MTG Wiki
Register
Tag: Source edit
 
(318 intermediate revisions by 82 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{SubTabs
{{Infobox set|
 
  +
|sub1 = Card comparisons
|set name = Khans of Tarkir
 
  +
|sub2 = Event deck
|logo = [[File:Logo Khans of Tarkir.png|250 px]]
 
  +
|sub3 = Intro packs
|symbol = Symbol_Khans_of_Tarkir.png
 
  +
}}
|symbol description =Swords crossed on a shield
 
  +
{{Infobox set
|design team = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead)<BR>[[Mark L. Gottlieb]]<BR>[[Zac Hill]]<BR>[[Adam Lee]]<BR>[[Shawn Main]]<BR>[[Billy Moreno]]<BR>and [[Ken Nagle]]
 
  +
|image = Logo Khans of Tarkir.png
|development team = [[Erik Lauer]] (lead)<BR>[[Doug Beyer]]<BR>[[David Humpherys]]<BR>[[Tom LaPille]]<BR>Shawn Main<BR>and [[Adam Prosak]]<BR>with contributions from [[Matt Tabak]]
 
  +
|symbol_description = Swords crossed on a shield
|art director = [[Jeremy Jarvis]]
 
  +
|design = [[Mark Rosewater]] (lead)<br />[[Mark L. Gottlieb]]<br />[[Zac Hill]]<br />[[Adam Lee]]<br />[[Shawn Main]]<br />[[Billy Moreno]]<br />and [[Ken Nagle]]
|date_release = September 26, 2014
 
  +
|development = [[Erik Lauer]] (lead)<br />[[Doug Beyer]]<br />[[David Humpherys]]<br />[[Tom LaPille]]<br />Shawn Main<br />and [[Adam Prosak]]<br />with contributions from [[Matt Tabak]]
|mechanics = [[wedge]] colors
 
  +
|art = [[Jeremy Jarvis]]
|keywords = [[Delve]], [[Morph]], [[Outlast]], [[Prowess]], [[Raid]].
 
  +
|release = September 26, 2014
|size = 269 cards<BR><small>101 Commons, 80 Uncommons, 53 Rares, 15 Mythic Rares, 20 Basic Land</small>
 
  +
|plane = [[Tarkir]]
|code_expansion = KTK
 
  +
|mechanics = [[Wedge]] colors
|block name = Khans of Tarkir
 
  +
|keywords = [[Delve]], [[Ferocious]], [[Morph]], [[Outlast]], [[Prowess]], [[Raid]]
|first set = Khans of Tarkir
 
  +
|size = 269 cards<br /><small>101 Commons, 80 Uncommons, 53 Rares, 15 Mythic Rares, 20 Basic Land</small>
|second set =
 
  +
|code_expansion = KTK
|third set =
 
  +
|code_expansion_ref = [http://magic.wizards.com/en/content/khans-tarkir-card-set-archive-products-game-info Product info]
|previous set = [[Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning]]
 
  +
|code_development = Huey
|this set = Khans of Tarkir
 
|next set = [[Commander 2014]]
+
|series = [[Khans of Tarkir block]]
  +
|first = Khans of Tarkir
|}}
 
  +
|second = Fate Reforged
 
  +
|third = Dragons of Tarkir
'''Khans of Tarkir''' is the 65th ''[[Magic]]'' expansion, and the first in the [[Khans of Tarkir block]]. It is to be released on September 26, 2014. Khans of Tarkir is a [[large expansion]]. <ref>{{DailyRef|mtg/daily/arcana/1496|Announcing ''Khans of Tarkir''|[[Wizards of the Coast]]| May 19, 2014}}</ref>
 
  +
|previous = Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning
  +
|next = Commander 2014
  +
}}
  +
'''''Khans of Tarkir''''' is the 65th ''[[Magic]]'' expansion, and the first in the [[Khans of Tarkir block]]. It was released on September 26, 2014. ''Khans of Tarkir'' is a [[large expansion]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/announcing-khans-tarkir-2014-05-19|Announcing ''Khans of Tarkir''|[[Wizards of the Coast]]| May 19, 2014}}</ref>
   
 
==Set details==
 
==Set details==
  +
{{cquote|Raise your Banner}}
The set was previewed at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 26, 2014. [[Mark Rosewater]] (Magic head designer) moderated a panel featuring [[Mark Purvis]] (Magic director of global brand marketing), [[Doug Beyer]] (Magic senior creative designer), and [[Gavin Verhey]] (Magic designer). <ref>{{NewRef|san-diego-comic-con-2014-2014-07-11|San Diego Comic-Con 2014|Blake Rasmussen|July 11, 2014}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S3_oYCnBak|title=Magic Panel at SDCC|date=July 26, 2014|author=Wizards of the Coast (YouTube)}}</ref> <ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92947074373/all-the-goods-from-the-panel-part-1|title=All The Goods From The Panel, Part 1|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=July 26, 2014}}</ref> The Khans block will be Large-Small-Large with a unique draft structure (the small set is drafted with both large sets, but the large sets are never drafted together)<ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92957516773/what-do-you-mean-by-small-set-is-drafted-with-both|title=What do you mean by "small set is drafted with both large sets"?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=July 26, 2014}}</ref> and a time traveling element. The draft structure is the first thing from which this set was built <ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92958601513/how-early-in-tarkir-block-design-was-the-unique|title=How early in Tarkir Block design was the unique Large-Small-Large draft format set in stone?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=July 26, 2014}}</ref>
 
  +
''Khans of Tarkir'' is part of the Khans of Tarkir block, which is Large-Small-Large with a unique draft structure (the small set is drafted with both large sets, but the large sets are never drafted together) <ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92957516773/what-do-you-mean-by-small-set-is-drafted-with-both|title=What do you mean by "small set is drafted with both large sets"?|July 26, 2014}}</ref> and a time-traveling element. The draft structure is the first thing from which ''Khans of Tarkir'' set was built.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92958601513/how-early-in-tarkir-block-design-was-the-unique|title=How early in Tarkir Block design was the unique Large-Small-Large draft format set in stone?|July 26, 2014}}</ref>
   
''Khans of Tarkir'' contains 269 cards (20 basic lands, 101 commons, 80 uncommons, 53 rares, 15 mythic rares), and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards. Like ''[[Scourge]]'' before, the set is [[Dragon]] themed. The [[expansion symbol]] depicts crossed swords on a shield, similar to the symbol of ''[[Legions]]''.
+
''Khans of Tarkir'' contains 269 cards (20 basic lands,<ref>{{DailyRef|arc/tarkir-basically-2014-09-08|Tarkir, Basically|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 8, 2014}}</ref> 101 commons, 80 uncommons, 53 rares, 15 mythic rares), and includes randomly inserted [[premium]] versions of all cards. It is also the first set since ''[[Dragon's Maze]]'' to not have any Dragon creature cards. The [[expansion symbol]] depicts crossed swords on a shield, similar to the symbol of ''[[Legions]]''.
   
