Hekma
| Hekma | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Plane | Amonkhet |
| Status | Unknown |
| Part of | Naktamun, Shefet |
| Scryfall Statistics | |
The Hekma is a vital magical barrier, a veil of shimmering illusory water that protects the city of Naktamun on the plane of Amonkhet. It holds back the endless sands of the surrounding desert and the cursed undead of Shefet, allowing the people to live, train, and compete under the watchful promise of their God-Pharaoh. The barrier is a visible reminder of the God-Pharaoh's power and the protection he grants his faithful.
Description
The Hekma is a veil formed of magical shimmering water created from illusion magic[1][2][3] which encircles Naktamun, separating the lush city from the desolation of Shefet. Within this barrier, the people of Naktamun devote their lives to rigorous training, harsh trials, and ritual combat that ultimately lead to a glorious death and the promise of a perfect afterlife in the God-Pharaoh's name. To the people, this life of endless tests is far preferable to the fate that awaits any who fall to the Curse of Wandering, which condemns the dead to rise again as mindless mummies that roam the desert sands.[1]
The gods teach that the God-Pharaoh raised the Hekma to protect the worthy and keep the horrors of Shefet at bay. It stands as proof of both his might and his mercy, allowing the faithful to fulfill their roles in his divine plan. The barrier is clear, giving an unobstructed view of swirling sandstorms and the restless dead pressing against its shimmering surface. This constant reminder keeps fear alive within the people and ensures their unwavering devotion. Though powerful, the Hekma is not perfect. It is designed to fail at times, with breaches serving as a grim warning that safety under its dome is fleeting until the God-Pharaoh's promised return and the final afterlife are fulfilled.[1]
History
In its original form, the Hekma was protected by both Oketra, who would shoot her radiant golden arrows at anything threatening its stability, and Kefnet, who would routinely inspect and reinforce the integrity of the barrier itself. In case of a breach, Kefnet would pull water from the Luxa, imbue it with his magic, and use it to patch the hole in the Hekma even as he cast other spells to fight off any desert horrors assailing him. Kefnet also appoints some of his viziers to patrol and protect the Hekma. These are known as Hekma Sentinels, or the Hemka Guard. A Hekma Sentinel who fails their charge and allows the Hekma to be breached is banished to the desert.[1]
The Hekma was first shattered by the Locust God, then restored through the efforts of Hazoret and Sarkhan Vol.[4] It was destroyed again during the New Phyrexian Invasion.[5]
In-game references
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Abrade
- Accursed Horde
- As Foretold
- Canyon Slough
- Cast Out
- Dessicated Naga
- Diabolic Edict
- Drake
- Fetid Pools
- Force of Will
- Gate to the Afterlife
- Gift of Paradise
- Hour of Revelation
- Irrigated Farmland
- Lord of Extinction
- Scattered Groves
- Sheltered Thicket
- Swarm Intelligence
- The Locust God
- Through the Breach
- Quoted or referred to:
References
- ↑ a b c d James Wyatt (July 2017) - The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Amonkhet, Viz Media.
- ↑ Amonkhet Players Guide
- ↑ Michael Yichao (May 10, 2017). "Trespass". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Greg Weisman (April 2019). War of the Spark: Ravnica. Del Rey.
- ↑ Miguel Lopez (December 11, 2024). "Planeswalker's Guide to Aetherdrift, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
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