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| colors = {{G}}{{W}}
| colors = {{G}}{{W}}
| parun = [[Mat'Selesnya]]
| parun = [[Mat'Selesnya]]
| leader = <c>Chorus of the Conclave</c> represented by [[Trostani]] <small>(incumbent)</small>
| leader = <c>Chorus of the Conclave</c> <small>(former)</small><br/>High Council <small>(former)</small><br/>[[Trostani]] <small>(incumbent)</small><br/>[[Emmara Tandris]] <small>(acting)</small>
| champion =[[Tolsimir Wolfblood]]<br/>[[Emmara Tandris]]
| champion = [[Bayul]] <small>(as Living Saint)</small><br/>[[Kel]] <small>(as Living Saint)</small><br/>[[Tolsimir Wolfblood]]<br/>[[Emmara Tandris]]
| hall = [[Vitu-Ghazi]]
| hall = [[Vitu-Ghazi]]
| mechanics = [[Convoke]]<br/><small>(''Ravnica: City of Guilds''<br/>and ''Guilds of Ravnica'')</small><br/>[[Populate]]<br/><small>(''Return to Ravnica'')</small>
| mechanics = [[Convoke]]<br/><small>(''Ravnica: City of Guilds''<br/>and ''Guilds of Ravnica'')</small><br/>[[Populate]]<br/><small>(''Return to Ravnica'')</small>
| set = ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]''<br/>''[[Return to Ravnica]]''<br/>''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''
| set = ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]''<br/>''[[Return to Ravnica]]''<br/>''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''
| text = The symbol of the Conclave is one of unity, with tree supporting sun and sun feeding tree. {{em}} <c>Selesnya Signet</c>
| text = The symbol of the Conclave is one of unity, with the tree supporting the sun and the sun feeding the tree. {{em}} <c>Selesnya Signet</c>
}}
}}
The '''Selesnya Conclave''' is a [[green]]/[[white]] guild from the plane and city of [[Ravnica]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/selesnya-conclave-2012-08-20|Selesnya Conclave|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 20, 2012 }}</ref>  Introduced in ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'',<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/ravnica-style-guide-selesnya-2005-10-04|Ravnica Style Guide: Selesnya|[[Magic Arcana]]|October 04, 2005}}</ref> the guild is also featured in ''[[Return to Ravnica]]'' and ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''.<ref name="Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/flavorful-guide-guilds-ravnica-2018-10-03|A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica|[[Chas Andres]]|October 3, 2018}}</ref>  
The '''Selesnya Conclave''' is a [[green]]/[[white]] guild from the plane and city of [[Ravnica]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/selesnya-conclave-2012-08-20|Selesnya Conclave|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 20, 2012 }}</ref>  Introduced in ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'',<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/ravnica-style-guide-selesnya-2005-10-04|Ravnica Style Guide: Selesnya|[[Magic Arcana]]|October 04, 2005}}</ref> the guild is also featured in ''[[Return to Ravnica]]'' and ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]''.<ref name="Guide">{{DailyRef|feature/flavorful-guide-guilds-ravnica-2018-10-03|A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica|[[Chas Andres]]|October 3, 2018}}</ref>  
[[File:GRN Selesnya basic lands.png|right|thumb|300px|Selesnya basic lands from ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]]]
[[File:GRN Selesnya basic lands.png|right|thumb|300px|Selesnya basic lands from ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]]]
==Description==
==Description==
Founded by [[parun]] [[Mat'Selesnya]], a female [[humanoid]] [[elemental]] formed via the fusion of [[dryad]]s, the Selesnya Conclave is a decentralized collective variably described as a "selfless, nurturing, spiritual group" or a "brainwashing nature cult." It involves itself in the establishment and maintenance of peace, life, and unity in Ravnica.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/building-guilds-selesnya-conclave-2018-10-31|Building the guilds – Selesnya Conclave|Chris Gleeson|October 31, 2018}}</ref> The territories held by the Selesnya are open and sunny, full of green spaces and gardens, with white stone buildings which are often open to the air. The towering world-tree of [[Vitu-Ghazi]] once served as the guild's Guildhall.
Founded by [[parun]] [[Mat'Selesnya]], a female [[humanoid]] [[elemental]] formed via the fusion of [[dryad]]s, the Selesnya Conclave is a decentralized collective variably described as a "selfless, nurturing, spiritual group" or a "brainwashing nature cult." It involves itself in the establishment and maintenance of peace, life, and unity in Ravnica.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/building-guilds-selesnya-conclave-2018-10-31|Building the guilds – Selesnya Conclave|Chris Gleeson|October 31, 2018}}</ref> Its purpose is to preserve the city's history.<ref name="Chains">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-5-chains-of-expectation|''Murders at Karlov Manor'' - Episode 5: Chains of Expectation|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 11, 2024}}</ref> The territories held by the Selesnya are open and sunny, full of green spaces and gardens, with white stone buildings which are often open to the air. The towering world tree of '''[[Vitu-Ghazi]]''' serves as the guild's Guildhall.