Because of changes in the [[block (sets)|block structure]], ''Khans of Tarkir'' will only be played in [[Standard]] for 18 months. <ref>{{NewRef|mm/metamorphosis|Metamorphosis|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 25, 2014}}</ref>
+
Because of post-release changes in the [[block]] structure in 2015, ''Khans of Tarkir'' was only played in [[Standard]] for 18 months.<ref>{{DailyRef|mm/metamorphosis|Metamorphosis|[[Mark Rosewater]]|August 25, 2014}}</ref>
   
 
===Storyline===
 
===Storyline===
  +
[[Tarkir]] is an embattled world of ambitious warlords and powerful clans that wage eternal war for supremacy over their plane in a conflict that spans a thousand years. Tarkir is also the home plane of [[Sarkhan Vol]]. The plane was previously inhabited by [[dragon]]s, all of whom were killed long before Sarkhan's time.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/khans-tarkir-trailer-video-2014-09-01|Khans of Tarkir Trailer Video|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|September 1, 2014 }}</ref> The clans each worship one aspect of the extinct dragons.<ref>{{DailyRef|planeswalkers-guide-khans-tarkir-part-1-2014-09-03|Planeswalker's Guide to Khans of Tarkir, Part 1|Magic Creative Team|September 3, 2014}}</ref>
[[Tarkir]] is the home of [[Sarkhan Vol]], and for ages has been ravaged by ambitious warlords. It was previously inhabited by [[dragons]], all of whom were killed during Sarkhan's period of servitude. The warlords are now restless once more. The clans each worship one aspect of extinct dragons. They will be represented through enemy wedge colors and aspects as follows:<ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92965186328/can-you-tell-us-about-which-color-each-clan-is-focused|title=Can you tell us about which color each clan is focused on?|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=July 26, 2014}}</ref> <ref>{{TumblrRef|author=MTG Talk|URL=http://mtg-talk.tumblr.com/post/92943400816/theblackstonebureau-the-5-clans|title=The five clans!|tumblr-title=MTG Talk|date=July 26, 2014}}</ref>
 
  +
:{| width="650"
 
  +
====Magic Story====
  +
{{main|Magic Story}}
  +
{| class="wikitable sortable"
  +
|-
  +
! Title !! Author !! Release Date !! Setting (plane) !! Featuring
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/madness-sarkhan-2014-08-27|The Madness of Sarkhan}} || [[Jennifer Clarke Wilkes]] || 2014-08-27 || [[Tarkir]], [[Jund]] || [[Sarkhan]], [[Zurgo]], [[Ugin]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/awakening-bear-2014-09-17|Awakening the Bear}} || [[Jennifer Clarke Wilkes]] || 2014-09-17 || [[Tarkir]] || [[Surrak]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/sorins-revelation-2014-09-24|Sorin's Revelation}} || [[Adam Lee]] || 2014-09-24 || [[Tarkir]] || [[Sorin Markov]], [[Temur]] warriors
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/taigams-scheming-2014-10-01|Taigam's Scheming}} || [[Matt Knicl]] || 2014-10-01 || [[Tarkir]] || [[Taigam]], [[Sultai Brood#Other members|Ebirri]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/way-mantis-2014-10-08|Way of the Mantis}} || [[Matt Knicl]] || 2014-10-08 || [[Tarkir]] || <c title="Kuhnde">Mantis Rider</c>
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/chensal-twins-2014-10-15|The Chensal Twins}} || [[Kimberly J. Kreines]] || 2014-10-15 || [[Tarkir]] || <c title="Kela & Dar">Dragon-Style Twins</c>, <c title="Ngabo">Jeskai Elder</c>
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/enlightened-2014-10-22|Enlightened}} || [[Matt Knicl]] || 2014-10-22 || [[Tarkir]] || [[Narset]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/salt-road-2014-11-12|The Salt Road}} || [[Jeremiah Isgur]] || 2014-11-12 ||[[Tarkir]] || The [[Mardu]] and [[Abzan]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|ur/mercy-2014-11-19|Mercy}} || [[Sam Stoddard]] || 2014-11-19 || [[Tarkir]] || [[Sidisi]]
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|uncharted-realms/victory-2014-11-26|Victory}} || [[Tom LaPille]] || 2014-11-26 || [[Tarkir]] || [[Zurgo]], <c title="Batar Throatslasher">Bloodsoaked Champion</c>
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|uncharted-realms/bond-and-blood-2014-12-03|Bond and Blood}} || [[Ari Levitch]] || 2014-12-03 || [[Tarkir]] || [[Anafenza]] <c title="Kwaro">High Sentinels of Arashin </c>, Gvar
  +
|-
  +
| {{ArticleArchive|uncharted-realms/journey-nexus-2014-12-10|Journey to the Nexus}} || [[Jennifer Clarke-Wilkes]] || 2014-12-10 || [[Tarkir]] || [[Sarkhan]], [[Narset]], [[Zurgo]]
  +
|}
  +
  +
===The clans===
  +
The clans are represented through the enemy [[wedge]] colors and aspects as follows:<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92965186328/can-you-tell-us-about-which-color-each-clan-is-focused|title=Can you tell us about which color each clan is focused on?|July 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{TumblrRef|author=MTG Talk|url=http://mtg-talk.tumblr.com/post/92943400816/theblackstonebureau-the-5-clans|title=The five clans!|tumblr=MTG Talk|date=July 26, 2014}}</ref>
  +
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Name !! Colors !! Dragon Aspect !! Mechanic !! Symbol !! Khan
 
! Name !! Colors !! Dragon Aspect !! Mechanic !! Symbol !! Khan
 
|-
 
|-
| The [[Abzan Houses]] || {{w}}{{b}}{{g}} || Endurance || [[Outlast]] || Scale of the dragon || Anafenza
+
| The [[Abzan Houses]] || {{mana|WBG}} || Endurance || [[Outlast]] || Scale of the dragon || <c>Anafenza, the Foremost</c>
 
|-
 
|-
| The [[Jeskai Way]] || {{u}}{{r}}{{w}} || Cunning || [[Prowess]] || Eye of the dragon || <c>Narset, Enlightened Master</c>
+
| The [[Jeskai Way]] || {{mana|URW}} || Cunning || [[Prowess]] || Eye of the dragon || <c>Narset, Enlightened Master</c>
 
|-
 
|-
| The [[Sultai Brood]] || {{b}}{{g}}{{u}} || Ruthlessness || [[Delve]] || Fang of the dragon || Sidisi
+
| The [[Sultai Brood]] || {{mana|BGU}} || Ruthlessness || [[Delve]] || Fang of the dragon || <c>Sidisi, Brood Tyrant</c>
 
|-
 
|-
| The [[Mardu Horde]] || {{r}}{{w}}{{b}} || Speed || [[Raid]] ||Wing of the dragon || <c>Zurgo Helmsmasher</c>
+
| The [[Mardu Horde]] || {{mana|RWB}} || Speed || [[Raid]] ||Wing of the dragon || <c>Zurgo Helmsmasher</c>
 
|-
 
|-
| The [[Temur Frontier]] || {{g}}{{u}}{{r}} || Savagery || || Claw of the dragon || Surrak Dragonclaw
+
| The [[Temur Frontier]] || {{mana|GUR}} || Savagery || [[Ferocious]] || Claw of the dragon || <c>Surrak Dragonclaw</c>
|
 
 
|}
 
|}
  +
  +
Notice that while the [[shard]]s of [[Alara]] were centered around the color that had both allies, the wedges of Tarkir are not built around the color that has the two enemies. When the design team built the clans to match the flavor of the dragon attributes and the creative take on the clans, they found that they centered not on the enemy color but on one of the ally colors. It was said that everything worked so naturally, that they felt it was best to leave it be and not force it another way.<ref name="Khan do 1">{{DailyRef|khan-do-attitude-part-1-2014-09-01|Khan Do Attitude, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 1, 2014}}</ref> By shifting the mana costs such that the enemy pairs were sitting next to each other in mana costs, it became a little easier to recognize that each wedge was made up of two enemy-color combinations.<ref name="Khan do 2">{{DailyRef|mm/khan-do-attitude-part-2-2014-09-08|Khan Do Attitude, Part 2|[[Mark Rosewater]]|September 8, 2014}}</ref> Small hints were placed through this set and the next towards the clans having a primary color and that the enemy color was least relevant and due to be removed. When the third set of the block was released, it became clear that the parallel of the alternate timeline clans were ally-colored. This was achieved by dropping the enemy color and appeared to be the real reason that the wedges of ''Khans'' were centered on an allied color.<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/imagine-dragons-part-1-2015-03-02|Imagine Dragons, Part 1|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/120060480488/now-that-tarkir-block-is-concluded-can-you|title=Can you finally tell us why the clans were centered in an ally color?|May 27, 2015}}</ref>
  +
  +
The clans are recognized by the use of [[watermark]]s on the cards.
   
