black-heart-2005-10-26|Green Thumb, Black Heart|[[Matt Cavotta]]|October 26, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/ravnica-style-guide-golgari-2005-10-27|''Ravnica'' Style Guide: Golgari|[[Magic Arcana]]|October 27, 2005}}</ref> Growth is power that comes slowly, but it is also ruthless and inevitable, and this makes growth a key virtue of the Swarm's power.<ref name="Life and Death"/><ref name="Ravnica Minisite">[http://www.wizards.com/Magic/TCG/Article.aspx?x=magic/ravnica/golgari ''Ravnica: City of Guilds'': Golgari Swarm Minisite] {{Em}} Wizards of the Coast</ref> <ref name="RtR Minisite" with their dead being planted and regrown as plant{{en}}zombies.<ref>Wizards of the Coast. [http://www.wizards.com/magic/multiverse/planes.aspx?plane=ravnica "Planes of Existence"]. (Accessed August 31, 2012.)</ref> Their necromantic magic has made the Golgari the largest Ravnican guild.<ref name="Issar">Issar Roon. (February 1, 2012.) [http://www.gatheringmagic.com/brendanweiskotten-the-guildpact/ The Guildpact], GatheringMagic.com.</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/ravnicas-busy-afterlife-2006-03-07|Ravnica's Busy Afterlife|[[Magic Arcana]]|March 07, 2006}}</ref> Much like a swarm of insects, the Golgari often seem to behave more like a single organism than as a group of individuals. The whole Swarm is driven by a primal instinct to survive and reproduce.  
The Golgari Swarm is the embodiment of life and death.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/building-guilds-golgari-swarm-2018-10-26|Building the Guilds – Golgari Swarm|Chris Gleeson|October 26, 2018}}</ref> The teeming masses of the Swarm believe that life and death are both natural and equally essential.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/><ref name="Life in the Big City">{{DailyRef|feature/life-big-city-2005-09-05|Life in the Big City|[[Rei Nakazawa]]|September 5, 2005|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815044424/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/life-big-city-2005-09-05|archivedate=August 15, 2020}}</ref> To them, life and death are natural elements of a cycle with no intermediary break.<ref name="Life and Death">{{DailyRef|making-magic/life-and-death-2005-10-24-0|Life and Death|Mark Rosewater|October 24, 2005}}</ref><ref name="Green Thumb">{{DailyRef|feature/green-thumb-black-heart-2005-10-26|Green Thumb, Black Heart|[[Matt Cavotta]]|October 26, 2005}}</ref> Growth is power that comes slowly, but it is also ruthless and inevitable, and this makes growth a key virtue of the Swarm's power.<ref name="Life and Death"/><ref name="Ravnica Minisite">[http://www.wizards.com/Magic/TCG/Article.aspx?x=magic/ravnica/golgari ''Ravnica: City of Guilds'': Golgari Swarm Minisite] {{Em}} Wizards of the Coast</ref><ref name="RtR Minisite"/> With their dead being planted and regrown as plant [[zombie]]s,<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/ravnica-style-guide-golgari-2005-10-27|''Ravnica'' Style Guide: Golgari|[[Magic Arcana]]|October 27, 2005}}</ref> their reanimation magic has made the Golgari the largest Ravnican guild.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/ravnicas-busy-afterlife-2006-03-07|Ravnica's Busy Afterlife|[[Magic Arcana]]|March 07, 2006}}</ref><ref name="Flavor"/> Much like a swarm of insects, the Golgari often seem to behave more like a single organism than as a group of individuals.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The whole Swarm is driven by a primal instinct to survive and reproduce.


The Golgari Swarm's consists of many sub-factions, each with its own agenda. Their revered [[parun]] is the legendary [[necromancer]] [[Svogthir]], the "[[god]]-[[zombie]]".<ref name="Ravnica"/>  
The Golgari are one of if not the largest food suppliers on Ravnica, serving a cheap, plentiful, nutrient-packed gruel to those who can't afford expensive meat or magically-generated produce.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/51772274917/so-logistical-question-concerning-ravnica-where|title=Where are all the farms?|May 30, 2013}}</ref>
 
The Golgari Swarm consists of many sub-factions, each with its agenda. Their revered [[parun]] is the legendary [[necromancer]] [[Svogthir]], the "[[god]]-[[zombie]]".<ref name="Ravnica"/>  


===Teratogens===
===Teratogens===
Up until the [[Decamillennial]], the [[Teratogens]] were the ruling class of the Golgari. It consisted mostly of non-humanoids such as [[plant]]s, [[mutant]]s, [[harpies]], [[naga]]s, [[griffin]]s, and [[centaur]]s. Nowadays they are of no importance anymore.
Up until the [[Decamillennial]], the [[Teratogens]] were the ruling class of the Golgari. It consisted mostly of non-humanoids such as [[plant]]s, [[mutant]]s, [[harpies]], [[naga]]s, [[griffin]]s, and [[centaur]]s. Nowadays they, as a class, hold no status. However individual members, such as a gorgon, may still hold authority over some of the Swarm.


===The Devkarin===
===The Devkarin===
The ''[[Devkarin]]'' are a brooding, winsome, and often ambitious race of [[elves]]. Of all of Golgari's factions, the Devkarin press most for the expansion of Golgari territory. The Devkarin are presided over by their "'''Matka'''", a high priestess (currently [[Izoni]], Thousand-Eyed).
The ''[[Devkarin]]'' is a brooding, winsome, and often ambitious race of [[elves]]. Of all of Golgari's factions, the Devkarin press most for the expansion of Golgari territory. The Devkarin are presided over by their "'''Matka'''", a high priestess (currently [[Izoni]], Thousand-Eyed).


