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{{Character|
{{Infobox character
|image=FallenOb.jpg
|image=Ob-Nixilis Reignited.jpg  
|name=Ob Nixilis
|name=Ob Nixilis
|birthplace= Unnamed plane of eternal war
|birthplace= Unnamed plane of eternal war
|lifetime= Unknown
|lifetime=Born pre-[[mending]]
|race=[[Demon]], former [[human]] Planeswalker
|race=[[Demon]]<br>Formerly [[Human]], [[Planeswalker]]
|sources=}}
|colors=Center: {{mana|B}}<br/>Currently: {{mana|BR}}<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/ikoria-beholder-part-2-2020-04-27|Ikoria of the Beholder, Part 2|Mark Rosewater|April 27, 2020}}</ref>
'''Ob Nixilis''' was a [[human]] warlord and tyrant who became a [[planeswalker]] when he discovered that he was manipulated by [[demons]] to be the sole survivor of a world that only knew war. <ref>{{NewRef|ur/first-world-hardest-2014-11-05|The First World Is the Hardest|[[Nik Davidson]]|November 5, 2014}}</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/many-looks-ob-nixilis-2015-09-09|The Many Looks of Ob Nixilis|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 9, 2015}}</ref>
}}
'''Ob Nixilis''' (/ɑːb nɪksɪlɪs/ ''OB niks-ILL-iss'')<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://wizardsmagic.tumblr.com/post/115141029996/heres-a-pronunciation-guide-for-some-of-the-names|title=Here's a pronunciation guide for some of the names that were requested earlier today.|March 31, 2015}}</ref> was a [[human]] warlord and tyrant who became a [[planeswalker]] when he discovered that he was manipulated by [[demon]]s to be the sole survivor of a world that only knew war.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{DailyRef|ur/first-world-hardest-2014-11-05|The First World Is the Hardest|[[Nik Davidson]]|November 5, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/many-looks-ob-nixilis-2015-09-09|The Many Looks of Ob Nixilis|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 9, 2015}}</ref> He became a [[demon]] himself after being cursed by the [[Chain Veil]]. In [[New Capenna]], he is called '''The Adversary'''.<ref name="Dirty">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-2-dirty-laundry-2022-03-29|Episode 2: Dirty Laundry |[[Elise Kova]]| March 29, 2022}}</ref> He lost his spark in the [[Great Pruning]].<ref name="No Sparks Allowed">{{YouTubeRef|sImiwohnUYg|No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies|[[LRRMTG]]|May 10, 2023}}</ref>


==Conqueror==
==Appearance and characteristics==
Ob Nixilis was a warlord on an unnamed plane beset by war. He was outmaneuvered by opposing warlords, and stumbled upon an ancient demon summoning chamber.  He sacrificed his last remaining soldiers to bring forth the demons and call for victory, however they saw the true desire in his heart and killed every living thing on his world. Ob Nixilis' spark ignited while he walked his dead plane, after he finally realized the futility of life and all his ambitions.  After his ascension, he began conquering other planes.
While being a brilliant tactician, wizard, and warrior, Ob Nixilis had also studied the history of his world, where society had been destroyed consecutively in cataclysmic and destructive wars only interrupted by mere decades of peace. He came to believe that every society was doomed to collapse at one point and that the only thing that mattered was taking as much for yourself as you could before the collapse occurred. As a result, he resorted to treachery and underhanded tactics without much thought.<ref name="ReferenceA" />  


Eventually, he acquired the [[Chain Veil]] but was cursed as a demon. <ref>{{NewRef|feature/pax-australia-magic-panel-2014-11-07|PAX Australia Magic Panel|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|November 7, 2014}}</ref>  He went to the plane of [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]], hoping to use its rich [[mana]] to purge the curse and restore his original form, but lost access to his [[spark]] as a result of Zendikar's powerful, chaotic mana.<ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Doug Beyer]]|URL=http://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/101238052859/is-the-commader-ob-nixilis-card-before-he-went-to|title=Is the Commander Ob Nixilis card before he went to Zendikar, or after the hedron was removed on Duel of the Planeswalkers?|tumblr-title=A Voice for Vorthos|date=October 28, 2014}}</ref>
Due to his curse, he is now a black-horned, winged, and tailed demon. In this form, Ob Nixilis wields a form of magic that acts like anti-life magic, contrasting other forms of death magic like necromancy. With it, he can weaken his enemies erode solid matter, and even consume the life energy of other beings to increase his power.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/duel-decks-nissa-vs-ob-nixilis-2016-08-01|Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis|[[Katie Allison]]|August 1, 2015}}</ref> He also managed to control a few Eldrazi drones, although how exactly isn't clear.


==Trapped==
Ob Nixilis is primarily [[black]]-aligned, and secondary in [[red]] mana. As Ob Nixilis planeswalks, he disappears in flame.
To add further injury to humiliation, [[Nahiri]], Zendikar's self-appointed protector, implanted a [[hedron]] on his forehead, stripping him of what power he still possessed, causing his wings to shrivel. When he could finally rise from the ground, the bones in his shoulders crumbled. His wings were useless and they fell off a few days later. Trapped on Zendikar, he vowed revenge on the plane and its inhabitants. <ref name="Dreams">{{NewRef|ur/dreams-damned-2014-08-06|Dreams of the Damned|[[Nik Davidson]]|August 6, 2014}}</ref>


