recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Agatha

**Agatha**, "the Hungry," was a powerful witch from Eldraine. She was the sister of Eriette, Hylda, and an unnamed witch who was the birth mother of the Kenrith twins.

## Description

Agatha appeared kind and motherly, but in reality she had a bestial nature. She had wicked, piercing violet eyes and sharpened teeth.She had long, clawlike, red-painted fingernails and wore jewelry made of human teeth. She enchanted her victims through her singing, and was enthralled with the sound of her voice.

## History

Agatha and her sisters Eriette and Hylda helped the faerie Talion cast the Wicked Slumber to end the Phyrexian Invasion of Eldraine. In exchange, Talion gave her the Vile Cauldron, which allowed her to boil down the essence of those within. She began influencing the forest animals from her cabin near Dunbarrow, turning them more vicious and carnivorous.

Months later, she enchanted the woodsman Peter, turning him into the Wolf Knight. With Peter's help, she captured Syr Imodane and prepared to cook her into a stew. Kellan slew the witch by pushing her into her cauldron and boiling her alive.

## Inspiration

A cannibalistic collector of children in the forest, Agatha is based on the witch of Hansel and Gretel.

## Gallery

* Agatha, Eriette, and Hylda in the *Wilds of Eldraine* anime trailer.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Agatha of the Vile Cauldron

Associated cards:

* Agatha's Champion
* Agatha's Soul Cauldron
* Commune with Nature (*Wilds of Eldraine*)

Depicted in:

* A Tale for the Ages (puppet)
* Expel the Interlopers (*Wilds of Eldraine, #381*)
* Feed the Cauldron
* Witch's Mark

## References

1. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** ***c*** The Preview Panel at MagicCon: Barcelona (Video). *Magic: The Gathering*. YouTube (July 28, 2023).
2. ↑ K. Arsenault Rivera (August 10, 2023). "Wilds of Eldraine - Episode 3: Two Great Banquets". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** ***c*** Mark Rosewater (September 25, 2023). "Ten Stories Tall". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
4. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** ***c*** K. Arsenault Rivera (August 9, 2023). "Wilds of Eldraine - Episode 2: Wandering Knight, Budding Hero". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
5. ↑ The World of Art: The Wilds of Eldraine (Video). *Magic: The Gathering*. YouTube (September 29, 2023).
6. ↑ Wilds of Eldraine Debut (Video). *Magic: The Gathering*. YouTube (August 15, 2023).
7. ↑ Flavor text of Commune with Nature (*Wilds of Eldraine*)
Alison Lührs

**Alison Lührs** is a former Creative Lead of Worldbuilding at Wizards of the Coast. She is also a creative writer that has contributed to *Magic Story*.

Luhrs started at Wizards in June 2014 as an Associate Community Manager for *Magic*. In this role, she managed all major social media channels. From 2016 to 2018, she was part of R&D as Game Designer, primarily doing narrative design. As of November 2018, she moved over permanently to the Wizards of the Coast Digital Publishing team as a Narrative Designer. She was promoted to a Senior role in that capacity in 2019, being the centralized lead resource for Narrative across WotC's Digital Publishing and Licensing. Since 2020, she was the Creative Lead of Worldbuilding across the many IPs of Wizards of the Coast. She left the company after nine years at the end of September 2022.

## References

1. ↑ Michael Yichao (December 7, 2015). "Meet Your Community Team!". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Alison Luhrs Profile. LinkedIn.com.
3. ↑ Alison Luhrs (October 29, 2018). "As of today I’ve moved over permanently to the Wizards of the Coast Digital Publishing team as Narrative Designer!". Twitter.
4. ↑ Alison Lührs (September 28, 2022). "After nearly nine years today is my last day at Wizards of the Coast!". Twitter.
Amjad

**Amjad** is the northern part of the large unnamed island in South-East Aerona, which also consists of Oneah, Shanodin and Savaea. This island lies east of Kish and northeast of Foriys.

It is a region of foul and blighted bogs which is ruled by the homonym tyrant, Amjad, whose name is revered by those who serve him. The cruel king is known to bring his servants into the Heart of Shanodin, in order to know the real nature of those whom he chooses to keep at his side.

## References

1. ↑ Edited by Kathy Ice (1995). Magic: The Gathering - Tapestries. Harper Prism.
Al-Hayat

**Al-Hayat** was a rare ancient talking wolf from the forests of Mirrodin. He had seen the creation of the blue, black, and red moons of Mirrodin.

## History

Al-Hayat had long been opposed to the levelers and it was through the intervention of his diminished race that the myr and Memnarch’s other servants did not enter the Tangle. With Al-Hayat's help, Glissa Sunseeker located Slobad who had been buried alive by an oversized beetle. After Slobad's rescue, Al-Hayat vowed to help Glissa rid Mirrodin of Memnarch's reign of tyranny. Accompanied by the giant wolf, the group set off for the Mephidross.