====The Cilia====
====The Cilia====
A council of Devkarin shamans and rogues called the ''Cilia'' acts as a combination of [[Jarad]]'s advisory parliament and spy agency and rarely all convene publicly or together at once.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/><ref>[[Django Wexler]] (June, 2019), ''[[The Gathering Storm/Chapter Two]]''. Del Rey.</ref>
A council of Devkarin shamans and rogues called the ''Cilia'' acts as a combination of [[Jarad]]'s advisory parliament and spy agency and rarely all convene publicly or together at once.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/><ref>[[Django Wexler]] (June 2019), ''[[The Gathering Storm/Chapter Two]]''. Del Rey.</ref>


===The Lotleth===
===The Lotleth===
The ''Lotleth'' are the Golgari's irregular faction of [[undead]], [[necromancer]]s, [[fungus]]-binders, and other members associated with the restless dead.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/> Although most Golgari undead are mindless fungal constructions maintained by necromantic magic, the Lotleth do have some more or less intelligent undead among them, plus a few higher-ranked necromancers who speak for the faction. Generally, the Lotleth serve as a labor force for the Golgari's constant program of reclamation and expansion. The current leader of the Lotleth is [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Wratislav]], a skilled but conceited human necromancer.
The ''Lotleth'' are the Golgari's irregular faction of [[undead]], [[necromancer]]s, [[fungus]]-binders, and other members associated with the restless dead.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/> Although most Golgari undead are mindless fungal constructions maintained by necromantic magic, the Lotleth do have some more or less intelligent undead among them, plus a few higher-ranked necromancers who speak for the faction. Generally, the Lotleth served as a labor force for the Golgari's constant program of reclamation and expansion. The current leader of the Lotleth is [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Wratislav]], a skilled but conceited human necromancer.


===The Kraul===
===The Kraul===
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===The Street Swarm===
===The Street Swarm===
The ''Street Swarm'' form Golgari's labor class. This faction includes corpse scavengers, low-ranking street [[shaman]]s, rot farmers, tunnel [[troll]]s, various [[elemental]]s and fungal [[horror]]s. Each neighborhood of Ravnica tends to have its own chapter of the Street Swarm, and each chapter is led by a local swarm-boss. '''Spore Druids''' specialize in fungi, moss, molds and other decomposers. '''Reclaimers''' are elf and kraul scavengers who patrol the city and gather the dead to be recycled.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/>
The ''Street Swarm'' forms Golgari's labor class. This faction includes corpse scavengers, low-ranking street [[shaman]]s, rot farmers, tunnel [[troll]]s, various [[elemental]]s, and fungal [[horror]]s. Each neighborhood of Ravnica tends to have its chapter of the Street Swarm, and each chapter is led by a local swarm boss. '''Spore Druids''' specialize in fungi, moss, molds, and other decomposers. '''Reclaimers''' are elf and kraul scavengers who patrol the city and gather the dead to be recycled.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/>


===The Ochran===
===The Ochran===
Although many discount them as an urban legend, "the assassins of the ''Ochran''" are a Golgari cult of mercenaries operating out from the [[Undercity]] and specializing in vengeance killings. The cult was led by Vraska, before she became the guild leader.<ref>{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/azorius-ten-most-wanted-2012-10-29|The Azorius Ten Most Wanted|[[Jenna Helland]]|October 29, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|magic-story/talented-captain-vraska-2017-09-20|The Talented Captain Vraska|[[R&D Narrative Team]]|September 20, 2017}}</ref> The Ochran, most of them [[Devkarin]] elves, are known for the virulence of their poisons.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/>
Although many discount them as an urban legend, "the assassins of the ''Ochran''" are a Golgari cult of mercenaries operating out from the [[Undercity]] and specializing in vengeance killings. The cult was led by Vraska before she became the guild leader.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/azorius-ten-most-wanted-2012-10-29|The Azorius Ten Most Wanted|[[Jenna Helland]]|October 29, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|magic-story/talented-captain-vraska-2017-09-20|The Talented Captain Vraska|[[R&D Narrative Team]]|September 20, 2017}}</ref> The Ochran, most of them [[Devkarin]] elves, are known for the virulence of their poisons.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/>


===The Erstwhile===
===The Erstwhile===
A delicate and sophisticated race of [[elves]] known as the Erstwhile once were an important faction in Ravnica. They were laid to rest in coffins in Umerilek, Mausoleum of the Erstwhile.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{DailyRef|magic-story/pride-kraul-2017-05-31|Pride of the Kraul|[[Alison Luhrs]]|May 31, 2017}}</ref> They returned as [[Zombie]] <c title="Attendants of Vraska">Attendant of Vraska</c>. In contrast to the regular fungus-animated zombies of the Golgari, they retain a higher degree of intellegence and agency. They continue to wear their stately attire, despite its moldering and rot.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> The leader of the Erstwhile is the [[lich]] [[Storrev]].
A delicate and sophisticated race of [[elves]] known as the Erstwhile once was an important faction in Ravnica. They were laid to rest in coffins in Umerilek, Mausoleum of the Erstwhile.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{DailyRef|magic-story/pride-kraul-2017-05-31|Pride of the Kraul|[[Alison Luhrs]]|May 31, 2017}}</ref> They returned as [[Zombie]] <c title="Attendants of Vraska">Attendant of Vraska</c>. In contrast to the regular fungus-animated zombies of the Golgari, they retain a higher degree of intelligence and agency. They continue to wear their stately attire, despite its moldering and rot.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref> The leader of the Erstwhile is the [[lich]] [[Storrev]].


==History==
==History==
Founded by [[parun]] [[Svogthir]], a [[human]] [[necromancer]]-turned-[[lich]], the Golgari Swarm functions as the agricultural sector of Ravnican society.<ref name="RtR Minisite">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-part-2-2012-09-05|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Return to Ravnica'', Part 2|[[Magic Creative Team]]|September 5, 2012}}</ref> Following his mortal death, Svogthir reanimated his own corpse. He also modified his body by incorporating body parts from others - he used the chest of [[Gruul Clans]] parun [[Cisarzim]], for instance, to create a more perfect, stronger being.<ref name="Ravnica">[[Cory J. Herndon]]. (2005.) ''Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]. ISBN-13 978-0786937929.</ref><ref name="MTGFiction">Anominal. (July 21, 2011.) [http://www.mtgfiction.com/2011/07/ravnica-city-of-guilds-chapter-8.html ''Ravnica: City of Guilds'' - Chapter 8], MTG Fiction.</ref>
Founded by [[parun]] [[Svogthir]], a [[devkarin]] [[necromancer]]-turned-[[lich]], the Golgari Swarm functions as the agricultural sector of Ravnican society.<ref name="RtR Minisite">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-return-to-ravnica-part-2|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Return to Ravnica", Part 2|[[Magic Creative Team]]|May 9, 2012}}</ref> Following his mortal death, Svogthir reanimated his corpse. He also modified his body by incorporating body parts from others - he used the chest of [[Gruul Clans]] parun [[Cisarzim]], for instance, to create a more perfect, stronger being.<ref name="Ravnica">[[Cory J. Herndon]]. (2005.) ''[[Ravnica (novel)|Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica]]'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]. ISBN-13 978-0786937929.</ref><ref name="MTGFiction">Anominal. (July 21, 2011.) [http://www.mtgfiction.com/2011/07/ravnica-city-of-guilds-chapter-8.html ''Ravnica: City of Guilds'' - Chapter 8], MTG Fiction.</ref>