Ob Nixilis studied the hedrons for centuries. He came to know their magic better than anyone save [[The Lithomancer|the one who made them]]. And when a Planeswalker would come to his place, he would make a point of making introductions. There were dozens over the countless years. And sure enough, [[Jace Beleren|some arrogant child]] finally took his lure. The proud planeswalker struck him down and extracted the hedron to be used in a ritual to save Garruk Wildspeaker. <ref group="notes">Played out in [[Magic 2015/Duels of the Planeswalkers]].</ref> <ref>{{NewRef|feature/checking-planeswalkers-2015-2015-08-19|Checking in on the Planeswalkers (2015)|[[Mel Li]]|August 19, 2015}}</ref> Thus Ob Nixilis regained his strength and could regrow his wings.
==History==
==Escape==
===Conqueror===
Still missing his spark, he knew it was in his reach. And that the only cost to regaining it would be the complete obliteration of Zendikar. First he found the [[Khalni Heart]] on [[Bala Ged]] <ref name="Dreams"/> and tried to leech its power to reignite his spark with a small hedron network. However, he ran afoul of [[Nissa Revane]] who was fighting for Zendikar. Flush with the elemental power of [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]], Nissa bested Ob Nixilis, removed the Khalni Heart to safety, and escaped. <ref>{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/nissas-resolve-2015-10-07|Nissa's Resolve|[[Kimberly J. Kreines]]|October 7, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Ob-Nixilis-of-the-Black-Oath.jpg|thumb|right|Before the curse of the [[Chain Veil]].|308x308px]]  
More than 1000 years ago, Ob Nixilis was a warlord on an unnamed plane beset by war.<ref>Flavor text of <c>Hostile Takeover</c></ref> He was outmaneuvered by opposing warlords and stumbled upon an ancient demon summoning chamber. He sacrificed his last remaining soldiers to bring forth the demons and call for victory, however, the demons saw the true desire in his heart and killed every living thing in his world. Ob Nixilis's spark ignited while he walked away from his dead plane after he finally realized the futility of life and all his ambitions. After his ascension, he began conquering other planes.


After recovering from his defeat, Ob Nixilis plotted while attempting to locate where Nissa might have gone. Upon reaching [[Tazeem]], he discovered Battle for Zendikar. The troops of [[Gideon Jura]] were attempting to imprison the titan [[Ulamog]] within a hedron network. Ob Nixilis, gleaming with joy, slaughtered a few [[Kor]] guards and siphoned the power of the hedrons into himself, reigniting his spark. In one final act of vengeance against Zendikar, he destroyed the hedron network and awoke the slumbering Eldrazi titan [[Kozilek]] before wanting to planeswalk away. <ref>{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/any-cost-2015-11-25|At Any Cost|[[Nik Davidson]]|November 25, 2015}}</ref> This was prevented by Nissa who attacked him. He retaliated out of spite. not only defeating Nissa, but also [[Jace]] and [[Gideon]] who came to her help. <ref>{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/retaliation-ob-nixilis-2015-12-30|Retaliation of Ob Nixilis|[[Kimberly J. Kreines]] & [[Nik Davidson]]|December 30, 2015}}</ref>
Eventually, he went to [[Shandalar]] and acquired the powerful [[Chain Veil]] but it cursed him and turned him into a demon.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/pax-australia-magic-panel-2014-11-07|PAX Australia Magic Panel|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|November 7, 2014}}</ref> He went to the plane of [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]], hoping to use its rich [[mana]] to purge the curse and restore his original form.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/101238052859/is-the-commader-ob-nixilis-card-before-he-went-to|title=Is the Commander Ob Nixilis card before he went to Zendikar, or after the hedron was removed on Duel of the Planeswalkers?|October 28, 2014}}</ref>


==In-game references==
===Trapped===
'''Represented in:'''
[[File:Ob Nixilis, the Fallen.jpg|thumb|No [[Planeswalker's spark|spark]] and trapped in [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]].|252x252px|alt=|left]]
* <c>Ob Nixilis of the Black Oath</c>
Before he knew what was happening, [[Nahiri]], Zendikar's self-appointed protector, intercepted him and fused a small [[hedron]] into his forehead. This hedron bound his [[spark]], trapping him on the plane, while also stripping him of what power he still possessed. When he could finally rise from the ground, the bones in his shoulders crumbled. His wings were useless and they fell off a few days later. For trapping him, and most of all, for making him small and weak, he vowed revenge on the plane and its inhabitants.<ref name="Dreams of the Damned">[[Nik Davidson]] (2014), "Dreams of the Damned", Wizards of the Coast</ref>
* <c>Ob Nixilis, the Fallen</c>
 
* <c>Ob Nixilis, Unshackled</c>
Ob Nixilis studied the hedrons for centuries. He came to know their magic better than anyone, except Nahiri herself. And when a Planeswalker would come to his place, he would make a point of making introductions. There were dozens over countless years. And sure enough, [[Jace Beleren]] finally took his lure. The proud planeswalker struck him down and extracted the hedron to be used in a ritual to save Garruk Wildspeaker.<ref group="notes">Played out in [[Magic 2015/Duels of the Planeswalkers]].</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/checking-planeswalkers-2015-2015-08-19|Checking in on the Planeswalkers (2015)|[[Mel Li]]|August 19, 2015}}</ref> Thus Ob Nixilis regained his strength and could regrow his wings.
* <c>Ob Nixilis Reignited</c>
 
===Escape===
Still missing his spark, he knew it was within his reach. And that the only cost to regaining it would be the complete obliteration of Zendikar. First, he found the [[Khalni Heart]] on [[Bala Ged]]<ref name="Dreams of the Damned"/> and tried to leech its power to reignite his spark with a small hedron network. However, he ran afoul of [[Nissa Revane]] who was fighting for Zendikar. Flush with the elemental power of [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]], Nissa bested Ob Nixilis, removed the Khalni Heart to safety, and escaped.<ref>{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/nissas-resolve-2015-10-07|Nissa's Resolve|[[Kimberly J. Kreines]]|October 7, 2015}}</ref>
 
