What's Happening With ASHIOK?? (The Next BIG Threat) | Magic: The Gathering Lore

[@jocas94]

Can’t wait for ashiok to try to figure out what happens when you try to put fear and nightmares in eldrazi’s

[@AetherHub]

By Urzas beard… what terrible nightmares they would be

[@frankmorris4603]

I like the theory of that but I don't know if Ashiok would mess with the eldrazi and risk getting eaten. It would be crazy if they did end up waking up Emrakul though.

[@TheDarkknight9000]

Maybe Ashiok is an agent of the Eldrazi?

[@StxneVI]

Id find it really comical if all they really feared was an empty plate at dinner time

[@gabrielaganon3160]

I don't find it any coincidence that slightly one year after Wilds of Eldraine, we're going to visit Duskmorn: a plane that is a literal haunted mansion. Considering that Ashiok is all about nightmares, Duskmorn seems like a probable plane to explore their origin.

[@AetherHub]

Whoa great point. Maybe the origins of Ashiok will finally be revealed

[@nathanielpullig932]

Literally just came up and T-Posed on Elesh Norn, made flowers grow, and refused to elaborate.

[@AetherHub]

Freaked the hell out of her though lol

[@laurentrobitaille2204]

Sigma Ashiok

[@Azonavox]

I hope they don’t just lead Ashiok down a path as a generic Villain. There is a blank slate to create a real masterpiece.

[@7ItalianStallion]

Have you seen the storytelling this company is known for?? Yeah this character is really cool and has so much potential but don't get your hopes up.

[@letopizdetz]

Norn took a random spear to the chest from a simple charge from a Serra wannabe. And Karn was there to rip her body apart... when last we saw Karn he was dismantled into pieces.

[@AnimeProfilePicture]

​@@letopizdetzthat can actually be explained. Norn being frantic cause the thing she feared came back, not only that, but stronger and then Norn felt the comparison more when she interpret this change as no difference than the one she was offering so she was confused why now it was cool to change and blindly join another white aligned group. They also explained that when Karn was thrown to the ground and after the fight finished, he reassembled himself (something he is able to do)

[@edgebringr3494]

@@7ItalianStallionas long as I get more nightmare creatures… I’m happy I guess.

[@quincyking010]

If it was the old mtg where the lore was equally important. Then ashiok would be a great villain. But with the current company standing I wouldn't hold my breath all they care about now is $$$$

[@AnimeProfilePicture]

I have a few theories. 1. Ashiok could be apart of that threat that Kasmina was hinting at 2. Ashiok is gonna pull a Phyrexian and try to use Omenpaths to put the multiverse asleep 3. Ashiok works for Marit Lage who would benefit off of characters being sleep. Makes it easier for mind controll

[@TheSnikers111]

Ashiok is my favourite character in MTG, not necessarily being good or bad, just doing its own thing, I hope they'll do it's justice if they want it to be the main villain of the story.

[@AetherHub]

We can only hope. But either way I’m glad they’re stepping out of the shadows and will get more air time!

[@pelusoft]

At first Ashiok was presented a bit more on the neutral side. Making experiments and gaining knowledge (without ethics or morals, reflected on their color identity with black). But now they're looking more evil than before, could they be making a Dark Gatewatch team? 🤔

[@korigamaru]

Everytime I hear the word "recruiting" about a mtg villain, I immediatly associate with a theory I wanted t be true (but probably won't): Kasmina is evil and is recruiting both "embers " and PWs to her cabal. Like, she was already proven to not being on the "good" side of the alignment chart, since she did torture embers to ignite their spark. Her motives where never really explained, and she was spoiled in war of the spark, but wizards intentioned for her to be released in the first Eldraine. She guided the kenrith twins on Strixhaven (maybe with the intention to see if one of them was a capable candidate to her cabal, and seeing that in Rowan, maybe she sent Ashiok to Eldraine to recruit her). And, considering that she studies the nature of the spark itself with her embers, maybe she was actually responsable for the pruning, coincidentally (or maybe precisally calculated) with the defeat of Phyrexia.

[@kazarofchult8086]

I think it will actually be a game of manipulation between Ashiok, Oko, Jace, and those who travel the omenpaths

[@AetherHub]

Hmm Jace. What’s up with him I wonder

[@Doctor_Faust17]

I can't wait to see Oko again, I started playing mtg around the end of War of the Spark and my first set was the original Eldraine, since then he was my fav character. Honestly I'm really curious about what happened with Jace and Vraska, unfortunately I can't see any happy ending for them :/

[@kazarofchult8086]

@@AetherHub not sure but Kellan just showed up in Ixalan

[@EnderLord99]

They should totally collaborate with Braids at some point

[@AetherHub]

Now that would be FRIGHTENING

[@ttme1234]

i'm glad that ashiok is finally getting some spotlight! i hope that WOTC treats them well, i slightly worry that their general aura of mystery and shadow might be ruined if the writers aren't careful...

