Introduction
Overview
The sands of time and the clash of titans – welcome to Tarkir, a plane forged in the crucible of war and shaped by the legacy of dragons. Khans of Tarkir, a pivotal set in Magic: The Gathering history, introduced players to a world steeped in clan conflict, the thrilling possibilities of color wedges, and the exciting mysteries of morph. This journey back to Tarkir promises to be a deep dive into the mechanics, key cards, strategies, and overall impact of this unforgettable MTG experience. Prepare to revisit a plane where fate hangs in the balance, and the choices you make determine the path to victory.
Tarkir, a world once ruled by dragons, now finds itself fractured. The five clans, each embodying a different color combination, fiercely compete for dominance. This set was more than just a collection of cards; it was a carefully crafted tapestry of mechanics, narratives, and captivating artwork that captivated players across the globe. Its legacy continues to resonate, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of MTG history.
The Clans of Tarkir and Their Mechanics
The Clans
The heart of Khans of Tarkir lies within its clans. These five factions, each a fusion of three colors, defined the gameplay and reflected the philosophies of their members. Understanding each clan is crucial to appreciating the richness and complexity of this set.
The Abzan houses the White, Black, and Green colors, and they valued Endurance, Order, and Resilience. They were known for their stout defenses, gradual advantage generation, and their ability to outlast opponents. Their keyword, Outlast, fueled a strategy of incremental growth, building up a board presence that was difficult to overcome.
The Jeskai, blending Blue, Red, and White, were Masters of Wisdom, Discipline, and Prowess. Their gameplay focused on spellslinging, tempo, and clever tactical maneuvering. They aimed to outpace their opponents through efficient spellcasting, controlling the battlefield while chipping away at their opponent’s life total.
The Sultai, representing Black, Green, and Blue, prized ruthlessness, wealth, and the spoils of victory. Their focus was on card advantage, self-mill, and powerful reanimation strategies. They used Delve to cheat big creatures into play and leveraged the graveyard as a resource, often overwhelming opponents with a relentless tide of threats.
The Mardu, a union of Red, White, and Black, embodied aggression, speed, and the thrill of battle. They sought swift victories through aggressive creatures and powerful burn spells, aiming to overwhelm their opponents before they could establish a foothold.
Finally, the Temur, combining Green, Blue, and Red, valued the ferocity of the hunt, the power of instinct, and the strength of the elements. They focused on mana ramp, large creatures, and the use of tempo to establish a dominant board presence. Their goal was to use their mana advantage to generate the threats needed for victory.
Each clan’s identity was carefully crafted, providing a unique playing experience and offering diverse strategic options. This encouraged a diverse meta where players could find their favorite play styles represented across the board.
The Mechanics of Khans of Tarkir
Khans of Tarkir introduced mechanics that dramatically altered the gameplay landscape, providing layers of strategic depth and exciting new possibilities for deckbuilding.
The Tri-Color Wedges were the set’s cornerstone, representing the color combinations of the clans. These three-color combinations were still relatively new to the game at the time, and they encouraged creative deckbuilding and the exploration of powerful synergies. These new combinations of colors required players to carefully select their mana bases, balancing the benefits of multiple colors with the potential risks of mana screw. This unique gameplay aspect remains a key component of the set’s enduring appeal, creating some of the most memorable MTG experiences.
Morph, the mechanic that allowed creatures to be played face down, added an element of intrigue to every match. It transformed the battlefield into a mind game of bluffing and surprise. The opponent didn’t know exactly what creature was about to flip up, forcing players to make assumptions, calculate risk, and adapt accordingly. The cost of morphing a creature offered some immediate tempo advantages, and the surprise element kept the opponent guessing at all times. This mechanic was a masterclass in creating psychological tension, as it forced players to assess their opponents and make critical decisions based on incomplete information.
Outlast, the Abzan mechanic, was all about persistent growth. It allowed creatures to get stronger each turn, providing a steady stream of value. The mechanic encouraged players to build enduring strategies that could withstand the tide of early-game aggression. This allowed for long and exciting games that would ultimately depend on which player could stick to their game plan and weather any of the disruption their opponent may throw at them.
