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{{Infobox type
{{Infobox type
|type=creature
|type=creature
|stats={{stats|U=50|WU=5|UB=3|UR=3|GU=3|M=2}}
|stats={{stats|U=55|WU=5|UB=3|UR=3|GU=5|M=3}}
as of ''[[Phyrexia: All Will Be One]]''
as of ''[[Murders at Karlov Manor]]''
|beeble=4
|beeble_ref=<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/664787224435507200/|title=Where are vedalken on the Beeble scale?|October 11, 2021}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{TOCright}}
{{TOCright}}
'''Vedalken''' is a [[blue]] [[creature type]] used for cards that depict a tall, thin, hairless blue-skinned [[humanoid]] race, with a dispassionate view towards life<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/magics-exclusive-creatures-2011-08-10|Magic's Exclusive Creatures|[[Doug Beyer]]|August 10, 2011}}</ref> (though in some planes they have more positive qualities<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyhzyLttUOk Magic at PAX: Kaladesh World-Building Panel]</ref>). Their infatuation with knowledge makes these hyper-intellectual people natural [[Artificer]]s and [[Mage]]s.<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/how-design-hellion-and-more-2008-12-24|How to Design a Hellion and More!|[[Doug Beyer]]|December 24, 2008}}</ref>
'''Vedalken''' is a [[blue]] [[creature type]] used for cards that depict a tall, thin, hairless, blue-skinned [[humanoid]] race with an exceptional mental acumen and a generally dispassionate view towards life, though in some planes they have more positive qualities.<ref name="Visual Guide">[[Jay Annelli]] (2022). ''[[Magic: The Gathering - The Visual Guide]]'', [[Wikipedia:DK (publisher)|DK]]. ISBN-13 978-0744061055.</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/magics-exclusive-creatures-2011-08-10|Magic's Exclusive Creatures|[[Doug Beyer]]|August 10, 2011}}</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyhzyLttUOk Magic at PAX: Kaladesh World-Building Panel]</ref> Their infatuation with knowledge makes these hyper-intellectual people natural [[Artificer]]s and [[Mage]]s.<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/how-design-hellion-and-more-2008-12-24|How to Design a Hellion and More!|[[Doug Beyer]]|December 24, 2008}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
As of ''[[Mirrodin]]'' in 2003 [[merfolk]] were phased out as the [[iconic]] [[blue]] race, because of their limited suitability away from a water environment. This (not coincidentally) coincided with the rise of the cunning, and leg-having, vedalken. The vedalken loomed large throughout [[Mirrodin block|Mirrodin]] and [[Ravnica block]]s, doing all the things that the other colors’ [[humanoid]]s could do visually and narratively speaking, thanks to those feet of theirs. Then in [[Kamigawa block]], where vedalken wouldn't have felt very natural, the new soratami ([[Moonfolk]]) race appeared, also having legs while embracing blue-aligned flavor.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/merfolk-resurfaced-2008-06-25|Merfolk Resurfaced|[[Doug Beyer]]|June 25, 2008}}</ref>
As of ''[[Mirrodin]]'' in 2003 [[merfolk]] were phased out as the [[iconic]] [[blue]] race, because of their limited suitability away from a water environment. This (not coincidentally) coincided with the rise of the cunning, and leg-having, vedalken. The vedalken loomed large throughout [[Mirrodin block|Mirrodin]] and [[Ravnica block]]s, doing all the things that the other colors’ [[humanoid]]s could do visually and narratively speaking. Then in [[Kamigawa block]], where vedalken wouldn't have felt very natural, the new soratami ([[Moonfolk]]) race appeared, also having legs while embracing blue-aligned flavor.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/merfolk-resurfaced-2008-06-25|Merfolk Resurfaced|[[Doug Beyer]]|June 25, 2008}}</ref>