 
===Marketing===
 
===Marketing===
A preview of the set's artwork was aired during [[Pro Tour]] ''[[Journey into Nyx]]'', following the quarterfinal rounds.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpXwpmm8GXQ | title = Announcing Khans of Tarkir | author = Magic: The Gathering | date = May 18, 2014}}</ref> In it [[Mark Rosewater]] announced the return of something "that people have been asking [ [[WotC|Wizards]] ] to do for quite a while [...] after a long absence from magic" as well as the introduction of something that has been requested for a long time but had never been done before. These elements turned out to be [[morph]] and [[wedge]]s, respectively.
+
A preview of the set's artwork was aired during [[Pro Tour]] ''[[Journey into Nyx]]'', following the quarterfinal rounds.<ref>{{WebRef | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpXwpmm8GXQ | title = Announcing Khans of Tarkir | author = Magic: The Gathering | date = May 18, 2014}}</ref> In it [[Mark Rosewater]] (''Magic'' head designer) announced the return of something "that people have been asking [ [[WotC|Wizards]] ] to do for quite a while [...] after a long absence from magic" as well as the introduction of something that has been requested for a long time but had never been done before. These elements turned out to be [[morph]] and [[wedge]]s, respectively, when the set was previewed at San Diego [[Comic-Con]] on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Mark Rosewater moderated a panel featuring [[Mark Purvis]] (''Magic'' director of global brand marketing), [[Doug Beyer]] (''Magic'' senior creative designer), and [[Gavin Verhey]] (''Magic'' designer).<ref>{{DailyRef|san-diego-comic-con-2014-2014-07-11|San Diego Comic-Con 2014|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{WebRef|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S3_oYCnBak|title=Magic Panel at SDCC|date=July 26, 2014|author=Wizards of the Coast (YouTube)}}</ref><ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92947074373/all-the-goods-from-the-panel-part-1|title=All The Goods From The Panel, Part 1|July 26, 2014}}</ref>
  +
  +
''Khans of Tarkir'' is sold in 16-card [[boosters]] (one card being a [[marketing card]]), five [[intro pack]]s, one [[event deck]] and a [[fat pack]]. The boosters feature artwork from <c>Sidisi, Brood Tyrant</c>, <c>Narset, Enlightened Master</c>, <c>Unyielding Krumar</c>, <c>War-Name Aspirant</c> and <c>Dragon Grip</c>.<ref>{{DailyRef|khans-tarkir-packaging-2014-09-02|Khans of Tarkir Packaging|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 2, 2014}}</ref> As of ''Khans of Tarkir'', the face cards in Intro Packs will not just be premium rare cards, but [[alternate art]] premium rare cards that won't be found in booster packs.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/revealed-gamescom|Revealed at Gamescom|Dan Barrett|August 15, 2014}}</ref>
   
''Khans of Tarkir'' will be sold in 16-card [[boosters]] (one card being a [[marketing card]]), five [[intro pack]]s, one [[event deck]] and a [[fat pack]]. As of ''Khans of Tarkir'', the face cards in Intro Packs will not just be premium rare cards, but [[alternate art]] premium rare cards that won't be found in booster packs. <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/revealed-gamescom|Revealed at Gamescom|Dan Barrett|August 15, 2014}}</ref>
 
 
====Prerelease====
 
====Prerelease====
The ''Khans of Tarkir'' prerelease endorses the player to affiliate with their [[clan]]. You choose your clan for the prerelease. Each clan prerelease pack comes with a clan pin and a clan sticker. The prerelease pack further contains 5 regular [[booster pack]]s, 1 seeded booster pack, 1 [[premium]] [[promo card]], 1 activity insert and 1 [[Spindown life counter]]. ''Khans of Tarkir'' will feature 40 prerelease cards {{-}} one dated and stamped prerelease card random from a pool of eight for each Clan pack. One of which will be the Khan. "Raise your banner": when a game is won, players can put their sticker on the clan banner in the store, to show off how many battles each clan has won. <ref>{{TumblrRef|author=[[Mark Rosewater]]|URL=http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92953145433/all-the-goods-from-the-panel-part-2|title=All The Goods From The Panel, Part 2|tumblr-title=Blogatog|date=July 26, 2014}}</ref>
+
The ''Khans of Tarkir'' prerelease encouraged the player to affiliate with their [[clan]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/khans-tarkir-prerelease-primer-2014-09-15|Khans of Tarkir Prerelease Primer|[[Gavin Verhey]]|September 15, 2014}}</ref> You choose your clan for the prerelease. Each clan prerelease pack comes with a clan button and a clan sticker. The prerelease pack further contains 5 regular [[booster pack]]s, 1 seeded booster pack, 1 [[premium]] [[promo card]], 1 clan information card, 1 activity insert and 1 [[Spindown life counter]]. ''Khans of Tarkir'' will feature 40 prerelease cards {{-}} one dated and stamped prerelease card random from a pool of eight for each Clan pack. One of which will be the Khan. "Raise your banner": when a game is won, players can put their sticker on the clan banner in the store, to show off how many battles each clan has won.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/92953145433/all-the-goods-from-the-panel-part-2|title=All The Goods From The Panel, Part 2|July 26, 2014}}</ref>
   
 
====Promotional cards====
 
====Promotional cards====
  +
*[[Launch promo]]: <c>Dragon Throne of Tarkir</c> <ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/khans-tarkir-promos-2014-09-04|Khans of Tarkir Promos|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 4, 2014}}</ref>
* [[Prerelease cards|Prerelease]], one of forty according to the chosen clan: <c>Zurgo Helmsmasher</c> etc.
 
*[[Launch promo]]: <c>Dragon Throne of Tarkir</c>
+
*[[Game Day]]: [[full-art]] <c>Heir of the Wilds</c>
*[[Game Day]]: [[full-art]] TBA
+
*Game Day (Top 8): full-art <c>Utter End</c>
  +
*[[Buy-a-Box]]: <c>Rattleclaw Mystic</c>
*Game Day (Top 8): full-art TBA
 
  +
*[[Prerelease cards|Prerelease]], one of forty according to the chosen clan:
*[[Booster box promo cards|Buy-a-Box]]: <c>Rattleclaw Mystic</c>
 
   
  +
{{KTK prerelease cards}}
====Tokens====
 
  +
The sixteenth card in the boosters is a [[token]] creature card, with advertisements on the back side.<BR>
 