After recovering from his defeat, Ob Nixilis plotted while attempting to locate where Nissa might have gone. Upon reaching [[Tazeem]], he found that the Battle for Zendikar was in progress. The troops of [[Gideon Jura]] were attempting to imprison the titan [[Ulamog]] within a hedron network. Ob Nixilis, gleaming with joy, slaughtered a few [[Kor]] guards and siphoned the power of the hedrons into himself, reigniting his spark. In one final act of vengeance against Zendikar, he destroyed the hedron network and awoke the slumbering Eldrazi titan [[Kozilek]].<ref>{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/any-cost-2015-11-25|At Any Cost|[[Nik Davidson]]|November 25, 2015}}</ref> Nissa, enraged for his actions at the Khalni Heart and now, attacked him. Despite her fury, Nissa is defeated in short order. Ob Nixilis then mocked her stating that if only she had left him alone to absorb Khalni Heart's power, he would have left Zendikar peacefully. However, now he wanted to crush and burn her world out of pure spite. He then prepared to leave but not before ensuring that no one left Sea Gate alive. He suddenly realized that [[Jace]] was attempting to manipulate his mind to get him to want to just leave. Using a pain-inducing spell, he broke the telepath's concentration, but Jace managed to spike his mind with just enough time to prevent Nixilis from taking his head off. However, the demon's glancing blow broke Jace's cheekbone and sent him sprawling. [[File:Ob Nixilis VS Nissa Revane in Zendikar.jpg|thumb|alt=|Retaliation of Ob Nixilis|268x268px]]
 
Before Nixilis could snap his neck, [[Gideon]] arrived and shredded one of the demon's wings. Despite being in pain, he was impressed by Gideon and offered to have a rematch duel at a later date, offering Gideon the choice of what plane to have it on, and what rules to use. Gideon's refusal caused him to comment that the current post-mending planeswalkers are both weaker and less civilized than the pre-mending walkers like himself. Nixilis attempted to kill Gideon but was stunned and delighted at Gideon's invulnerability. As they dueled, Nixilis mocked Gideon by killing several nearby fleeing Zendikari and playing mind games, inquiring if Gideon's need to protect Jace was his feelings, or caused by the telepath's mental manipulation. Nixilis used that moment of doubt to close the gap. Both of them proved very evenly matched as they wrestled, but the demon planeswalker's superior experience won out as he pinned Gideon to the ground. Nixilis then proved that invulnerability was nothing as he proceeded to drown Gideon in the muddy waters at their feet. As Gideon finally went limp, Nixilis mocked him one final time comparing Zendikar's worth to that of the dirty water.<ref>{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/retaliation-ob-nixilis-2015-12-30|Retaliation of Ob Nixilis|[[Kimberly J. Kreines]] & [[Nik Davidson]]|December 30, 2015}}</ref>
 
Nixilis then took Gideon, Jace, and [[Nissa]] prisoner, transported them to a cave, and tortured them. However, [[Chandra Nalaar]] showed up and freed her friends. Their concerted attack managed to scare the demon away from Zendikar, although he promised vengeance against the four.<ref>{{DailyRef|official-magic-fiction/flames-2016-01-20|Up in Flames|[[Doug Beyer]]|January 20, 2016}}</ref>
 
===War of the Spark===
[[File:Ob Nixilis, the-Hate-Twisted.jpg|thumb|278x278px|Trapped in [[Ravnica]].|alt=|left]]
Ob Nixilis was lured to [[Ravnica]] by the [[Interplanar Beacon]] and immediately became trapped there due to [[Bolas]]'s use of the [[Immortal Sun]]. Alongside many other planeswalkers and Ravnicans, he [[War of the Spark (event)|fought]] against the [[Eternal]]s of Bolas' [[Dreadhorde]].<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel">[[Greg Weisman]] (April 2019). "''[[War of the Spark: Ravnica]]''". Del Rey.</ref> With no affection for either the Gatewatch or Bolas, he sought gratification in random acts of torment against Ravnica's people and animals.<ref>Flavor text for <c>Ob Nixilis's Cruelty</c></ref> He absorbed the souls of the [[Eternal]]s he killed, fueling his power.
 
During the invasion, the trapped planeswalkers got together with Ravnican leaders to strategize. Despite being loathed by many of the planeswalkers there (including the Gatewatch and [[Nahiri]]), Ob Nixilis attended the meeting, as he was desperate to free himself.
 
At Jace's recommendation, they decided to split up into teams to focus on specific tasks. [[Karn]], Ob Nixilis, [[Dack Fayden]], and [[Samut]] volunteered to go through Bolas' [[Planar Bridge]] to [[Amonkhet]] and shut the portal down from the other side, although Nixilis made it clear that he was only helping them because he wanted to escape from Ravnica. While Nixilis and Samut fought off the Eternals, Dack distracted Tezzeret, giving Karn an opening to fly one of [[Saheeli Rai|Saheeli's]] explosive micro-drones into the Bridge control mechanism in Tezzeret's chest. The portal collapsed, and the wounded Tezzeret revealed that he was glad they defeated him: he hoped they would succeed at killing Bolas so he could finally be freed from his servitude to the dragon. With that, Tezzeret planeswalked away.
 