Finally, the set included keywords like delve and prowess, which added different flavors to the gameplay and supported specific clan strategies. Delve provided Sultai decks with a powerful way to cast huge threats at a discounted cost, while prowess enabled Jeskai decks to generate powerful board presence with each instant and sorcery. These keywords worked to enhance each clan’s existing play style, making them even more distinct and memorable.
The mechanics of Khans of Tarkir worked in harmony, creating a dynamic and compelling gameplay experience.
Notable Cards and Strategies
Key Cards
Certain cards from Khans of Tarkir immediately became cornerstones of competitive play, shaping the landscape of the Standard format and even influencing the Modern format.
The charm cycle of the set, with cards like Abzan Charm, Jeskai Charm, Sultai Charm, Mardu Charm, and Temur Charm, provided each clan with a versatile tool. These cards could be used for card draw, removal, or even a combination of both, granting incredible value and flexibility. These were the backbone to any deck from their clan.
Siege Rhino was a game-changing creature, providing a significant life gain and damage on a single card. The card was a powerhouse in the Abzan Midrange decks. The effect was highly efficient, making it a staple in multiple decks for years.
Mantis Rider was a staple card in the Jeskai Tempo archetype, providing a fast flying threat. It became a format-defining card that could race any opposing strategy. The card was a threat that could be played at a low mana cost and generate immediate pressure.
Treasure Cruise and Dig Through Time were broken in their ability to draw so many cards at a low mana cost. Sultai decks used the delve mechanic to get these cards at a discounted cost. These cards quickly became powerful tools for digging deeper into decks, allowing players to find their win conditions and assemble combos more effectively.
Wingmate Roc, a powerful flying creature, was a key component of many White-based strategies. The card could overwhelm opposing defenses. This was the card that was used to fly past your opponent.
These are only a few of the key cards, showcasing the immense power and strategic depth found within Khans of Tarkir. These cards, alongside many others, have secured their places in MTG history, demonstrating the set’s lasting impact on the game.
Archetypes and Strategies
The set gave birth to a number of distinct archetypes, many of which dominated Standard. The strategic nuances of each were captivating.
Abzan Midrange decks were considered a powerful force in the format, relying on efficient creatures like Siege Rhino, removal spells, and strong card advantage to grind down opponents.
Jeskai Tempo decks focused on efficient spells like Lightning Strike and Mantis Rider. They aimed to control the board while developing an aggressive board presence to close out games quickly.
Sultai Control decks combined card draw with powerful removal and graveyard manipulation to wear down opponents. This strategy focused on card advantage, removal, and the reanimation of powerful creatures.
Mardu Aggro decks embraced a more aggressive play style. They used fast creatures and burn spells to overwhelm opponents early on.
Temur Monsters decks focused on ramp spells and high-value creatures. They sought to outpace their opponents by casting powerful threats ahead of schedule.
These archetypes and the variety they represented provided a rich and dynamic environment, showcasing the set’s ability to foster diverse play styles.
The Story of Tarkir and Its Characters
The Clans and the Dragons
The world of Tarkir, as depicted in Khans of Tarkir, had a rich history. The set’s narrative focused on the clash between five clans, each representing a different philosophy, all fighting for dominance. The story of Tarkir revolved around the rise of these clans.
The key character in this story was Sarkhan Vol, a planeswalker who had been traveling through time. He was also closely tied to the dragons of Tarkir, which would eventually change his fate.
The lore of Tarkir would have more focus on the evolution of the plane.
The Legacy of Khans of Tarkir
Impact
Khans of Tarkir had a significant impact on the game. The set introduced powerful mechanics, iconic cards, and compelling storylines that continue to influence the MTG community.
The card market was changed when it came to the price of the chase cards. The set included several mythic rares that were valuable.
Community Reception
The community reception for Khans of Tarkir was overwhelmingly positive. The mechanics, card designs, and thematic elements resonated with players. The set was widely considered a success, and it remains fondly remembered by many.
Set Comparison
Compared to other sets, Khans of Tarkir stands out for its innovative mechanics, compelling flavor, and competitive card pool. It is often mentioned among the best MTG sets of all time.
Conclusion
Summary
Khans of Tarkir offered a thrilling adventure. The set provided a compelling story. Its innovative mechanics and memorable cards have earned it a lasting legacy. It continues to be a favorite of many. The set’s impact continues to reverberate through the world of MTG, proving that the best MTG experiences never truly disappear.