  +
====Tokens, emblems and overlay cards====
TBA
 
  +
[[File:Morph Overlay card.jpeg|right|thumb|Morph overlay card.]]
  +
The sixteenth card in the boosters can be a [[token]], [[emblem]], or [[overlay card]], with an advertisement on the backside. The overlay card can be used on [[face-down]] Morph cards to remind players of their [[Power/Toughness|power and toughness]] and that it can be turned face-up for its Morph cost.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/mechanics-khans-tarkir|Mechanics of Khans of Tarkir|[[Matt Tabak]]|August 31, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/tokens-tarkir-2014-09-10|Tokens of Tarkir|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 10, 2014}}</ref>
  +
  +
# {{W}} 3/4 [[Bird]] for <c>Wingmate Roc</c>
  +
# {{W}} 1/1 [[Spirit]] with [[flying]] for <c>Abzan Ascendancy</c>
  +
# {{W}} 1/1 [[Warrior]] for <c>Herald of Anafenza</c>, <c>Mardu Charm</c>, <c>Mardu Hordechief</c> and <c>Take Up Arms</c>
  +
# {{W}} 1/1 Warrior (alternate art) for the same
  +
# {{B}} 2/2 [[Vampire]] with flying for <c>Sorin, Solemn Visitor</c>
  +
# {{B}} 2/2 [[Zombie]] for <c>Sidisi, Brood Tyrant</c> and <c>Empty the Pits</c>
  +
# {{R}} 1/1 [[Goblin]] for <c>Goblinslide</c>, <c>Hordeling Outburst</c>, <c>Mardu Ascendancy</c> and <c>Ponyback Brigade</c>
  +
# {{G}} 4/4 [[Bear]] for <c>Bear's Companion</c>
  +
# {{G}} 1/1 [[Snake]] for <c>Hooded Hydra</c> and <c>Rite of the Serpent</c>
  +
# {{B/G}} */* Spirit Warrior for <c>Kin-Tree Invocation</c>
  +
# {{card|Morph||TKTK}} overlay card
  +
# {{Emblem|Sarkhan, the Dragonspeaker|KTK}}
  +
# {{Emblem|Sorin, Solemn Visitor|KTK}}
   
 
==Themes and mechanics==
 
==Themes and mechanics==
The set centers around [[wedge]] colors. Each clan features their own mechanic. In addition all clans feature [[morph]].
+
The set centers around [[wedge]] colors. Each clan features its mechanic. In addition all clans feature [[morph]].<ref name="Khan do 2"/><ref>{{DailyRef|ld/developing-khans-tarkir-2014-09-12|Developing Khans of Tarkir|[[Sam Stoddard]]|September 12, 2014}}</ref>
* The Abzan [[keyword action]] is [[Outlast]] (''(cost), {{t}}: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Outlast only as a sorcery.)''. Cards may have an additional ability whenever you activate the outlast ability.
+
*The Abzan [[keyword]] is '''[[Outlast]]''' (''(cost), {{T}}: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Outlast only as a sorcery.)''. Cards may gain additional abilities when they get a +1/+1 counter.
* The Jeskai [[keyword]] is [[Prowess]]: ''(whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn)''.
+
*The Jeskai keyword is '''[[Prowess]]''': ''(whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn)''.
* The Sultai keyword is the cost-reduction [[Delve]], introduced in ''[[Future Sight]]'': ''(You may exile any number of cards from your graveyard as you cast this spell. It costs {{1}} less to cast for each card exiled this way)''.
+
*The Sultai keyword is the alternative payment method '''[[Delve]]''', first seen in ''[[Future Sight]]'' (changed, like convoke, from previous rules as a cost reduction): ''(Each card you exile from your graveyard while casting this spell pays for {{1}})''.<ref>{{DailyRef|delving-pits-2014-09-05|Delving the Pits|[[Sam Stoddard]]|September 5, 2014}}</ref>
* The Mardu [[ability word]] [[Raid]] and related cards are all based around a very fast, aggressive strategy for winning. Raid gives an advantageous effect if you have attacked with a creature the same turn.
+
*The Mardu [[ability word]] '''[[Raid]]''' and related cards are all based around a very fast, aggressive strategy for winning. Raid gives an advantageous effect if you have attacked with a creature the same turn.
  +
*The Temur ability word is '''[[Ferocious]]''', which gives the player an advantageous effect if they control a creature with power 4 or greater while attacking with a creature with [[Ferocious]] or casting a spell with it.
  +
The set also features a minor {{W}}{{B}} [[warrior]] [[tribal]] theme.<ref>{{EzTumblr|http://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/106754529198/you-missed-my-ask-on-my-actual-birthday-so-asking|title=Any trivia on my favourite theme, tribal?|December 31, 2014}}</ref>
  +
===Phooey and "Borph"===
  +
During design, an alternate version of ''Khans of Tarkir'' (nicknamed "Phooey" ) was considered. It featured a new mechanic that was very similar to morph but instead of three mana to cast the 2/2 face-down creature it cost two mana. [[R&D]] nicknamed that mechanic "borph" as in "bear morph" because [[Prototype creature/Bears|Bears]] are [[slang]] for a [[vanilla]] 2/2 with a [[converted mana cost]] of 2.<ref>{{DailyRef|archive/making-magic/phooey-2015-05-11|Phooey|[[Mark Rosewater]]|May 11, 2015}}</ref> With some modifications, "borph" eventually became the effect [[megamorph]] for ''Dragons of Tarkir.''
   
 
==Cycles==
 
==Cycles==
''Khans of Tarkir'' has at least three cycles.
+
''Khans of Tarkir'' has thirteen cycles.
  +
{| class="wikitable"
* '''Clan leaders''': five [[mythic rare]] [[legendary]] [[creature]]s that have a cost that includes CDE, where CDE are [[wedge]] colors {{-}} <c>Zurgo Helmsmasher</c>
 
  +
! Cycle name
* '''Wedgelands (or Trilands)''': five [[uncommon]] [[triple land]]s comes into play tapped and can be tapped for one of three colors of mana. These are a wedge version of ''[[Shards of Alara]]''{{'}}s [[shardlands]] {{-}} <c>Mystic Monastery</c>, <c>Nomad Outpost</c>
 
  +
! {{W}}
*'''Charms''': Each of these uncommon [[instant]]s costs CDE and has three [[modal|modes]] {{-}} <c>Abzan Charm</c>, <c>Jeskai Charm</c>, <c>Mardu Charm</c>, <c>Sultai Charm</c>, and <c>Temur Charm</c>.
 