===Ravnica block===
===Ravnica block===
[[File:Savra.jpg|right|thumb|125 px|<c>Savra, Queen of the Golgari</c>]]
[[File:Savra.jpg|right|thumb|125 px|<c>Savra, Queen of the Golgari</c>]]
During the Ravnica block storyline, the leadership of the Golgari was contested time and again, in large part due to the numerous factions vying for control of their guild.<ref name="Ravnica Minisite"/> The most prominent among these were the [[Devkarin]] (dark elves), of which Savra was the head, and the [[Teratogens]],<ref name="Issar"/> which was predominantly composed of plant{{en}}zombie hybrids as well as, albeit to lesser extents, giant bats, gorgons, harpies, and other monstrous creatures.<ref name="Ravnica Minisite"/><ref name="Ravnica"/> Up until the events of the [[Decamillennial]], the Teratogens maintained hegemony over the Golgari Swarm.<ref name="Ravnica"/>
During the Ravnica block storyline, the leadership of the Golgari was contested time and again, in large part due to the numerous factions vying for control of their guild.<ref name="Ravnica Minisite"/> The most prominent among these were the [[Devkarin]] (dark elves), of which Savra was the head, and the [[Teratogens]], which was predominantly composed of plant{{en}}zombie hybrids as well as, albeit to lesser extents, giant bats, gorgons, harpies, and other monstrous creatures.<ref name="Ravnica Minisite"/><ref name="Ravnica"/> Up until the events of the [[Decamillennial]], the Teratogens maintained hegemony over the Golgari Swarm.<ref name="Ravnica"/>


Less than a millennium prior to the Decamillennial, the [[Sisters of Stone Death]], originally a quintet of [[gorgon]]s, attempted to overthrow parun Svogthir. Although two of the sisters died, they were successful in their coup and were able to destroy, and rot away, all but Svogthir's head, which his necromantic magic kept intact.<ref name="Ravnica"/> The remaining three sisters {{Em}} Ludmilla, Lexya, and Lydya<ref name="Green Thumb"/> {{Em}} kept Svogthir under arrest in a tomb in Grigor Canyon.<ref name="Ravnica"/>
Less than a millennium before the Decamillennial, the [[Sisters of Stone Death]], originally a quintet of [[gorgon]]s, attempted to overthrow parun Svogthir. Although two of the sisters died, they were successful in their coup and were able to destroy, and rot away, all but Svogthir's head, which his necromantic magic kept intact.<ref name="Ravnica"/> The remaining three sisters {{Em}} Ludmilla, Lexya, and Lydya<ref name="Green Thumb"/> {{Em}} kept Svogthir under arrest in a tomb in Grigor Canyon.<ref name="Ravnica"/>


At the turn of the Decamillennial, the Devkarin, led by matka (high priestess) Savra, who, with the help of the [[House Dimir]] parun and guildmaster [[Szadek]], overtook control of the guild. Savra resurrected Svogthir, whom she used to overthrow the Sisters of Stone Death, and then used ancient, powerful matka magic to liberate his spirit from his head, so that she could add it to her scepter. Subsequent to this, Savra proclaimed herself as the new Golgari guildmaster.<ref name="Ravnica"/>
At the turn of the Decamillennial, the Devkarin, led by matka (high priestess) Savra, with the help of the [[House Dimir]] parun and guildmaster [[Szadek]], overtook control of the guild. Savra resurrected Svogthir, whom she used to overthrow the Sisters of Stone Death, and then used ancient, powerful matka magic to liberate his spirit from his head so that she could add it to her scepter. After this, Savra proclaimed herself as the new Golgari guildmaster.<ref name="Ravnica"/>


Power-hungry as always, Savra then attempted to infiltrate the [[Selesnya Conclave]] with her [[quietmen]] and tried to subtly sieze control of the Conclave; but, she was double-crossed by Szadek, who snapped her neck so as to weaken the Conclave.<ref name="Ravnica"/>
Power-hungry as always, Savra then attempted to infiltrate the [[Selesnya Conclave]] with her [[quietmen]] and tried to subtly seize control of the Conclave; but, she was double-crossed by Szadek, who snapped her neck to weaken the Conclave.<ref name="Ravnica"/>


In ''[[Dissension (novel)|Dissension]]'', Szadek is defeated with the help of Savra's brother, [[Jarad]], who assumes control of the Golgari Swarm. He was later sacrificed by [[Izolda]] (<c name="Lyzolda">Lyzolda, the Blood Witch</c>) as part of a ritual to arouse [[Rakdos]], the parun of the [[Cult of Rakdos]].<ref name="Ravnica, Then and Now">{{DailyRef|feature/ravnica-then-and-now-2012-08-29|Ravnica, Then and Now|[[Adam Lee]]|August 29, 2012}}</ref> Jarad, however, "survives", by using necromancy to become a zombie/lich, and retains his mantle of leadership over the Golgari.<ref name="Dissension">[[Cory J. Herndon]]. (2006.) ''Ravnica Cycle, Book III: Dissension'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]. ISBN-13 978-0786940011.</ref>
In ''[[Dissension (novel)|Dissension]]'', Szadek is defeated with the help of Savra's brother, [[Jarad]], who assumes control of the Golgari Swarm. He was later sacrificed by [[Izolda]] (<c name="Lyzolda">Lyzolda, the Blood Witch</c>) as part of a ritual to arouse [[Rakdos]], the parun of the [[Cult of Rakdos]].<ref name="Ravnica, Then and Now">{{DailyRef|feature/ravnica-then-and-now-2012-08-29-0|Ravnica, Then and Now|[[Adam Lee]]|August 29, 2012}}</ref> Jarad, however, "survives", by using necromancy to become a zombie/lich, and retains his mantle of leadership over the Golgari.<ref name="Dissension">[[Cory J. Herndon]]. (2006.) ''[[Dissension (novel)|Ravnica Cycle, Book III: Dissension]]'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]. ISBN-13 978-0786940011.</ref>


