Mat'Selesnya
| Mat'Selesnya | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Colors |
  |
| Species | Dryad Elemental Worldsoul |
| Birth, Life & Death | |
| Birthplace | Ravnica |
| Lifetime | From c. -5,500 AR or before to present |
Mat'Selesnya is the parun of the Selesnya Conclave and serves as the worldsoul of the plane of Ravnica. She represents the unified life force of the plane, combining aspects of dryads, elementals, and the spiritual consciousness of the worldsoul itself.[1][2] Mat'Selesnya is central to the ongoing stability of Ravnica, embodying the collective life force and spiritual continuity of the Selesnya Conclave. As the original manifestation of the guild's unity, she predates most other notable beings on the plane and serves as the living anchor for both the Guildpact and the interconnected ecosystems of the city-world. Her existence is tied directly to Vitu-Ghazi, the vast and ancient tree that forms the heart of the Selesnya's domain, and she continues to influence the plane through her chosen agents and emissaries, most notably Trostani.
Description
Mat'Selesnya has the figure of a giant female dryad, but she is rather more elemental in nature. This singular creature is the original Selesnya Conclave collective, made from the merged forms of a dozen ancient dryads who had sacrificed their identities and their freedom ten thousand years ago to give their world a chance for permanent peace. She is encased in roots and fibrous skin, with crystals the size of barrels embedded in her legs and arms. A single, huge crystal encases her head. The parun of the Conclave, transformed by ten millennia inside the nurturing embrace of Vitu-Ghazi. She is unity. Hers is the heart of the Guildpact. Without her, the laws that bind the guilds of Ravnica would have fallen into chaos long ago.[1]
History
As the guild's parun, Mat'Selesnya participated in the Signing of the Guildpact. An elemental formed from the union of several dryads, Mat'selesnya was encased within Vitu-Ghazi for several thousand years, until Szadek tried to destroy her during the Decamillennial. She is described as a being with bark-like skin, with large crystals inserted into her arms and legs and encasing her dryad-like head. She currently still lives deep inside Vitu-Ghazi and speaks through Trostani.[3] Encompassing all things on the plane both alive and dead, she can even manifest the ghosts of severed branches of Vitu-Ghazi.[2]
Story appearances
In-game references
- Associated cards:
- Quoted or referred to:
References
- ↑ a b Cory J. Herndon (2005). Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica, Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ a b Seanan McGuire (January 18, 2024). "Episode 10: Roots of Decay". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Chas Andres (October 3, 2018). "A Flavorful Guide to the Guilds of Ravnica". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