In the Vault of Whispers thay assembled the Kaldra Champion which rained destruction on the Vedalken and levelers alike. The presence of the Champion brought much inspiration and hope into Glissa's allies and soon, the day was won. Victory was won, but at the price of many dead. One of those was Al-Hayat. The great wolf had been mortally wounded by the onslaught of leveler blades and Vedalken halberds. Though he could have healed minor injuries with his forest magic, the injuries he sustained were too great to heal. Several minutes after the victory, Al-Hayat was taking his last breaths. With the last of his energy, the ancient wolf bade Glissa to liberate Mirrodin from Memnarch.
Alternating Teams

**Alternating Teams** is a casual multiplayer format for *Magic: the Gathering*.

## Rules

From the glossary of the *Comprehensive Rules* (November 17, 2023—*The Lost Caverns of Ixalan*)

Alternating Teams Variant
A multiplayer variant played among two or more teams of equal size. See rule 811, “Alternating Teams Variant.”
From the *Comprehensive Rules* (November 17, 2023—*The Lost Caverns of Ixalan*)

* **811.** Alternating Teams Variant
	+ **811.1.** Alternating Teams games are played with two or more teams of equal size.
	+ **811.2.** Any multiplayer options used are determined before play begins. The Alternating Teams variant uses the following default options.
		- **811.2a** The recommended range of influence is 2. See rule 801, “Limited Range of Influence Option.”
		- **811.2b** Exactly one of the attack left, attack right, and attack multiple players options must be used. See rule 803, “Attack Left and Attack Right Options,” and rule 802, “Attack Multiple Players Option.”
		- **811.2c** The deploy creatures option isn’t normally used in the Alternating Teams variant.
	+ **811.3.** At the start of the game, players are seated so that no one is next to a teammate and each team is equally spaced out.***Example:** In an Alternating Teams game with three teams, A, B, and C, the seating around the table at the start of the game is A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2, A3, B3, C3, and so on.*
	+ **811.4.** A player can’t attack opponents who aren’t seated next to them, planeswalkers that aren’t controlled by opponents seated next to them, or battles that aren’t protected by opponents seated next to them.
	+ **811.5.** In the Alternating Teams variant, a team’s resources (cards in hand, mana, and so on) are not shared. Teammates can’t review each other’s hands unless they are sitting next to each other. Teammates may discuss strategies at any time. Teammates can’t manipulate each other’s cards or permanents.
Anje Falkenrath

**Anje Falkenrath** is a particularly old scion of the Falkenrath vampire family from Innistrad. She is relentless, ruthless, and cruel even by her family's standards.

## History

### Eldritch Moon

Anje gathered a hunting pack of her kin after they were corrupted by Emrakul. She had one goal beyond feeding: she wanted to reclaim Castle Falkenrath from the monks who had founded the *Heron's Grace* monastery on its ruins.

### Crimson Vow

Of all the vampiric bloodlines, Olivia Voldaren recognizes that it is key to control the Falkenraths. Ruthless and cruel on the battlefield, any conflict between the Voldarens and the Falkenraths would result in unacceptable casualties on both sides. In a political move designed to assert dominance, Olivia selected Anje Falkenrath to be her "maid of honor." Anje is an ancient scion, as clever as she is mean. She's totally aware of what being Olivia's maid of honor means and is absolutely furious that she can't do anything about it. She's currently formulating a plan but hasn't gotten much further than "drink a whole lot of blood at the wedding."

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Anje Falkenrath
* Anje, Maid of Dishonor

Associated cards:

* Anje's Ravager

Quoted or referred to:

* Aggravate
* Bleed Dry
* Crossway Troublemakers
* Falkenrath Perforator
* Falkenrath Reaver
* Insatiable Gorgers
* Neonate's Rush

## References

1. ↑ [C19] Lore blurbs for the commanders on Amazon. Reddit (August 17, 2019).
2. ↑ James Wyatt 2016, "*The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Innistrad*".
3. ↑ Doug Beyer, Ari Zirulnik and Grace Fong (November 12, 2021). "The Legends of Innistrad: Crimson Vow". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
Alara block

Alara block

Preconstructed theme decks

The **Alara block** is the fifteenth block consisting of the large expansion *Shards of Alara* () and two small expansions, *Conflux* () and *Alara Reborn* (). The block came out in 2008–2009.

## Mechanics

Keywords introduced in this block: devour, exalted, unearth, cascade.

Keywords/ability words reused from the past: cycling, domain (now an ability word with *Conflux*), typecycling (expanded upon with basic land cycling).

This block introduces the mythic rare rarity.

## Mega cycle

 Each shard has a corresponding Planeswalker.

## Products

A special Alara block all-foil booster pack, containing a selection of cards from all three sets (539 total), was released on January 8, 2010 for US$11.99

## Theme decks

*Main article: Alara block/Preconstructed theme decks*
## References

1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 24, 2013). "Modern Tales, Part 2". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Doug Beyer (Wednesday, April 08, 2009). "The One, The Only, Nicol Bolas". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ Magic Arcana (September 29, 2009). "The All-Foil Booster". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
4. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 14, 2010). "Opening the Foil Booster". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
5. ↑ *PREMIUM FOIL BOOSTER* product information page — Wizards of the Coast
Angus MacKenzie

**Angus MacKenzie** was the greatest defender of Karakas. He followed a policy of "peace through perseverance", which inspired the people of this realm to unite and drive out the malign elements that were tearing them apart from within.

He was killed by Lady Orca.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Angus MacKenzie

Quoted or referred to:

* Lady Orca

## References

1. ↑ Gavin Verhey (2015-01-23). "Magic365 January 23". Retrieved on 2017-07-05.
Ancient One

The **Ancient One** was one of the original Deep Gods of Ixalan's Core. Killed and usurped by Aclazotz before he could emerge, he is now a Spirit God.

## History

The Ancient One was originally one of the Deep Gods of the core, a Black-aligned "Ojer" with a forgotten name. Ojer Axonil's nephew, he is likely a child of Ojer Taq and Ojer Pakpatiq or Ojer Kaslem. Just before his emergence at the dawning of the Fifth Age, the mortal being who would become Aclazotz slew and ate him, usurping his place in the pantheon.

