Every Mtg Guild

3 min read 02-12-2024

Magic: The Gathering's Ravnica setting is defined by its ten guilds, each a powerful organization representing a unique combination of two colors of mana. Understanding these guilds is key to mastering the Ravnica block and appreciating the depth of the game's lore. This guide will explore each guild, highlighting their key characteristics, philosophies, and representative cards.

The Azorius Senate (White/Blue)

The Azorius Senate is the law-making body of Ravnica, emphasizing order, justice, and control. They believe in strict adherence to the law and the maintenance of a stable society. Their strategies often revolve around controlling the board, manipulating opponents' actions, and leveraging their legal authority to gain an advantage. Key characteristics: Law, order, control, justice. Representative cards: Arrest, Luminous Bonds, Elspeth, Knight-Errant.

The Boros Legion (White/Red)

The Boros Legion is Ravnica's primary military force, dedicated to the ideals of selfless heroism, unwavering loyalty, and righteous warfare. They believe in swift, decisive action and are not afraid to use force to achieve their goals. Their strategies often involve aggressive plays, utilizing direct damage and overwhelming force. Key characteristics: Military, heroism, aggression, loyalty. Representative cards: Boros Reckoner, Legion Loyalist, Aurelia, the Warleader.

The Selesnya Conclave (Green/White)

The Selesnya Conclave is a sprawling, nature-based organization that champions growth, harmony, and interconnectedness. They believe in the natural order and strive to maintain balance within Ravnica's ecosystem. Their strategies often focus on creating powerful creatures and overwhelming the opponent through sheer numbers and resilience. Key characteristics: Nature, growth, harmony, interconnectedness. Representative cards: Voice of Resurgence, Collective Unconscious, Captain Sisay.

The Izzet League (Blue/Red)

The Izzet League is a chaotic organization of mad scientists and inventors, driven by innovation, experimentation, and the pursuit of knowledge at any cost. They embrace risk and are not afraid to push the boundaries of magic. Their strategies often revolve around unpredictable spells and unexpected combinations. Key characteristics: Innovation, experimentation, chaos, unpredictability. Representative cards: Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind, Niv-Mizzet, Parun, Goblin Electromancer.

The Golgari Swarm (Black/Green)

The Golgari Swarm is a vast underground network that controls the city's undergrowth and wastelands. They embrace decay, rebirth, and the natural cycle of life and death. Their strategies often involve overwhelming the opponent with numerous creatures, leveraging synergy and utilizing powerful graveyard interactions. Key characteristics: Decay, rebirth, life cycle, nature's power. Representative cards: Golgari Rot Farm, Geralf's Messenger, The Gitrog Monster.

The Dimir Guild (Blue/Black)

The Dimir Guild is a shadowy organization of spies, assassins, and manipulators, operating in the darkness and secrecy of Ravnica's underbelly. They believe in information control and maintaining their power through intrigue and deception. Their strategies often involve manipulating opponents' hands, drawing cards, and controlling the flow of information. Key characteristics: Secrecy, manipulation, espionage, control. Representative cards: Crypt Incursion, Conspiracy, Niv-Mizzet, the Mind-Thief.

The Rakdos Cult (Black/Red)

The Rakdos Cult is a chaotic organization of entertainers, performers, and hedonists, dedicated to revelry, excess, and the embrace of chaos. They believe in expression and revel in the thrill of destruction and self-indulgence. Their strategies often involve aggressively dealing damage and employing unpredictable effects. Key characteristics: Chaos, entertainment, destruction, indulgence. Representative cards: Rakdos Shred-Freak, Bogardan Hellkite, Krenko, Mob Boss.

The Gruul Clans (Red/Green)

The Gruul Clans are a barbaric tribe of anarchists and rebels who live outside the confines of Ravnican society. They believe in strength, primal instinct, and the freedom from restrictive rules. Their strategies frequently involve powerful creatures with high power and toughness, often using overwhelming force to dominate the battlefield. Key characteristics: Strength, primal instinct, anarchy, freedom. Representative cards: Gruul Warmonger, Rumbling Baloth, Skarrgan Hellkite.

The Simic Combine (Blue/Green)

The Simic Combine is a group of scientists and researchers who manipulate the natural world through genetic engineering and bio-manipulation. They believe in evolution and strive to improve upon nature's design. Their strategies often involve powerful creatures with significant abilities and complex interactions. Key characteristics: Evolution, genetic manipulation, scientific advancement. Representative cards: Prime Speaker Zegana, Experiment Kraj, Vorel of the Hull Clade.

The Orzhov Syndicate (Black/White)

The Orzhov Syndicate is a powerful organization of wealthy aristocrats and religious zealots, devoted to power, wealth, and the afterlife. They believe in order and hierarchy and control society through financial and religious influence. Their strategies often involve powerful life gain and efficient manipulation of resources. Key characteristics: Wealth, power, religious order, control. Representative cards: Obzedat, Ghost Council, Sorin, Grim Nemesis, Extort.

This overview provides a foundational understanding of each Ravnica guild. Further exploration of their individual histories, members, and strategic depth will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Magic: The Gathering.