  +
! {{U}}
  +
! {{B}}
  +
! {{R}}
  +
! {{G}}
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Reveal Morphers'''
  +
|{{card|Watcher of the Roost||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Dragon's Eye Savants||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Ruthless Ripper||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Horde Ambusher||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Temur Charger||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five [[uncommon]] creatures with [[morph]] that can be turned face up by revealing a card of the same color and have a turned-face-up ability.<ref>{{DailyRef|li/five-little-morphlings-2014-09-03|Five Little Morphlings|[[Marshall Sutcliffe]]|September 3, 2014}}</ref> Each are the primary color of their clan.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Enemy-colored commons'''
  +
|{{card|Mardu Hateblade||KTK}} {{B}} <hr/> {{card|Firehoof Cavalry||KTK}} {{R}}
  +
|{{card|Scaldkin||KTK}} {{R}} <hr/> {{card|Embodiment of Spring||KTK}} {{G}}
  +
|{{card|Kheru Dreadmaw||KTK}} {{G}} <hr/> {{card|Unyielding Krumar||KTK}} {{W}}
  +
|{{card|Leaping Master||KTK}} {{W}} <hr/> {{card|Bloodfire Mentor||KTK}} {{U}}
  +
|{{card|Smoke Teller||KTK}} {{U}} <hr/> {{card|Archers' Parapet||KTK}} {{B}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Ten common cards that have an ability that requires an enemy color.
  +
|-
  +
! Cycle name
  +
! {{W}}{{U}}
  +
! {{U}}{{B}}
  +
! {{B}}{{R}}
  +
! {{R}}{{G}}
  +
! {{G}}{{W}}
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''[[Allied color]] [[fetch land]]s'''
  +
|{{card|Flooded Strand||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Polluted Delta||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Bloodstained Mire||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Wooded Foothills||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Windswept Heath||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five [[rare]] [[land]]s that can be sacrificed along with a payment of 1 life to search for a land with one of two basic land types. Reprinted from [[Onslaught]].
  +
|-
  +
! Cycle name
  +
! {{W}}{{B}}
  +
! {{U}}{{R}}
  +
! {{B}}{{G}}
  +
! {{R}}{{W}}
  +
! {{G}}{{U}}
  +
|-
  +
| rowspan="2" |'''Enemy-colored rares'''
  +
|{{Card|Utter End||KTK}}
  +
|{{Card|Mindswipe||KTK}}
  +
|{{Card|Rakshasa Deathdealer||KTK|#=192}}
  +
|{{Card|Deflecting Palm||KTK}}
  +
|{{Card|Sagu Mauler||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
| colspan="5" |Five rare enemy-colored cards, each with simple yet strong effects or abilities. Each uses the secondary and tertiary colors of the clans.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Enemy-colored uncommons double-cycle'''
  +
|{{card|Chief of the Scale||KTK}} <hr/> {{card|Chief of the Edge||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Master the Way||KTK}} <hr/> {{card|Winterflame||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Death Frenzy||KTK}} <hr/> {{card|Kin-Tree Invocation||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Ride Down||KTK}} <hr/> {{card|Highspire Mantis||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Icefeather Aven||KTK}} <hr/> {{card|Secret Plans||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five pairs of enemy-colored cards, each flavored one apiece per clan of these colors. The top row uses the primary and tertiary colors, while the bottom uses the secondary and tertiary colors.
  +
|-
  +
! Cycle name
  +
! {{W}}{{B}}{{G}}
  +
! {{U}}{{R}}{{W}}
  +
! {{B}}{{G}}{{U}}
  +
! {{R}}{{W}}{{B}}
  +
! {{G}}{{U}}{{R}}
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Khans'''
  +
|{{card|Anafenza, the Foremost||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Narset, Enlightened Master||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Sidisi, Brood Tyrant||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Zurgo Helmsmasher||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Surrak Dragonclaw||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five [[mythic rare]] [[legendary]] [[creature]]s that have a cost that includes MNO, where MNO are [[wedge]] colors.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Ascendancies'''
  +
|{{card|Abzan Ascendancy||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Jeskai Ascendancy||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Sultai Ascendancy||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Mardu Ascendancy||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Temur Ascendancy||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five rare [[enchantment]]s costing MNO.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Rare wedge-colored creatures'''
  +
|{{card|Ivorytusk Fortress||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Sage of the Inward Eye||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Rakshasa Vizier||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Ankle Shanker||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Avalanche Tusker||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five rare creatures that cost 2MNO, where MNO are wedge colors, and have a repeatable triggered ability.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Common wedge-colored morphers'''
  +
|{{card|Abzan Guide||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Efreet Weaponmaster||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Abomination of Gudul||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Ponyback Brigade||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Snowhorn Rider||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five common creatures that cost 3MNO and has a morph cost of 2MNO, where MNO are wedge colors.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Wedgelands'''
  +
|{{card|Sandsteppe Citadel||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Mystic Monastery||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Opulent Palace||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Nomad Outpost||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Frontier Bivouac||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon [[triple land]]s that come into play tapped and can be tapped for one of three colors of mana. These are a wedge version of ''[[Shards of Alara]]'s'' [[triple land]]s.<ref>{{DailyRef|arc/khans-tarkir-tri-lands-2014-09-05|The Khans of Tarkir Tri-Lands|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 5, 2014}}</ref>
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''[[Charm]]s'''
  +
|{{card|Abzan Charm||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Jeskai Charm||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Sultai Charm||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Mardu Charm||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Temur Charm||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon [[instant]]s that cost MNO and have three [[modal|modes]], the first of which is a removal effect in the primary clan color.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Uncommon wedge-colored creatures'''
  +
|{{card|Armament Corps||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Warden of the Eye||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Sultai Soothsayer||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Mardu Roughrider||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Bear's Companion||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|Five uncommon creatures that cost 2MNO, where MNO are wedge colors. All but one of them have enter-the-battlefield abilities.
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Banners'''
  +
|{{card|Abzan Banner||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Jeskai Banner||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Sultai Banner||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Mardu Banner||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Temur Banner||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="5"|These five [[common]] [[artifact]]s costing {{3}} reproduce the [[Dragon's Maze]] cycle of cluestones, producing any of three enemy colors of mana and sacrifice for them to draw a card.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/raise-your-banner-2014-09-09|Raise Your Banner|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 9, 2014}}</ref>
  +
|}
  +
{| class="wikitable"
  +
! Cycle name
  +
! {{W}}{{U}}
  +
! {{U}}{{B}}
  +
! {{B}}{{R}}
  +
! {{R}}{{G}}
  +
! {{G}}{{W}}
  +
! {{W}}{{B}}
  +
! {{U}}{{R}}
  +
! {{B}}{{G}}
  +
! {{R}}{{W}}
  +
! {{G}}{{U}}
  +
|-
  +
|rowspan="2"|'''Life-gain [[Tapland]]s'''
  +
|{{card|Tranquil Cove||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Dismal Backwater||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Bloodfell Caves||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Rugged Highlands||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Blossoming Sands||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Scoured Barrens||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Swiftwater Cliffs||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Jungle Hollow||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Wind-Scarred Crag||KTK}}
  +
|{{card|Thornwood Falls||KTK}}
  +
|-
  +
|colspan="10"|Ten multi-color common lands that enter the battlefield tapped, gain the controller one life, and can tap for 2 different colors of mana. The allied color ones are functional reprints of the [[Zendikar#Cycles|Refuge cycle]] in [[Zendikar]].<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/developing-khans-2014-09-08|Developing Khans|[[Erik Lauer]]|September 8, 2014}}</ref>
  +
|}
  +
  +
===Pairs===
  +
''Khans of Tarkir'' has one [[matched pair]].
  +
  +
{| class="wikitable"
  +
|-
  +
! colspan="2"|Matched Pairs
  +
!Description
  +
|-
  +
|{{card|Chief of the Edge||KTK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{W}}{{B}})}}
  +
|{{card|Chief of the Scale||KTK}} <br/> {{nowrap|({{W}}{{B}})}}
  +
|[[Warrior]]s which cost {{W}}{{B}}. They have mirrored stats (3/2 vs. 2/3) and bonuses (+1/+0 vs. +0/+1) that they grant to other warriors you control.
  +
|}
   
==Mirrored pairs==
 
TBA
 
 
==Reprinted cards==
 
==Reprinted cards==
  +
*<c>Act of Treason</c>, first printed in ''[[Magic 2010]]'', last seen in ''[[Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning]]''.
TBA
 
  +
*<c>Arc Lightning</c>, first printed in ''[[Urza's Saga]]'', last seen in ''[[Planechase]]''.
  +
*<c>Bloodstained Mire</c>, first printed in ''[[Onslaught]]''.
  +
*<c>Cancel</c>, first printed in ''[[Time Spiral]]'', last seen in ''[[Magic 2015]]''.
  +
*<c>Crippling Chill</c>, first printed in ''[[Avacyn Restored]]''.
  +
*<c>Despise</c>, first printed in ''[[New Phyrexia]]''.
  +
*<c>Erase</c>, first printed in ''[[Urza's Legacy]]'', last seen in ''[[Magic 2013]]''.
  +
*<c>Flooded Strand</c>, first printed in ''Onslaught''.
  +
*<c>Incremental Growth</c>, first printed in ''[[Lorwyn]]'', last seen in ''[[Modern Masters]]''.
  +
*<c>Naturalize</c>, first printed in ''Onslaught'', last seen in ''Magic 2015''.
  +
*<c>Polluted Delta</c>, first printed in ''Onslaught''.
  +
*<c>Seek the Horizon</c>, first printed in ''[[Saviors of Kamigawa]]'', last seen in ''[[Return to Ravnica]]''.
  +
*<c>Shatter</c>, first printed in ''[[Alpha]]'', last seen in ''[[Scars of Mirrodin]]''.
  +
*<c>Smite the Monstrous</c>, first printed in ''[[Innistrad]]'', last seen in ''[[Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters]]''.
  +
*<c>Trumpet Blast</c>, first printed in ''[[Urza's Destiny]]'', last seen in ''[[Conspiracy]]''.
  +
*<c>Windstorm</c>, first printed in ''Magic 2010'', last seen in ''[[Magic 2014]]'' and for the first time in an expert-level expansion.
  +
*<c>Windswept Heath</c>, first printed in ''Onslaught''.
  +
*<c>Wooded Foothills</c>, first printed in ''Onslaught''.
  +
 