==Mirrodin Vedalken==
==Alaran Vedalken==
On [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]], the [[mycosynth]] created a vapor that induced mutations in the vedalken, who developed four arms and gills.  Soon, this variation became the norm.  These vedalken are physically very different from the members of their race on other planes, and have more inhuman features, in some cases lacking a nose or visible ears. The center of their culture was the city of [[Lumengrid]], from which the Vedalken ruled over an empire that enslaved the [[Neurok]] tribes at the shores of the [[Quicksilver Sea]]. For a long time, the Vedalken were ruled by the Synod, who considered themselves servants of Mirrodin's guardian, [[Memnarch]]. After Memnarch's fall, they were forced to reorganize themselves. Central to this reorganization was the "Origin Query", the answer to the origin of the Vedalken race. With the loss of easy access to blinkmoth serum, their hold over the empire became fragile and revolts from the Neurok forced the two races into a state of cooperation rather than subservience.<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/nonhuman-cultures-mirrodin-2010-12-08|The Nonhuman Cultures of Mirrodin|[[Doug Beyer]]|December 08, 2010}}</ref>
The vedalken are one of the many races of the broken plane of [[Alara]]. Originally native to [[Esper]], some migrated to [[Naya]] after the [[Shard]]s of Alara realigned.
 
===Esperite Vedalken===
Vedalken make up a large majority of Esper's sentient population.<ref name="AlaraGuide">[[Doug Beyer]] & [[Jenna Helland]] (2008). ''[[A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara]]'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]. ISBN-13 978-0786951246</ref> Vedalken are intelligent, progressive humanoids with a skin tone that varies from a bluish-white-gray to a dusky, deep blue.<ref name="AlaraGuide"/> They have only the slightest indication of an outer ear, with no lobe or 'rim' {{-}} just a hole that leads to the eardrum. They have nostrils but only a slight nose bridge. They have only fine body hair that's uniformly clear and light. Esper's vedalken are refined, sophisticated, and lawful, and have led Esper both in magical advancement and in the use of etherium. The vedalken, like all creatures in Esper, are enhanced by a filigree of the mystical living metal [[etherium]]. Whereas humans tend to have relatively minor and simple etherium enhancements, vedalken make more dramatic use of the alloy. It's not uncommon for vedalken necks or abdomens to be partially replaced with etherium, for example. In such instances, powerful enchantments stand in for traditional biological functions.


When [[New Phyrexia]] rose, Lumengrid was overtaken by the forces of [[Jin-Gitaxias]]. Many Vedalken fell prey to [[phyresis]], their distended brains looming over frail, but lethal and burr-pocked, bodies. [[Jin-Gitaxias]] and the [[Progress Engine]] turned the conquered vedalkens into a living research library and co-opted many of their principles and materials, including their academic structure.<ref name="Guide to ONE">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-phyrexia-all-will-be-one|Planeswalker's Guide to Phyrexia: All Will Be One|[[Grace Fong]]|January 31, 2023}}</ref> Those few remaining have cast their lot with the surviving Neurok in an attempt to survive.<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/planeswalkers-guide-new-phyrexia-progress-engine-2011-04-20|A Planeswalker's Guide to New Phyrexia: The Progress Engine|Magic Creative Team|April 20, 2011}}</ref>
The vedalken are among Esper's most prestigious mortal inhabitants and often hold positions of power thanks to their prodigious intellect and talent for spellcasting. In vedalken society, the pursuit of magic takes on an almost scientific purpose and methodology.<ref name="AlaraGuide"/> The vedalken are driven to understand everything around them, and are thus in a constant, intense observational state. It can give other species the unnerving impression that they're being monitored and examined rather than talked to.


==Ravnica Vedalken==
===Nayan Vedalken===
The vedalken of [[Ravnica]] are associated most closely with the [[Simic Combine]] and [[Azorius Senate]], though the [[Izzet League]] is also not an unprecedented choice.<ref>[https://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/UA_RavnicaRaces.pdf Unearthed Arcana; Races of Ravnica (PDF)]</ref> They look very much like tall [[human]]s, but with hairless blue skin and showing little emotion.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/sketches-vedalken-entrancer-2012-07-04|Sketches: Vedalken Entrancer|[[Monty Ashley]]|July 04, 2012}}</ref> Their eyes are darker shades of blue and violet. These Vedalken lack external ears, their noses are broad and flat, and they are partly amphibious.<ref>[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> Their life span is typically 350 years, with some living to the age of 500. Though the vedalken of Ravnica are physically different from those of Mirrodin, some Simic biomancy experiments have produced similar results, including four arms and gills.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mutant-vedalken-ravnica-2006-05-30|A Mutant Vedalken in Ravnica|[[Magic Arcana]]|May 30, 2006}}</ref>
After Alara was reborn, some <c title="vedalken heretics">Vedalken Heretic</c> from Esper were drawn to the verdant jungle of Naya. There they rejected the cold clutch of etherium in favor of the warm embrace of nature, seeking enlightenment in the infinite patterns of life rather than the dusty confines of ancient tomes.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/vedalken-alara-2009-04-30|A Vedalken in Alara|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 30, 2009}}</ref>