By this point, Nixilis had absorbed the souls of thousands of Eternals, greatly increasing his power and causing his body to double in size. After the Bridge's destruction, the remaining Eternals on Amonkhet became inactive, and Nixilis incinerated them en masse. The planeswalkers were then visited by the god [[Hazoret]], who arrived with the rogue planeswalker [[Sarkhan Vol]]. The god sought to aid them in their fight against Bolas, but Nixilis was uninterested in their struggle. Refusing to go back to the battle on Ravnica, he planeswalked away to safety.
 
After the War of the Spark ended, Karn suggested that the Immortal Sun might be useful against the threat of Ob Nixilis.
 
===Streets of New Capenna===
[[File:Ob Nixilis the Adversary.jpg|thumb|To gain power, he attacks the heads of families. Nixilis kills [[Xander]] personally.|alt=|317x317px]]
Ob Nixilis wants dominion over others. Before he became a demon, Ob Nixilis was a human warlord obsessed with conquest. In his pursuit of power, he was transformed by the Chain Veil, an ancient magical artifact. Although he initially sought to remove the curse, he eventually embraced his new form and the power it bestowed on him. Ob Nixilis enjoys subjugating others and is a collector of petty servants, hoarding the broken shells of his former foes in servitude to himself. He takes special pleasure in the challenge of breaking or corrupting the strong or noble and bringing them under his dominion. Though he has established domains on many worlds over his long life, he grows bored quickly and the need for fresh conquests drives him to move on.<ref name="Legends Streets">{{DailyRef|feature/legends-youll-find-streets-new-capenna-2022-04-22|The Legends You'll Find in Streets of New Capenna|[[Doug Beyer]], [[Ari Zirulnik]] and [[Grace Fong]]|April 22, 2021}}</ref>
 
At some point, Ob Nixilis became involved with the demonic gang families of [[New Capenna]] and planned to take control of the plane alongside his henchmen.<ref>{{EzTumblr|https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/660517790730649600/mark-can-you-confirm-if-the-demon-in-the-streets|title=can you confirm if the demon in the Streets of New Capenna art is Ob Nixilis?|August 25, 2021}}</ref> Siphoning members from each of the families with promises of [[Halo]], he activated his agents on the night of the [[Cabaretti]] [[Crescendo]], ordering them to attack all five families and leave none of the leadership alive. Nixilis himself traveled to the Maestro Museum, killing the family's leader, [[Xander]], personally.<ref name="The Font">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-4-font-2022-04-04|Episode 4: The Font|[[Elise Kova]]|April 4, 2022}}</ref>  
 
After [[Giada|the Font]] escaped the Crescendo celebrations with [[Elspeth Tirel]] and [[Vivien Reid]], he followed the trio to a Park Heights cathedral. In the ensuing fight, he nearly overcame Tirel before being badly wounded and planeswalking away to safety.<ref name="Hymn">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-5-hymn-angels-2022-04-05|Episode 5: Hymn of the Angels|[[Elise Kova]]|April 5, 2022}}</ref>
 
===Return to New Capenna===
Though he returned to New Capenna, Ob Nixilis chose not to participate in the defense of the plane during [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse]], choosing instead to wait the battle out and side with the victor.<ref name="Weekly Aftermath">{{YouTubeRef|27aI-DaCJyg|WeeklyMTG - March of the Machine: The Aftermath|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=May 2, 2023}}</ref> [[Great Pruning|Losing his spark]] after the events of [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse]], Nixilis is now stranded on New Capenna, at the mercy of the five families wanting revenge.
 
==Planeswalkers met==
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Chandra Nalaar]]
*[[Dack Fayden]]<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel"/>
*[[Davriel Cane]]
*[[Elspeth Tirel]]<ref name="Hymn"/>
*[[Gideon Jura]]
*[[Jace Beleren]]
*[[Karn]]<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel" />
*[[Nahiri]]
*[[Nissa Revane]]
*[[Samut]]<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel" />
*[[Tezzeret]]<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel" />
*[[Vivien Reid]]<ref name="Hymn"/>
}}
 
==Planes visited==
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
*[[Amonkhet (plane)|Amonkhet]]<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel" />
*[[Capenna]]
*[[Ravnica]]
*[[Shandalar]]<ref name="Dreams of the Damned"/>
*[[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]]
}}


'''Depicted in:'''
==Gallery==
* <c>Altar's Reap</c>
<gallery>
* <c>Demon's Grasp</c>
File:NixilisDuels1.png|Ob Nixilis is bound to Zendikar.
File:NixilisDuels2.png|The suppression hedron is removed from Nixilis' forehead
File:NixilisDuels3.png|Without the suppression hedron, Nixilis recovers his wings.
File:Ob Nixilis, Unshackled.jpg|<c>Ob Nixilis, Unshackled</c>
File:Ob Nixilis - Alters-Reap.jpg|{{card|Altar's Reap||BFZ}}
File:Ob Nixilis and Gatewatch.jpg|Ob Nixilis defeated by the Gatewatch on Zendikar.
File:Nissa vs Ob Nixilis.jpg|Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis Key Art
File:Ob Nixilis art.jpg|<c>Ob Nixilis, the-Hate-Twisted</c> Japanese art.
File:Ob-Nixiliss-Cruelty-War-of-the-Spark-Art.jpg|''“Morality is just shorthand for the constraints of being powerless.”''
File:Ob Nixilis Thomas Baxa.png|<c>Ob Nixilis Reignited</c> art by Thomas Baxa.
File:New Capenna Key artjpg.jpeg|[[Streets of New Capenna]] Key art.
File:Ob Nixilis MTGA avatar SNC.png|[[Magic: The Gathering Arena]] avatar.
File:Ob Nixilis Captive Kingpin.jpg|Desparked on [[Capenna]].
</gallery>


