Tarkir Clans: A Comprehensive Guide to Magic’s Five Factions

Tarkir, a plane steeped in tradition and shaped by the absence of dragons, is defined by its five powerful clans. Each clan embodies a unique combination of colors, philosophies, and combat styles, making them a fascinating study for Magic: The Gathering players and lore enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the history, mechanics, strategies, and significance of the Tarkir clans, offering unparalleled insight into their distinct identities and impact on the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a lore enthusiast, or just curious about these iconic factions, this guide will provide you with everything you need to understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of Tarkir.

Unveiling the Five Clans of Tarkir: A Detailed Overview

The plane of Tarkir is divided among five warring clans, each vying for dominance. These clans are not merely factions; they are intricate societies with their own codes of honor, training methods, and spiritual beliefs. Understanding their individual strengths and weaknesses is crucial for both playing with and against them.

The Abzan Houses: Endurance Through Family

The Abzan Houses, centered in the Sultai region, value endurance and family above all else. Their color identity is white, black, and green, reflecting their focus on resilience, resourcefulness, and ancestral wisdom. They are known for their strong defenses, efficient use of resources, and ability to outlast their opponents.

* **Key Characteristics:** Siege warfare, fortified positions, and the use of scale armor crafted from the remnants of dragons. They also use the Outlast mechanic.
* **Philosophy:** The Abzan believe in the strength of family and tradition. They honor their ancestors and draw strength from their lineage. They are pragmatic and willing to make difficult choices to ensure the survival of their clan.
* **Gameplay Style:** Abzan decks often focus on building a strong board presence, controlling the flow of the game, and grinding out victories through attrition. Their ability to generate value from their creatures and their resilience to removal make them a formidable opponent.

The Jeskai Way: Ingenuity Through Deception

The Jeskai Way, based in the Temur region, emphasizes ingenuity, cunning, and mastery of both mind and body. Their color identity is blue, red, and white, reflecting their focus on knowledge, discipline, and skillful combat. They are known for their evasive tactics, powerful spells, and ability to outmaneuver their opponents.

* **Key Characteristics:** Monasteries perched atop mountains, mastery of martial arts and spellcasting, and a preference for indirect approaches to combat. They use the Prowess mechanic.
* **Philosophy:** The Jeskai believe in the power of knowledge and the importance of self-improvement. They strive to achieve enlightenment through rigorous training and intellectual pursuits. They value creativity and innovation, constantly seeking new ways to overcome challenges.
* **Gameplay Style:** Jeskai decks often focus on controlling the early game, disrupting their opponent’s plans, and then overwhelming them with a flurry of spells and evasive creatures. Their ability to draw cards, counter spells, and generate tempo advantages makes them a difficult opponent to predict.

The Mardu Horde: Speed Through Ruthlessness

The Mardu Horde, roaming the vast plains of Tarkir, embody speed, aggression, and a relentless pursuit of victory. Their color identity is red, white, and black, reflecting their focus on fury, honor, and ruthless efficiency. They are known for their swift attacks, overwhelming numbers, and ability to crush their opponents before they can react.

* **Key Characteristics:** Fast-moving cavalry, war drums, and a culture of constant raiding and conquest. They use the Raid mechanic.
* **Philosophy:** The Mardu believe in the glory of battle and the importance of strength. They value courage, loyalty, and the ability to seize victory at any cost. They are driven by a desire for dominance and a thirst for adrenaline.
* **Gameplay Style:** Mardu decks often focus on overwhelming their opponents with a relentless assault of aggressive creatures. Their ability to deal direct damage, disrupt their opponent’s defenses, and generate card advantage through combat makes them a dangerous opponent to face.

The Sultai Brood: Growth Through Savagery

The Sultai Brood, ruling from opulent palaces in the jungle, value power, wealth, and the ruthless pursuit of pleasure. Their color identity is black, green, and blue, reflecting their focus on ambition, manipulation, and the exploitation of resources. They are known for their cunning schemes, powerful undead armies, and ability to corrupt and control their opponents.

* **Key Characteristics:** Necromancy, opulent palaces, and the use of nagas and other serpentine creatures. They use the Delve mechanic.
* **Philosophy:** The Sultai believe in the pursuit of power and the accumulation of wealth. They are pragmatic and willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals. They value ambition, cunning, and the ability to manipulate others.
* **Gameplay Style:** Sultai decks often focus on controlling the board, generating value from their graveyard, and overwhelming their opponents with powerful creatures and spells. Their ability to reanimate creatures, control the flow of the game, and generate card advantage makes them a formidable opponent.