==Future Vedalken==
==Kaladeshi Vedalken==
It is hinted that in the future, <c title="vedalken wizards">Vedalken Æthermage</c>, possibly on [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]], will gain a measure of control over [[sliver]]s.
Kaladeshi vedalken subscribe to the philosophy that nothing is perfect {{-}} and nothing ever can be perfect.<ref>[http://magic.wizards.com/en/story/planes/kaladesh "Planes of Existence: Kaladesh"] {{Em}} [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref><ref>[http://magic.wizards.com/en/story/planeswalkers/dovin-baan Dovin Baan]</ref> Regardless, they continue to innovate and learn, to create the best result possible. While many believe them to be a unified front, in private, Vedalken organize themselves according to clades. Clades are supra-familial entities centered around common interests. Membership of clade is entirely voluntary and anyone can leave at any time. Several acclaimed Vedalken inventors are part of multiple clades. When introducing themselves to others, Vedalken use their clade as a kind of surname.<ref>[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Kaladesh]], p.52</ref>


==Alara Vedalken==
Kaladeshi Vedalken have six fingers on each hand.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://wizardsmagic.tumblr.com/post/149668997301/do-all-the-vedalken-of-kaladesh-have-six-fingers|title=Do all the vedalken of Kaladesh have six fingers?|29 August 2016}}</ref> In contrast to Vedalken on other planes, Kaladeshi vedalken can have hair. Also in contrast to other Vedalken, which are aloof and detached, Kaladesh's are portrayed as more involved and curious, some even shown smiling.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyhzyLttUOk Magic at PAX: Kaladesh World-Building Panel]</ref>
The vedalken are one of the many races of the broken plane of [[Alara]]. Originally native to [[Esper]], some migrated to [[Naya]] after the [[Shard]]s of Alara realigned.


===Esper Vedalken===
==Mirran Vedalken==
Vedalken of Esper look very similar to their counterparts on Ravnica, but are more spindly, with elongated skulls. The vedalken, like all creatures in Esper, are enhanced by a filigree of the mystical living metal [[etherium]]. The vedalken are among Esper's most prestigious mortal inhabitants and often hold positions of power thanks to their prodigious intellect and talent for spellcasting.
On [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]], the [[mycosynth]] created a vapor that induced mutations in the vedalken, who developed four arms and gills.  Soon, this variation became the norm.  These vedalken are physically very different from the members of their race on other planes, and have more inhuman features, in some cases lacking a nose or visible ears. The center of their culture was the city of [[Lumengrid]], from which the Vedalken ruled over an empire that enslaved the [[Neurok]] tribes at the shores of the [[Quicksilver Sea]]. For a long time, the Vedalken were ruled by the '''Synod''', who considered themselves servants of Mirrodin's guardian, [[Memnarch]]. After Memnarch's fall, they were forced to reorganize themselves. Central to this reorganization was the "Origin Query", the answer to the origin of the Vedalken race. The vedalken became organized into several roles known as "sanctives."<ref name="Infectious">{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/infectiously-phyrexian-art-2010-11-03|Infectiously Phyrexian Art|[[Doug Beyer]]|November 3, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127132006/https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/savor-flavor/infectiously-phyrexian-art-2010-11-03|archivedate=January 27, 2021}}</ref> Each sanctive was in charge of one method of codifying and analyzing knowledge. Certarchs were those vedalken who tested acquired knowledge, building models of the accepted theories and testing their resilience against reality. With the loss of easy access to blinkmoth serum, their hold over the empire became fragile and revolts from the Neurok forced the two races into a state of cooperation rather than subservience.<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/nonhuman-cultures-mirrodin-2010-12-08|The Nonhuman Cultures of Mirrodin|[[Doug Beyer]]|December 08, 2010}}</ref>