Despite their appearance of being "good" and "peace-loving", in truth the guild has a sinister streak.<ref>[http://www.mtgfiction.com/2011/07/ravnica-city-of-guilds-chapter-17.html ''Ravnica: City of Guilds'': Chapter 17] {{-}} MTG Fiction</ref> The Conclave used to employ its [[quietmen]] and other members to silence the civilians of Ravnica. The defenders of the Selesnya are the '''[[Ledev Guardians]]'''. '''Equenauts''' ride [[pegasus]]es, combining the role of mounted warriors and [[scout]]s. '''Sagittars''' are elven archers that defend key guild locations.  
Despite their appearance of being "good" and "peace-loving", in truth the guild has a sinister streak.<ref name="Ravnica"/> The Conclave used to employ its [[quietmen]] and other members to silence the civilians of Ravnica. The defenders of the Selesnya are the '''[[Ledev Guardians]]'''. '''Equenauts''' ride [[pegasus]]es, combining the role of mounted warriors and [[scout]]s. '''Sagittars''' are an order of elven archers that defend key guild locations.<ref name="Guide to MKM"/>


The Conclave is organized in enclaves called '''vernadi''', which are communes built around central trees, like smaller versions of Vitu-Ghazi.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/> A dryad, called a '''voda''', is called forth to be the leader of the community, connecting the vernadi to the Worldsoul and the will of the entire Conclave. The vernadi are a harmonious union of nature and civilization. Their house are created by '''woodshapers''' and are like living gardens without doors, carefully tended and abundantly fertile. The Selesnya are proud of their wurms, which are used by [[shaman]]s called '''wurmcallers''' to travel underground. The wisest clergy (including many [[Loxodon]]s), are sometimes called '''hierarchs''', although there is no official hierarchy in the religion. Spellcasters fill both military and religious roles, calling their magic ''Doruvati'' ("The gift" of Mat'Selesnya).
The Conclave is organized in enclaves called '''vernadi''', which are communes built around central trees, like smaller versions of Vitu-Ghazi.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/> A dryad, called a '''voda''', is called forth to be the leader of the community, connecting the vernadi to the Worldsoul and the will of the entire Conclave. The vernadi is a harmonious union of nature and civilization. Their houses are created by '''woodshapers''' and are like living gardens without doors, carefully tended and abundantly fertile. The Selesnya are proud of their wurms, which are used by [[shaman]]s called '''wurmcallers''' to travel underground. The wisest clergy (including many [[Loxodon]]s), are sometimes called '''hierarchs''', although there is no official hierarchy in the religion. Spellcasters fill both military and religious roles, calling their magic ''Doruvati'' ("The gift" of Mat'Selesnya).


===Leadership===
===Leadership===
Selesnya leadership is composed mainly of [[dryad]]s. The "guild leader" of Selesnya in the [[Ravnica: City of Guilds|''Ravnica: City of Guilds'' set]] was a collective mind known as the <c>Chorus of the Conclave</c>, with the top members of the guild as figureheads.
Selesnya leadership is composed mainly of [[dryad]]s. The "guild leader" of Selesnya in the [[Ravnica: City of Guilds|''Ravnica: City of Guilds'' set]] was a collective mind known as the <c>Chorus of the Conclave</c>, with the top members of the guild as figureheads.<ref name="Ravnica">[[Cory J. Herndon]] (2005). ''[[Ravnica (novel)|Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica]]'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>


