Obzedat
| Obzedat | |
|---|---|
| The Ghost Council of Orzhova | |
|
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Ghost Council of Orzhova.jpg}}|150px]] | |
| History | |
| Founded on | Ravnica |
| Founded | Before the signing of the Guildpact in 0 Z.C. |
| Status | Slain by Kaya |
| Membership | |
| Leader | Karlov |
| Notable members | Enezesku, Fautomni, Uncle Karlov, Vuliev, Xil Xaxosz |
The Obzedat (also known as the Ghost Council of Orzhova) is the ruling body of the Orzhov Syndicate on Ravnica.[1]
History
The Obzedat consisted of spirits of the former Orzhov patriarchs and matriarchs, who ascended to the immortal ghost level. These autocrats had maintained their wealth and power even as they had shed their mortal forms. They were also known as Deathless, as they had managed to cheat mortality, maintaining their consciousness (and their greed) beyond the threshold of death. Most of the Deathless appeared as morbidly obese high priests or nobles, but sickly, pale, and ghostly in form. The head of the council, who gave final approval to the Obzedat's decisions was "Grandfather" Karlov, who had been dead for centuries.[2] The other members of the latest composition of the council were Enezesku, Fautomni, "Uncle" Karlov, Vuliev, and Xil Xaxosz.[3][2]
The Ghost Council resided deep under the Orzhov district in the central Ravnica. It is possible that the founders of the Obzedat were the same Orzhov representatives who originally signed the Guildpact, or that they were replaced by others at that time. Membership of the Obzedat is granted for an excellent "performance" in life, but the entrance is subject to a probation period. The membership can also be canceled under exceptional conditions.[4] The Obzedat rarely spoke directly with those outside the guild; instead, they communicated through the official Grand Envoy, Teysa Karlov.
The reign of the Obzedat ended when the planeswalker Kaya killed all members of the Council and took over as guildmaster.[5][6] At that time, there had been about nine members in the council.[7]
After the reigning guildmaster Teysa Karlov was murdered, her spirit assembled a new Ghost Council.[8]
Story appearances
| Title | Author | Publishing date | Set | Setting (plane) | Featuring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Up Call | Matt Cavotta | February 22, 2006 | Guildpact | Ravnica | Bougrat, Obzedat (mentioned only), Chorus of the Conclave, Niv-Mizzet, Razia, Rakdos, the Nephilim |
| Precious Gold | Matt Cavotta | March 29, 2006 | Guildpact | Ravnica | Emilya, Obzedat, Yore-Tiller Nephilim |
| Family Values | Alison Luhrs | November 11, 2015 | Commander 2015 | Ravnica | Teysa, Grugg Brothers, Tajic, Obzedat, Jace Beleren, Karlov |
| The Gathering Storm: Chapter Seven | Django Wexler | 2019-07-17 | Guilds of Ravnica / Ravnica Allegiance | Ravnica | Kaya, Ral, Vraska, Hekara, Golbet Frezzle, Obzedat, Karlov |
In-game references
- Represented in:
- Associated cards:
- Depicted in:
- Quoted or referred to:
References
- ↑ The Magic Creative Team (December 12, 2012). "Planeswalker's Guide to Gatecrash: Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b James Wyatt and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica", Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Cory J. Herndon. (2006.) Ravnica Cycle, Book II: Guildpact, Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Alison Luhrs (November 11, 2015). "Family Values". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica'" . Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Django Wexler (June, 2019), The Gathering Storm/Chapter Two.
- ↑ Django Wexler (July 18, 2019), The Gathering Storm, Chapter Seven.
- ↑ Seanan McGuire (January 18, 2024). "Episode 10: Roots of Decay". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