===Naya Vedalken===
When [[New Phyrexia]] rose, Lumengrid was overtaken by the forces of [[Jin-Gitaxias]]. Many Vedalken fell prey to [[phyresis]], their distended brains looming over frail, but lethal and burr-pocked, bodies. [[Jin-Gitaxias]] and the [[Progress Engine]] turned the conquered vedalkens into a living research library and co-opted many of their principles and materials, including their academic structure.<ref name="Guide to ONE">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-phyrexia-all-will-be-one|Planeswalker's Guide to Phyrexia: All Will Be One|[[Grace Fong]]|January 31, 2023}}</ref> Those few remaining have cast their lot with the surviving Neurok in an attempt to survive.<ref>{{DailyRef|savor-flavor/planeswalkers-guide-new-phyrexia-progress-engine-2011-04-20|A Planeswalker's Guide to New Phyrexia: The Progress Engine|Magic Creative Team|April 20, 2011}}</ref>
After Alara was reborn, some <c title="vedalken heretics">Vedalken Heretic</c> from Esper were drawn to the verdant jungle of Naya. There they rejected the cold clutch of etherium in favor of the warm embrace of nature, seeking enlightenment in the infinite patterns of life rather than the dusty confines of ancient tomes.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/vedalken-alara-2009-04-30|A Vedalken in Alara|[[Magic Arcana]]|April 30, 2009}}</ref>


==Kaladesh Vedalken==
==Ravnican Vedalken==
Kaladeshi vedalken subscribe to the philosophy that nothing is perfect {{-}} and nothing ever can be perfect.<ref>[http://magic.wizards.com/en/story/planes/kaladesh "Planes of Existence: Kaladesh"] {{Em}} [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref><ref>[http://magic.wizards.com/en/story/planeswalkers/dovin-baan Dovin Baan]</ref> Regardless, they continue to innovate and learn, to create the best result possible. While many believe them to be a unified front, in private, Vedalken organize themselves according to clades. Clades are supra-familial entities centered around common interests. Membership of clade is entirely voluntary and anyone can leave at any time. Several acclaimed Vedalken inventors are part of multiple clades. When introducing themselves to others, Vedalken use their clade as a kind of surname.<ref>[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Kaladesh]], p.52</ref>
The vedalken of [[Ravnica]] are associated most closely with the [[Simic Combine]] and [[Azorius Senate]], though the [[Izzet League]] are not an unprecedented choice.<ref>[https://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/UA_RavnicaRaces.pdf Unearthed Arcana; Races of Ravnica (PDF)]</ref> They generally avoid the [[Dimir]].<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/55758290617/is-there-a-reason-the-gruul-are-seemingly-the-only|title=We like the guilds to feel different from each other|July 17, 2013}}</ref> They look very much like tall [[human]]s, but with hairless blue skin and showing little emotion.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/sketches-vedalken-entrancer-2012-07-04|Sketches: Vedalken Entrancer|[[Monty Ashley]]|July 04, 2012}}</ref> Their eyes are darker shades of blue and violet. These Vedalken lack external ears, their noses are broad and flat, and they are partly amphibious.<ref>[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> Their life span is typically 350 years, with some living to the age of 500. Though the vedalken of Ravnica are physically different from those of Mirrodin, some Simic biomancy experiments have produced similar results, including four arms and gills.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/mutant-vedalken-ravnica-2006-05-30|A Mutant Vedalken in Ravnica|[[Magic Arcana]]|May 30, 2006}}</ref>


Kaladeshi Vedalken have six fingers on each hand.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://wizardsmagic.tumblr.com/post/149668997301/do-all-the-vedalken-of-kaladesh-have-six-fingers|title=Do all the vedalken of Kaladesh have six fingers?|29 August 2016}}</ref> In contrast to Vedalken on other planes, Kaladeshi vedalken can have hair. Also in contrast to other Vedalken, which are aloof and detached, Kaladesh's are portrayed as more involved and curious, some even shown smiling.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyhzyLttUOk Magic at PAX: Kaladesh World-Building Panel]</ref>
==Future Vedalken==
It is hinted that in the future, <c title="vedalken wizards">Vedalken Æthermage</c>, possibly on [[Dominaria (plane)|Dominaria]], will gain a measure of control over [[sliver]]s.