Mat'Selesnya now resides, dormant, within Vitu-Ghazi, having offered herself to preserve order in Selesnya. Currently, [[Trostani|three dryads]], serving as the new guildmaster, function as her voice. After the Resurgence, the Selesnyans are reorganized into vernadi, small communes led by dryads who speak for the worldmind.
After the decamillenial, the Selesnya gradually lost their connection to the World Tree and had to rely on their high priests organized as the high council. During this time the high council consisted of the following members:<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/great-concourse-2012-10-23|The Great Concourse|[[Adam Lee]]|October 23, 2012}}</ref>
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Alcarus]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Molander]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Sadruna]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Suniel]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Troslon]]
 
Mat'Selesnya now resides, dormant, within Vitu-Ghazi, having offered herself to preserve order in Selesnya. Suniel helped three Dryad sisters to fuse into [[Trostani]] to function as the direct voice of Mat'Selesnya and as the new guildmaster. After the Resurgence, the Selesnyans are reorganized into vernadi, small communes led by dryads who speak for the Worldmind. However, while Trostani was in discourse during the events leading up to the War of the Spark, it was upon [[Emmara Tandris]] to run the daily affairs of the guild.<ref name="Chapter Five">[[Django Wexler]] (July 3, 2019), ''[[The Gathering Storm]]'', Chapter Five.</ref>


===History===
===History===
The main seat of Selesnya's power in the region of [[Utvara]] was '''Vitar Yescu''', an enormous living tree that produced a pollen that served as an antibody to local plague. The head of Selesnya in Utvara was elven shapeshifter [[Wrizfar Barkfeather]].
====Conflict and redemption====
The main seat of Selesnya's power in the region of [[Utvara]] was '''Vitar Yescu''', an enormous living tree that produced pollen that served as an antibody to the local plague. The head of Selesnya in Utvara was an elven shapeshifter [[Wrizfar Barkfeather]].
 
After the [[Decamillennial]], the decimated Wojek League turned to other guilds' similar organizations for temporary help. Many Selesnyan Ledev thus served as "apos", i.e. auxiliary patrol officers, with the Wojeks. After the Decamillennial, a new half-military sub-organization was also founded - the ''Knight Order of Mat'selesnya''.
 
During the events of ''[[Agents of Artifice]]'', the Selesnya were lynched ''en masse'' due to the citizens realizing their role in forcing the oppression of the guilds. However, they have returned as of the events of [[Return to Ravnica]]. The new Selesnya were officially more concerned with preserving nature, creating places to illuminate the wonders of nature and inspire contemplation — hopefully on the blessings of Mat'selesnya — for all of Ravnica.


After the [[Decamillennial]], the decimated Wojek League turned to other guilds' similar organizations for temporary help. Many Selesnyan Ledev thus served as "apos", i.e. auxiliary patrol officers, with the Wojeks. After the Decamillennial, a new half-military suborganization was also founded - the ''Knight Order of Mat'selesnya''.
However, later the Conclave began growing an army again, preparing to resist the ambition and destructive impulses of the other guilds and fight, if necessary, to defend their way of life.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>


During the events of ''[[Agents of Artifice]]'', the Selesnya were lynched ''en masse'' due to the citizens realising their role in forcing the oppression of the guilds. However, they have returned as of the events of [[Return to Ravnica]]. The new Selesnya were officially more concerned with preserving nature, creating places to illuminate the wonders of nature and inspire contemplation — hopefully on the blessings of Mat'selesnya — for all of Ravnica.
====War of the Spark====
During the unrest before the [[War of the Spark (event)|War of the Spark]], the three heads of [[Trostani]] were in discord.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/> While Harmony remained mysteriously and utterly silent, Order argued in favor of a peace treaty with the other guilds, and Life wanted to focus on building the strength of the Conclave. The fact that the dryads were divided meant that Trostani was virtually paralyzed and faded into the background of events. Emmara Tandris stepped forward to fill the void in leadership, after glade-master [[Garo]] was revealed to be in league with [[Nicol Bolas]].<ref name="Chapter Five">[[Django Wexler]] (July 3, 2019), ''[[The Gathering Storm]]'', Chapter Five.</ref> She was committed to pursuing peace between the guilds with all her heart, even as Trostani hesitated in self-conflict. As a friend of Jace Beleren, she understood that he was never going to be able to settle on Ravnica, so she believed the world needed a replacement for the [[Living Guildpact]]. As one of the most active advocates of cooperation among the guilds, she relied on personal connections with members of other guilds to help that effort.