## Inspiration

The Ancient One's design of a spirit emerging from a dinosaur's skull is likely based on the Vision Serpent of Maya mythology, which appears as the spirit of a god exiting from a serpent's jaws.

*Ojer* is a Kʼicheʼ Maya word referring to the past, used to mean "ancient" or to refer to ancestors. As his proper name is unknown, "The Ancient One" may be intended as a direct translation of *Ojer*.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* The Ancient One

## References

1. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** Miguel Lopez (November 10, 2023). "Planeswalker's Guide to the Lost Caverns of Ixalan". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Chris Mooney (November 2, 2023). "Story-wise Aclazotz is not like the other four". Twitter.
3. ↑ Ovidio Cartagena (November 8, 2023). "Lost Caverns of Ixalan Worldbuilding Q&A". Discord. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023.
4. ↑ Miguel Lopez (November 8, 2023). "Lost Caverns of Ixalan Worldbuilding Q&A". Discord. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023.
1997

The year **1997** was the fifth year of existence for *Magic: The Gathering*.

## Publications

* The Official Magic: The Gathering - Strategies & Secrets
* Magic: The Gathering Official Strategy Guide
* Magic: The Gathering Official Encyclopedia - Volume 2
* The Official Guide to Portal
* The Official Deckbuilders' Guide
* The Official Guide to Tempest
* Official Strategy Guide for Magic: The Gathering - Battlemage

## First involved

### Wizards of the Coast

* Matthew D. Wilson (art director)
* Monty Ashley

#### Design and Development

* Dan Cervelli
* Robert Gutschera
* Jonathan Tweet
* Teeuwynn Woodruff

### Artists

*Visions*
* Blackie del Rio
* Brian Horton
* Bryan Talbot
* Cecil Fernando
* David Seeley
* Eric Peterson
* Fred Hooper
* Gary Gianni
* George Pratt
* Greg Spalenka
* I. Rabarot
* Jerry Tiritilly
* Jon J Muth
* Michael Danza
* Natalie Hertz
* Omaha Pérez
* Paul Lee
* Romas Kukalis
* Scott Hampton
* Tony DiTelizzi

*Fifth Edition*

* Clint Langley
* Doug Keith
* James Allen
* J.W. Frost
* Ted Naifeh

*Portal*

* Brian Durfee
* Colin MacNeil
* Jack Wei
* Paolo Parente
* William Simpson

*Weatherlight*

* Brom
* Carl Critchlow
* Darbury Stenderu
* Dylan Martens
* Franz Vohwinkel
* Kipling West
* Mark Harrison
* Patric Kochakji
* Rogério Vilela
* Stephen L. Walsh

*Tempest*

* Alan Pollack
* April Lee
* Carl Frank
* Daren Bader
* Doug Chaffee
* Eric David Anderson
* Janet Aulisio
* Jason Alexander Behnke
* Jeff Laubenstein
* Jeff Reitz
* Jim Nelson
* Joel Biske
* Matthew D. Wilson
* Randy Elliott
* Ron Chironna
* Stephen Daniele
* Sue Ellen Brown
* Thomas M. Baxa
* Val Mayerik
* William O'Connor
All-Consuming Oni of Chaos

The **All-Consuming Oni of Chaos** was the mightiest of the oni on Kamigawa; in fact a counterpart to O-Kagachi. Whereas O-Kagachi embodied the barrier between mortal and spirit world, the order and the preservation, the All-Consuming embodied chaos, decay, hunger and destruction.

## Description

His most devout worshipper was the ogre shaman Hidetsugu. He invoked him from time to time to feed in living kami sacrifices. The All-Consuming manifested itself as a black cloud consisting of disembodied jaws with sharp teeth.

When Hidetsugu attacked Minamo when exacting the revenge upon the academy and its masters, he also summoned the All-Consuming. The oni fed on the living and dead academics, and then on its wisdom and knowledge that was hidden in the library scrolls and the academy artifacts. He also tried to claim That Which Was Taken, left in Minamo by Toshi Umezawa, but was repelled by the disk itself and then banished from the room by Toshi.

O-Kagachi manifested itself near Minamo, drawn by the presence of his stolen offspring. The jaws of All-Consuming fought Konda's spectral warriors, who arrived with the daimyo, drawn to the academy by the very same thing as the Great Serpent. When O-Kagachi closed in Minamo, the All-Consuming manifested itself also in the full glory, as a huge black cloud of jaws with three giant yellow eyes and horns, the trademarks of all oni. He challenged and attacked the Great Serpent, but O-Kagachi almost effortlessly tore him in half and swallowed the torn part. The All-Consuming fled the battlefield and disappeared.

Hidetsugu, enraged by his patron's craven scampering away from the greatest possible fight, asked Toshi to transport him into the honden of the All-Consuming, saying that if his god did not live up to his expectations, he was going to make him suffer. Toshi granted him this last favor. It is unknown how it happened, but later is revealed that Hidetsugu somehow consumed the All-Consuming into a new flesh-and-spirit creature. It is presumed that he still embodies the necessary chaos counterpart to Kamigawa's order embodied by the Sisters of Flesh and Spirit, though, quite possibly, on more friendly terms with them.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Hidetsugu, Devouring Chaos
* Vessel of the All-Consuming

Depicted in:

* Hidetsugu Consumes All

Referred to:

* Debt to the Kami
Alena

**Alena** is a trapper from Kessig on Innistrad. She is the partner (in both work and life) of Halana.

## Description

Hal and Alena are trackers, hunters, and protectors who live in the depths of the dark Ulvenwald. The forest of Ulvenwald is home to many of Innistrad's most fearsome creatures, including werewolves, vampires, and the possessed. Alena defends travelers through the forest, guiding them to the nearby town of Gatstaf, always with the aid Halana. Alena is a highly skilled tracker, using all of her senses to find the monsters that threaten the good folk of Kessig province. She is particularly skilled at hunting werewolves.