==Notable Vedalken==
==Notable Vedalken==
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
;Alara
;Alara
*Consul Cinna (<c>Etherium Astrolabe</c>).
*Consul [[List of secondary characters#Alara|Cinna]]
*Ennor, mentalist ({{card|Esper Charm|Shards of Alara}}, <c>Vectis Dominator</c>, <c>Vedalken Ghoul</c>).
*[[List of secondary characters#Alara|Ennor]]
*Ranalus, vedalken heretic ({{card|Lorescale Coatl|Alara Reborn}}).
*[[Ranalus]]


;Kaladesh
;Kaladesh
*[[Dovin Baan]]
*[[Dovin Baan]]
*Dayal, young vedalken member of the [[Renegades]]. A lifecrafter.
*[[List of secondary characters/Kaladesh|Dayal]]
*Mitul, assistant of [[Rashmi]], a gifted researcher in his own right. [[Tezzeret]] threatened his life to keep [[Rashmi]] motivated. He joined the [[renegades]] and together with [[Rashmi]] completed the <c>Heart of Kiran</c>.
*[[List of secondary characters/Kaladesh|Mitul]]
*[[Padeem]]
*[[Padeem]]
*Tiyu Arrun, member of the Aetherlogical Society. She is the inventor of the <c>Perpetual Timepiece</c>.
*[[List of secondary characters/Kaladesh|Tiyu Arrun]]


;Mirrodin/New Phyrexia
;Mirrodin/New Phyrexia
*Lord [[Janus]], speaker of the Synod
*Lord [[Janus]]
*[[Marek]]
*[[Marek]]
*[[Pontifex]]
*[[Pontifex]]
*Pelyus, vedalken ordinar (<c>Blue Sun's Zenith</c>).
*[[List of secondary characters#Mirrodin-New Phyrexia|Pelyus]]
*Politus, vedalken emisar (<c>Twisted Image</c>).
*[[List of secondary characters#Mirrodin-New Phyrexia|Politus]]
*[[Unctus]]
*[[Unctus]]


;Ravnica
;Ravnica
[[Simic Combine|Simic]] doctors [[Nebun]], [[Zlovol]], and [[Otrovac]]
*[[Castan]]
*Senator Illindivossk
*[[Morska]]
*Senator Natt Vinloskarga
*[[Nebun]]
*[[Nhillosh]]
*[[Nhillosh]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Neero Jax]]
*[[Otrovac]]
*Senator Pollotorus
*[[Raiche Belas]]
*[[Rezajaelis Agnaus]]
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Uzana]]
*[[Yaraghiya]]
*[[Yaraghiya]]
*[[Azorius Senate|Azorius senators]] '''Illindivossk''', '''Yindervac''', '''Pollotorus''', '''Natt Vinloskarga'''
*Senator Yindervac
*Arbiter Uzana, [[mage|lawmage]] and leader of the [[Azorius Senate|Jelenn Column]] (the legislature) of the [[Azorius Senate]]. She is renowned for having nearly perfect memory and has memorized every statute of Azorius law. Much of her speech is quotations from those statutes.
*[[Zlovol]]
*[[Modar Bejiri]]
*[[Modar Bejiri]]
*Rezajaelis Agnaus, [[Azorius Senate|Azorius]] [[mage|lawmage]]. Known for solving the Thinktank Jurisdictional Fallacy.
*[[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Troyan]]
*Watch Captain Neero Jax, innocuous [[Izzet League|Izzet]] vedalken who was a fan of the comic opera. Manipulated by [[Nicol Bolas]] to shoot off the wards of [[Nivix]].