'''Quoted or referred to:'''  
==Story appearances==
* <c>Demonic Appetite</c>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* <c>Remorseless Punishment</c>
|-
* <c>Void Winnower</c>
! Title !! Author !! Publishing date !! Set !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
|-
| [https://mtglore.com/web-fiction/dreams-of-the-damned/ Dreams of the Damned] || [[Nik Davidson]] || 2014-08-06 || ''[[Magic 2015]]'' / Prologue to ''[[Battle for Zendikar]]'' || [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]]  || Ob Nixilis, [[Nahiri]], [[Jace Beleren]]
|-
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20141107191450/http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/ur/first-world-hardest-2014-11-05 The First World Is the Hardest] || [[Nik Davidson]] || 2014-11-05 || ''[[Commander 2014]]'' || Unknown plane || Ob Nixilis
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/nissas-resolve-2015-10-07|Nissa's Resolve}} || [[Kimberly J. Kreines]] || 2015-10-07 || ''[[Battle for Zendikar]]'' || [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] || [[Nissa Revane]], Ob Nixilis, [[Ashaya]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/hedron-alignment-2015-11-18|Hedron Alignment}} || [[Kimberly J. Kreines]] || 2015-11-18 || ''[[Battle for Zendikar]]'' || [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] || [[Kiora]], [[Gideon Jura]], [[Drana]], [[Tazri]], [[Nissa Revane]], [[Munda]], [[Jori En]], [[Ebi]], [[Jace Beleren]], [[Ashaya]], [[Seble]], [[Ulamog]], Ob Nixilis
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/any-cost-2015-11-25|At Any Cost}} || [[Nik Davidson]] || 2015-11-25 || ''[[Battle for Zendikar]]'' || [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] || Ob Nixilis, [[Ulamog]], [[Ebi]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/promises-keep-2015-12-02|Promises to Keep}} || [[Doug Beyer]] || 2015-12-02 || ''[[Battle for Zendikar]]'' || [[Regatha]], [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] || [[Chandra Nalaar]], [[Gideon Jura]], [[Seble]], [[Ulamog]], [[Jaya Ballard|Mother Luti]], Ob Nixilis, [[Kozilek]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/retaliation-ob-nixilis-2015-12-30|Retaliation of Ob Nixilis}} || [[Kimberly J. Kreines]] & [[Nik Davidson]] || 2015-12-30 ||''[[Oath of the Gatewatch]]'' || [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] || [[Gideon Jura]], [[Nissa Revane]], [[Ulamog]], [[Jace Beleren]], [[Ashaya]], Ob Nixilis, [[Kozilek]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/flames-2016-01-20|Up in Flames}} || [[Doug Beyer]] || 2016-01-20 ||''[[Oath of the Gatewatch]]'' || [[Zendikar (plane)|Zendikar]] || [[Chandra Nalaar]], [[Kozilek]], [[Ulamog]], [[Tazri]], Ob Nixilis, [[Jace Beleren]], [[Gideon Jura]], [[Nissa Revane]]
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|magic-story/war-spark-ravnica-rallying-reluctant-2019-05-22|War of the Spark: Ravnica—Rallying the Reluctant}} || [[Greg Weisman]] || 2019-05-22 || ''[[War of the Spark]]'' || [[Ravnica]] || [[Araithia Shokta|Rat]], [[Jace Beleren|Jace]], [[Kaya Cassir|Kaya]], [[Teyo Verada|Teyo]], Blaise, [[Teysa Karlov]], Armin Morov, Slavomir Zoltan, [[Maladola]], [[Bilagru]], [[Domri Rade|Domri]] (mentioned), [[Ral Zarek|Ral]], [[Maree]], [[Aurelia]], [[Niv-Mizzet]] (mentioned), [[Gideon Jura|Gideon]], [[Jiang Yanggu|Yanggu]], [[Mowu]], [[Dack Fayden|Dack]], [[Saheeli Rai|Saheeli]], Ob Nixilis, [[Davriel Cane|Davriel]], [[Angrath]], [[Huatli]], [[Samut]], [[Vorel]], [[Vivien]], [[Lavinia]], [[Ajani Goldmane|Ajani]]
|-
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-2-dirty-laundry-2022-03-29|Episode 2: Dirty Laundry}} || [[Elise Kova]] || 2022-03-28 || ''[[Streets of New Capenna]]'' || [[Capenna]], [[Dominaria]]||[[Elspeth Tirel]], [[Ajani Goldmane]], [[Anhelo]], Ob Nixilis
|-
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-4-font-2022-04-04|Episode 4: The Font}} || [[Elise Kova]] || 2022-04-04 || ''[[Streets of New Capenna]]'' || [[Capenna]] ||[[Xander]], [[Anhelo]], Ob Nixilis, [[Elspeth Tirel]], [[Jinnie Fay]], [[Kitt]], [[Giada]], [[Jetmir]], [[Vivien Reid]]
|-
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-5-hymn-angels-2022-04-05|Episode 5: Hymn of the Angels}} || [[Elise Kova]] || 2022-04-05 || ''[[Streets of New Capenna]]'' || [[Capenna]] ||[[Elspeth Tirel]], [[Vivien Reid]], [[Giada]], [[Jinnie Fay]], [[Kamiz]], [[Jetmir]], Ob Nixilis, [[Anhelo]]
|}
 