### History

When a greater threat faced Innistrad in the form of an Eldrazi incursion, Alena and Halana joined forces with the lycanthropes to help save the plane.

However, with the onset of eternal night, their battles against the werewolves have resumed.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Alena, Kessig Trapper
* Halana and Alena and Gisa and Geralf
* Halana and Alena, Partners

Quoted or referred to:

* Briarpack Alpha (*Dark Ascension*)
* Emrakul's Evangel
* Flowering Lumberknot
* Grounded
* Hunger of the Howlpack
* Loam Dryad
* Mulch (*Innistrad: Crimson Vow*)
* Shrill Howler
* Thornhide Wolves
* Ulvenwald Behemoth

## References

1. ↑ Ari Zirulnik and Ethan Fleischer (October 30, 2020). "The Legendary Characters of Commander Legends part I". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 9, 2020). "Quite Some Characters". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** Doug Beyer, Ari Zirulnik and Grace Fong (November 12, 2021). "The Legends of Innistrad: Crimson Vow". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
4. ↑ Kimberly J. Kreines (March 2, 2016). "Under the Silver Moon". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
5. ↑ Kimberly J. Kreines (June 22, 2016). "Emrakul Rises". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
6. ↑ Emrakul & Chatterfang!? Koma & Toski!? 62 Unknown Magic Cards! (Video). *Good Morning Magic*. YouTube (May 10, 2023).
Allav Hask

**Captain Allav Hask** was the leader of a group of four human soldiers from Dominaria, including Trooper Fost, and the golem Boom. He was a carrier of the Hand of Righteous Retribution, a powerful magical sword, and was enlisted by Vaan to kill a dragon. As this dragon had killed some of his men, Hask was more than willing to join Vaan's group.

Hask fought hard against the dragon and did tremendous damage to it with the energies from the Hand of Righteous Retribution, but he did not know he had to kill the dragon and another draconic skeleton it was linked to at the same time to permanently defeat it. After a part of the dragon's lair collapsed Hask was trapped under rubble. In a delirious state, he did not want to give the Hand to his fellow group member Tania Cayce, who did know how to kill the dragon. Tania gave Hask a sleeping potion and took the sword, apparently slaying the dragon with it.

Hask survived the battle with the dragon, but of his men, only one soldier and Boom did too. The Hand of Righteous Retribution had disappeared in the chaos.
Amrou Haven

**Amrou Haven** (AM-roo) was the homeland of the kithkin on Dominaria. It lies on the western part of eastern Jamuraa, northwest of Arboria, by the Storm Coast.

Once a paradise, Amrou was destroyed in the apocalypse and the kithkin were scattered across the salt steppes of Dominaria during the Rift Era.
Some kithkin, rebelling against their harsh living conditions, sought to reclaim Amrou, hoping to see vision of its past in the storms that quickly passed. The scouts still maintain beacons which signify "return" and "home".

## In-game references

Associated cards:

* Amrou Kithkin
* Amrou Scout
* Amrou Seekers

Quoted or referred to:

* Watcher Sliver

## References

1. ↑ Matt Cavotta (March 22, 2007). "Speak the Word, the Word is All of Us". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017.
2. ↑ Magic Story Podcast
Agents of Artifice

***Agents of Artifice*** is the first book in the "A Planeswalker Novel" series. It is written by Ari Marmell. It was published by Wizards of the Coast on January 25, 2009.

## Blurb

Of all the creatures in the Multiverse, only the planeswalkers know of its limitless expanse. Only the planeswalkers have the spark that allows them to travel through the aether between worlds, that chaotic medium between the planes known as the Blind Eternities...

Jace Beleren, a powerful sorcerer whose rare telepathic ability opens doors many would prefer closed, is at a crossroads: the decision he makes now will forever affect his path.

Tezzeret, the megalomaniacal leader of an interplanar cabal, marshals the powers of the Multiverse for his nefarious gain.

Liliana Vess, a mercurial necromancer whose dark beauty belies secrets still darker, has designs neither can predict.

## Plot summary

The novel centers on Jace Beleren's experiences after joining Tezzeret's consortium and subsequent training. He ultimately falls from grace from Tezzeret and the two duel, resulting in Jace wiping out Tezzeret's mind which now leaves the consortium in Nicol Bolas hands.

In many ways, this is Jace's origin story and his coming of age. He starts the story working the streets of Ravnica, using blackmail to make a living, then he joins the Infinite Consortium, where Tezzeret trains him to reach his potential as more than a simply talented mage. Jace, however, dislikes Tezzeret's strong-handed and heartless ways and runs away to hide on Ravnica.

Liliana Vess enters the story and Jace falls in love with her. She uses him to further her ends, pushing him to bring down Tezzeret and the consortium, which Jace does. In the end, Jace discovers her manipulation and that she is driven by a powerful deal she made with demons and against which she hopes to enlist Nicol Bolas' aid. He decides to forgive her and sets off to find a way to free her from her pact.