===Functional reprints===
 
===Functional reprints===
  +
*<c>Alabaster Kirin</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Armored Griffin</c>.
TBA
 
  +
*<c>Bloodfell Caves</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Akoum Refuge</c>.
==Strictly better or worse==
 
  +
*<c>Blossoming Sands</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Graypelt Refuge</c>.
TBA
 
  +
*<c>Dismal Backwater</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Jwar Isle Refuge</c>.
  +
*<c>Dutiful Return</c> is a functional reprint of <c>March of the Returned</c>.
  +
*<c>Kill Shot</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Rebuke</c>.
  +
*<c>Summit Prowler</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Lowland Giant</c>, <c>Ogre Resister</c>, <c>Shatterskull Giant</c> and <c>Borderland Minotaur</c>, save for creature types.
  +
*<c>Rugged Highlands</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Kazandu Refuge</c>.
  +
*<c>Throttle</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Lash of the Whip</c>.
  +
*<c>Tranquil Cove</c> is a functional reprint of <c>Sejiri Refuge</c>.
  +
  +
==Card comparisons==
  +
{{Main|Khans of Tarkir/Card comparisons}}
  +
  +
==Notable cards==
  +
*The cycle of three-color lands (e.g. <c>Nomad Outpost</c>) was useful fixing for a three-color Standard format and in color-intensive decks like <c>Niv-Mizzet Reborn</c> focused decks in Pioneer until the [[Cycling land|triome lands]] were printed.
  +
*<c>Hardened Scales</c> is an innocuous but powerful card that became the focus of the eponymous deck in Modern mainly due to the interaction with <c>Arcbound Ravager</c>, giving the pilot the ability to put twice as much power as their total artifacts on any given artifact creature. It developed as an evolution of earlier Affinity decks when <c>Mox Opal</c> was banned.
  +
*<c>Utter End</c> was a staple removal spell in Standard control decks due to its versatility and ability to answer any permanent.
  +
*<c>Clever Impersonator</c> has been played in numerous combo decks in Pioneer where it combines well with cards such as <c>Quintorius Kand</c>, <c>Fires of Invention</c>, and <c>Gyruda, Doom of Depths</c>.
  +
*<c>Deflecting Palm</c> is a staple sideboard card in burn decks in Modern against the mirror and green creature decks.
  +
*<c>Stubborn Denial</c> sees significant play in Modern as a disruptive piece with <c>Death Shadow</c>, a creature that can have four power while only costing one mana.
  +
*<c>Disdainful Stroke</c> is a simple yet useful sideboard counterspell that has been played in Standard since it was printed and has often returned in various Standard sets since then.
  +
*<c>Crackling Doom</c> was a strong value removal card in Standard at the time and saw some play in Modern Mardu Pyromancer decks.
  +
*<c>Jeskai Ascendancy</c> is the face of an eponymous Pioneer combo deck that uses it to untap their mana creatures repeatedly until are large enough to win the game.
  +
*<c>Abzan Charm</c>, <c>Duneblast</c>, <c>Anafenza, the Foremost</c>, <c>Wingmate Roc</c> and particularly <c>Siege Rhino</c> made up the core of an Abzan deck that dominated Standard.
  +
*<c>Rattleclaw Mystic</c> provided explosive ramp for Temur-colored aggro and ramp decks in Standard. It was intended to be one mana a la <c>Noble Hierarch</c>, but proved to be usable more as an <c>Elvish Mystic</c> rather than a Temur card, so it needed to be tamped down.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://articles.starcitygames.com/magic-the-gathering/select/the-untold-stories-from-developing-khans-of-tarkir/|title=The Untold Stories From Developing Khans of Tarkir, Part I|author=Gerry Thompson|date=February 25, 2022|publisher=StarCityGames}}</ref>
  +
*<c>Narset, Enlightened Master</c> and <c>Sidisi, Brood Tyrant</c> are among the most popular commanders in their respective color identities in the casual Commander format.
  +
*<c>Mantis Rider</c> was heavily played in Jeskai aggro decks in Standard as a strong creature with lots of keywords and translated well into Modern Humans decks thanks to its creature type.
  +
*<c>Savage Knuckleblade</c> was notoriously hyped before the release of the set but went on to little competitive success, largely due to failing to face off against <c>Siege Rhino</c> in most contexts.
  +
  +
===Delve spells===
  +
A "returning" mechanic from ''[[Future Sight]]'', the colorless mana scaling proved difficult to grasp and balance when it became a main set mechanic, leading to half the cards printed in this set ranging from power players to format breakers.
  +
*<c>Become Immense</c> is a perfect card for various aggro decks by being a huge amount of burst damage for cheap, being used with <c>Temur Battle Rage</c> in Standard. It is occasionally also used in Modern decks that can cast it easily, particularly Infect decks that can kill in a single swing with the buff.
  +
*<c>Murderous Cut</c> is a deceptively strong removal spell that has seen play in Standard, Modern, and Legacy.
  +
*<c>Hooting Mandrills</c> has seen play in formats like Pioneer and Legacy where it can be played for only a few mana and then combined with spells like <c>Neoform</c> to fetch out a powerful seven mana creature.
  +
*<c>Empty the Pits</c> required significant reworking to prevent it from becoming a fast combo deck in a slow format.<ref>{{WebRef|url=https://articles.starcitygames.com/magic-the-gathering/select/the-untold-stories-from-developing-khans-of-tarkir/|title=The Untold Stories From Developing Khans of Tarkir, Part I|author=Gerry Thompson|date=February 25, 2022|publisher=StarCityGames}}</ref>
  +
*<c>Dig Through Time</c> and <c>Treasure Cruise</c> are two very powerful spells [[Banned and restricted cards|banned]] from almost every format they could be legal. Because in [[Modern]] and [[Legacy]] the [[graveyard]] can be filled very early thanks to [[fetch land]]s and low-cost spells and because of their [[delve]] ability, both the spells could regularly be cast at their cheapest. <c>Dig Through Time</c> helps [[combo]] and control decks to get the cards they need. <c>Treasure Cruise</c> most of the time was an <c>Ancestral Recall</c> and, in [[Modern]] and [[Pauper]], all the [[metagame]] was shifted towards [[blue]] to play it for as long as it was legal.
  +
  +
===Other banned and restricted cards===
  +
*<c>Monastery Swiftspear</c> became an immediate staple of burn and red aggro decks in every format, as it can deal significantly more damage than most one-drop creatures. It was eventually banned in Pauper in 2023 to reduce the speed of red-based decks.
  +
*The reprinted ''[[Onslaught]]'' fetch lands were printed to balance out the mana in Modern. It caused problems in Standard with the [[Battle land]]s, forcing tournaments to add more time to the round-the-clock. The stress their power had on formats and future designs led to them being banned for the next nonrotating format [[Pioneer]].
  +
 
