Augustin IV
| Augustin IV | |
|---|---|
| Grand Arbiter Augustin IV | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Colors |
  |
| Species | Human |
| Job | Advisor |
| Birth, Life & Death | |
| Birthplace | Ravnica |
| Lifetime | Rift Era |
| Born | c. 9900 ZC (4383 AR) |
| Death | 10,012 ZC (4495 AR) |
| Sources | |
| Dissension | |
Augustin IV held what is perhaps the most powerful position in Ravnica on paper. As the Grand Arbiter of the Azorius Senate, he was the leader of Ravnica's "technical" ruling body, which has the most legal authority in the entire plane by far, if not the most actual authority. He remained in this position until he was killed by Szadek. Following his death, Leonos II took over his position.
Description
Physical characteristics
Blind and legless, Augustin IV sat on a floating bench that carried him to his desired destinations. As Grand Arbiter, he was protected by a soulsworn jury (spirits that swore to protect him "in life as in death"). He presided over the most important legal cases in Ravnica. When such cases were not in session, he would often move from courtroom to courtroom, settling disputes. Unlike many in the Azorius Senate who pride themselves on their verbosity, he was known for his brief but eloquent speech, as well as his strong personal authority.[1]
History
After the Decamillennial, Grand Arbiter Augustin IV made plans to reconstruct Ravnica into a place of near-pure order and restrictive law.[1] To do this, he took advantage of the accidental breaking of the guildpact by Agrus Kos, who had arrested Szadek, the Parun and Guildmaster of House Dimir. Augustin, finding Szadek in prison, killed him and enslaved his ghost. He then sent Szadek to the Parhelion to kill the Boros angels and their guildmaster, Razia. This further set the stage for the need for reformation.[1]
During the Dissension, after Kos killed the Simic guildmaster Momir Vig, ending Momir's attempt to seize control of Ravnica using Project Kraj, Augustin IV called the senate together, and they voted to place Ravnica under martial law under his guidance. He ultimately met his end when Kos threw a grounder containing Szadek’s spirit. Szadek broke free from the container and killed Augustin IV by tearing out his soul shortly before the Parhelion exploded overhead, obliterating his body. A few months later, after the chaos settled, the Azorius Senate elected Leonos II as the new Grand Arbiter.[1]
Story appearances
In-game references
- Represented in:
- Depicted in:
- Quoted or referred to:
External links
- Matt Cavotta (Wednesday, May 03, 2006). "Makin’ the Law, Makin’ the Law". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2019-08-12.
References
- ↑ a b c d Cory Herndon (2006), Dissension. Wizards of the Coast.