[@casteanpreswyn7528]

Same, Ashiok has been my favorite mtg character since their introduction and WotC better not fuck it up.

[@natesage8645]

I’ve always really liked Ashiok and while I think it’s cool that they’re getting more story focus it also worries me that Wizards is just gonna make them bland and uninspiring given their recent history. Fingers crossed

[@AetherHub]

I HOPE not. But then again I’ve hoped a lot recently lol. In truth I think Ashiok will play a significant role but it will all come down to execution, as always!

[@tangchan6221]

They will do what they think they can do to them so that they become what they are planning to be. This phrase makes sense to me because i wrote it. Good luck to you.

[@roshandala]

I believe the term is themperor

[@AetherHub]

Not sure I’ve heard of this

[@chillgaminginc.2743]

How would Ashiok put fear in Tyvar Kell if Tibalt couldn't.

[@AetherHub]

Everyone has fears. Tibalt only knows how to hurt. TRUE FEAR must be mastered as Ashiok has done.

[@ernestgarcia5488]

The thing that makes Ashiok such an interesting character is the same that made Lili so likeable, theyre complex, it isnt obvious what their intentions are or whose side theyre going to take and it makes you wonder what drives them, shit so much so that i still call them an it or a they, WHAT ARE YOU

[@letopizdetz]

Ashiok 'working for someone else' really takes away from the character. Actually all of MTG lore has been limiting itself to the 'small world syndrome'. Everything has to be connected to a handful of bad guys they keep reusing. Bolas, Phyrexians, Ob etc. Kinda sends the message that nobody can achieve anything of value on their own.

[@malthungaming3466]

Where have i heard that before? Someone is looking to gather powerful mages for some unknown organization? Huh? Where have we heard that one? *Kasmina.* Kasmina has to be involved somehow!

[@SRMC23]

I just hope the new arc doesnt finish with more Planeswalkers. I mean, outside of Quintorius who just ignited(and who may appear in Ixalan) but this vibe of just legendary characters going around via omenpaths is a great change of pace from GATEWATCH GATEWATCH GATEWATCH ANTAGONIST IS A PLANESWALKER TOO, ETC....that said, we know Tezzeret is cooking too now that he got rid of the Planar Bridge, so maybe the next arcs are going include remaining planeswalkers doing shady stuff here and there.

[@AetherHub]

100% agreed. I missed the days of legendary creatures reallllllly mattering in the story. They’ve been relegated to background roles for too long.

[@brythkaltaris]

Keep doing these Planeswalker lore videos! Loved the one about Vronos. Do some more obscure ones!

[@ethanchapman3799]

My favorite walker now center stage at least

[@dwaynebrice1697]

Ashiok i believe wants to be an embodiment, a true elemental of what they love, fear. Everyone that lives and breathes must and will bow to ashiok. Ashiok to me feel like Niel Geyman's Dream or Nocturnal from the nightingales

[@henryterhune8328]

Missed this one. Thanks Seiben!

[@dominiciancabatit6012]

I wonder what Ashiok itself fears?

[@user-rt4mb8sw8w]

May be something that will not have any fear at all? I dunno...

[@marcusallen788]

Thank you 😊

[@AetherHub]

You’re very welcome :)

[@mega2009man]

Yeah, the mystery around Ashiok is what drives interest in the character, but it's still a lack of writing. Let's not pretend anything less. Barely involved in first Theros, no story in second Theros, and dismissable action on Phyrexia They better not ruin this. They're starting out better than anything since WAR but need to keep it going. I think this story really kicks up on Thunder Junction if evil is gathering

[@AetherHub]

Yes it all comes down to the actual writing. It’s great to see a character typically on the side lines doing MORE.

[@Yourbeautiful666]

Ashiok is the coolest planeswalker Magic has to offer. I hope they don’t ruin the character.

[@Akumatron]

Ashiok is actualy the shadow of Bolas.

[@masonking240]

Video 13 of asking you to discuss that since the omen paths now exist slivers from all over the multiverse can travel and the hive mind can finally be one!

[@tylerkister4628]

I would of liked to see ashioks origin story however i dont want it to be in the style of thrones of eldrain where we saw will and rowans spark ignite

[@roberteldritch6285]

Ashiok is actually Eric Andre - NIGHTMARE! NIGHTMARE! NIGHTMARE! NIGHTMARE! NIGHTMARE! NIGHTMARE!

