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|image=Mtg urabrask the hidden by cryptcrawler-d39big4.jpg
|image=Mtg urabrask the hidden by cryptcrawler-d39big4.jpg
|birthplace = [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]
|birthplace = [[Mirrodin (plane)|Mirrodin]]
|lifetime=[[Mending Era]]; deceased
|born=Betw. 4400 and 4557 [[AR]]
|death=Likely 4562 AR ([[Urabrask#Possible death|see below]])
|race=[[Phyrexian]]
|race=[[Phyrexian]]
|colors={{mana|R}}
}}
}}
'''Urabrask''' ([[Phyrexian (language)|Phyrexian]]: <span style="font-family:PhyrexianHorizontal">DYrbreLh</span>, <small>[[Wikipedia:International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA]]: [ʔurbrask]</small>), "the Hidden," is the [[red]]-aligned [[praetor]] of [[New Phyrexia (plane)|New Phyrexia]]. As his name suggests, for much of the storyline his motivations were vague, leaving him as the most mysterious praetor.<ref name=":0">{{DailyRef|feature/getting-to-know-the-praetors|Getting to Know the Praetors|[[Doug Beyer]]|May 11, 2011}}</ref> His current status is unknown.
'''Urabrask''' ([[Phyrexian (language)|Phyrexian]]: <span style="font-family:PhyrexianHorizontal">DYrbreLh</span>, <small>[[Wikipedia:International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA]]: [ʔurbrask]</small>), "the Hidden," was the [[red]]-aligned [[praetor]] of [[New Phyrexia (plane)|New Phyrexia]]. The most mysterious praetor in the beginning, his continual defiance of the New Phyrexian leadership gave the Mirran resistance the chance they needed to eventually bring the fall of [[Elesh Norn]].<ref name=":0">{{DailyRef|feature/getting-to-know-the-praetors|Getting to Know the Praetors|[[Doug Beyer]]|May 11, 2011}}</ref> He is presumed dead following [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse]].


==Description==
==Description==
He had a blazing-hot temper and was easily infuriated when dealing with others.<ref name="Guide to ONE"/> Much less formal than Phyrexians like Elesh Norn, Urabrask was known to be sarcastic and even sassy.<ref name="Phylly">{{YouTubeRef|HLFRvmPLWOo|Phyrexian Phylology in Phylly|channel=[[Magic: the Gathering]]|date=February 17, 2023}}</ref> He often injected slang and modified words into his speech, expecting his followers to understand his meaning.<ref name="PhyrexianOne"/><ref name="Building ONE"/>
Urabrask had a blazing-hot temper and was easily infuriated when dealing with others.<ref name="Guide to ONE"/> Much less formal than [[Phyrexian|Phyrexians]] like Elesh Norn, he was known to be sarcastic and even sassy.<ref name="Phylly">{{YouTubeRef|HLFRvmPLWOo|Phyrexian Phylology in Phylly|channel=[[Magic: the Gathering]]|date=February 17, 2023}}</ref> He often injected slang and modified words into his speech, expecting his followers to understand his meaning.<ref name="PhyrexianOne"/><ref name="Building ONE"/>