==In-game references==
{{in-game|width=25em
|cards=
*<c>Ob Nixilis, the Adversary</c>
*<c>Ob Nixilis of the Black Oath</c>
*<c>Ob Nixilis, Captive Kingpin</c>
*<c>Ob Nixilis, the Fallen</c>
*<c>Ob Nixilis, the Hate-Twisted</c>
*<c>Ob Nixilis Reignited</c>
*<c>Ob Nixilis, Unshackled</c>
|associated=
*<c>Demon's Due</c>
*<c>Demon's Grasp</c>
*<c>Ob Nixilis's Cruelty</c>
|art=
*{{card|Altar's Reap|Battle for Zendikar}}
*<c>Devour in Flames</c>
*{{card|Hostile Takeover||SNC}}
*{{card|Most Wanted||SNC}}
*{{card|Murder|Streets of New Capenna}}
*<c>Spark Rupture</c>
|flavor=
*{{card|Ambition's Cost|Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis}}
*<c>Daring Escape</c>
*<c>Demonic Appetite</c>
*{{card|Diabolic Edict|Jumpstart 2022}}
*{{card|Diabolic Edict|Modern Horizons}}
*{{card|Doom Blade|Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis}}
*{{card|Doom Blade|Mystical Archive|STA}}
*<c>Make an Example</c>
*<c>Remorseless Punishment</c>
*<c>Revelation of Power</c>
*<c>Void Winnower</c>
}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 43: Line 173:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Neowalkers}}


[[Category:Planeswalkers]]
{{Unknown Plane|characters|state=collapsed}}
[[Category:Zendikar]]
{{Zendikar|characters|state=collapsed}}
[[Category:Characters]]
{{Planeswalker|characters}}
[[Category:Demons]]
[[Category:Demons]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Warriors]]
[[Category:Wizards]]

Latest revision as of 19:48, 26 June 2024

Ob Nixilis
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Ob-Nixilis Reignited.jpg}}|250px]]
Details
Race Demon
Formerly Human, Planeswalker
Birthplace Unnamed plane of eternal war
Lifetime Born pre-mending
Colors
Center: {B}
Currently: {B}{R}[1]

Ob Nixilis (/ɑːb nɪksɪlɪs/ OB niks-ILL-iss)[2] was a human warlord and tyrant who became a planeswalker when he discovered that he was manipulated by demons to be the sole survivor of a world that only knew war.[3][4] He became a demon himself after being cursed by the Chain Veil. In New Capenna, he is called The Adversary.[5] He lost his spark in the Great Pruning.[6]

Appearance and characteristics

While being a brilliant tactician, wizard, and warrior, Ob Nixilis had also studied the history of his world, where society had been destroyed consecutively in cataclysmic and destructive wars only interrupted by mere decades of peace. He came to believe that every society was doomed to collapse at one point and that the only thing that mattered was taking as much for yourself as you could before the collapse occurred. As a result, he resorted to treachery and underhanded tactics without much thought.[3]

Due to his curse, he is now a black-horned, winged, and tailed demon. In this form, Ob Nixilis wields a form of magic that acts like anti-life magic, contrasting other forms of death magic like necromancy. With it, he can weaken his enemies erode solid matter, and even consume the life energy of other beings to increase his power.[7] He also managed to control a few Eldrazi drones, although how exactly isn't clear.

Ob Nixilis is primarily black-aligned, and secondary in red mana. As Ob Nixilis planeswalks, he disappears in flame.

History

Conqueror

Before the curse of the Chain Veil.

More than 1000 years ago, Ob Nixilis was a warlord on an unnamed plane beset by war.[8] He was outmaneuvered by opposing warlords and stumbled upon an ancient demon summoning chamber. He sacrificed his last remaining soldiers to bring forth the demons and call for victory, however, the demons saw the true desire in his heart and killed every living thing in his world. Ob Nixilis's spark ignited while he walked away from his dead plane after he finally realized the futility of life and all his ambitions. After his ascension, he began conquering other planes.

Eventually, he went to Shandalar and acquired the powerful Chain Veil but it cursed him and turned him into a demon.[9] He went to the plane of Zendikar, hoping to use its rich mana to purge the curse and restore his original form.[10]

Trapped

No spark and trapped in Zendikar.

Before he knew what was happening, Nahiri, Zendikar's self-appointed protector, intercepted him and fused a small hedron into his forehead. This hedron bound his spark, trapping him on the plane, while also stripping him of what power he still possessed. When he could finally rise from the ground, the bones in his shoulders crumbled. His wings were useless and they fell off a few days later. For trapping him, and most of all, for making him small and weak, he vowed revenge on the plane and its inhabitants.[11]

Ob Nixilis studied the hedrons for centuries. He came to know their magic better than anyone, except Nahiri herself. And when a Planeswalker would come to his place, he would make a point of making introductions. There were dozens over countless years. And sure enough, Jace Beleren finally took his lure. The proud planeswalker struck him down and extracted the hedron to be used in a ritual to save Garruk Wildspeaker.[notes 1][12] Thus Ob Nixilis regained his strength and could regrow his wings.