The guildhall of the Golgari Swarm in the Ravnica block is [[Svogthos]], a former elaborately decorated and gilded cathedral of the [[Orzhov Syndicate]]. Svogthos is a semi-living structure in which the detached, severed head of Svogthir, is housed,<ref name="Ravnica"/> and is claimed to move as the center of Golgari territory shifts.<ref name="Ravnica Minisite"/>
The guildhall of the Golgari Swarm in the Ravnica block is [[Svogthos]], a former elaborately decorated and gilded cathedral of the [[Orzhov Syndicate]]. Svogthos is a semi-living structure in which the detached, severed head of Svogthir, is housed,<ref name="Ravnica"/> and is claimed to move as the center of Golgari territory shifts.<ref name="Ravnica Minisite"/>
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Jarad maintained his power, quelling without mercy any rumblings of mutiny or dissent from the Teratogens. He bided his time, knowing that the surface world was suffering without the structure and support of the guilds, and it was only a matter of time before things returned to business as usual.<ref name="Ravnica, Then and Now"/>
Jarad maintained his power, quelling without mercy any rumblings of mutiny or dissent from the Teratogens. He bided his time, knowing that the surface world was suffering without the structure and support of the guilds, and it was only a matter of time before things returned to business as usual.<ref name="Ravnica, Then and Now"/>


[[Korozda]] is sometimes named as the new Golgari guildhall.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/> Actually, this immense circular maze of overgrown, fungus-encrusted ruins surrounds the arched [[Svogthos]] cathedral.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Korozda was the lair of guildmaster Jarad and the place where he met with his irregular court of attendants. It’s patrolled by an array of swarming vermin, giant insects, and zombies.
[[Korozda]] is sometimes named the new Golgari guildhall.<ref name="RtR Minisite"/> Actually, this immense circular maze of overgrown, fungus-encrusted ruins surrounds the arched [[Svogthos]] cathedral.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Korozda was the lair of guildmaster Jarad and the place where he met with his irregular court of attendants. It's patrolled by an array of swarming vermin, giant insects, and zombies.


===Guilds of Ravnica block===
===Guilds of Ravnica block===
At an unspecified time, Jarad was taken captive in a sparsely populated corner of the city. Pleased with the planewalker [[Vraska]]'s role in securing the [[Immortal Sun]] in [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]], [[Nicol Bolas]] rewarded her with the information where [[Jarad]] was imprisoned.<ref name="Wool">{{DailyRef|magic-story/wool-over-eyes-2018-02-14|Wool over the Eyes|[[R&D Narrative Team]]|February 14, 2018}}</ref> As leader of the disenfranchised among the Golgari, she vowed to bring justice to Jarad and replace him with a worthier guild leader. She took Jarad out and became the new leader herself.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/flavorful-guide-guilds-ravnica-2018-10-03|A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica|[[Chas Andres]]|October 3, 2018}}</ref>
At an unspecified time, Jarad was taken captive in a sparsely populated corner of the city. Pleased with the planewalker [[Vraska]]'s role in securing the [[Immortal Sun]] in [[Ixalan (plane)|Ixalan]], [[Nicol Bolas]] rewarded her with the information where [[Jarad]] was imprisoned.<ref name="Wool">{{DailyRef|magic-story/wool-over-eyes-2018-02-14|Wool over the Eyes|[[R&D Narrative Team]]|February 14, 2018}}</ref> As the leader of the disenfranchised among the Golgari, she vowed to bring justice to Jarad and replace him with a worthier guild leader. She took Jarad out and became the new leader herself.<ref name="Flavor">{{DailyRef|feature/flavorful-guide-guilds-ravnica-2018-10-03|A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica|[[Chas Andres]]|October 3, 2018}}</ref>


The Golgari were convinced that Ravnica 's institutions were on the verge of collapse and that the absence of the [[Living Guildpact]] proved it.<ref>[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> However, the Golgari were neither surprised nor panicked by this, for they believe that all things eventually rot and die, and from this decay, new life blooms. As such, the Golgari saw the looming interguild conflict as a necessary final push to bring about a new era - their era. The Golgari were preparing for upheaval, having sealed many of the passages leading in to the Undercity, making their territory seem like an impregnable subterranean fortress.
The Golgari were convinced that Ravnica's institutions were on the verge of collapse and that the absence of the [[Living Guildpact]] proved it.<ref>[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> However, the Golgari were neither surprised nor panicked by this, for they believe that all things eventually rot and die, and from this decay, new life blooms. As such, the Golgari saw the looming intraguild conflict as a necessary final push to bring about a new era - their era. The Golgari were preparing for upheaval, having sealed many of the passages leading into the Undercity, making their territory seem like an impregnable subterranean fortress.


After Vraska killed [[Isperia]], she planeswalked to [[Ixalan]] to escape from being killed by [[Ral Zarek]] leaving the various Golgari factions fighting for supremacy. As a result, she was not present on Ravnica when Bolas' [[War of the Spark (event)|invasion]] began. However, she worried that the Golgari Swarm would fall apart without her, and she eventually decided to return to Ravnica out of concern for her people.
After Vraska killed [[Isperia]], she planeswalked to [[Ixalan]] to escape from being killed by [[Ral Zarek]] leaving the various Golgari factions fighting for supremacy. As a result, she was not present in Ravnica when Bolas' [[War of the Spark (event)|invasion]] began. However, she worried that the Golgari Swarm would fall apart without her, and she eventually decided to return to Ravnica out of concern for her people.


Upon returning home, she encountered Ral and [[Kaya]] in the Undercity, where they were trying to convince the other Golgari leaders to support their cause. Despite Ral and Kaya's suspicion of the [[gorgon]], Vraska united the Golgari once again and pledged the guild to the fight against Bolas. With the help of [[Ajani]] and his team of planeswalkers, they were able to evacuate many civilians to the tunnels beneath the city, where they would be safe from the [[Dreadhorde]].
Upon returning home, she encountered Ral and [[Kaya]] in the Undercity, where they were trying to convince the other Golgari leaders to support their cause. Despite Ral and Kaya's suspicion of the [[gorgon]], Vraska united the Golgari once again and pledged the guild to the fight against Bolas. With the help of [[Ajani]] and his team of planeswalkers, they were able to evacuate many civilians to the tunnels beneath the city, where they would be safe from the [[Dreadhorde]].