Physically, Urabrask was serpentine, with a long tail and powerful limbs. His head was eyeless, its most notable feature being a crocodilian mouth filled with jagged teeth. Urabrask was constantly upgrading himself; it's unclear if any of his original form remained.<ref name="Art">{{YouTubeRef|MRSWgFn2THI|All Will Be Art|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=February 17, 2023}}</ref> As of his travel to [[New Capenna]], he had upgraded his body with large, metallic blades onto his forearms.<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> Upon his return to New Phyrexia, his body was streamlined, redesigned to be more combat-ready and aggressive.<ref name="Debut">{{YouTubeRef|68km5c8JolA|New Set Debut: Phyrexia: All Will Be One|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=January 17, 2023}}</ref> His body glowed with internal heat, which is vented from two exhaust ports protruding from his back.
Physically, Urabrask was serpentine, with a long tail and powerful limbs. His head was eyeless, its most notable feature being a crocodilian mouth filled with jagged teeth. Urabrask was constantly upgrading himself; it's unclear if any of his original forms remained.<ref name="Art">{{YouTubeRef|MRSWgFn2THI|All Will Be Art|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=February 17, 2023}}</ref> As of his travel to [[New Capenna]], he had upgraded his body with large, metallic blades on his forearms.<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> Upon his return to New Phyrexia, his body was streamlined, redesigned to be more combat-ready and aggressive.<ref name="Debut">{{YouTubeRef|68km5c8JolA|New Set Debut: Phyrexia: All Will Be One|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=January 17, 2023}}</ref> His body glowed with internal heat, which was vented from two exhaust ports protruding from his back.


Like other praetors, Urabrask believed the ''compleation'' of living beings elevates them into a more perfect Phyrexian form. As one of the more intelligent red-aligned Phyrexians, however, he retained a sense of individualism and some empathy. Unlike the other praetors who force new recruits into their designs, Urabrask preferred they retain the strongest parts of their original form and contribute these assets to Phyrexia.<ref name=":1">[[K. Arsenault Rivera]] (March 21, 2023). "[https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/magic-story/episode-5-cathartic-reunion March of the Machine | Episode 5: Cathartic Reunion]". ''[[magicthegathering.com]]''. Wizards of the Coast.</ref> Secretly, he preferred when beings willingly choose to join New Phyrexia, but he was not above destroying those who oppose it.<ref name="Guide to ONE"/>
Like other praetors, Urabrask believed the ''compleation'' of living beings elevates them into a more perfect Phyrexian form. As one of the more intelligent red-aligned Phyrexians, however, he retained a sense of individualism and some empathy. Unlike the other praetors who forced recruits into their designs, Urabrask preferred they retain the strongest parts of their original form and contribute these assets to Phyrexia.<ref name="Reunion">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-5-cathartic-reunion|March of the Machine - Episode 5: Cathartic Reunion|[[K. Arsenault Rivera]]|March 21, 2023}}</ref> Secretly, he preferred when beings willingly chose to join New Phyrexia, but he was not above destroying those who opposed it.<ref name="Guide to ONE"/>


Urabrask opposed the [[Elesh Norn|current, strictly hierarchical leadership of New Phyrexia.]]<ref name="Guide to ONE"/><ref>[[Elise Kova]] (March 30, 2022). "[https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/magic-story/side-freedom-2022-03-30 The Side of Freedom]". ''[[magicthegathering.com]]''. Wizards of the Coast.</ref>  Similarly to [[Jin-Gitaxias]], philosophical differences led to him coining a new term for [[Yawgmoth|Yawgmoth's]] Grand Evolution: The Great Work.
Urabrask opposed the [[Elesh Norn|strictly hierarchical leadership of New Phyrexia]].<ref name="Guide to ONE"/><ref>[[Elise Kova]] (March 30, 2022). "[https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/magic-story/side-freedom-2022-03-30 The Side of Freedom]". ''[[magicthegathering.com]]''. Wizards of the Coast.</ref>  Similarly to [[Jin-Gitaxias]], philosophical differences led to him coining a new term for [[Yawgmoth|Yawgmoth's]] Grand Evolution: The Great Work.


==History==
==History==
===On New Phyrexia===
===On New Phyrexia===
After Phyrexia's conquest of Mirrodin, Urabrask allowed the Mirran survivors to take refuge in the furnace layer of the plane, which was controlled by him. This was because he is [[Red|aligned with the color of emotion and freedom]], granting him enough empathy not to (actively) destroy the Mirrans. This, coupled with a sheer dislike of the other factions, led him to seal the Furnace Layer of the plane off from other Phyrexian factions. For the most part, they didn't seem to care either, except the [[blue]]-aligned Progress Engine, who was paranoid about it.
After Phyrexia's conquest of Mirrodin, Urabrask allowed the Mirran survivors to take refuge in the [[New Phyrexia (plane)#Spheres of New Phyrexia|Furnace Layer]] of the plane, which he controlled. This was because he is [[Red|aligned with the color of emotion and freedom]], granting him enough empathy not to (actively) destroy the Mirrans. This, coupled with a sheer dislike of the other factions, led him to seal the Furnace Layer off from the other Phyrexian factions. For the most part, they didn't seem to care either, although the [[blue]]-aligned Progress Engine was paranoid about it.