The Temur Frontier: Savagery Through Wisdom

The Temur Frontier, dwelling in the rugged mountains of Tarkir, embrace savagery, strength, and a deep connection to the natural world. Their color identity is green, blue, and red, reflecting their focus on primal instincts, mystical knowledge, and explosive power. They are known for their powerful creatures, unpredictable tactics, and ability to adapt to any situation.

* **Key Characteristics:** Shamans, monstrous creatures, and a deep respect for the power of nature. They use the Ferocious mechanic.
* **Philosophy:** The Temur believe in the power of instinct and the importance of living in harmony with nature. They value strength, courage, and the ability to adapt to change. They are fiercely independent and wary of outsiders.
* **Gameplay Style:** Temur decks often focus on deploying powerful creatures early in the game and overwhelming their opponents with brute force. Their ability to ramp into large creatures, generate card advantage through combat, and disrupt their opponent’s plans makes them a difficult opponent to contain.

The Dragons’ Absence: Shaping the Clans’ Identities

The absence of dragons on Tarkir profoundly shaped the identities of the five clans. The clans adapted and evolved in the absence of the dragonlords, each developing unique strengths and weaknesses in their struggle for dominance. This absence forced them to rely on their own ingenuity, resourcefulness, and cultural traditions.

A World Without Dragons

Dragons, once the dominant force on Tarkir, were hunted to extinction by the ancient khans. This act of defiance had far-reaching consequences, reshaping the political landscape and cultural values of the plane. The clans became defined by their relationship to the memory of the dragons, either embracing their power or rejecting it entirely.

The Khans of Tarkir Block: A Pivotal Moment

The *Khans of Tarkir* block explored this world in detail, showcasing the unique mechanics and strategies of each clan. The block’s storyline revolved around Sarkhan Vol’s attempt to restore the dragons to Tarkir, ultimately leading to a timeline where dragons once again ruled the skies.

Understanding the Clans’ Mechanics and Strategies

Each clan boasts unique mechanics and strategies that define their gameplay style. Mastering these mechanics is essential for playing effectively with or against these factions.

Outlast (Abzan Houses)

Outlast allows you to pay a cost and tap a creature to give it a +1/+1 counter and grant it all abilities printed on other creatures you control with Outlast. This mechanic emphasizes long-term value and strategic board development.

Prowess (Jeskai Way)

Prowess grants a creature +1/+1 until end of turn whenever you cast a noncreature spell. This mechanic rewards aggressive spellcasting and evasive tactics.

Raid (Mardu Horde)

Raid abilities trigger if you attacked with a creature during the turn. This mechanic encourages aggressive gameplay and rewards swift, decisive strikes.

Delve (Sultai Brood)

Delve allows you to exile cards from your graveyard to pay for the mana cost of a spell. This mechanic enables powerful plays and rewards efficient graveyard management.

Ferocious (Temur Frontier)

Ferocious abilities trigger if you control a creature with power 4 or greater. This mechanic rewards big creatures and aggressive strategies.

The Impact of *Khans of Tarkir* on Magic: The Gathering

The *Khans of Tarkir* block had a significant impact on Magic: The Gathering, introducing new mechanics, strategies, and characters that continue to resonate with players today.

A Beloved Set

*Khans of Tarkir* is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential sets in Magic’s history. Its unique setting, compelling storyline, and innovative mechanics made it an instant classic.

Lasting Legacy

The clans of Tarkir continue to be featured in Magic products, showcasing their enduring appeal and relevance. From reprints of iconic cards to new storylines that explore their history and future, the Tarkir clans remain a beloved part of the Magic: The Gathering universe.

Top Products Featuring the Tarkir Clans

The Tarkir clans have been featured in a variety of Magic: The Gathering products. The set *Khans of Tarkir* is an excellent place to begin understanding the mechanics and playstyles of each clan.

Commander Decks

Many preconstructed Commander decks highlight the color combinations and themes of the clans. These are a great way to experience the clans in a multiplayer format.

Secret Lairs

Secret Lair drops occasionally feature cards with artwork inspired by the Tarkir clans, offering unique and collectible versions of popular cards.

Detailed Feature Analysis of Tarkir Clan Cards

The clans of Tarkir have some very strong cards. Each card synergizes and makes the clan’s playstyle better.