Recently, the Conclave has been growing an army, preparing to resist the ambition and destructive impulses of the other guilds and fight, if necessary, to defend their way of life.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]''". [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>
Emmara and Trostani met with [[Kaya]], [[Teyo]], and [[Rat (character)|Rat]] when they sought the cooperation of the Selesnya to revive [[Niv-Mizzet]].<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel">[[Greg Weisman]] (April 2019). "''[[War of the Spark: Ravnica]]''". Del Rey.</ref> Emmara spoke to them first and declined to participate in their plan because Selesnya had always been a victim in [[Izzet]] plans. But the party argued that [[Bolas]]'s victory would bring about end of all life, and Harmony, the middle Trostani, finally woke up and decided that Selesnya would be joining the other guilds to defeat Bolas.<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>


During the unrest before the [[War of the Spark (event)|War of the Spark]], the three heads of [[Trostani]] were in discord.<ref name="Ravnica art book"/> While Harmony remained mysteriously and utterly silent, Order argued in favor of a peace treaty with the other guilds, and Life wanted to focus on building strength of the Conclave. The fact that the dryads were divided meant that Trostani was virtually paralyzed and faded into the background of events. Emmara Tandris stepped forward to fill the void in leadership, after glademaster [[Garo]] was revealed to be in league with [[Nicol Bolas]].<ref name="Chapter Five">[[Django Wexler]] (July 3, 2019), ''[[The Gathering Storm]]'', Chapter Five.</ref> She was committed to pursuing peace between the guilds with all her heart, even as Trostani hesitated in self-conflict. As a friend of Jace Beleren, she understood that he was never going to be able to settle on Ravnica, so she believed the world needed a replacement for the [[Living Guildpact]]. As one of the most active advocates of cooperation among the guilds, she was relying on personal connections with members of other guilds to help that effort.
====Phyrexian invasion and aftermath====
The Selesnya fought just as hard as anyone else in Ravnica's defense during the [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse|Phyrexian invasion]]. However, after its partial destruction at the hands of the [[God-Eternal]]s in the [[War of the Spark/Event|War of the Spark]] and further damage during the Phyrexian Invasion, [[Vitu-Ghazi]] was no longer able to sustain itself.<ref name="Chains">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-5-chains-of-expectation|''Murders at Karlov Manor'' - Episode 5: Chains of Expectation|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 11, 2024}}</ref> Oba, the dryad of life, became the primary aspect of Trostani, lending her strength to the tree and taking on the suffering of each Ravnican slain or ''[[Compleation|compleated]]'' by the Phyrexian forces. Immediately following the end of the Invasion, the Conclave closed in on itself, shutting itself off to outsiders.<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> Throughout the rebuilding efforts, it refused any offers of aid or assistance from other guilds, obstinately self-sufficient. It also refused to help anyone outside the guild, focusing all its efforts on restoring itself first.


Emmara and Trostani met with [[Kaya]], [[Teyo]], and [[Rat (character)|Rat]] when they sought the cooperation of the Selesnya to revive [[Niv-Mizzet]].<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel">[[Greg Weisman]] (April 2019). "''[[War of the Spark: Ravnica]]''". Del Rey.</ref> Emmara spoke to them first, and declined to participate in their plan because Selesnya had always been a victim in [[Izzet]] plans. But the party argued that [[Bolas]]'s victory would bring about end of all life, and Harmony, the middle Trostani, finally woke up and decided that Selesnya would be joining the other guilds to defeat Bolas.<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>
[[Vitu-Ghazi]] was replanted in a Selesnyan park, and Trostani continued to lead the guild with [[Mat'Selesnya]]'s voice.<ref name="Chains"/> However, they soon revealed a more sinister streak by committing a series of murders of Ravnica's prominent figurines via mind-controlling spores.<ref name="Gods Chaos">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-8-gods-of-chaos|Episode 8: Gods of Chaos|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 16, 2024}}</ref> [[Oba]] herself claimed that the victims deserved it for "failing to protect Ravnica."<ref name="Beauty">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-9-beauty-in-destruction|Episode 9: Beauty in Destruction|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 17, 2024}}</ref> After Oba was subdued by her sisters, Trostani stepped back to confer with Mat'Selesnya, returning control of the guild to Emmara Tandris.<ref name="Roots">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-10-roots-of-decay|Episode 10: Roots of Decay|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 18, 2024}}</ref>