Inevitably, [[Elesh Norn]] laid waste to his domain, though the Mirran Resistance fled to the mountain shelters, out of her reach.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/lost-confession-2013-12-18|The Lost Confession|[[Jenna Helland]]|September 11, 2013}}</ref> He and his red Phyrexians now dwell on the Furnace Layer.
Inevitably, [[Elesh Norn]] laid waste to his domain, though the Mirran Resistance fled to the mountain shelters, out of her reach.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/lost-confession-2013-12-18|The Lost Confession|[[Jenna Helland]]|September 11, 2013}}</ref> He and his red Phyrexians thus came to dwell in the Furnace Layer.


===Streets of New Capenna===
===Streets of New Capenna===
Seeking to double-cross Norn, [[Tezzeret]] found an unlikely ally in Urabrask, who he transported to [[New Capenna]].<ref name="Homecoming">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-1-homecoming-2022-03-28|Episode 1: Homecoming|[[Elise Kova]]|March 28, 2022}}</ref> The [[Planar Bridge]] heavily damaged the praetor's body, searing his flesh from his inorganic components, and leaving him in a severely weakened state. He had been in the city for several weeks, healing enough to survive a return trip. While there, the praetor met with [[Vivien Reid]] and tasked her with bringing him [[Halo]] and the [[Planeswalker]] [[Elspeth Tirel]], claiming that her presence would tip the balance of the war on New Phyrexia in the Mirrans' favor.<ref name="Legends Streets">{{DailyRef|feature/the-legends-youll-find-in-streets-of-new-capenna|The Legends You'll Find in Streets of New Capenna|[[Doug Beyer]], [[Ari Zirulnik]] and [[Grace Fong]]|April 22, 2021}}</ref>
Seeking to double-cross Norn, [[Tezzeret]] found an unlikely ally in Urabrask, who he transported to [[New Capenna]].<ref name="Homecoming">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-1-homecoming-2022-03-28|Episode 1: Homecoming|[[Elise Kova]]|March 28, 2022}}</ref> The [[Planar Bridge]] heavily damaged the praetor's body, searing his flesh from his inorganic components and leaving him in a severely weakened state. He had been in the city for several weeks, healing enough to survive a return trip. While there, the praetor met with [[Vivien Reid]] and tasked her with bringing him [[Halo]] and the [[Planeswalker]] [[Elspeth Tirel]], claiming that her presence would tip the balance of the war on New Phyrexia in the Mirrans' favor.<ref name="Legends Streets">{{DailyRef|feature/the-legends-youll-find-in-streets-of-new-capenna|The Legends You'll Find in Streets of New Capenna|[[Doug Beyer]], [[Ari Zirulnik]] and [[Grace Fong]]|April 22, 2021}}</ref>