Anafenza, the Foremost (Abzan)

*What it is:* A legendary creature with abilities that prevent opponents from returning creatures from their graveyard and buffs your own creatures. *How it works:* Anafenza exiles creature cards that would be put into an opponent’s graveyard from the battlefield. She also gives +1/+1 counters to attacking creatures you control. *User Benefit:* Provides graveyard hate, disrupting reanimator strategies and strengthens your own board presence. *Quality/Expertise:* Her design is expertly crafted to shut down graveyard strategies while boosting your own creatures, making her a powerful card in various formats.

Narset, Enlightened Master (Jeskai)

*What it is:* A legendary planeswalker that allows you to cast noncreature spells from the top of your library for free when she attacks. *How it works:* Narset has first strike and hexproof, making her difficult to block or target. When she attacks, you exile the top four cards of your library and can cast noncreature spells from among them without paying their mana costs. *User Benefit:* Provides card advantage and allows you to cast powerful spells for free, overwhelming your opponents. *Quality/Expertise:* Her design creates explosive turns and rewards strategic deckbuilding, making her a favorite among combo and control players.

Zurgo Bellstriker (Mardu)

*What it is:* A cheap, aggressive creature that can quickly apply pressure to your opponents. *How it works:* Zurgo Bellstriker is a one-mana creature with haste and cannot block. *User Benefit:* Allows you to deal damage quickly and pressure your opponents early in the game. *Quality/Expertise:* His design is simple yet effective, making him a staple in aggressive decks that seek to end the game quickly.

Sidisi, Brood Tyrant (Sultai)

*What it is:* A legendary creature that mills your own library and creates Zombie tokens. *How it works:* Whenever Sidisi enters the battlefield or attacks, you mill three cards. If you mill any creature cards, you create a 2/2 black Zombie token. *User Benefit:* Fills your graveyard for delve and reanimation strategies while generating tokens for board presence. *Quality/Expertise:* Her design synergizes perfectly with graveyard-based strategies, making her a powerful enabler for Sultai decks.

Surrak Dragonclaw (Temur)

*What it is:* A legendary creature that grants trample to your other creatures and makes your creatures uncounterable. *How it works:* Surrak Dragonclaw has trample and makes other creatures you control unable to be countered. *User Benefit:* Ensures your creatures can deal damage and prevents opponents from disrupting your game plan. *Quality/Expertise:* His design is straightforward yet impactful, making him a valuable asset in aggressive and midrange Temur decks.

Significant Advantages, Benefits & Real-World Value of Tarkir Clans

Understanding the Tarkir clans provides a framework for strategic deckbuilding and gameplay. Each clan offers a unique playstyle and set of strengths, allowing players to tailor their decks to their preferred strategies.

Strategic Deckbuilding

The clans’ color combinations and mechanics provide a foundation for building powerful and synergistic decks. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each clan, players can create decks that are well-suited to their play style.

Enhanced Gameplay

Knowing the clans’ strategies and mechanics allows players to anticipate their opponents’ moves and make informed decisions during gameplay. This leads to a more engaging and strategic experience.

Deeper Appreciation of Magic Lore

The Tarkir clans offer a rich and compelling lore experience. By understanding their history, philosophy, and cultural values, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the world of Magic: The Gathering.

Comprehensive & Trustworthy Review: The Enduring Appeal of Tarkir Clans

The Tarkir clans remain a beloved part of the Magic: The Gathering universe, offering a unique blend of strategy, lore, and visual appeal.

User Experience & Usability

Playing with and against the Tarkir clans is generally a smooth and enjoyable experience. The clans’ mechanics are well-defined and easy to understand, making them accessible to players of all skill levels. The visual design of the cards and the world of Tarkir is also highly appealing, creating an immersive and engaging experience.

Performance & Effectiveness

The clans’ strategies and mechanics are effective in a variety of formats, from casual play to competitive tournaments. Each clan offers a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, allowing players to tailor their decks to their preferred play style. The clans’ cards are also generally well-balanced, ensuring that no single clan dominates the meta.

Pros

* **Unique and Engaging Mechanics:** The clans’ mechanics are innovative and add depth to gameplay.
* **Compelling Lore:** The world of Tarkir and the history of the clans are richly detailed and captivating.
* **Strategic Deckbuilding Opportunities:** The clans’ color combinations and mechanics provide a foundation for building powerful and synergistic decks.
* **Accessible to Players of All Skill Levels:** The clans’ mechanics are well-defined and easy to understand.
* **Visually Appealing:** The cards and the world of Tarkir are beautifully designed.