[@dustincarroll4683]

I wonder how many events in the background of all mtgs stories have been tied to this puppeteer pulling a puppeteer type situation. Ashiok could very well be the "VISABLE" active agent/ herald of some other power like you said but I wonder how many more events and agents we have seen that seemed irrelevant or inconsequential to the main stories have been silently building up the reveal. Especially if its goals might be gathering mages? there's countless named mages with particular specialty's we have seen and all it would take for a group or being as hands off as the one that might be behind Ashiok to get a desired outcome could be something as small as matching a student with a teacher (even anonymously) like we saw with Rowan and prepping them for collection or leaving an artifact where some1 might find it or millions other similar events. I'm thinking in places like Strixhaven ANY progressive or studious guild in Ravnica (though named mages here tend to end up dead...), Inistrad, Kaledesh the list go's on. I'm excited to see how this all plays out with all its implications and what it will revel about the mtg universe's lore.

[@Zacama_27]

If Ob didn't lose his spark, I would think there could be an alliance between Ashiok, Ob, and Tezzeret. The alliance would be shakey, but the brute force of Nixilus, the enhanced by a multiversal war ptsd Ashiok, and Indestructible Tezzeret would be a terrifying force while the denizens of the multiverse are still rebuilding.

[@mack-h-2019]

Great video!!

[@skaven969]

I like ashiok as a big bad, and if it is working for someone else, it will take away from their accomplishments as a villain. Like Tezzeret working for nicol bolas and then the phyrexians

[@Enja_Near]

I don't think Tezz's servitude took away from him. He's been a slave his whole life and now for the first time he has true freedom. I'm looking forward to his return.

[@skaven969]

@@Enja_Near you’re thinking about it in hindsight, at the time tezzeret was a total b*tch even though he canonically is stronger than karn, yet he is subservient to bolas, which is fair, then Phyrexians, sure he planned on betraying them, but for someone with a planar bridge in his chest he never made an impact on that story, possibly due to hasbro or WOTC interference in the releases, but as it stands he still has no agency. Elspeth and Ashiok are seemingly the most powerful planeswalkers at the moment.

[@Enja_Near]

@@skaven969 Not stronger than Karn. That's like saying your stronger than Bjorn because you shot him. Using the planar bridge over the course of multiple sets to facilitate the creation of Realmbreaker is not impactful on the storyline. Sure.

[@skaven969]

@@Enja_Near it’s really not because it was 2 sets and that could have been accomplished by any phyrexian agent. Just because he was the judge on kaladesh didn’t do anything to the story, that’s how it’s not impactful. It’s like references in Hollywood movies, there’s no substance and when you inspect it closer it doesn’t make sense and looks rushed. More like “hey remember this guy?” And then killing him off in the war of the spark, which was barely a war. If tezzeret comes back and uses the bridge or is ruler of a metal world or anything at all, he will atleast be more important than tibalt, who actively did nothing and fell into a pit.

[@Enja_Near]

Literally everything you just typed is incorrect. it took more than 2 sets to assemble the pieces and ONLY Tezzeret could have aided them. The Planar bridge is the single most important McGuffin in MTG lore and did quite a bit to the story. and he never died in WotS.

[@SoundsOfSushi]

Wish there was a card where Ashiok would be riding on the back of Nightmare.

[@joshmcd8015]

So wait are we not going to address the foreshadowing imagery on Neva, Stalked by Nightmares. Does she not look like a precursor to Ashiok?

[@Case2_0]

Maybe Ashiok is actually a good guy. The comics showed that Marit Lage was on the move and Ashiok might be leading it around without it ever landing by jumping plane to plane putting the world to sleep.

[@andrewfornes5320]

I just hope that they do not follow the shitty storyline of Jace & Ashiok veibg connected somehow. I got extremely worried they were during the Outlaws of Thunder Junction reveal. There was a time in which on one the deaign documents that have notes for certain cards & the back and forth tweaking to get each card as perfect as possible. One of the wtiters, that were changing cards, mentioned to the other about the "Dark Jace" or "Mirrored Jace", something to that effect. From there the story propagated the normal channels through the internet and slowly died out after everyone saw that they were tqo seperate identities.. One thing in Outlaws of Thunder Junction happened that caused me to re-think this theory with adult pants on. Long-story, short.... in most of this set he Mind-Mage uses his power to change his appearence and become a bad guy... so he jumped at the oppurtunity. He mimicked all of Ashiok's movement & the indifference. Something happened in Jace's past or maybe it ia the type of human he is on Vyrnn. Mayve those rings do more that just create a flow. At the beginning, it talks about Annie Xav. Alao

[@AjaniGoldmaneFFXIV]

geez the only thing i cant think of is who would ashiok be serving if they arnt the big bad. Dah I wanna know who it is.