===Against New Phyrexia===
===Against New Phyrexia===
Returning to New Phyrexia, Urabrask and his rebel Phyrexian faction openly fought against Elesh Norn, staging their own rebellion parallel to that of the Mirrans (though they do not openly assist them). The rebel Phyrexian faction included the [[Steel Thanes]] that didn't bow to Elesh Norn.<ref name="Losses">{{DailyRef|magic-story/assault-on-new-phyrexia-or-episode-3-inconceivable-losses|Assault on New Phyrexia - Episode 3: Inconceivable Losses|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 14, 2023}}</ref>  Later, he helped [[Chandra Nalaar|Chandra]] and [[Wrenn]], among a squadron of Mirran resistors, reach [[Realmbreaker]].<ref name=":1" />
Returning to New Phyrexia, Urabrask, and his rebel Phyrexian faction openly fought against Elesh Norn, staging their rebellion parallel to that of the Mirrans (though they did not openly assist them). The rebel Phyrexian faction included the [[Steel Thanes]] that didn't bow to Elesh Norn.<ref name="Losses">{{DailyRef|magic-story/assault-on-new-phyrexia-or-episode-3-inconceivable-losses|Assault on New Phyrexia - Episode 3: Inconceivable Losses|[[Seanan McGuire]]|January 14, 2023}}</ref>  Later, Urabrask helped [[Chandra Nalaar|Chandra]] and [[Wrenn]], among a squadron of Mirran resistors, to reach [[Realmbreaker]].<ref name="Reunion"/>


Soon after, Elesh Norn had him tortured on a rack and chopped off his limbs, but instead of executing him, told her harvesters to “Leave the traitor be.”<ref>[[K. Arsenault Rivera]] (March 23, 2023). "[https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/magic-story/episode-6-the-last-to-leave March of the Machine | Episode 6: The Last to Leave]". ''[[magicthegathering.com]]''. Wizards of the Coast.</ref> It is currently unknown if he survived the final battle or his wounds.
===Possible death===
Soon after, Urabrask was captured by Elesh Norn's forces, and the Grand Cenobite ordered his execution by quartering.<ref name="Last to Leave">{{DailyRef|magic-story/episode-6-the-last-to-leave|''March of the Machine'' - Episode Six: The Last to Leave|[[K. Arsenault Rivera]]|March 23, 2023}}</ref><ref name="No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore">{{YouTubeRef|sImiwohnUYg|No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies|[[LRRMTG]]|May 11, 2023}}</ref> Once the heretic praetor was reduced to a limbless torso, Urabrask himself heard Norn ordered her harvesters to "leave the traitor be,"<ref><c>Merciless Repurposing</c></ref> but whether this dismemberment was a fatal injury is not confirmed.