Cons/Limitations

* **Some Mechanics Can Be Complex:** While generally accessible, some of the clans’ mechanics, such as Delve, can be challenging for new players to master.
* **Power Level Varies:** The power level of the clans’ cards can vary depending on the format and the meta.
* **Limited Availability:** Some of the clans’ cards can be difficult to acquire, especially older cards.

Ideal User Profile

The Tarkir clans are ideal for players who enjoy strategic deckbuilding, engaging lore, and visually appealing cards. They are also well-suited for players who appreciate a balance between casual and competitive gameplay.

Key Alternatives

Other sets and blocks in Magic: The Gathering offer similar experiences to the Tarkir clans. The Ravnica guilds, for example, also feature unique color combinations and mechanics. The Shards of Alara block offers a similar focus on three-color combinations.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation

The Tarkir clans are a must-experience for any Magic: The Gathering player. Their unique mechanics, compelling lore, and strategic deckbuilding opportunities make them a standout part of the game’s history. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive grinder, the Tarkir clans offer something for everyone. I highly recommend exploring the world of Tarkir and discovering the power of its five factions.

Insightful Q&A Section

Q: What is the best Tarkir clan for beginners?

A: The Mardu Horde is often recommended for beginners due to its straightforward aggressive strategy and easy-to-understand mechanics. The Raid mechanic rewards attacking, which is a fundamental aspect of Magic: The Gathering.

Q: Which Tarkir clan is the most powerful in Commander?

A: The Sultai Brood is generally considered one of the most powerful clans in Commander due to its access to powerful graveyard strategies, card draw, and control elements. The Delve mechanic allows for explosive plays and efficient use of resources.

Q: How do the Tarkir clans compare to the Ravnica guilds?

A: Both the Tarkir clans and the Ravnica guilds offer unique color combinations and mechanics, but they differ in their overall themes and gameplay styles. The Tarkir clans are more focused on individual strength and adaptation, while the Ravnica guilds are more focused on societal structures and organized conflict.

Q: What is the significance of the dragon’s absence on Tarkir?

A: The absence of dragons on Tarkir profoundly shaped the identities of the five clans, forcing them to adapt and evolve in the absence of a dominant force. This absence led to the development of unique cultural traditions, combat styles, and philosophical beliefs.

Q: What is the Ferocious mechanic?

A: Ferocious is a mechanic associated with the Temur Frontier that provides a benefit if you control a creature with power 4 or greater. This mechanic rewards playing large creatures and encourages aggressive strategies.

Q: What is the Outlast mechanic?

A: Outlast is a mechanic associated with the Abzan Houses that allows you to pay a cost and tap a creature to give it a +1/+1 counter. This mechanic emphasizes long-term value and strategic board development.

Q: What is the Prowess mechanic?

A: Prowess is a mechanic associated with the Jeskai Way that grants a creature +1/+1 until end of turn whenever you cast a noncreature spell. This mechanic rewards aggressive spellcasting and evasive tactics.

Q: What is the Raid mechanic?

A: Raid is a mechanic associated with the Mardu Horde that provides a benefit if you attacked with a creature during the turn. This mechanic encourages aggressive gameplay and rewards swift, decisive strikes.

Q: What is the Delve mechanic?

A: Delve is a mechanic associated with the Sultai Brood that allows you to exile cards from your graveyard to pay for the mana cost of a spell. This mechanic enables powerful plays and rewards efficient graveyard management.

Q: Where can I learn more about the lore of the Tarkir clans?

A: The official Magic: The Gathering website and various online resources offer detailed information about the lore of the Tarkir clans. You can also explore the *Khans of Tarkir* block’s storyline and character biographies for a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of the Tarkir Clans

The Tarkir clans represent a fascinating and enduring aspect of Magic: The Gathering. Their unique mechanics, compelling lore, and strategic depth make them a rewarding experience for players of all levels. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each clan, you can unlock new strategies, enhance your gameplay, and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of the Magic universe. In our experience, exploring the Tarkir clans provides a unique lens through which to appreciate the intricate design of Magic: The Gathering. Share your experiences with the Tarkir clans in the comments below, and explore our advanced guide to deckbuilding strategies for more in-depth tips and techniques.