==Preconstructed decks==
 
==Preconstructed decks==
 
===Intro packs===
 
===Intro packs===
  +
{{Main|Khans of Tarkir/Intro packs}}
TBA
 
  +
''Khans of Tarkir'' has five tricolored [[intro pack]]s:<ref>{{DailyRef|arc/khans-tarkir-intro-pack-decklists-2014-09-18|Khans of Tarkir Intro Pack Decklists|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 18, 2014}}</ref>
  +
  +
{{Decks|intro
  +
|Abzan Siege|WBG|Ivorytusk Fortress
  +
|Jeskai Monks|URW|Sage of the Inward Eye
  +
|Sultai Schemers|BGU|Rakshasa Vizier
  +
|Mardu Raiders|RWB|Ankle Shanker
  +
|Temur Avalanche|GUR|Avalanche Tusker
  +
}}
  +
 
===Event deck===
 
===Event deck===
  +
{{Main|Khans of Tarkir/Event deck}}
TBA
 
  +
''Khans of Tarkir'' has one [[event deck]].<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/khans-tarkir-event-decklist-2014-09-23|Khans of Tarkir Event Deck Decklist|[[Blake Rasmussen]]|September 23, 2014}}</ref>
  +
  +
{{Decks|event
  +
|Conquering Hordes|WB
  +
}}
  +
  +
==MTG Arena==
  +
On December 12, [[2023]], the set was imported into [[MTG Arena]] as the complete card file, in contrast to the [[Remastered]] blocks of ''Amonkhet'', ''Kaladesh'' or ''Shadows over Innistrad''. This is part of the "road to [[Pioneer]]".<ref name="GenCon panel 2023">{{YouTubeRef|5wlBofOnmg4|30th Anniversary Panel at GenCon – A Recap of MTG's Past, Present & Future|channel=[[Magic: The Gathering]]|date=August 5, 2023}}</ref>
  +
  +
===Creature type update===
  +
The [[Rakshasa]] received [[errata]] to no longer being Cats.<ref name="Card updates">{{DailyRef|announcements/card-updates-coming-with-khans-of-tarkir-on-mtg-arena|Card Updates Coming with ''Khans of Tarkir'' on MTG Arena|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|November 3, 2023}}</ref> They were original because the non-Hindu perception was largely based on the [[Dungeons & Dragons]]' portrayal of them. However, authentic Rakshasa were shapeshifters that could take any form, so labeling them Cat Demons was not particularly accurate.
  +
  +
A change from [[Naga]] to [[Snake]], which was announced at the same time<ref name="Card updates"/>, wasn't seem implemented yet.
  +
  +
===Cards with new art===
  +
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
  +
;White
  +
*{{card|Mardu Hateblade}}
  +
;Blue
  +
*{{card|Kheru Spellsnatcher}}
  +
;Black
  +
*{{card|Dutiful Return}}
  +
*{{card|Empty the Pits}}
  +
*{{card|Grim Haruspex}}
  +
*{{card|Murderous Cut}}
  +
*{{card|Rakshasa's Secret}}
  +
*{{card|Rite of the Serpent}}
  +
*{{card|Shambling Attendants}}
  +
*{{card|Swarm of Bloodflies}}
  +
;Red
  +
*{{card|Act of Treason}}
  +
*{{card|Arc Lightning}}
  +
*{{card|Crater's Claws}}
  +
*{{card|Mardu Blazebringer}}
  +
;Multicolor
  +
*{{card|Rakshasa Deathdealer}}
  +
*{{card|Rakshasa Vizier}}
  +
*{{card|Secret Plans}}
  +
*{{card|Sidisi, Brood Tyrant}}
  +
*{{card|Snowhorn Rider}}
  +
*{{card|Sultai Ascendancy}}
  +
*{{card|Villainous Wealth}}
  +
;Artifact
  +
*{{card|Cranial Archive}}
  +
;Land
  +
*{{card|Mystic Monastery}}
  +
*{{card|Nomad Outpost}}
  +
}}
  +
  +
==Trivia==
  +
*The original planned name for the set was ''Warlords of Khanar''.<ref>{{YouTubeRef|jofyGSFDq8M|How Trivial with Mark Rosewater|channel=Magic: The Gathering|creator=[[Mark Rosewater]]|date=August 4, 2023}}</ref> It was rejected on legal grounds.
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
{{reflist}}
 
{{reflist}}
   
  +
==External links==
{{Sets}}
 
  +
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/lessons-learned-part-4|Lessons Learned, Part 4|[[Mark Rosewater]]|June 19, 2023}}
 
  +
{{Sets|state=collapsed}}
[[Category: Khans of Tarkir block]]
 
  +
{{Tarkir|block|Khans of}}

Latest revision as of 01:29, 1 January 2024

Khans of Tarkir
 
 
 
 

Khans of Tarkir
Logo Khans of Tarkir
Set Information
Set symbol
Symbol description Swords crossed on a shield
Design Mark Rosewater (lead)
Mark L. Gottlieb
Zac Hill
Adam Lee
Shawn Main
Billy Moreno
and Ken Nagle
Development Erik Lauer (lead)
Doug Beyer
David Humpherys
Tom LaPille
Shawn Main
and Adam Prosak
with contributions from Matt Tabak
Art direction Jeremy Jarvis
Release date September 26, 2014
Plane Tarkir
Themes and mechanics Wedge colors
Keywords/​ability words Delve, Ferocious, Morph, Outlast, Prowess, Raid
Set size 269 cards
101 Commons, 80 Uncommons, 53 Rares, 15 Mythic Rares, 20 Basic Land
Expansion code KTK[1]
Development codename Huey
Khans of Tarkir block
Khans of Tarkir Fate Reforged Dragons of Tarkir
Magic: The Gathering Chronology
Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning Khans of Tarkir Commander 2014

Khans of Tarkir is the 65th Magic expansion, and the first in the Khans of Tarkir block. It was released on September 26, 2014. Khans of Tarkir is a large expansion.[2]

Set details[ | ]

“  Raise your Banner  ”

Khans of Tarkir is part of the Khans of Tarkir block, which is Large-Small-Large with a unique draft structure (the small set is drafted with both large sets, but the large sets are never drafted together) [3] and a time-traveling element. The draft structure is the first thing from which Khans of Tarkir set was built.[4]

Khans of Tarkir contains 269 cards (20 basic lands,[5] 101 commons, 80 uncommons, 53 rares, 15 mythic rares), and includes randomly inserted premium versions of all cards. It is also the first set since Dragon's Maze to not have any Dragon creature cards. The expansion symbol depicts crossed swords on a shield, similar to the symbol of Legions.

Because of post-release changes in the block structure in 2015, Khans of Tarkir was only played in Standard for 18 months.[6]

Storyline[ | ]

Tarkir is an embattled world of ambitious warlords and powerful clans that wage eternal war for supremacy over their plane in a conflict that spans a thousand years. Tarkir is also the home plane of Sarkhan Vol. The plane was previously inhabited by dragons, all of whom were killed long before Sarkhan's time.[7] The clans each worship one aspect of the extinct dragons.[8]

Magic Story[ | ]

Main article: Magic Story
Title Author Release Date Setting (plane) Featuring
The Madness of Sarkhan Jennifer Clarke Wilkes 2014-08-27 Tarkir, Jund Sarkhan, Zurgo, Ugin
Awakening the Bear Jennifer Clarke Wilkes 2014-09-17 Tarkir Surrak
Sorin's Revelation Adam Lee 2014-09-24 Tarkir Sorin Markov, Temur warriors
Taigam's Scheming Matt Knicl 2014-10-01 Tarkir Taigam, Ebirri
Way of the Mantis Matt Knicl 2014-10-08 Tarkir Kuhnde
The Chensal Twins Kimberly J. Kreines 2014-10-15 Tarkir Kela & Dar, Ngabo
Enlightened Matt Knicl 2014-10-22 Tarkir Narset
The Salt Road Jeremiah Isgur 2014-11-12 Tarkir The Mardu and Abzan
Mercy Sam Stoddard 2014-11-19 Tarkir Sidisi
Victory Tom LaPille 2014-11-26 Tarkir Zurgo, Batar Throatslasher
Bond and Blood Ari Levitch 2014-12-03 Tarkir Anafenza Kwaro, Gvar
Journey to the Nexus Jennifer Clarke-Wilkes 2014-12-10 Tarkir Sarkhan, Narset, Zurgo