[@AetherHub]

I think it’s a Cabal of powerful mages. I’ll have another video on this soon

[@AjaniGoldmaneFFXIV]

@@AetherHub oh thats so smart! i could totally see it.

[@letopizdetz]

You actually like the idea of Ashiok being a simple servant to 'generic bigger bad guy'? Instead of actually being a threat based on his own strength and prowess?

[@Mrtfarrugia]

Ashiok will be defeated by getting caught in their own nightmare. Calling it now.

[@valentinrafael9201]

Now, does Emrakul have fears…( doubt it lol )

[@DragonspineInfiniteZero]

So Ashiok is the scarecrow of MTG just without drugs and a Yellow Lantern ring

[@zupsabao]

Can we just bring the eldrazi back

[@AUGOM0919]

Is it just me, it has been bugging me since the first Ashiok's but aren't the "horns" almost similar to Bolas'? Nah maybe it's just me

[@user-rt4mb8sw8w]

Well, may be, it's just me too, but wasn't that think on his shoulders taken from phyrexians?

[@BigBobsMTG]

ZOOOOOOOOM! Love this stuff!

[@AetherHub]

Appreciate you buddy!

[@unclerobbieslug]

So, what happened to ashiok in thunder juncrtion?

[@DragonspineInfiniteZero]

Wow wizards sponsoring you finally? Any news on a possible seiben card?

[@DragonspineInfiniteZero]

I feel like this is a Birth by Sleep Xeahnort situation doing horrible things to satiate a curiosity. "What's is an Apex Nightmare?" a fear that can be felt by all no mater wealth power or fame?

[@frankmorris4603]

Ashiok is basically Freddy Kruger if he the multiverse's vigilante but also still like torturing kids for experimental purposes.

[@Theoszombie]

It's very distracting when he kept pronouncing Eriette as "Ereet" throughout the whole video.

[@bolawdean]

Off putting to keep hearing “they” when describing Ashiok…yuck

[@jacksonbauer5199]

Eriette is pronounced (Air-E-et). Just saying, I mean no disrespect.

[@vvc0u805]

Ear-E-Etty

[@ericlafaso2292]

They them these nuts, ashiok is obviously a female. She is singular, not a they.

[@SwerveDaBaptistYT]

I’m early!!

[@nelsonpina2688]

A bit of a downgrade? New Phyrexia was the strongest faction we have ever seen and were going to take over the entire multiverse if they hadnt been complete idiots and meanwhile Ashiok is...a planeswalker. A cool as hell planeswalker yeah but like...way weaker than phyrexia.

[@AetherHub]

Along this is true. But I think they are working WITH another force. No telling who or what yet. But there’s something more here 🤔

[@HolySerega]

Ashiok is great. He's perfect

[@DuskyPredator]

One of the first things I learned about them is that they are non-binary, which is pretty cool.

[@fatpatsmith]

As a long time Ashiok fan, I hope they don't do her dirty

[@noty47]

Is ashiok a race?

[@Case2_0]

Second!

[@grimtrix]

This pronoun stuff is going to be super annoying...

[@AetherHub]

For Ashiok? Just think of them as a pile of shadow and dust. Makes it a lot easier. I believe in you.

[@grimtrix]

@@AetherHub I would refer to a pile of shadow and dust as "it"... but I understand the point...

[@cashincheks]

Ashiok's sex is male, gender is fake so WotC can call him whatever. This is a new arch, but its still the same old phyrexia invasion phyrexia invasion phyrexian invasion phyrexian invasion blah blah blah. Magic lore would be so much deeper and worth the investment if they went back to blocks and building upon their lore with better characters and story arches.

[@Goblin-assault0nSally]

Wait ashiok is a lady?

[@willbill6942]

Ashok's gender is unknown, though they do have a somewhat masculine voice on MTG Arena

[@eelehtrikidd1002]

Yeah it's just aetherhub messing up on something as usual lol

[@Goblin-assault0nSally]

Wait what would the gender-less form of “king/queen”

[@eelehtrikidd1002]

@user-xo6vi6gj3l I would just go with the word Lord or Ruler as they're used fairly in a fairly genderless way

[@Goblin-assault0nSally]

@@eelehtrikidd1002 I dig that! That makes sense