;Unknown
;Unknown
*[[Nin]]
*[[Nin]]


;Other
;[[Un-iverse]]
*[[Truss]]
*[[Truss]]
}}
}}

Latest revision as of 20:12, 5 July 2024

Vedalken
Creature Type
(Subtype for creature/kindred cards)
Beeble Scale 4[1]
Statistics
74 cards
{U} 74.3% {W/U} 6.8% {U/B} 4.1% {U/R} 4.1% {G/U} 6.8% {M} 4.1%
as of Murders at Karlov Manor
Scryfall Search
type:"Vedalken"

Vedalken is a blue creature type used for cards that depict a tall, thin, hairless, blue-skinned humanoid race with an exceptional mental acumen and a generally dispassionate view towards life, though in some planes they have more positive qualities.[2][3][4] Their infatuation with knowledge makes these hyper-intellectual people natural Artificers and Mages.[5]

History

As of Mirrodin in 2003 merfolk were phased out as the iconic blue race, because of their limited suitability away from a water environment. This (not coincidentally) coincided with the rise of the cunning, and leg-having, vedalken. The vedalken loomed large throughout Mirrodin and Ravnica blocks, doing all the things that the other colors’ humanoids could do visually and narratively speaking. Then in Kamigawa block, where vedalken wouldn't have felt very natural, the new soratami (Moonfolk) race appeared, also having legs while embracing blue-aligned flavor.[6]

Alaran Vedalken

The vedalken are one of the many races of the broken plane of Alara. Originally native to Esper, some migrated to Naya after the Shards of Alara realigned.

Esperite Vedalken

Vedalken make up a large majority of Esper's sentient population.[7] Vedalken are intelligent, progressive humanoids with a skin tone that varies from a bluish-white-gray to a dusky, deep blue.[7] They have only the slightest indication of an outer ear, with no lobe or 'rim' — just a hole that leads to the eardrum. They have nostrils but only a slight nose bridge. They have only fine body hair that's uniformly clear and light. Esper's vedalken are refined, sophisticated, and lawful, and have led Esper both in magical advancement and in the use of etherium. The vedalken, like all creatures in Esper, are enhanced by a filigree of the mystical living metal etherium. Whereas humans tend to have relatively minor and simple etherium enhancements, vedalken make more dramatic use of the alloy. It's not uncommon for vedalken necks or abdomens to be partially replaced with etherium, for example. In such instances, powerful enchantments stand in for traditional biological functions.

The vedalken are among Esper's most prestigious mortal inhabitants and often hold positions of power thanks to their prodigious intellect and talent for spellcasting. In vedalken society, the pursuit of magic takes on an almost scientific purpose and methodology.[7] The vedalken are driven to understand everything around them, and are thus in a constant, intense observational state. It can give other species the unnerving impression that they're being monitored and examined rather than talked to.

Nayan Vedalken

After Alara was reborn, some vedalken heretics from Esper were drawn to the verdant jungle of Naya. There they rejected the cold clutch of etherium in favor of the warm embrace of nature, seeking enlightenment in the infinite patterns of life rather than the dusty confines of ancient tomes.[8]

Kaladeshi Vedalken

Kaladeshi vedalken subscribe to the philosophy that nothing is perfect — and nothing ever can be perfect.[9][10] Regardless, they continue to innovate and learn, to create the best result possible. While many believe them to be a unified front, in private, Vedalken organize themselves according to clades. Clades are supra-familial entities centered around common interests. Membership of clade is entirely voluntary and anyone can leave at any time. Several acclaimed Vedalken inventors are part of multiple clades. When introducing themselves to others, Vedalken use their clade as a kind of surname.[11]

Kaladeshi Vedalken have six fingers on each hand.[12] In contrast to Vedalken on other planes, Kaladeshi vedalken can have hair. Also in contrast to other Vedalken, which are aloof and detached, Kaladesh's are portrayed as more involved and curious, some even shown smiling.[13]