It's unclear if Vraska is still guildmaster of the Golgari Swarm, or who would have replaced her. During her absence, the [[elf]] [[shaman]] [[Cevraya]], the [[Devkarin]] [[Izoni]], the [[troll]] [[Varolz]], the [[kraul]] [[Azdomas]], and the [[Erstwhile]] leader [[Storrev]] all claimed to have a right to the title.
===After the War===
Although Vraska was still guildmaster of the Golgari Swarm, during her absence, her position was contested. The [[elf]] [[shaman]] [[Cevraya]], the [[Devkarin]] [[Izoni]], the [[troll]] [[Varolz]], the [[kraul]] [[Azdomas]], and the [[Erstwhile]] leader [[Storrev]] all claimed to have a right to the title.<ref name="Operatives">{{DailyRef|magic-story/war-spark-ravnica-desperate-operatives-2019-05-29|War of the Spark: Ravnica – Desperate Operatives|[[Greg Weisman]]|May 29, 2019}}</ref> When she returned all accepted her leadership again, except [[Matka]] Izoni. There were rumors of Devkarin rebellion.<ref name="Forsaken">[[Greg Weisman]] (November 2019). "''[[War of the Spark: Forsaken]]''". Del Rey.</ref>
 
===Phyrexian Invasion===
During [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse]], a recently [[Compleated]] [[Vraska]] led the [[Phyrexian]] forces on Ravnica. As a result, the Golgari fell to Phyresis faster than any other guild, experiencing near-total compleation, eventually swarming up through the Undercity to launch an all-out attack on the largely uncompleated surface.<ref name="MOM Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-march-of-the-machine|Planeswalker's Guide to ''March of the Machine'': The Phyrexian Invasion of the Multiverse|[[Emily Teng]]|April 11, 2023}}</ref><ref name="No Sparks Allowed">{{YouTubeRef|sImiwohnUYg|No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies|[[LRRMTG]]|May 10, 2023}}</ref> Korozda was brought to the city's surface by the Invasion Tree, cracking the guildhall's surface and destroying many Golgari homes.<ref name="Rot DVD">{{WebRef|url=https://seananmcguire.com/blog/2024/01/15/rot-before-recovery-the-dvd-extras/|title=Rot Before Recovery, the DVD extras|author=[[Seanan McGuire]]|date=January 15, 2024|publisher=[[Seanan McGuire]]}}</ref>
 
===After the invasion===
As the guild that spearheaded the Phyrexian invasion of Ravnica, the Golgari Swarm suffered consequences.<ref name="Guide to MKM">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-murders-at-karlov-manor|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Murders at Karlov Manor''|[[Emily Teng]]|February 1, 2024}}</ref> The Golgari were unanimously denounced by the other guilds, its members shunned and reviled. Many of the surviving Golgari were affected in droves. Those few who remained fell into two categories: those who still believed in the guild and were determined to see it rehabilitated, and those who were so notorious that they had no other options.
 
There is no acting head of the guild.<ref name="Guide to MKM"/> In Vraska's absence, the remaining leaders of the various Golgari factions, in a rare show of unity, resoundingly denounced her and stripped her of her title in the hope of distancing themselves from her acts. Each faction would have liked to claim the title for themselves, but none had been able to gather enough followers to gain a decisive victory and consolidate the guild once more.


==In the game==
==In the game==
Line 86: Line 97:
====''Ravnica: City of Guilds'': Dredge====
====''Ravnica: City of Guilds'': Dredge====
{{Main|Dredge}}
{{Main|Dredge}}
Conceived by head ''Magic'' designer and design team [[Mark Rosewater]], dredge is a static ability that exemplifies the belief that life and death are similar.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/golgari-query-2005-10-28-0|Golgari Query|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|October 28, 2005}}</ref> It allows a player to put a number of cards from the top of his or her library into his or her graveyard if he or she would draw a card to return a card with dredge to his or her hand.
Conceived by the head ''Magic'' designer and design team [[Mark Rosewater]], Dredge is a static ability that exemplifies the belief that life and death are similar.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/golgari-query-2005-10-28-0|Golgari Query|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|October 28, 2005}}</ref> It allows a player to put that number of cards from the top of their library into their graveyard if they would draw a card to instead return a card with dredge to their hand.


Due to its recursive nature, interactions with cards that deal with the graveyard, and strength as a mechanic, dredge has been featured in numerous competitive decks and has spawned archetypes centering on the mechanic.<ref>{{DailyRef|limited-information/exploring-ravnica-–-part-ii-2005-10-11|Exploring Ravnica – Part II|Scott Wills|October 11, 2005}}</ref><ref name="DtR">{{DailyRef|feature/developing-return-2012-09-10|Developing the Return|[[Erik Lauer]]|September 10, 2012}}</ref>
Due to its recursive nature, interactions with cards that deal with the graveyard, and strength as a mechanic, dredge has been featured in numerous competitive decks and has spawned archetypes centering on the mechanic.<ref>{{DailyRef|limited-information/exploring-ravnica-–-part-ii-2005-10-11|Exploring Ravnica – Part II|Scott Wills|October 11, 2005}}</ref><ref name="DtR">{{DailyRef|feature/developing-return-2012-09-10|Developing the Return|[[Erik Lauer]]|September 10, 2012}}</ref>
Line 92: Line 103:
====''Return to Ravnica'': Scavenge====
====''Return to Ravnica'': Scavenge====
{{Main|Scavenge}}
{{Main|Scavenge}}
Scavenge is a keyword ability solely featured on creature cards, and represents two static abilities, one of which functions while a creature card is in the graveyard and another while the ability is on the stack. Scavenge represents using the graveyard and dead as a resource.<ref name="DtR"/> Both black and green are colors with much overlap, sharing two creature keywords ([[deathtouch]] and [[regeneration]]) and a focus on the graveyard, with respect to recursion, using the graveyard as a resource, abilities that trigger when something dies or is put into a graveyard from play, exiling cards from graveyards, and abilities that are active if a card is in a graveyard.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/designing-golgari-2012-11-26|Designing for Golgari|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 26, 2012}}</ref>
Scavenge is a keyword ability solely featured on creature cards and represents two static abilities, one of which functions while a creature card is in the graveyard and another while the ability is on the stack. Scavenge represents using the graveyard and dead as a resource.<ref name="DtR"/> Both black and green have much overlap with each other, sharing two creature keywords ([[deathtouch]] and [[regeneration]]) and a focus on the graveyard, concerning recursion, using the graveyard as a resource, abilities that trigger when something dies or is put into a graveyard from play, exiling cards from graveyards, and abilities that are active if a card is in a graveyard.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/designing-golgari-2012-11-26|Designing for Golgari|[[Mark Rosewater]]|November 26, 2012}}</ref>