### Featured planes

* Grixis
* Kamigawa
* Ravnica

### Characters

Planeswalkers
* Baltrice
* Jace Beleren
* Liliana Vess
* Nicol Bolas
* Tezzeret

Other
* Gemreth
* Ireena
* Kallist Rhoka
* Kaori
* Paldor
* Sevrien
* Xalmarias

### Items and artifacts

* Etherium
* Infinity Globe
* Manablade

## Special promotion

In selected stores of the American continent, buyers could request a promo Jace Beleren featuring alternate art using the book's cover.

## References

1. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 27, 2009). "*Agents of Artifice* Promo Card". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.

## External links

* Magic Arcana (January 05, 2009). "*Agents of Artifice* Sneak Preview". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
* Ari Marmell (January 16, 2009). "*Agents of Artifice* Chapter 1". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
* Agents of Artifice page on TV Tropes
* Magic Arcana (December 8, 2009). "Agents of Artifice in Paperback". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
* Magic Arcana (May 4, 2009). "Agents of Artifice Animated Trailer". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
* Squirle (May 6, 2023). "Agents of Artifice". *Multiverse in Review*. Tumblr.
Alhammarret

**Alhammarret** was a sphinx mind mage from Vryn, who tutored Jace Beleren.

## History

Alhammarret arbitrated between the two warring factions of Vryn. After a couple years of training, Alhammarret started sending Jace out to gather information. Under cover of darkness and cloaked by illusions, Jace would sneak into a camp of one of the opposing sides to learn about the army's battle plans. During one of his reporting sessions Jace tried to enter his master's mind, a feat he had never accomplished before. The shock of success and the power of Alhammarret's mind triggered his spark. Alhammarret recognized what happened, pulled Jace back through the aether and then wiped the incident from the young man's mind. Later it turned out that Alhammarret was playing both warring factions against each other by providing them with military intel, and thus keeping his status as arbiter intact. He used Jace as a go-between, to gather information from the Ampryn and the Trovians, deliver it, and learn more just in the delivery. And every time, he'd wiped Jace's memory of it, taken the money for himself, and kept the war going. When Jace finally found out, he began to erase his own knowledge to keep it away from the sphinx. Instead, he kept records on paper. In a final confrontation Jace damaged the sphinx's mind, removing his knowledge of how to breathe, but at the cost of destroying Jace's own memories of his home or family before he planeswalked away.

He left behind an archive that contains the totality of his notes, theories, and ponderings.

## Gallery

* Alhammarret in *Magic Duels*.
* Alhammarret's death, from Jace's perspective.
* Alhammarret's Archive

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Alhammarret, High Arbiter

Associated cards:

* Alhammarret's Archive

Depicted in:

* Clash of Wills
* Sphinx's Tutelage

Quoted or referred to:

* Separatist Voidmage

## References

1. ↑ Kelly Digges (June 24, 2015). "Jace’s Origin: Absent Minds". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ R&D Narrative Team (January 10, 2018). "The Flood". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
Anafenza

**Anafenza** was a valiant woman from Tarkir. She epitomized the unstoppable nature of the Abzan Houses.

## History

### Original timeline

When Anafenza was younger, her family was betrayed and given to the Sultai. Anafenza watched her parents and uncle be slaughtered before her *Krumar* cousin Gvar rescued her. They made their escape and eventually discovered that Oret was the traitor who gave the information to the Sultai. Anafenza spent the next several years building up her reputation in the Abzan until she was elected as Khan. Oret arrived for her coronation as even he could not miss it; just as she planned. She and Gvar confronted him, and Anafenza publicly and spiritually disowned Oret from her family. She declared that Oret was not her family and that she would kill him the next time they meet while acknowledging her *Krumar* cousin, Gvar as her brother and true family.

As the khan, Anafenza used to lead her army from the front, riding out with her chariot pulled by her prized Ibex goats. Leading from the fortress of Mer-Erk, she waged war not to conquer, but to maintain the trade routes that allowed the clan to function, and to protect her people from the Sultai Brood and Mardu Horde. She was served by an elite of vulture-like Aven. When she held court in Mer-Erk, she sat on the Amber Throne under the First Tree.

### Alternate timeline

Anafenza never became khan. She was executed by Dromoka's brood for worshiping her ancestors, and returned to the plane as an ancestral spirit herself. Her killer was her cousin, Oret, whom she was closer to in this timeline; Oret did so at her behalf to secure his position among the Dromoka.

Also in this timeline, as the Krumar system was abolished, Gvar Barzeel was never adopted by her family and indeed in an irony of fate was the one who attempted to kill her during the battle where she revealed the existence of a remaining kin-tree.

Anafenza fought in defense of Tarkir during New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Anafenza, the Foremost
* Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit

Depicted in:

* Echoes of the Kin Tree
* Fruit of the First Tree

Quoted or referred to:

* Dazzling Ramparts
* Defiant Strike
* Dragonscale Boon

## References

1. ↑ Ari Levitch (December 3, 2014). "Bond and Blood". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Ari Levitch (April 2, 2015). "The Guardian". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (Apr 3, 2023). "March of the Machine Learning, Part 2". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
4. ↑ Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit (*Multiverse Legends*)
Agnomakhos

**Agnomakhos** was the leader of the Archon tyrants of Theros, who ruled for hundreds of years over Trax, a massive empire of centaurs, humans, leonin, minotaurs, and satyrs in ancient times. Agnomakhos used the leonin as an army, and ruled a particularly brutal regime centered in modern Meletis that extended into the mountains to the north and the forests to the east, using the pretext of a war against the giants to legitimize his rule. Eventually, the empire of Trax fell to a rebellion led by kings Kynaios and Tiro, and the first polis, Meletis, was born from its ashes.