==Planes visited==
==Planes visited==
Line 38: Line 41:
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:UrabraskConcept.png|Original concept of Urabrask by [[Richard Whitters]].
File:SNCUrabraskConcept.jpg|Concept of Urabrask on [[New Capenna]] by Jehan Choo.
File:SNCUrabraskConcept.jpg|Concept of Urabrask on [[New Capenna]] by Jehan Choo.
File:SNCUrabrask.jpg|<c>Urabrask, Heretic Praetor</c> by Simon Dominic.
File:SNCUrabrask.jpg|<c>Urabrask, Heretic Praetor</c> by Simon Dominic.
Line 48: Line 52:
|-
|-
! Title !! Author !! Publishing date !! Set !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
! Title !! Author !! Publishing date !! Set !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
|-
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20160410144031/http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/mirrodin-site-unctus-synod-2011-05-27 On the Mirrodin Site: Unctus of the Synod] || Wizards of the Coast || 2011-05-27 || ''[[New Phyrexia]]'' || [[New Phyrexia (plane)|New Phyrexia]] || [[Unctus]], Politus, Covalt, Scylla, Threx, Uulk, Kizak, Grgur, [[Jin-Gitaxias]], [[Malcator]], [[Karn]], [[Elesh Norn]], Urabrask
|-
| {{ArticleArchive|feature/lost-confession-2013-09-11|The Lost Confession}} || [[Jenna Helland]] || 2013-09-11 || ''[[Theros]]'' || [[Theros (plane)|Theros]] || [[Elspeth Tirel]], [[Ajani Goldmane]], [[Pharika]], [[Koth of the Hammer]], [[Melira]], [[Tezzeret]], [[Elesh Norn]], Urabrask, [[Sheoldred]], [[Karn]], [[Jin-Gitaxias]], [[Venser]], [[Heliod]]
|-
|-
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-1-homecoming-2022-03-28|Episode 1: Homecoming}} || [[Elise Kova]] || 2022-03-28 || ''[[Streets of New Capenna]]'' || [[Theros]], [[Capenna]] ||[[Elspeth Tirel]], [[Ajani Goldmane]], [[Heliod]], [[Xander]], [[Anhelo]], [[Jetmir]], [[List of secondary characters|Jinnie]], [[List of secondary characters|Regis]], [[Kitt]], [[Giada]], [[Vivien Reid]], [[Tezzeret]], Urabrask
|{{ArticleArchive|magic-story/episode-1-homecoming-2022-03-28|Episode 1: Homecoming}} || [[Elise Kova]] || 2022-03-28 || ''[[Streets of New Capenna]]'' || [[Theros]], [[Capenna]] ||[[Elspeth Tirel]], [[Ajani Goldmane]], [[Heliod]], [[Xander]], [[Anhelo]], [[Jetmir]], [[List of secondary characters|Jinnie]], [[List of secondary characters|Regis]], [[Kitt]], [[Giada]], [[Vivien Reid]], [[Tezzeret]], Urabrask
Line 70: Line 78:
*<c>Red Sun's Twilight</c>
*<c>Red Sun's Twilight</c>
*<c>Tekuthal, Inquiry Dominus</c>
*<c>Tekuthal, Inquiry Dominus</c>
*{{card|The True Scriptures|March of the Machine|MOM|#=297}}
|associated=
|associated=
*<c>Hound of Urabrask</c><ref name="Unknown">{{YouTubeRef|NuWq8-rnJ38|My 62 Secret Magic Playtest Cards!|channel=[[Good Morning Magic]]|date=February 20, 2023}}</ref>
*[[Unknown_Event/Philadelphia_event_cards|Hound of Urabrask]]<ref name="Unknown">{{YouTubeRef|NuWq8-rnJ38|My 62 Secret Magic Playtest Cards!|channel=[[Good Morning Magic]]|date=February 20, 2023}}</ref>
*<c>Priest of Urabrask</c>
*<c>Priest of Urabrask</c>
*<c>The Great Work</c>
*<c>Furnace Host Charger</c>
*<c>Urabrask's Anointer</c>
*<c>Urabrask's Anointer</c>
*<c>Urabrask's Forge</c>
*<c>Urabrask's Forge</c>
|flavor=
|flavor=
*<c>Akki Scrapchomper</c>
*<c>The Autonomous Furnace</c>
*<c>Barbed Battlegear</c>
*<c>Barbed Battlegear</c>
*<c>Blighted Agent</c>
*<c>Blighted Agent</c>
*<c>Chimney Rabble</c>
*<c>Chimney Rabble</c>
*<c>Compleated Conjurer</c>
*<c>Flameborn Viron</c>
*<c>Flameborn Viron</c>
*<c>Furnace Strider</c>
*<c>Furnace Strider</c>