==In the game==
==In the game==
===Guild mechanics===
===Guild mechanics===
* ''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'' {{-}} [[Convoke]]
*''[[Ravnica: City of Guilds]]'' {{-}} [[Convoke]]
* ''[[Return to Ravnica]]'' {{-}} [[Populate]]
*''[[Return to Ravnica]]'' {{-}} [[Populate]]
* ''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]'' {{-}} [[Convoke]]
*''[[Guilds of Ravnica]]'' {{-}} [[Convoke]]


===Creatures types===
===Creature types===
====Species and races====
====Species and races====
Species and races associated with the Selesnya Conclave include:
Species and races associated with the Selesnya Conclave include:
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Bird]]s
*[[Centaur#Ravnican Centaurs|Centaurs]]
*[[Centaur#Ravnican Centaurs|Centaurs]]
*[[Dryad]]s
*[[Dryad]]s
*[[Elemental]]s
*[[Elephant#Loxodons|Elephants (Loxodons)]]
*[[Elephant#Loxodons|Elephants (Loxodons)]]
*[[Elemental]]s
*[[Elf#Silhana elves|Elves]]
*[[Elf#Silhana elves|Elves]]
*[[Elk]]s
*[[Human]]s
*[[Human]]s
*[[Hydra]]s
*[[Hydra]]s
*[[Plant]]s
*[[Plant]]s
*[[Rhino]]s
*[[Saproling]]s
*[[Saproling]]s
*[[Wall]]s
*[[Wolves]]
*[[Wolves]]
*[[Wurm]]s
*[[Wurm]]s}}
*[[Cat]]s}}


====Classes====
====Classes====
Classes associated with the Selesnya Conclave include:
Classes associated with the Selesnya Conclave include:
 
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|*[[Archer]]s
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Knight]]s
*[[Archer]]s
*[[Cleric]]s
*[[Cleric]]s
*[[Soldier]]s
*[[Druid]]s
*[[Druid]]s
*[[Knight]]s
*[[Scout]]s
*[[Shaman]]s
*[[Shaman]]s
*[[Soldier]]s
*[[Warrior]]s
*[[Warrior]]s
*[[Wizard]]s
*[[Wizard]]s}}
}}


==Notable members==
==Notable members==
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Aklechin]]
*[[Biracazir]]
*[[Biracazir]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Boruvo]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Boruvo]]
*[[Emmara Tandris]]
*[[Emmara Tandris]]
*[[Fonn Zunich]]
*[[Fonn Zunich]]
*[[Lilyeyama Tylver]]
*[[Myczil Savod Zunich]]
*[[Myczil Savod Zunich]]
*[[Orval]]
*[[Saint Bayul]]
*[[Saint Bayul]]
*[[Saint Kel]]
*[[Saint Kel]]
Line 101: Line 111:
File:RAV Selesnya.jpg|Ravnica block crest.
File:RAV Selesnya.jpg|Ravnica block crest.
File:Selesnya Logo.png|Return to Ravnica block crest.
File:Selesnya Logo.png|Return to Ravnica block crest.
File:ChorusTrailer.png|Chorus of the Conclave in the Ravnica: City of Guilds commercial.
File:CLU Selesnya Conclave.png|[[Half deck]] summary card used in ''[[Ravnica: Clue Edition]]''.
File:Selesnya Conclave.png|[[Return to Ravnica]] art.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 114: Line 127:
*{{DailyRef|feature/digging-conclave-2005-12-28|Digging into the Conclave|[[Matt Cavotta]]|December 28, 2005}}
*{{DailyRef|feature/digging-conclave-2005-12-28|Digging into the Conclave|[[Matt Cavotta]]|December 28, 2005}}
*{{DailyRef|latest-developments/completing-conclave-2005-10-07|Completing the Conclave|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|October 7, 2005}}
*{{DailyRef|latest-developments/completing-conclave-2005-10-07|Completing the Conclave|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|October 7, 2005}}
*{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-part-1-2012-08-22|Planeswalker's Guide to Return to Ravnica: Part 1|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|August 22, 2012}}
*{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-return-to-ravnica-part-1|Planeswalker's Guide to Return to Ravnica: Part 1|[[The Magic Creative Team]]|August 22, 2012}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/designing-selesnya-2012-10-01|Designing for Selesnya|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 01, 2012}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/designing-selesnya-2012-10-01|Designing for Selesnya|[[Mark Rosewater]]|October 01, 2012}}