When leading his forces, Agnomakhos rode a flying bull into battle.

## References

1. ↑ Wizards RPG Team (2020), D&D Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Wizards of the Coast
2. ↑ Mike McArtor (March 24, 2014). "Born's Gods". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ Magic Creative Team (October 26, 2016). "It's Time to Talk Commander (2016 Edition)". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
Akemi Dawn Bowman

**Akemi Dawn Bowman** is a critically-acclaimed author who writes across genres. Her novels have received multiple accolades and award nominations, and her debut novel, *Starfish*, was a William C. Morris Award Finalist. She has a BA in social sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and currently lives in Scotland with her family.

Akemi is Asian-American, with a Japanese/Chinese father whose family have lived in Hawaii for several generations, and a (mostly) Italian/Irish mother.

Bowman contributed to the Magic Story for *Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty*.

## References

1. ↑ Akemi Dawn Bowman (December 16, 2021). "Kaito Origin Stories: A Test of Loyalty & The Path Forward". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
Aleksi Briclot

**Aleksi Briclot** is a French fantasy illustrator best known for his cover art for Marvel Comics titles such as *X-Men*, *Avengers* and his card art for *Magic: The Gathering*. He is one of the co-founders of *Dontnod Entertainment*.

## Biography

Briclot has worked primarily as a graphic designer and illustrator for comic books and games. He is among at the top one hundred international artists widely recognized for their fantasy artwork after he was acknowledged in the *Imaginefix* magazine dedicated to digital fantasy art.

In 2010 he released an anthology of his work (along with a tutorial DVD), entitled *Worlds & Wonders*.

In conjunction with his work in video games and comics, Briclot is also an instructor for international workshops organized by companies like ConceptArt, Massive Black, Made (studio SixMoreVodka) or CFSL. He makes regular appearances at international events for *Magic: The Gathering*.

Briclot's work was highlighted in the *December Superdrop 2022* Artist Series.

## Some well known illustrations

* Ajani Goldmane (*Lorwyn*)
* Jace Beleren (*Lorwyn*)
* Gideon Jura (*Rise of the Eldrazi*)
* Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre (*Rise of the Eldrazi*)
* Nahiri, the Harbinger (*Shadows over Innistrad*)

## Gallery

* Ajani Goldmane
* Jace Beleren
* Gideon Jura
* Ulamog
* *Time Spiral* fat pack panorama featuring Bogardan Hellkite vs. Serra Avenger.
* Rosheen Meanderer

## References

1. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** ***c*** ***d*** Aleksi Briclot - French Wikipedia.org
2. ↑ Aleksi Briclot : Worlds & Wonders
3. ↑ Book Review: Aleksi Briclot: Worlds & Wonders

## External Links

* Aleksi Briclot - Artstation.com
* Aleksi Briclot - Concept Art World
* Comic Book Resources Profile
* Marvel.com Profile
Alternate-win or -loss card

**Alternate-win cards** provide additional means for winning the game. A related set of **alternate-loss cards** describe conditions under which their controller loses the game. Alternate-win or -loss cards are called “**alt cons**” (from "alternate win/loss condition") by R&D.

## Description

Alt cons are generally permanents, with triggered abilities which explicitly state that their controller wins or loses if certain conditions are met. Some such cards instead state that another player loses the game, which may not immediately end a multiplayer game. Alt cons cards tend to be printed at rare, but almost never at mythic rare. The first mythic rare card with alternative win condition was printed in *Dragon's Maze* with Maze's End.

### List of alternate-win cards

**^†** Oracle text as of April 2023.
**^‡** This effect causes one or more other players to lose the game, which can cause their controller to win the game.
### List of alternate-draw cards

 Divine Intervention |  | *Legends* | When you remove the last intervention counter from Divine Intervention, the game is a draw.

Nowadays, R&D avoids making draw effects.

## References

1. ↑ Magic Arcana (August 15, 2005). "Let Me Count the Ways...". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** Mark Rosewater (September 24, 2018). "Stories from the City". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 1, 2018). "More Stories from the City". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
4. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 12, 2017). "Why do you print alternate win condition cards at rare?". *Blogatog*. Tumblr.
5. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 12, 2017). ""We do it this way" is not a reason!". *Blogatog*. Tumblr.
6. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** ***c*** ***d*** ***e*** Magic Arcana (June 07, 2007). "No Really, You'll Lose the Game". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
7. ↑ Mark Rosewater (October 22, 2019). "What if it was 'deal 20 damage to each player"?". *Blogatog*. Tumblr.
Alpha strike

**Alpha strike** is a acorn keyword ability introduced in *Unfinity* on two cards.

## Description

Alpha strike grants the creature first strike if it is alphabetically ahead of at least one of the creature(s) it is blocking or being blocked by.

### Slang term

An *alpha strike* refers to an all-out attack, in which a player (more often than not, who believes that they will win from that attack) aims to deal a lethal amount of damage to the opponent. Since this leaves the attacker defenseless, it is generally used when the attacking player is positive that their attack will result in a win. Such attacks are often accompanied by spells or abilities (such as Overrun, Garruk Wildspeaker, or Relentless Assault) that will create a nearly hopeless situation for the opponent.

The term comes from the computer game *MechWarrior*, where it describes the firing of all of the player's weapons simultaneously.

## Rulings

* Numbers come before letters alphabetically, in ascending order by value (e.g. 0, 1, 2, etc.)
* Spaces and punctuation, including blank lines, are ignored when determining alphabetic order.
* In *Un-* games, the name of a card is the actual printed card name, not the card's Oracle text or its name in a language other than the one used on the card.
	+ In *Un-* games, a token's name will be in the same language as the the source that created the token.