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*<c>Metallic Mastery</c>
*<c>Metallic Mastery</c>
*<c>Phyrexian Harvester</c>{{ref|Alchemy: Phyrexia|†}}
*<c>Phyrexian Harvester</c>{{ref|Alchemy: Phyrexia|†}}
*<c>Plated Kilnbeast</c>
*<c>Rebel Salvo</c>
*<c>Rebel Salvo</c>
*<c>Rusted Slasher</c>
*<c>Rusted Slasher</c>
*<c>Shrapnel Slinger</c>
*<c>Shrapnel Slinger</c>
*<c>Slag Fiend</c>
*<c>Slag Fiend</c>
*<c>The Autonomous Furnace</c>
*<c>Thrashing Frontliner</c>
*<c>Tormentor Exarch</c>
*<c>Tormentor Exarch</c>
*{{card|Volt Charge|Phyrexia: All Will Be One|ONE}}
*{{card|Volt Charge|Phyrexia: All Will Be One|ONE}}
Line 99: Line 114:
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The [[flavor text]] of {{Card|Steel Sabotage|3=MBS}} attributes support for the Great Work to a member of the [[New Phyrexia (plane)#The Progress Engine|Progress Engine]], whose relationship to Urabrask is unfriendly.
*The [[flavor text]] of {{Card|Steel Sabotage|3=MBS}} attributes support for the Great Work to a member of the [[New Phyrexia (plane)#The Progress Engine|Progress Engine]], whose relationship to Urabrask is unfriendly.
*Urabrask speaks the [[Phyrexian (language)|Phyrexian language]] with an accent.<ref name="PhyrexianOne">{{YouTubeRef|B5tW_cCrS5s|Let's Talk Phyrexian: All Will Be One!|channel=[[Magic: The Gathering]]|date=April 18, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Building ONE">{{YouTubeRef|v2nHjMVtDqI|Building Worlds | Phyrexia: All Will Be One|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=January 12, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Phylly"/> An example of this can be shown in the flavor text of his phyrexian language card: while the English version sounds formal, the structure is actually more akin to "Let them be, duh!"<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLFRvmPLWOo&ab_channel=Magic%3ATheGathering</ref>
*Urabrask speaks the [[Phyrexian (language)|Phyrexian language]] with an accent.<ref name="PhyrexianOne">{{YouTubeRef|B5tW_cCrS5s|Let's Talk Phyrexian: All Will Be One!|channel=[[Magic: The Gathering]]|date=April 18, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Building ONE">{{YouTubeRef|v2nHjMVtDqI|Building Worlds | Phyrexia: All Will Be One|channel=Magic: The Gathering|date=January 12, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Phylly"/> He believes in innovating the language, and often incorporates his slang.<ref name="Cast">{{WebRef|url=https://soundcloud.com/user-345643028/240-phyrexian-language-with-bella-guo|title=240 - Phyrexian Language with Bella Guo|author=The Vorthos Cast|publisher=Soundcloud|date=March 13, 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331234955/https://soundcloud.com/user-345643028/240-phyrexian-language-with-bella-guo|archivedate=April 1, 2023}}</ref> An example of this can be shown in the flavor text of his Phyrexian language card: while the English version sounds formal, the structure is more akin to "Let them be, duh!"<ref name="Phylly"/>
*Urabrask is the only Praetor not to be explicitly killed during March of the Machine, Having his limbs cut off and left to an as of yet unknown fate.
*Unlike most of the other Phyrexian praetors, Urabrask was not explicitly killed during the events of ''[[March of the Machine]]'', as it was noted that he was still conscious despite having lost all his limbs.
**Similarly, [[Vorinclex]] appeared to have been defeated by decapitation, but due to his regenerative abilities as seen on [[Kaldheim (plane)|Kaldheim]], this may not have been lethal either.
 
