The Clans of Conflict: A Tapestry of Colors and Ideals
Magic: The Gathering’s “Khans of Tarkir” set transported players to a richly imagined plane dominated by five warring clans, each embodying a distinct philosophy and fighting style. At the heart of this conflict resided the khans—the powerful leaders who embodied the core values of their respective clans. These khans were not just rulers; they were symbols, the driving force behind the conflicts that would ultimately determine the fate of Tarkir. This article delves into the identities, roles, and lasting impact of these iconic figures, examining their significance within both the storyline and the game itself.
Abzan
The Abzan clan, cloaked in the colors of white, black, and green, epitomized endurance and family. They valued legacy, protection, and an unwavering commitment to their ancestors. Their fighting style was built on sturdy creatures, bolstering their defense, and the slow grinding down of the enemy. The Abzan used heavy armor and practiced necromantic arts to maintain their defenses in battle.
Jeskai
The Jeskai clan, bathed in the hues of blue, red, and white, sought enlightenment through knowledge and discipline. They valued swiftness, intellectual prowess, and the mastery of both mind and body. They preferred a more tactical approach, using spells and prowess to outmaneuver their opponents, often in a storm of fire and water. They were masters of martial arts and the arcane arts.
Sultai
The Sultai clan, awash in black, green, and blue, embraced ruthlessness and ambition. They valued power above all else, exploiting every resource, and leaving no trace of morality. They used a mix of necromancy, manipulation, and brute force to crush their enemies. The Sultai controlled the swamps and jungles of Tarkir, where they raised armies from the dead.
Mardu
The Mardu clan, clad in red, white, and black, was a force of unbridled aggression and swift conquest. They prized speed, strength, and a relentless pursuit of victory. They were a fearsome horde, riding into battle, and overwhelming opponents with waves of attacks. Their warriors were brutal and effective, with a penchant for raiding.
Temur
The Temur clan, colored green, blue, and red, revered the raw power of nature and the fury of the elements. They valued strength, freedom, and a deep connection to the wild. They believed in the ferocity of the elements and used large beasts to crush their enemies. The Temur were a nomadic clan, with a close connection to the wild lands of Tarkir.
The Champions of Tarkir: Unveiling the Khans
The khans were the embodiments of their clans, their leaders, and their ideals personified. Each khan was a formidable warrior and strategist, respected and feared by their own people and their enemies. Their actions shaped the fate of Tarkir, driving conflict and setting the stage for the conflicts that followed.
Anafenza, the Foremost: The Unyielding Protector of the Abzan
Anafenza was the Khan of the Abzan, a resolute leader who represented the values of strength, endurance, and ancestral protection. She was a warrior and a strategist who valued strength, honor, and family. Anafenza was a staunch defender of her people and a formidable opponent in battle. She had a reputation for never letting her clan members down, her devotion to them was matched only by her hatred of undead. In the game, her abilities reflect her defensive nature, such as her ability to protect her creatures from death, and keep them alive. She embodied a fierce resilience, a stalwart defense against all who would threaten her people. Her legacy focused on securing the future for her clan, for generations.
Narset, Enlightened Master: The Ascendant of the Jeskai
Narset was the Khan of the Jeskai, an intelligent and wise leader who embodied enlightenment and intellectual pursuits. She was a skilled martial artist and a master of the arcane arts, always seeking knowledge and self-improvement. Her quest for knowledge and her understanding of the flow of mana were unmatched. In the game, she was a powerful card capable of drawing more cards while disrupting her opponents. She sought enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the universe. She would be a force for change.
Sidisi, Brood Tyrant: The Cunning Master of the Sultai
Sidisi, the Khan of the Sultai, was a ruthless and manipulative leader, embodying the clan’s desire for absolute power. She was a skilled manipulator, using both brute force and cunning strategy to achieve her goals. She had little regard for life, and commanded armies of the undead to serve her ambitions. In the game, Sidisi’s strategies reflected her necromantic and ruthless nature by summoning zombie tokens with ease. She would stop at nothing to become the most powerful ruler of Tarkir. She was cunning and cruel.
Zurgo Helmsmasher: The Ruthless Conqueror of the Mardu
Zurgo Helmsmasher was the Khan of the Mardu, a symbol of raw aggression and unwavering determination. He was a brutal warrior and a fierce strategist, leading his clan in raids and conquest with brutal efficiency. He lived for battle. In the game, Zurgo’s card reflected his aggressive style, often leading the charge in battle with raw power. He embodies martial prowess. He was a force of nature.
Surrak Dragonclaw: The Primal Protector of the Temur
Surrak Dragonclaw, the Khan of the Temur, was a powerful warrior and a fierce protector of his clan and his land. He embodied the clan’s love of nature and the strength of the wild. He was a powerful protector and a loyal leader, always looking to the safety of his people. His card in the game reflected his raw power with massive buffs. He personified the wild strength. He was a force to be reckoned with, representing the fury of the elements.
The Khans on the Battlefield: Mechanics and Strategy
The khans were not just prominent figures in the storyline, they also had a significant impact on the game’s gameplay. Each khan was represented by a powerful creature or planeswalker card, reflecting their unique abilities and playstyles.
Abzan
The Abzan were represented by cards that emphasized resilience and life gain, like Anafenza, the Foremost. These cards provided a strategic advantage by making creatures difficult to kill.
Jeskai
The Jeskai were known for their spells and prowess. Narset, Enlightened Master, provided a powerful advantage by casting spells for free.
Sultai
Sidisi’s card allowed for graveyard manipulation, summoning zombie tokens to overwhelm opponents.
Mardu
The Mardu emphasized aggression with cards like Zurgo Helmsmasher, often overwhelming opponents with brute force.
Temur
The Temur had access to big, powerful creatures, like Surrak Dragonclaw, and a focus on overpowering opponents.
Each of these cards, and the strategies they represented, made the game more interesting, reflecting the characteristics of the khans and their clans. The gameplay of the set was designed to showcase the diverse strategies and fighting styles of the different clans. Players were encouraged to explore the mechanics, to develop effective strategies.
The Shifting Sands of Time: The Fate of the Khans
The khans’ stories took a dramatic turn in the “Dragons of Tarkir” expansion. This expansion introduced the concept of a timeline change, with the arrival of planeswalker Sarkhan Vol. He traveled back in time and prevented events that led to the dragons’ disappearance. The khans faced an altered destiny as the planes shifted. Some khans, like Anafenza and Sidisi, were erased from existence. Others, such as Narset and Surrak, were transformed, becoming powerful dragon-wielding figures. The Khans became part of history, symbols of a world that no longer existed. Their stories serve as a reminder of the fluid nature of destiny and the lasting impact of the decisions of key individuals.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Khans
The Khans of Tarkir were the ruling forces of the plane, and their impact extends far beyond a single set. Their presence enriched the storyline. They offered an intricate tapestry of warring factions, and the diverse gameplay of the “Khans of Tarkir” set. The khans’ stories serve as a lasting testament to the power of conflict, the importance of values, and the ever-changing nature of destiny. The Khans were iconic characters, their impact continues to be felt in the game and in the memories of players. The khans will forever be associated with a time of intense conflict, and they stand as a reminder of the many paths that shape the multiverse.