====''Guilds of Ravnica'': Undergrowth====
====''Guilds of Ravnica'': Undergrowth====
Line 104: Line 115:
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Beast]]s
*[[Beast]]s
*[[Bat]]s
*[[Centaur]]s<ref name="Ravnica"/>
*[[Crocodile]]s
*[[Dog]]s
*[[Elemental]]s
*[[Elemental]]s
*[[Elf#Devkarin elves|Elves (Devkarin)]]
*[[Elf#Devkarin elves|Elves]] (Devkarin)
*[[Fungi]]
*[[Fungi]]
*[[Giant]]s
*[[Gorgon]]s
*[[Gorgon]]s
*[[Griffin]]s<ref name="Ravnica"/>
*[[Harpy|Harpies]]<ref name="Ravnica"/>
*[[Horror]]s
*[[Horror]]s
*[[Human]]s
*[[Human]]s
*[[Hound]]s
*[[Imp]]s
*[[Imp]]s
*[[Insect]]s ([[Kraul]])
*[[Insect]]s ([[Kraul]])
*[[Leech]]es
*[[Naga]]s<ref name="Ravnica"/>
*[[Nightmare]]s
*[[Ooze]]s
*[[Ooze]]s
*[[Plant]]s
*[[Plant]]s
Line 119: Line 137:
*[[Scorpion]]s
*[[Scorpion]]s
*[[Skeleton]]s
*[[Skeleton]]s
*[[Spider]]s <ref name="Ravnica art book"/>
*[[Spider]]s<ref name="Ravnica art book"/>
*[[Troll]]s
*[[Troll]]s
*[[Wurm]]s
*[[Wurm]]s
Line 127: Line 145:
====Classes====
====Classes====
Classes associated with the Golgari Swarm include:
Classes associated with the Golgari Swarm include:
*[[Assassin|Assassins]]
*[[Detective|Detectives]]
*[[Druid]]s
*[[Druid]]s
*[[Rogue|Rogues]]
*[[Scout|Scouts]]
*[[Shaman]]s
*[[Shaman]]s
*[[Soldier|Soldiers]]
*[[Warrior|Warriors]]
*[[Wizard|Wizards]]


==Notable members==
==Notable members==
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Amzu]]
*Dainya and Elga
*Dainya and Elga
*Ezoc
*Ezoc
*[[Izoni]]
*[[Izoni]]
*[[Jarad vod Savo]]
*[[Jarad vod Savo]]
*[[Mazirek]]
*Nayine Shonn
*Nayine Shonn
*[[Savra]]
*[[Savra]]
Line 142: Line 168:
*[[Svogthir]]
*[[Svogthir]]
*Trasz, Zurno, and Varl
*Trasz, Zurno, and Varl
*[[Varolz]]
*[[Vraska]]
*[[Vraska]]
*[[Mazirek]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Wratislav]]
* [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Wratislav]]
}}
}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:RAV Golgari.jpg‎|Ravnica block crest
File:RAV Golgari.jpg|Ravnica block crest
File:Golgari Logo.png|Return to Ravnica crest
File:Golgari Logo.png|Return to Ravnica crest
File:Guilds of Ravnica Golgari.jpg|The Golgari as featured in ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''
File:Guilds of Ravnica Golgari.jpg|The Golgari as featured in ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''
File:CLU Golgari Swarm.png|[[Half deck]] summary card used in ''[[Ravnica: Clue Edition]]''.
File:Golgari Swarm.png|[[Return to Ravnica]] art.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Latest revision as of 06:34, 17 June 2024

Golgari Swarm
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Golgari Logo.png}}|150px]]
Alternative Names
The Swarm
Lore Information
Parun Svogthir (deceased; return possible)
Guild Leader Sisters of Stone Death (?-10,000)
Savra (9999)
Jarad vod Savo (9999-10,076)
Vraska (10,076-)
Guild Champion Savra (deceased)
Varolz
Izoni
Guild Hall Svogthos
(surrounded by Korozda)
Game Information
Colors {B}{G}
Mechanics Dredge
(Ravnica: City of Guilds)
Scavenge
(Return to Ravnica)
Undergrowth
(Guilds of Ravnica)
Featured Sets
Ravnica: City of Guilds
Return to Ravnica
Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari
Guilds of Ravnica
Signet Flavor Text
"Depending on your point of view, the seal represents a proud guardian of the natural cycle or one who has sold her soul to darkness for eternal life." — Golgari Signet
Scryfall Search
watermark:"Golgari"

The Golgari Swarm is a black/green guild from the plane and city of Ravnica. Introduced in Ravnica: City of Guilds, the guild is also featured in Return to Ravnica, the Izzet vs. Golgari set[1] and in Guilds of Ravnica.

Golgari basic lands from Guilds of Ravnica

Background

The Golgari Swarm is the embodiment of life and death.[2][3] The teeming masses of the Swarm believe that life and death are both natural and equally essential.[2][4] To them, life and death are natural elements of a cycle with no intermediary break.[5][6] Growth is power that comes slowly, but it is also ruthless and inevitable, and this makes growth a key virtue of the Swarm's power.[5][7][2] With their dead being planted and regrown as plant zombies,[8] their reanimation magic has made the Golgari the largest Ravnican guild.[9][10] Much like a swarm of insects, the Golgari often seem to behave more like a single organism than as a group of individuals.[11] The whole Swarm is driven by a primal instinct to survive and reproduce.

The Golgari are one of if not the largest food suppliers on Ravnica, serving a cheap, plentiful, nutrient-packed gruel to those who can't afford expensive meat or magically-generated produce.[12]

The Golgari Swarm consists of many sub-factions, each with its agenda. Their revered parun is the legendary necromancer Svogthir, the "god-zombie".[13]

Teratogens

Up until the Decamillennial, the Teratogens were the ruling class of the Golgari. It consisted mostly of non-humanoids such as plants, mutants, harpies, nagas, griffins, and centaurs. Nowadays they, as a class, hold no status. However individual members, such as a gorgon, may still hold authority over some of the Swarm.

The Devkarin

The Devkarin is a brooding, winsome, and often ambitious race of elves. Of all of Golgari's factions, the Devkarin press most for the expansion of Golgari territory. The Devkarin are presided over by their "Matka", a high priestess (currently Izoni, Thousand-Eyed).

The Cilia

A council of Devkarin shamans and rogues called the Cilia acts as a combination of Jarad's advisory parliament and spy agency and rarely all convene publicly or together at once.[2][14]

The Lotleth

The Lotleth are the Golgari's irregular faction of undead, necromancers, fungus-binders, and other members associated with the restless dead.[2] Although most Golgari undead are mindless fungal constructions maintained by necromantic magic, the Lotleth do have some more or less intelligent undead among them, plus a few higher-ranked necromancers who speak for the faction. Generally, the Lotleth served as a labor force for the Golgari's constant program of reclamation and expansion. The current leader of the Lotleth is Wratislav, a skilled but conceited human necromancer.