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Mirrodin|Praetors|new=y}}
{{Mirrodin|Praetors|new=y}}
[[Category:Deceased]]

Latest revision as of 08:35, 18 June 2024

Urabrask
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Mtg urabrask the hidden by cryptcrawler-d39big4.jpg}}|250px]]
Details
Race Phyrexian
Birthplace Mirrodin
Born Betw. 4400 and 4557 AR
Died Likely 4562 AR (see below)
Colors
{R}

Urabrask (Phyrexian: DYrbreLh, IPA: [ʔurbrask]), "the Hidden," was the red-aligned praetor of New Phyrexia. The most mysterious praetor in the beginning, his continual defiance of the New Phyrexian leadership gave the Mirran resistance the chance they needed to eventually bring the fall of Elesh Norn.[1] He is presumed dead following New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse.

Description

Urabrask had a blazing-hot temper and was easily infuriated when dealing with others.[2] Much less formal than Phyrexians like Elesh Norn, he was known to be sarcastic and even sassy.[3] He often injected slang and modified words into his speech, expecting his followers to understand his meaning.[4][5]

Physically, Urabrask was serpentine, with a long tail and powerful limbs. His head was eyeless, its most notable feature being a crocodilian mouth filled with jagged teeth. Urabrask was constantly upgrading himself; it's unclear if any of his original forms remained.[6] As of his travel to New Capenna, he had upgraded his body with large, metallic blades on his forearms.[2] Upon his return to New Phyrexia, his body was streamlined, redesigned to be more combat-ready and aggressive.[7] His body glowed with internal heat, which was vented from two exhaust ports protruding from his back.

Like other praetors, Urabrask believed the compleation of living beings elevates them into a more perfect Phyrexian form. As one of the more intelligent red-aligned Phyrexians, however, he retained a sense of individualism and some empathy. Unlike the other praetors who forced recruits into their designs, Urabrask preferred they retain the strongest parts of their original form and contribute these assets to Phyrexia.[8] Secretly, he preferred when beings willingly chose to join New Phyrexia, but he was not above destroying those who opposed it.[2]

Urabrask opposed the strictly hierarchical leadership of New Phyrexia.[2][9] Similarly to Jin-Gitaxias, philosophical differences led to him coining a new term for Yawgmoth's Grand Evolution: The Great Work.

History

On New Phyrexia

After Phyrexia's conquest of Mirrodin, Urabrask allowed the Mirran survivors to take refuge in the Furnace Layer of the plane, which he controlled. This was because he is aligned with the color of emotion and freedom, granting him enough empathy not to (actively) destroy the Mirrans. This, coupled with a sheer dislike of the other factions, led him to seal the Furnace Layer off from the other Phyrexian factions. For the most part, they didn't seem to care either, although the blue-aligned Progress Engine was paranoid about it.

Inevitably, Elesh Norn laid waste to his domain, though the Mirran Resistance fled to the mountain shelters, out of her reach.[10] He and his red Phyrexians thus came to dwell in the Furnace Layer.

Streets of New Capenna

Seeking to double-cross Norn, Tezzeret found an unlikely ally in Urabrask, who he transported to New Capenna.[11] The Planar Bridge heavily damaged the praetor's body, searing his flesh from his inorganic components and leaving him in a severely weakened state. He had been in the city for several weeks, healing enough to survive a return trip. While there, the praetor met with Vivien Reid and tasked her with bringing him Halo and the Planeswalker Elspeth Tirel, claiming that her presence would tip the balance of the war on New Phyrexia in the Mirrans' favor.[12]

Against New Phyrexia

Returning to New Phyrexia, Urabrask, and his rebel Phyrexian faction openly fought against Elesh Norn, staging their rebellion parallel to that of the Mirrans (though they did not openly assist them). The rebel Phyrexian faction included the Steel Thanes that didn't bow to Elesh Norn.[13] Later, Urabrask helped Chandra and Wrenn, among a squadron of Mirran resistors, to reach Realmbreaker.[8]

Possible death

Soon after, Urabrask was captured by Elesh Norn's forces, and the Grand Cenobite ordered his execution by quartering.[14][15] Once the heretic praetor was reduced to a limbless torso, Urabrask himself heard Norn ordered her harvesters to "leave the traitor be,"[16] but whether this dismemberment was a fatal injury is not confirmed.

Planes visited

As a powerful Phyrexian, Urabrask could travel to other planes using an improved form of the Planar Bridge, though this travel would leave him severely wounded, as his organic flesh was seared from his body.