Escape

Still missing his spark, he knew it was within his reach. And that the only cost to regaining it would be the complete obliteration of Zendikar. First, he found the Khalni Heart on Bala Ged[11] and tried to leech its power to reignite his spark with a small hedron network. However, he ran afoul of Nissa Revane who was fighting for Zendikar. Flush with the elemental power of Zendikar, Nissa bested Ob Nixilis, removed the Khalni Heart to safety, and escaped.[13]

After recovering from his defeat, Ob Nixilis plotted while attempting to locate where Nissa might have gone. Upon reaching Tazeem, he found that the Battle for Zendikar was in progress. The troops of Gideon Jura were attempting to imprison the titan Ulamog within a hedron network. Ob Nixilis, gleaming with joy, slaughtered a few Kor guards and siphoned the power of the hedrons into himself, reigniting his spark. In one final act of vengeance against Zendikar, he destroyed the hedron network and awoke the slumbering Eldrazi titan Kozilek.[14] Nissa, enraged for his actions at the Khalni Heart and now, attacked him. Despite her fury, Nissa is defeated in short order. Ob Nixilis then mocked her stating that if only she had left him alone to absorb Khalni Heart's power, he would have left Zendikar peacefully. However, now he wanted to crush and burn her world out of pure spite. He then prepared to leave but not before ensuring that no one left Sea Gate alive. He suddenly realized that Jace was attempting to manipulate his mind to get him to want to just leave. Using a pain-inducing spell, he broke the telepath's concentration, but Jace managed to spike his mind with just enough time to prevent Nixilis from taking his head off. However, the demon's glancing blow broke Jace's cheekbone and sent him sprawling.

Retaliation of Ob Nixilis

Before Nixilis could snap his neck, Gideon arrived and shredded one of the demon's wings. Despite being in pain, he was impressed by Gideon and offered to have a rematch duel at a later date, offering Gideon the choice of what plane to have it on, and what rules to use. Gideon's refusal caused him to comment that the current post-mending planeswalkers are both weaker and less civilized than the pre-mending walkers like himself. Nixilis attempted to kill Gideon but was stunned and delighted at Gideon's invulnerability. As they dueled, Nixilis mocked Gideon by killing several nearby fleeing Zendikari and playing mind games, inquiring if Gideon's need to protect Jace was his feelings, or caused by the telepath's mental manipulation. Nixilis used that moment of doubt to close the gap. Both of them proved very evenly matched as they wrestled, but the demon planeswalker's superior experience won out as he pinned Gideon to the ground. Nixilis then proved that invulnerability was nothing as he proceeded to drown Gideon in the muddy waters at their feet. As Gideon finally went limp, Nixilis mocked him one final time comparing Zendikar's worth to that of the dirty water.[15]

Nixilis then took Gideon, Jace, and Nissa prisoner, transported them to a cave, and tortured them. However, Chandra Nalaar showed up and freed her friends. Their concerted attack managed to scare the demon away from Zendikar, although he promised vengeance against the four.[16]

War of the Spark

Trapped in Ravnica.

Ob Nixilis was lured to Ravnica by the Interplanar Beacon and immediately became trapped there due to Bolas's use of the Immortal Sun. Alongside many other planeswalkers and Ravnicans, he fought against the Eternals of Bolas' Dreadhorde.[17] With no affection for either the Gatewatch or Bolas, he sought gratification in random acts of torment against Ravnica's people and animals.[18] He absorbed the souls of the Eternals he killed, fueling his power.

During the invasion, the trapped planeswalkers got together with Ravnican leaders to strategize. Despite being loathed by many of the planeswalkers there (including the Gatewatch and Nahiri), Ob Nixilis attended the meeting, as he was desperate to free himself.

At Jace's recommendation, they decided to split up into teams to focus on specific tasks. Karn, Ob Nixilis, Dack Fayden, and Samut volunteered to go through Bolas' Planar Bridge to Amonkhet and shut the portal down from the other side, although Nixilis made it clear that he was only helping them because he wanted to escape from Ravnica. While Nixilis and Samut fought off the Eternals, Dack distracted Tezzeret, giving Karn an opening to fly one of Saheeli's explosive micro-drones into the Bridge control mechanism in Tezzeret's chest. The portal collapsed, and the wounded Tezzeret revealed that he was glad they defeated him: he hoped they would succeed at killing Bolas so he could finally be freed from his servitude to the dragon. With that, Tezzeret planeswalked away.

By this point, Nixilis had absorbed the souls of thousands of Eternals, greatly increasing his power and causing his body to double in size. After the Bridge's destruction, the remaining Eternals on Amonkhet became inactive, and Nixilis incinerated them en masse. The planeswalkers were then visited by the god Hazoret, who arrived with the rogue planeswalker Sarkhan Vol. The god sought to aid them in their fight against Bolas, but Nixilis was uninterested in their struggle. Refusing to go back to the battle on Ravnica, he planeswalked away to safety.

After the War of the Spark ended, Karn suggested that the Immortal Sun might be useful against the threat of Ob Nixilis.

Streets of New Capenna

To gain power, he attacks the heads of families. Nixilis kills Xander personally.

Ob Nixilis wants dominion over others. Before he became a demon, Ob Nixilis was a human warlord obsessed with conquest. In his pursuit of power, he was transformed by the Chain Veil, an ancient magical artifact. Although he initially sought to remove the curse, he eventually embraced his new form and the power it bestowed on him. Ob Nixilis enjoys subjugating others and is a collector of petty servants, hoarding the broken shells of his former foes in servitude to himself. He takes special pleasure in the challenge of breaking or corrupting the strong or noble and bringing them under his dominion. Though he has established domains on many worlds over his long life, he grows bored quickly and the need for fresh conquests drives him to move on.[19]

At some point, Ob Nixilis became involved with the demonic gang families of New Capenna and planned to take control of the plane alongside his henchmen.[20] Siphoning members from each of the families with promises of Halo, he activated his agents on the night of the Cabaretti Crescendo, ordering them to attack all five families and leave none of the leadership alive. Nixilis himself traveled to the Maestro Museum, killing the family's leader, Xander, personally.[21]

After the Font escaped the Crescendo celebrations with Elspeth Tirel and Vivien Reid, he followed the trio to a Park Heights cathedral. In the ensuing fight, he nearly overcame Tirel before being badly wounded and planeswalking away to safety.[22]

Return to New Capenna

Though he returned to New Capenna, Ob Nixilis chose not to participate in the defense of the plane during New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse, choosing instead to wait the battle out and side with the victor.[23] Losing his spark after the events of New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse, Nixilis is now stranded on New Capenna, at the mercy of the five families wanting revenge.