{{Colors|state=collapsed}}
{{Colors|state=collapsed}}
{{Ravnica|guilds}}
{{Ravnica|guilds}}

Latest revision as of 14:31, 3 May 2024

Selesnya Conclave
Alternative Names
The Conclave
Lore Information
Parun Mat'Selesnya
Guild Leader Chorus of the Conclave (former)
High Council (former)
Trostani (incumbent)
Emmara Tandris (acting)
Guild Champion Bayul (as Living Saint)
Kel (as Living Saint)
Tolsimir Wolfblood
Emmara Tandris
Guild Hall Vitu-Ghazi
Game Information
Colors {G}{W}
Mechanics Convoke
(Ravnica: City of Guilds
and Guilds of Ravnica)
Populate
(Return to Ravnica)
Featured Sets
Ravnica: City of Guilds
Return to Ravnica
Guilds of Ravnica
Signet Flavor Text
The symbol of the Conclave is one of unity, with the tree supporting the sun and the sun feeding the tree. — Selesnya Signet
Scryfall Search
watermark:"Selesnya"

The Selesnya Conclave is a green/white guild from the plane and city of Ravnica.[1] Introduced in Ravnica: City of Guilds,[2] the guild is also featured in Return to Ravnica and Guilds of Ravnica.[3]

Selesnya basic lands from Guilds of Ravnica

Description

Founded by parun Mat'Selesnya, a female humanoid elemental formed via the fusion of dryads, the Selesnya Conclave is a decentralized collective variably described as a "selfless, nurturing, spiritual group" or a "brainwashing nature cult." It involves itself in the establishment and maintenance of peace, life, and unity in Ravnica.[4] Its purpose is to preserve the city's history.[5] The territories held by the Selesnya are open and sunny, full of green spaces and gardens, with white stone buildings which are often open to the air. The towering world tree of Vitu-Ghazi serves as the guild's Guildhall.

Despite their appearance of being "good" and "peace-loving", in truth the guild has a sinister streak.[6] The Conclave used to employ its quietmen and other members to silence the civilians of Ravnica. The defenders of the Selesnya are the Ledev Guardians. Equenauts ride pegasuses, combining the role of mounted warriors and scouts. Sagittars are an order of elven archers that defend key guild locations.[7]

The Conclave is organized in enclaves called vernadi, which are communes built around central trees, like smaller versions of Vitu-Ghazi.[8] A dryad, called a voda, is called forth to be the leader of the community, connecting the vernadi to the Worldsoul and the will of the entire Conclave. The vernadi is a harmonious union of nature and civilization. Their houses are created by woodshapers and are like living gardens without doors, carefully tended and abundantly fertile. The Selesnya are proud of their wurms, which are used by shamans called wurmcallers to travel underground. The wisest clergy (including many Loxodons), are sometimes called hierarchs, although there is no official hierarchy in the religion. Spellcasters fill both military and religious roles, calling their magic Doruvati ("The gift" of Mat'Selesnya).

Leadership

Selesnya leadership is composed mainly of dryads. The "guild leader" of Selesnya in the Ravnica: City of Guilds set was a collective mind known as the Chorus of the Conclave, with the top members of the guild as figureheads.[6]

After the decamillenial, the Selesnya gradually lost their connection to the World Tree and had to rely on their high priests organized as the high council. During this time the high council consisted of the following members:[9]

Mat'Selesnya now resides, dormant, within Vitu-Ghazi, having offered herself to preserve order in Selesnya. Suniel helped three Dryad sisters to fuse into Trostani to function as the direct voice of Mat'Selesnya and as the new guildmaster. After the Resurgence, the Selesnyans are reorganized into vernadi, small communes led by dryads who speak for the Worldmind. However, while Trostani was in discourse during the events leading up to the War of the Spark, it was upon Emmara Tandris to run the daily affairs of the guild.[10]

History

Conflict and redemption

The main seat of Selesnya's power in the region of Utvara was Vitar Yescu, an enormous living tree that produced pollen that served as an antibody to the local plague. The head of Selesnya in Utvara was an elven shapeshifter Wrizfar Barkfeather.

After the Decamillennial, the decimated Wojek League turned to other guilds' similar organizations for temporary help. Many Selesnyan Ledev thus served as "apos", i.e. auxiliary patrol officers, with the Wojeks. After the Decamillennial, a new half-military sub-organization was also founded - the Knight Order of Mat'selesnya.