Gallery

Story appearances

Title Author Publishing date Set Setting (plane) Featuring
On the Mirrodin Site: Unctus of the Synod Wizards of the Coast 2011-05-27 New Phyrexia New Phyrexia Unctus, Politus, Covalt, Scylla, Threx, Uulk, Kizak, Grgur, Jin-Gitaxias, Malcator, Karn, Elesh Norn, Urabrask
The Lost Confession Jenna Helland 2013-09-11 Theros Theros Elspeth Tirel, Ajani Goldmane, Pharika, Koth of the Hammer, Melira, Tezzeret, Elesh Norn, Urabrask, Sheoldred, Karn, Jin-Gitaxias, Venser, Heliod
Episode 1: Homecoming Elise Kova 2022-03-28 Streets of New Capenna Theros, Capenna Elspeth Tirel, Ajani Goldmane, Heliod, Xander, Anhelo, Jetmir, Jinnie, Regis, Kitt, Giada, Vivien Reid, Tezzeret, Urabrask
The Side of Freedom Elise Kova 2022-03-30 Streets of New Capenna Capenna, Dominaria Vivien Reid, Tezzeret, Urabrask, Navy, Anhelo, Elspeth Tirel
March of the Machine - Episode 5: Cathartic Reunion K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-21 March of the Machine New Phyrexia Chandra Nalaar, Wrenn, Seven, Koth of the Hammer, Melira, Urabrask, Nissa Revane
March of the Machine - Episode 6: The Last to Leave K. Arsenault Rivera 2023-03-24 March of the Machine Capenna, Theros, New Phyrexia Elspeth Tirel, Atraxa, Daxos, Elesh Norn, Urabrask, Koth of the Hammer, Wrenn, Chandra Nalaar, Nissa Revane, Karn, Jin-Gitaxias, Serra

In-game references

Represented in:
Associated cards:
Depicted in:
Quoted or referred to:
^† Scryfall does not record flavor text for digital cards. See Alchemy: Phyrexia/Flavor text

Trivia

  • The flavor text of Steel Sabotage (Mirrodin Besieged) attributes support for the Great Work to a member of the Progress Engine, whose relationship to Urabrask is unfriendly.
  • Urabrask speaks the Phyrexian language with an accent.[4][5][3] He believes in innovating the language, and often incorporates his slang.[18] An example of this can be shown in the flavor text of his Phyrexian language card: while the English version sounds formal, the structure is more akin to "Let them be, duh!"[3]
  • Unlike most of the other Phyrexian praetors, Urabrask was not explicitly killed during the events of March of the Machine, as it was noted that he was still conscious despite having lost all his limbs.
    • Similarly, Vorinclex appeared to have been defeated by decapitation, but due to his regenerative abilities as seen on Kaldheim, this may not have been lethal either.

References

  1. ↑ Doug Beyer (May 11, 2011). "Getting to Know the Praetors". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ a b c d Grace Fong (January 31, 2023). "Planeswalker's Guide to Phyrexia: All Will Be One". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. ↑ a b c Phyrexian Phylology in Phylly (Video). Magic: the Gathering. YouTube (February 17, 2023).
  4. ↑ a b Let's Talk Phyrexian: All Will Be One! (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (April 18, 2022).
  5. ↑ a b Building Worlds (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (January 12, 2023).
  6. ↑ All Will Be Art (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (February 17, 2023).
  7. ↑ New Set Debut: Phyrexia: All Will Be One (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (January 17, 2023).
  8. ↑ a b K. Arsenault Rivera (March 21, 2023). "March of the Machine - Episode 5: Cathartic Reunion". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Elise Kova (March 30, 2022). "The Side of Freedom". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  10. ↑ Jenna Helland (September 11, 2013). "The Lost Confession". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ a b Elise Kova (March 28, 2022). "Episode 1: Homecoming". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ 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.
  13. ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 14, 2023). "Assault on New Phyrexia - Episode 3: Inconceivable Losses". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ K. Arsenault Rivera (March 23, 2023). "March of the Machine - Episode Six: The Last to Leave". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies (Video). YouTube.
  16. ↑ Merciless Repurposing
  17. ↑ My 62 Secret Magic Playtest Cards! (Video). Good Morning Magic. YouTube (February 20, 2023).
  18. ↑ The Vorthos Cast (March 13, 2023). "240 - Phyrexian Language with Bella Guo". Soundcloud. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023.
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