Planeswalkers met

Planes visited

Gallery

Story appearances

Title Author Publishing date Set Setting (plane) Featuring
Dreams of the Damned Nik Davidson 2014-08-06 Magic 2015 / Prologue to Battle for Zendikar Zendikar Ob Nixilis, Nahiri, Jace Beleren
The First World Is the Hardest Nik Davidson 2014-11-05 Commander 2014 Unknown plane Ob Nixilis
Nissa's Resolve Kimberly J. Kreines 2015-10-07 Battle for Zendikar Zendikar Nissa Revane, Ob Nixilis, Ashaya
Hedron Alignment Kimberly J. Kreines 2015-11-18 Battle for Zendikar Zendikar Kiora, Gideon Jura, Drana, Tazri, Nissa Revane, Munda, Jori En, Ebi, Jace Beleren, Ashaya, Seble, Ulamog, Ob Nixilis
At Any Cost Nik Davidson 2015-11-25 Battle for Zendikar Zendikar Ob Nixilis, Ulamog, Ebi
Promises to Keep Doug Beyer 2015-12-02 Battle for Zendikar Regatha, Zendikar Chandra Nalaar, Gideon Jura, Seble, Ulamog, Mother Luti, Ob Nixilis, Kozilek
Retaliation of Ob Nixilis Kimberly J. Kreines & Nik Davidson 2015-12-30 Oath of the Gatewatch Zendikar Gideon Jura, Nissa Revane, Ulamog, Jace Beleren, Ashaya, Ob Nixilis, Kozilek
Up in Flames Doug Beyer 2016-01-20 Oath of the Gatewatch Zendikar Chandra Nalaar, Kozilek, Ulamog, Tazri, Ob Nixilis, Jace Beleren, Gideon Jura, Nissa Revane
War of the Spark: Ravnica—Rallying the Reluctant Greg Weisman 2019-05-22 War of the Spark Ravnica Rat, Jace, Kaya, Teyo, Blaise, Teysa Karlov, Armin Morov, Slavomir Zoltan, Maladola, Bilagru, Domri (mentioned), Ral, Maree, Aurelia, Niv-Mizzet (mentioned), Gideon, Yanggu, Mowu, Dack, Saheeli, Ob Nixilis, Davriel, Angrath, Huatli, Samut, Vorel, Vivien, Lavinia, Ajani
Episode 2: Dirty Laundry Elise Kova 2022-03-28 Streets of New Capenna Capenna, Dominaria Elspeth Tirel, Ajani Goldmane, Anhelo, Ob Nixilis
Episode 4: The Font Elise Kova 2022-04-04 Streets of New Capenna Capenna Xander, Anhelo, Ob Nixilis, Elspeth Tirel, Jinnie Fay, Kitt, Giada, Jetmir, Vivien Reid
Episode 5: Hymn of the Angels Elise Kova 2022-04-05 Streets of New Capenna Capenna Elspeth Tirel, Vivien Reid, Giada, Jinnie Fay, Kamiz, Jetmir, Ob Nixilis, Anhelo

In-game references

Represented in:
Associated cards:
Depicted in:
Quoted or referred to:

Notes

  1. ↑ Played out in Magic 2015/Duels of the Planeswalkers.

References

  1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 27, 2020). "Ikoria of the Beholder, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (March 31, 2015). "Here's a pronunciation guide for some of the names that were requested earlier today.". The Official Magic: The Gathering Tumblr. Tumblr.
  3. ↑ a b Nik Davidson (November 5, 2014). "The First World Is the Hardest". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ Blake Rasmussen (September 9, 2015). "The Many Looks of Ob Nixilis". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. ↑ Elise Kova (March 29, 2022). "Episode 2: Dirty Laundry". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies (Video). YouTube.
  7. ↑ Katie Allison (August 1, 2015). "Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. ↑ Flavor text of Hostile Takeover
  9. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (November 7, 2014). "PAX Australia Magic Panel". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Doug Beyer (October 28, 2014). "Is the Commander Ob Nixilis card before he went to Zendikar, or after the hedron was removed on Duel of the Planeswalkers?". A Voice for Vorthos. Tumblr.
  11. ↑ a b c Nik Davidson (2014), "Dreams of the Damned", Wizards of the Coast
  12. ↑ Mel Li (August 19, 2015). "Checking in on the Planeswalkers (2015)". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. ↑ Kimberly J. Kreines (October 7, 2015). "Nissa's Resolve". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Nik Davidson (November 25, 2015). "At Any Cost". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Kimberly J. Kreines & Nik Davidson (December 30, 2015). "Retaliation of Ob Nixilis". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Doug Beyer (January 20, 2016). "Up in Flames". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ a b c d e f Greg Weisman (April 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica". Del Rey.
  18. ↑ Flavor text for Ob Nixilis's Cruelty
  19. ↑ Doug Beyer, Ari Zirulnik and Grace Fong (April 22, 2021). "The Legends You'll Find in Streets of New Capenna". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 25, 2021). "can you confirm if the demon in the Streets of New Capenna art is Ob Nixilis?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  21. ↑ Elise Kova (April 4, 2022). "Episode 4: The Font". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  22. ↑ a b c Elise Kova (April 5, 2022). "Episode 5: Hymn of the Angels". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  23. ↑ WeeklyMTG - March of the Machine: The Aftermath (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (May 2, 2023).
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