Mirran Vedalken

On Mirrodin, the mycosynth created a vapor that induced mutations in the vedalken, who developed four arms and gills. Soon, this variation became the norm. These vedalken are physically very different from the members of their race on other planes, and have more inhuman features, in some cases lacking a nose or visible ears. The center of their culture was the city of Lumengrid, from which the Vedalken ruled over an empire that enslaved the Neurok tribes at the shores of the Quicksilver Sea. For a long time, the Vedalken were ruled by the Synod, who considered themselves servants of Mirrodin's guardian, Memnarch. After Memnarch's fall, they were forced to reorganize themselves. Central to this reorganization was the "Origin Query", the answer to the origin of the Vedalken race. The vedalken became organized into several roles known as "sanctives."[14] Each sanctive was in charge of one method of codifying and analyzing knowledge. Certarchs were those vedalken who tested acquired knowledge, building models of the accepted theories and testing their resilience against reality. With the loss of easy access to blinkmoth serum, their hold over the empire became fragile and revolts from the Neurok forced the two races into a state of cooperation rather than subservience.[15]

When New Phyrexia rose, Lumengrid was overtaken by the forces of Jin-Gitaxias. Many Vedalken fell prey to phyresis, their distended brains looming over frail, but lethal and burr-pocked, bodies. Jin-Gitaxias and the Progress Engine turned the conquered vedalkens into a living research library and co-opted many of their principles and materials, including their academic structure.[16] Those few remaining have cast their lot with the surviving Neurok in an attempt to survive.[17]

Ravnican Vedalken

The vedalken of Ravnica are associated most closely with the Simic Combine and Azorius Senate, though the Izzet League are not an unprecedented choice.[18] They generally avoid the Dimir.[19] They look very much like tall humans, but with hairless blue skin and showing little emotion.[20] Their eyes are darker shades of blue and violet. These Vedalken lack external ears, their noses are broad and flat, and they are partly amphibious.[21] Their life span is typically 350 years, with some living to the age of 500. Though the vedalken of Ravnica are physically different from those of Mirrodin, some Simic biomancy experiments have produced similar results, including four arms and gills.[22]

Future Vedalken

It is hinted that in the future, vedalken wizards, possibly on Dominaria, will gain a measure of control over slivers.

Notable Vedalken

Alara
Kaladesh
Mirrodin/New Phyrexia
Ravnica
Unknown
Un-iverse

References

  1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 11, 2021). "Where are vedalken on the Beeble scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  2. ↑ Jay Annelli (2022). Magic: The Gathering - The Visual Guide, DK. ISBN-13 978-0744061055.
  3. ↑ Doug Beyer (August 10, 2011). "Magic's Exclusive Creatures". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Magic at PAX: Kaladesh World-Building Panel
  5. ↑ Doug Beyer (December 24, 2008). "How to Design a Hellion and More!". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Doug Beyer (June 25, 2008). "Merfolk Resurfaced". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ a b c Doug Beyer & Jenna Helland (2008). A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786951246
  8. ↑ Magic Arcana (April 30, 2009). "A Vedalken in Alara". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ "Planes of Existence: Kaladesh" — Wizards of the Coast
  10. ↑ Dovin Baan
  11. ↑ The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Kaladesh, p.52
  12. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (29 August 2016). "Do all the vedalken of Kaladesh have six fingers?". The Official Magic: The Gathering Tumblr. Tumblr.
  13. ↑ Magic at PAX: Kaladesh World-Building Panel
  14. ↑ Doug Beyer (November 3, 2010). "Infectiously Phyrexian Art". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021.
  15. ↑ Doug Beyer (December 08, 2010). "The Nonhuman Cultures of Mirrodin". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Grace Fong (January 31, 2023). "Planeswalker's Guide to Phyrexia: All Will Be One". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ Magic Creative Team (April 20, 2011). "A Planeswalker's Guide to New Phyrexia: The Progress Engine". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  18. ↑ Unearthed Arcana; Races of Ravnica (PDF)
  19. ↑ Doug Beyer (July 17, 2013). "We like the guilds to feel different from each other". A Voice for Vorthos. Tumblr.
  20. ↑ Monty Ashley (July 04, 2012). "Sketches: Vedalken Entrancer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. ↑ James Wyatt and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica", Wizards of the Coast.
  22. ↑ Magic Arcana (May 30, 2006). "A Mutant Vedalken in Ravnica". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

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Multicolored {M}
Majority {W}
Majority {U}
Majority {B}
Majority {R}
Majority {G}
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