The Kraul

The Kraul lived for ages on the periphery of the Swarm, but are now an ascendant group with the Swarm. These six-legged insectile beings are hard-headed and literal-minded. Under Mazirek, the Kraul are loyal to Vraska, rather than to the Swarm as a whole. Their military are known as the Krunstraz.[15]

The Street Swarm

The Street Swarm forms Golgari's labor class. This faction includes corpse scavengers, low-ranking street shamans, rot farmers, tunnel trolls, various elementals, and fungal horrors. Each neighborhood of Ravnica tends to have its chapter of the Street Swarm, and each chapter is led by a local swarm boss. Spore Druids specialize in fungi, moss, molds, and other decomposers. Reclaimers are elf and kraul scavengers who patrol the city and gather the dead to be recycled.[16]

The Ochran

Although many discount them as an urban legend, "the assassins of the Ochran" are a Golgari cult of mercenaries operating out from the Undercity and specializing in vengeance killings. The cult was led by Vraska before she became the guild leader.[17][18] The Ochran, most of them Devkarin elves, are known for the virulence of their poisons.[16]

The Erstwhile

A delicate and sophisticated race of elves known as the Erstwhile once was an important faction in Ravnica. They were laid to rest in coffins in Umerilek, Mausoleum of the Erstwhile.[11] They returned as Zombie Attendants of Vraska. In contrast to the regular fungus-animated zombies of the Golgari, they retain a higher degree of intelligence and agency. They continue to wear their stately attire, despite its moldering and rot.[16] The leader of the Erstwhile is the lich Storrev.

History

Founded by parun Svogthir, a devkarin necromancer-turned-lich, the Golgari Swarm functions as the agricultural sector of Ravnican society.[2] Following his mortal death, Svogthir reanimated his corpse. He also modified his body by incorporating body parts from others - he used the chest of Gruul Clans parun Cisarzim, for instance, to create a more perfect, stronger being.[13][19]

Ravnica block

Savra, Queen of the Golgari

During the Ravnica block storyline, the leadership of the Golgari was contested time and again, in large part due to the numerous factions vying for control of their guild.[7] The most prominent among these were the Devkarin (dark elves), of which Savra was the head, and the Teratogens, which was predominantly composed of plant–zombie hybrids as well as, albeit to lesser extents, giant bats, gorgons, harpies, and other monstrous creatures.[7][13] Up until the events of the Decamillennial, the Teratogens maintained hegemony over the Golgari Swarm.[13]

Less than a millennium before the Decamillennial, the Sisters of Stone Death, originally a quintet of gorgons, attempted to overthrow parun Svogthir. Although two of the sisters died, they were successful in their coup and were able to destroy, and rot away, all but Svogthir's head, which his necromantic magic kept intact.[13] The remaining three sisters — Ludmilla, Lexya, and Lydya[6] — kept Svogthir under arrest in a tomb in Grigor Canyon.[13]

At the turn of the Decamillennial, the Devkarin, led by matka (high priestess) Savra, with the help of the House Dimir parun and guildmaster Szadek, overtook control of the guild. Savra resurrected Svogthir, whom she used to overthrow the Sisters of Stone Death, and then used ancient, powerful matka magic to liberate his spirit from his head so that she could add it to her scepter. After this, Savra proclaimed herself as the new Golgari guildmaster.[13]

Power-hungry as always, Savra then attempted to infiltrate the Selesnya Conclave with her quietmen and tried to subtly seize control of the Conclave; but, she was double-crossed by Szadek, who snapped her neck to weaken the Conclave.[13]

In Dissension, Szadek is defeated with the help of Savra's brother, Jarad, who assumes control of the Golgari Swarm. He was later sacrificed by Izolda (Lyzolda, the Blood Witch) as part of a ritual to arouse Rakdos, the parun of the Cult of Rakdos.[20] Jarad, however, "survives", by using necromancy to become a zombie/lich, and retains his mantle of leadership over the Golgari.[21]

The guildhall of the Golgari Swarm in the Ravnica block is Svogthos, a former elaborately decorated and gilded cathedral of the Orzhov Syndicate. Svogthos is a semi-living structure in which the detached, severed head of Svogthir, is housed,[13] and is claimed to move as the center of Golgari territory shifts.[7]

Return to Ravnica block

Jarad was the next guildmaster of the Golgari Swarm.

After the dissolution of the guilds, the Golgari had stayed more or less as they were. For 10,000 years, they had been the silent machine that kept the unsavory but essential parts of Ravnica running and knew no other life apart from the dank tunnels of the undercity.

Jarad maintained his power, quelling without mercy any rumblings of mutiny or dissent from the Teratogens. He bided his time, knowing that the surface world was suffering without the structure and support of the guilds, and it was only a matter of time before things returned to business as usual.[20]

Korozda is sometimes named the new Golgari guildhall.[2] Actually, this immense circular maze of overgrown, fungus-encrusted ruins surrounds the arched Svogthos cathedral.[11] Korozda was the lair of guildmaster Jarad and the place where he met with his irregular court of attendants. It's patrolled by an array of swarming vermin, giant insects, and zombies.

Guilds of Ravnica block

At an unspecified time, Jarad was taken captive in a sparsely populated corner of the city. Pleased with the planewalker Vraska's role in securing the Immortal Sun in Ixalan, Nicol Bolas rewarded her with the information where Jarad was imprisoned.[22] As the leader of the disenfranchised among the Golgari, she vowed to bring justice to Jarad and replace him with a worthier guild leader. She took Jarad out and became the new leader herself.[10]

The Golgari were convinced that Ravnica's institutions were on the verge of collapse and that the absence of the Living Guildpact proved it.[23] However, the Golgari were neither surprised nor panicked by this, for they believe that all things eventually rot and die, and from this decay, new life blooms. As such, the Golgari saw the looming intraguild conflict as a necessary final push to bring about a new era - their era. The Golgari were preparing for upheaval, having sealed many of the passages leading into the Undercity, making their territory seem like an impregnable subterranean fortress.

After Vraska killed Isperia, she planeswalked to Ixalan to escape from being killed by Ral Zarek leaving the various Golgari factions fighting for supremacy. As a result, she was not present in Ravnica when Bolas' invasion began. However, she worried that the Golgari Swarm would fall apart without her, and she eventually decided to return to Ravnica out of concern for her people.