During the events of Agents of Artifice, the Selesnya were lynched en masse due to the citizens realizing their role in forcing the oppression of the guilds. However, they have returned as of the events of Return to Ravnica. The new Selesnya were officially more concerned with preserving nature, creating places to illuminate the wonders of nature and inspire contemplation — hopefully on the blessings of Mat'selesnya — for all of Ravnica.

However, later the Conclave began growing an army again, preparing to resist the ambition and destructive impulses of the other guilds and fight, if necessary, to defend their way of life.[8]

War of the Spark

During the unrest before the War of the Spark, the three heads of Trostani were in discord.[8] While Harmony remained mysteriously and utterly silent, Order argued in favor of a peace treaty with the other guilds, and Life wanted to focus on building the strength of the Conclave. The fact that the dryads were divided meant that Trostani was virtually paralyzed and faded into the background of events. Emmara Tandris stepped forward to fill the void in leadership, after glade-master Garo was revealed to be in league with Nicol Bolas.[10] She was committed to pursuing peace between the guilds with all her heart, even as Trostani hesitated in self-conflict. As a friend of Jace Beleren, she understood that he was never going to be able to settle on Ravnica, so she believed the world needed a replacement for the Living Guildpact. As one of the most active advocates of cooperation among the guilds, she relied on personal connections with members of other guilds to help that effort.

Emmara and Trostani met with Kaya, Teyo, and Rat when they sought the cooperation of the Selesnya to revive Niv-Mizzet.[11] Emmara spoke to them first and declined to participate in their plan because Selesnya had always been a victim in Izzet plans. But the party argued that Bolas's victory would bring about end of all life, and Harmony, the middle Trostani, finally woke up and decided that Selesnya would be joining the other guilds to defeat Bolas.[12]

Phyrexian invasion and aftermath

The Selesnya fought just as hard as anyone else in Ravnica's defense during the Phyrexian invasion. However, after its partial destruction at the hands of the God-Eternals in the War of the Spark and further damage during the Phyrexian Invasion, Vitu-Ghazi was no longer able to sustain itself.[5] Oba, the dryad of life, became the primary aspect of Trostani, lending her strength to the tree and taking on the suffering of each Ravnican slain or compleated by the Phyrexian forces. Immediately following the end of the Invasion, the Conclave closed in on itself, shutting itself off to outsiders.[7] Throughout the rebuilding efforts, it refused any offers of aid or assistance from other guilds, obstinately self-sufficient. It also refused to help anyone outside the guild, focusing all its efforts on restoring itself first.

Vitu-Ghazi was replanted in a Selesnyan park, and Trostani continued to lead the guild with Mat'Selesnya's voice.[5] However, they soon revealed a more sinister streak by committing a series of murders of Ravnica's prominent figurines via mind-controlling spores.[13] Oba herself claimed that the victims deserved it for "failing to protect Ravnica."[14] After Oba was subdued by her sisters, Trostani stepped back to confer with Mat'Selesnya, returning control of the guild to Emmara Tandris.[15]

In the game

Guild mechanics

Creature types

Species and races

Species and races associated with the Selesnya Conclave include:

Classes

Classes associated with the Selesnya Conclave include:

Notable members

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 20, 2012). "Selesnya Conclave". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Magic Arcana (October 04, 2005). "Ravnica Style Guide: Selesnya". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ Chas Andres (October 3, 2018). "A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Chris Gleeson (October 31, 2018). "Building the guilds – Selesnya Conclave". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ a b c Seanan McGuire (January 11, 2024). "Murders at Karlov Manor - Episode 5: Chains of Expectation". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ a b Cory J. Herndon (2005). Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica, Wizards of the Coast
  7. ↑ a b Emily Teng (February 1, 2024). "Planeswalker's Guide to Murders at Karlov Manor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ a b c James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica". Wizards of the Coast
  9. ↑ Adam Lee (October 23, 2012). "The Great Concourse". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ a b Django Wexler (July 3, 2019), The Gathering Storm, Chapter Five.
  11. ↑ Greg Weisman (April 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica". Del Rey.
  12. ↑ Greg Weisman (May 29, 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica – Desperate Operatives". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 16, 2024). "Episode 8: Gods of Chaos". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 17, 2024). "Episode 9: Beauty in Destruction". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 18, 2024). "Episode 10: Roots of Decay". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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