## Examples

**Example**

Jetpack Janitor
Creature — Human Employee
3/2
Alpha strike *(This creature has first strike as long as its blocking or being blocked by a creature that comes after it alphabetically.)*

## Cards that grant alpha strike

**Sorcery**

* Aardwolf’s Advantage

## References

1. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 26, 2022). "Making Space, Part 2". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Mark Rosewater and Jess Dunks (October 7, 2022). "*Unfinity* Release Notes". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
Araba

The **Araba** (ah-RAH-bah; Japanese: 荒 (あら) 場 (ば) ; literally: "Wasteland"; Kamigawan: lit. "ruined land") was a region within the Towabara Plains, on which Eiganjo Castle stood. It was devastated in the Kami War, and this devastation is reflected in the meaning of its' name.

**Reito** was a decimated, abandoned human city on the Araba where the kami first attacked the people of the material world. Its name reflected this, meaning “ghost city” or “city of spirits.”

More than 1200 years later, the Araba was replaced by the city of **Towashi**.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Araba Mothrider
* Charge Across the Araba

Referred to:

* Deathmask Nezumi
* Ire of Kaminari

## References

1. ↑ Magic Arcana (September 14, 2004). "A Kamigawa Glossary, Part 1". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Magic Arcana (August 31, 2004). "The Araba: Kamigawa's Crater Plains". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty First Look (Video). *Weekly MTG*. YouTube (December 16, 2021).
Akrasa

**Akrasa**, also called "The Sea of Grass", is one of the Inner Three nations of Bant on Alara. As the sobriquet suggests, Akrasa is made up of fertile land all used for agriculture.

Several knightly orders are based in Akrasa, and its own armies are quite large. Akrasa has the largest number of ancient towers and castles of any kingdom and the largest Blessed caste in Bant. While every other caste is well represented and respected, in Akrasa, the Blessed rule with the support of the military. When a Blessed speaks in Akrasa, the ground itself is said to listen.

Akrasa does not have any large bodies of mounted troops. Their knights ride leotau and are mostly Mortars who believe their martial experience gives them a higher status than other Mortars. Outside of Akrasa this is seen as utter pretension and many a brawl has started when a non-Akrasan refused to treat an Akrasan regimentarian with the respect that they believe they're due.

Every year Akrasa holds a tournament in which knights from all Bant compete for an Akrasan sigil and the kiss of an angel.

## In-game references

Associated cards:

* Akrasan Squire
* Guardians of Akrasa

Referred to:

* Bant Battlemage
* Kiss of the Amesha

## References

1. ↑ ***a*** ***b*** ***c*** Doug Beyer & Jenna Helland (2008). *A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara*, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786951246
2. ↑ Kiss of the Amesha
Allenal

**Allenal** is the half-elven queen of the Llanowar elfhame Ruadach on Dominara.

## History

Thanks to their long lifespan, many elves still remember the last Phyrexian invasion of Dominaria. The half-elf Queen Allenal, of the Llanowar elfhame Ruadach, is one of these. She was born as the daughter of Queen Terena and a human boy. Terena ruled for 400 years, until she was killed in the Phyrexian invasion. Allenal now holds the throne.

When her mother was killed by the interplanar invaders hundreds of years ago, the young Queen Allenal swore she would take revenge one day. Now that the Phyrexians have returned, she has her chance.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Queen Allenal of Ruadach

Quoted or referred to:

* Barkweave Crusher

## References

1. ↑ Mark Shepherd (1995). *Gathering the Taradomnu* In: *Magic: The Gathering - Tapestries*. Edited by Kathy Ice (1995). Harper Prism.
2. ↑ James Wyatt (2018), *The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Dominaria*. VIZ Media.
3. ↑ Roy Graham (September 1, 2022). "The Legends You'll Find in Dominaria United". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
Alan Rabinowitz

**Alan Rabinowitz** (aka RABZ Illustration) is a *Magic: The Gathering* artist who has been illustrating for over 12 years. His primary art medium is oil on board.

His clients include: Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast, TSR, Harper Collins, Marvel Comics, Steve Jackson Games and many other book and game publishers. He has worked on *Homelands*, *Alliances*, *Mirage*, *Visions*, *Weatherlight*, *Portal* and others. His work can be found on Fantasy-Art.com

## Examples of Alan's work

* Aysen Bureaucrats
* Cadaverous Bloom
* Hakim, Loreweaver
* Soldevi Sentry
* Zhalfirin Crusader
Anax

**Anax** was the legendary king of Akros on Theros, a brilliant tactician and warrior. He was the husband of Cymede.

## History

Anax was a follower of Iroas, but in his later years, he turned to Purphoros as he steered his people through the creation of a small empire. This shift was reflected in the Akroan artistry. Swords and armor were decorated. Pottery, clothing, wall paintings, and weaving showed ancient Akroan patterns and symbolism handed down for generations.

When Xenagos and his forces laid siege to the city of Akros, King Anax went forth in combat against Rhordon the Rageblood, an oracle of Mogis. In their battle, Anax gained the upper hand, but as Keranos provided aid to Cymede, the God of Slaughter gave a boon to Rhordon. Elspeth declared treachery as she sensed Mogis's interference. The Rageblood quickly defeated Anax by impaling the king through the stomach. Elspeth stepped forward and saved Anax, but before Elspeth could declare victory, the Rageblood threw himself into the advancing river elemental of Keranos and was washed away. Although King Anax was gravely injured, he supposedly survived and insisted that the victory celebration continues without him.