Upon returning home, she encountered Ral and Kaya in the Undercity, where they were trying to convince the other Golgari leaders to support their cause. Despite Ral and Kaya's suspicion of the gorgon, Vraska united the Golgari once again and pledged the guild to the fight against Bolas. With the help of Ajani and his team of planeswalkers, they were able to evacuate many civilians to the tunnels beneath the city, where they would be safe from the Dreadhorde.

After the War

Although Vraska was still guildmaster of the Golgari Swarm, during her absence, her position was contested. The elf shaman Cevraya, the Devkarin Izoni, the troll Varolz, the kraul Azdomas, and the Erstwhile leader Storrev all claimed to have a right to the title.[24] When she returned all accepted her leadership again, except Matka Izoni. There were rumors of Devkarin rebellion.[25]

Phyrexian Invasion

During New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse, a recently Compleated Vraska led the Phyrexian forces on Ravnica. As a result, the Golgari fell to Phyresis faster than any other guild, experiencing near-total compleation, eventually swarming up through the Undercity to launch an all-out attack on the largely uncompleated surface.[26][27] Korozda was brought to the city's surface by the Invasion Tree, cracking the guildhall's surface and destroying many Golgari homes.[28]

After the invasion

As the guild that spearheaded the Phyrexian invasion of Ravnica, the Golgari Swarm suffered consequences.[29] The Golgari were unanimously denounced by the other guilds, its members shunned and reviled. Many of the surviving Golgari were affected in droves. Those few who remained fell into two categories: those who still believed in the guild and were determined to see it rehabilitated, and those who were so notorious that they had no other options.

There is no acting head of the guild.[29] In Vraska's absence, the remaining leaders of the various Golgari factions, in a rare show of unity, resoundingly denounced her and stripped her of her title in the hope of distancing themselves from her acts. Each faction would have liked to claim the title for themselves, but none had been able to gather enough followers to gain a decisive victory and consolidate the guild once more.

In the game

Guild mechanics

Ravnica: City of Guilds: Dredge

Main article: Dredge

Conceived by the head Magic designer and design team Mark Rosewater, Dredge is a static ability that exemplifies the belief that life and death are similar.[30] It allows a player to put that number of cards from the top of their library into their graveyard if they would draw a card to instead return a card with dredge to their hand.

Due to its recursive nature, interactions with cards that deal with the graveyard, and strength as a mechanic, dredge has been featured in numerous competitive decks and has spawned archetypes centering on the mechanic.[31][32]

Return to Ravnica: Scavenge

Main article: Scavenge

Scavenge is a keyword ability solely featured on creature cards and represents two static abilities, one of which functions while a creature card is in the graveyard and another while the ability is on the stack. Scavenge represents using the graveyard and dead as a resource.[32] Both black and green have much overlap with each other, sharing two creature keywords (deathtouch and regeneration) and a focus on the graveyard, concerning recursion, using the graveyard as a resource, abilities that trigger when something dies or is put into a graveyard from play, exiling cards from graveyards, and abilities that are active if a card is in a graveyard.[33]

Guilds of Ravnica: Undergrowth

Main article: Undergrowth

Undergrowth lets you do bigger things when you have more creatures in your graveyard.[34]

Creature types

Species and races

Species and races associated with the Golgari Swarm include:

Classes

Classes associated with the Golgari Swarm include:

Notable members

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ↑ Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari — Wizards of the Coast
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g Magic Creative Team (May 9, 2012). "Planeswalker's Guide to Return to Ravnica", Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Chris Gleeson (October 26, 2018). "Building the Guilds – Golgari Swarm". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Rei Nakazawa (September 5, 2005). "Life in the Big City". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on August 15, 2020.
  5. ↑ a b Mark Rosewater (October 24, 2005). "Life and Death". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ a b Matt Cavotta (October 26, 2005). "Green Thumb, Black Heart". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ a b c d Ravnica: City of Guilds: Golgari Swarm Minisite — Wizards of the Coast
  8. ↑ Magic Arcana (October 27, 2005). "Ravnica Style Guide: Golgari". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Magic Arcana (March 07, 2006). "Ravnica's Busy Afterlife". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ a b Chas Andres (October 3, 2018). "A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ a b c Alison Luhrs (May 31, 2017). "Pride of the Kraul". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Doug Beyer (May 30, 2013). "Where are all the farms?". A Voice for Vorthos. Tumblr.
  13. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Cory J. Herndon. (2005.) Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786937929.
  14. ↑ Django Wexler (June 2019), The Gathering Storm/Chapter Two. Del Rey.
  15. ↑ Nicky Drayden (November 7, 2018). "Death's Precious Moments". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ a b c d James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica". Wizards of the Coast
  17. ↑ Jenna Helland (October 29, 2012). "The Azorius Ten Most Wanted". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  18. ↑ R&D Narrative Team (September 20, 2017). "The Talented Captain Vraska". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  19. ↑ Anominal. (July 21, 2011.) Ravnica: City of Guilds - Chapter 8, MTG Fiction.
  20. ↑ a b Adam Lee (August 29, 2012). "Ravnica, Then and Now". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ Cory J. Herndon. (2006.) Ravnica Cycle, Book III: Dissension, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786940011.
  22. ↑ R&D Narrative Team (February 14, 2018). "Wool over the Eyes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  23. ↑ James Wyatt and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica", Wizards of the Coast.
  24. ↑ Greg Weisman (May 29, 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica – Desperate Operatives". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  25. ↑ Greg Weisman (November 2019). "War of the Spark: Forsaken". Del Rey.
  26. ↑ Emily Teng (April 11, 2023). "Planeswalker's Guide to March of the Machine: The Phyrexian Invasion of the Multiverse". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  27. ↑ No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies (Video). YouTube.
  28. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 15, 2024). "Rot Before Recovery, the DVD extras". Seanan McGuire.
  29. ↑ a b Emily Teng (February 1, 2024). "Planeswalker's Guide to Murders at Karlov Manor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  30. ↑ Aaron Forsythe (October 28, 2005). "Golgari Query". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  31. ↑ Scott Wills (October 11, 2005). "Exploring Ravnica – Part II". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  32. ↑ a b Erik Lauer (September 10, 2012). "Developing the Return". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  33. ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 26, 2012). "Designing for Golgari". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  34. ↑ Matt Tabak (September 4, 2018). "Guilds of Ravnica Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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Ravnica block
Return to Ravnica block
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Ravnica storyline
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