MTG: Lore of the Multiverse – Clans of Tarkir
Sarkhan brought the dragon lords back to his home plane. But before the Dragons, there were the Clans of Tarkir.
Welcome, Praetors and Planeswalkers, to our ongoing series about the people and places that help make Magic the Gathering incredible. From great heroes and deadly villains to gorgeous locales, the Multiverse constantly evolves to keep the game fresh. Even if you don’t know anything about the story, all the background drives your favorite cards from place to place. You can check out all the previous MTG goodness over here.
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Tarkir is a land of dragons and heroes, but it wasn’t always so. Before Sarkhan cracked time to rescue Ugin from Bolas, the dragons were all extinct. In their absence, five clans had risen to maintain control over the tumultuous plane. However, even in the absence of their winged lords, the clans of Tarkir followed the tenets of the ancient dragons. They have even based their symbols off a part of the dragon that they wish to emulate.
Abazan (Green/White/Black)
Occupying the unforgiving deserts of Tarkir, the noble Abazan houses believe that survival is afforded to those with the will to face impossible odds. They pride themselves on their strength of character and tenacity and, as such, have taken the Scale of the Dragon as their symbol. Family is of utmost importance to the Abzan, and their warriors fight in tight-knit, highly trained groups. This reliance on family has also turned them a bit xenophobic, and they are very distrustful of strangers. The Abzan design is based on the Persian Empire from modern-day Iran.
Jeskai (Red/White/Blue)
Dotted across the lakes and waterways of Tarkir are the settlements of the monastic Jeskai Way. These mystics value strategy over strength and spend countless hours honing themselves and their strategies. They follow the tenets of cunning and intellect and often weave magic into their martial arts. They cling closest to the teaching of Ugin, utilizing the “Fires of Enlightenment” in their teachings. The Jeskai believe it is their right and duty to preserve knowledge on the plane, and they have taken the Eye of the Dragon as their symbol. Their design is based on Chinese Shaolin Monks.
Khan: Narset
Sultai (Black/Blue/Green)
Deep in the swamps and jungles of Tarkir are the moldering temples and necropoli of the Sultai Brood. This sinister clan is the most ruthless of the khanates, and they revere the dragon as a hunter and tyrant. As such, they have taken the symbol of the Fang of the Dragon. A large section of the Sultai citizenry are nagas, and the snake-like creatures usually hold positions of power or influence. They are based on the Khmer of Cambodia, with the naga coming from Hindu mythology.
Khan: Sidisi
Mardu (Black/White/Red)
Occupying the sweeping steppes and plains of Tarkir are the nomadic Mardu. These warriors believe in strength and speed over all things, and they often commit lightning raids on the other clans for resources. This focus on speed led them to take the Wings of the Dragon as their symbol. They are warriors without equal, and much of their time is spent preparing for their next fight. The Mardu are heavily influenced by both feudal Japan and ancient Mongolians.
Khan: Zurgo Helmsmasher
Temur (Green/Red/Blue)
The mountains of Tarkir are harsh wastelands, and few living creatures can survive there. That matters little to the savage Temur, who make their home in the frozen tundra. The Temur pride themselves on their ferocity and have taken the Claw of the Dragon as their symbol. The Temur almost prevented Sarkhan from returning the dragons, and have been at war with his clan, the Mardu, for as long as anyone can remember. They are influenced by the shamanistic nomads of Siberia.
Khan: Surrak Dragonclaw
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