During the war between the gods, Purphoros reforged Anax into a demigod who can't think of anything but victory. Nevertheless, he repeats a single word: "Cymede".

## Background

* The characters of Anax and Cymede were inspired by Leonidas and Gorgo, the king and queen of ancient Sparta.
* *Anax* is an ancient Greek word for "tribal chief, lord, ruler, (military) leader". It is also the name of a giant in Greek mythology.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Anax and Cymede
* Anax and Cymede and Kynaios and Tiro
* Anax, Hardened in the Forge

Associated cards:

* The Triumph of Anax

Depicted in:

* Heroes' Podium

Quoted or referred to:

* Mortal's Ardor

## References

1. ↑ The Magic Creative Team (August 28, 2013). "Planeswalker's Guide to Theros, Part 2". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Jenna Helland (May 2014). "*Journey into Nyx: Godsend, Part II.*" Wizards of the Coast. ISBN: 978-0-7869-6567-0.
3. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (December 16, 2019). "The Theros Beyond Death Story on Cards". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
4. ↑ Ethan Fleischer (January 3, 2020). "Through the Stygian Waters". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
5. ↑ Emrakul & Chatterfang!? Koma & Toski!? 62 Unknown Magic Cards! (Video). *Good Morning Magic*. YouTube (May 10, 2023).
Alexi

**Alexi** was a female Zephyr spellshaper on Jamuraa. She was known for her impressive wielding of rhystic magic.

Alexi aided the forces of Barrin and Teferi in the Kipamu League against the Keldon invasion. She earned such a reputation among the Keldons that they cursed her, even without knowing her name.

She is possibly an ancestor of Linessa.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Alexi, Zephyr Mage

Associated cards:

* Alexi's Cloak

Depicted in:

* Rhystic Study

Quoted or referred to:

* Evacuation
* Excise
* Rhystic Cave
* Rhystic Deluge
* Rhystic Scrying
* Spiketail Drake

## References

1. ↑ Vance Moore (2000). *Prophecy*. Wizards of the Coast
Alex Sittner

**John "Alex" Sittner** is an American *Magic* player. He placed seventh at Grand Prix Anaheim 2012 and fourth at Grand Prix Louisville 2013. His best Pro Tour results include a seventh-place finish at PT Charleston in 2006 alongside teammates Steven Jarvis and Jack Stanton, and a 17th-place finish at PT *Khans of Tarkir* in 2014.

## Accomplishments

 2012–13
 2013–14

→ Source: Wizards.com

## External links

* Lifetime Top Finishes
* Lifetime Grand Prix Top 8s
* Top 200 All-Time Money Leaders
Alliance

*For other uses, see Alliance (disambiguation).*
**Alliance** is an ability word introduced in *Streets of New Capenna* as the signature Cabaretti mechanic.

## Description

Alliance is the mechanic for the Cabaretti, the  family on New Capenna. Stylish and hedonistic, the Cabaretti are all about their connections.

Alliance is an ability word that highlights triggered abilities that trigger whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control. The effects differ per card.

In design, the mechanic was known as "Creaturefall" (as a play on Landfall) and Mark Rosewater had been trying to find room for it since he had proposed it as the Selesnya mechanic in *Guilds of Ravnica*. These effects trigger whenever a creature you control enters the battlefield. Designs in this space have been around in various forms (both players, "a" vs "another", nontoken, certain subtypes) since *Tempest* block, with two of the most enduring examples of Soul Warden and Intruder Alarm. Despite this, it has never been a major constituent of a format.

### History

Alliance was used as a one-off on Galadriel, Light of Valinor from the *Lord of the Rings Holiday Release*.

## Rulings

* If you control multiple creatures that each have an alliance ability and a creature enters the battlefield under your control, all of the alliance abilities trigger. Those abilities can be put on the stack in any order, and the last one to be put on the stack will be the first one to resolve.
* If the entering creature itself has an enters-the-battlefield triggered ability, that ability gets thrown in the mix with all the alliance abilities.

## Examples

**Example**

Devilish Valet
 Creature — Devil Warrior
1/3
Trample, haste
*Alliance* — Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, double Devilish Valet’s power until end of turn.).

## References

1. ↑ Matt Tabak (April 7, 2022). "*Streets of New Capenna* Mechanics". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
2. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (April 20, 2022). "*Streets of New Capenna* Release Notes". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
3. ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 17, 2018). "Guild to Order, Part 2". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
4. ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 11, 2022). "Hitting the *Streets of New Capenna*, Part 2". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.
Alharu

**Alharu**, *Solemn Ritualist*, is a monk from an unknown plane.

## History

The dead cry out and Alharu listens. From a young age, they were always able to hear the voices of the deceased. As a child, this was terrifying. Alharu cooped themselves up inside their home, trying to ignore the spirits' posthumous pleas. As time passed, Alharu realized that while the spirits weren't going anywhere, they meant no one harm and only wished to pass on.

Deciding this was their calling, Alharu immersed themselves in the study of the ancient spiritquellers. They painstakingly taught themselves every ritual, carved spiritual runes into their flesh to better attune to the departed, and sat and listened to the pleas of the dead. After many countless years, Alharu had become a master ritualist. They now seek out the spirits of the dead and help them find peace.

## In-game references

Represented in:

* Alharu, Solemn Ritualist

## References

1. ↑ Ari Zirulnik and Ethan Fleischer (November 06, 2020). "The Legendary Characters of Commander Legends, Part 2". *magicthegathering.com*. Wizards of the Coast.