The clans[ | ]

The clans are represented through the enemy wedge colors and aspects as follows:[9][10]

Name Colors Dragon Aspect Mechanic Symbol Khan
The Abzan Houses {W}{B}{G} Endurance Outlast Scale of the dragon Anafenza, the Foremost
The Jeskai Way {U}{R}{W} Cunning Prowess Eye of the dragon Narset, Enlightened Master
The Sultai Brood {B}{G}{U} Ruthlessness Delve Fang of the dragon Sidisi, Brood Tyrant
The Mardu Horde {R}{W}{B} Speed Raid Wing of the dragon Zurgo Helmsmasher
The Temur Frontier {G}{U}{R} Savagery Ferocious Claw of the dragon Surrak Dragonclaw

Notice that while the shards of Alara were centered around the color that had both allies, the wedges of Tarkir are not built around the color that has the two enemies. When the design team built the clans to match the flavor of the dragon attributes and the creative take on the clans, they found that they centered not on the enemy color but on one of the ally colors. It was said that everything worked so naturally, that they felt it was best to leave it be and not force it another way.[11] By shifting the mana costs such that the enemy pairs were sitting next to each other in mana costs, it became a little easier to recognize that each wedge was made up of two enemy-color combinations.[12] Small hints were placed through this set and the next towards the clans having a primary color and that the enemy color was least relevant and due to be removed. When the third set of the block was released, it became clear that the parallel of the alternate timeline clans were ally-colored. This was achieved by dropping the enemy color and appeared to be the real reason that the wedges of Khans were centered on an allied color.[13][14]

The clans are recognized by the use of watermarks on the cards.

Marketing[ | ]

A preview of the set's artwork was aired during Pro Tour Journey into Nyx, following the quarterfinal rounds.[15] In it Mark Rosewater (Magic head designer) announced the return of something "that people have been asking [ Wizards ] to do for quite a while [...] after a long absence from magic" as well as the introduction of something that has been requested for a long time but had never been done before. These elements turned out to be morph and wedges, respectively, when the set was previewed at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 26, 2014. Mark Rosewater moderated a panel featuring Mark Purvis (Magic director of global brand marketing), Doug Beyer (Magic senior creative designer), and Gavin Verhey (Magic designer).[16][17][18]

Khans of Tarkir is sold in 16-card boosters (one card being a marketing card), five intro packs, one event deck and a fat pack. The boosters feature artwork from Sidisi, Brood Tyrant, Narset, Enlightened Master, Unyielding Krumar, War-Name Aspirant and Dragon Grip.[19] As of Khans of Tarkir, the face cards in Intro Packs will not just be premium rare cards, but alternate art premium rare cards that won't be found in booster packs.[20]

Prerelease[ | ]

The Khans of Tarkir prerelease encouraged the player to affiliate with their clan.[21] You choose your clan for the prerelease. Each clan prerelease pack comes with a clan button and a clan sticker. The prerelease pack further contains 5 regular booster packs, 1 seeded booster pack, 1 premium promo card, 1 clan information card, 1 activity insert and 1 Spindown life counter. Khans of Tarkir will feature 40 prerelease cards — one dated and stamped prerelease card random from a pool of eight for each Clan pack. One of which will be the Khan. "Raise your banner": when a game is won, players can put their sticker on the clan banner in the store, to show off how many battles each clan has won.[22]

Promotional cards[ | ]

Tokens, emblems and overlay cards[ | ]

Morph Overlay card

Morph overlay card.

The sixteenth card in the boosters can be a token, emblem, or overlay card, with an advertisement on the backside. The overlay card can be used on face-down Morph cards to remind players of their power and toughness and that it can be turned face-up for its Morph cost.[24][25]

  1. {W} 3/4 Bird for Wingmate Roc
  2. {W} 1/1 Spirit with flying for Abzan Ascendancy
  3. {W} 1/1 Warrior for Herald of Anafenza, Mardu Charm, Mardu Hordechief and Take Up Arms
  4. {W} 1/1 Warrior (alternate art) for the same
  5. {B} 2/2 Vampire with flying for Sorin, Solemn Visitor
  6. {B} 2/2 Zombie for Sidisi, Brood Tyrant and Empty the Pits
  7. {R} 1/1 Goblin for Goblinslide, Hordeling Outburst, Mardu Ascendancy and Ponyback Brigade
  8. {G} 4/4 Bear for Bear's Companion
  9. {G} 1/1 Snake for Hooded Hydra and Rite of the Serpent
  10. {B/G} */* Spirit Warrior for Kin-Tree Invocation
  11. Morph overlay card
  12. Emblem for Sarkhan, the Dragonspeaker
  13. Emblem for Sorin, Solemn Visitor

Themes and mechanics[ | ]

The set centers around wedge colors. Each clan features its mechanic. In addition all clans feature morph.[12][26]

  • The Abzan keyword is Outlast ((cost), {T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Outlast only as a sorcery.). Cards may gain additional abilities when they get a +1/+1 counter.
  • The Jeskai keyword is Prowess: (whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn).
  • The Sultai keyword is the alternative payment method Delve, first seen in Future Sight (changed, like convoke, from previous rules as a cost reduction): (Each card you exile from your graveyard while casting this spell pays for {1}).[27]
  • The Mardu ability word Raid and related cards are all based around a very fast, aggressive strategy for winning. Raid gives an advantageous effect if you have attacked with a creature the same turn.
  • The Temur ability word is Ferocious, which gives the player an advantageous effect if they control a creature with power 4 or greater while attacking with a creature with Ferocious or casting a spell with it.

The set also features a minor {W}{B} warrior tribal theme.[28]

Phooey and "Borph"[ | ]

During design, an alternate version of Khans of Tarkir (nicknamed "Phooey" ) was considered. It featured a new mechanic that was very similar to morph but instead of three mana to cast the 2/2 face-down creature it cost two mana. R&D nicknamed that mechanic "borph" as in "bear morph" because Bears are slang for a vanilla 2/2 with a converted mana cost of 2.[29] With some modifications, "borph" eventually became the effect megamorph for Dragons of Tarkir.

Cycles[ | ]

Khans of Tarkir has thirteen cycles.

Cycle name {W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Reveal Morphers Watcher of the Roost Dragon's Eye Savants Ruthless Ripper Horde Ambusher Temur Charger
Five uncommon creatures with morph that can be turned face up by revealing a card of the same color and have a turned-face-up ability.[30] Each are the primary color of their clan.
Enemy-colored commons Mardu Hateblade {B}
Firehoof Cavalry {R}
Scaldkin {R}
Embodiment of Spring {G}
Kheru Dreadmaw {G}
Unyielding Krumar {W}
Leaping Master {W}
Bloodfire Mentor {U}
Smoke Teller {U}
Archers' Parapet {B}
Ten common cards that have an ability that requires an enemy color.
Cycle name {W}{U} {U}{B} {B}{R} {R}{G} {G}{W}
Allied color fetch lands Flooded Strand Polluted Delta Bloodstained Mire Wooded Foothills Windswept Heath
Five rare lands that can be sacrificed along with a payment of 1 life to search for a land with one of two basic land types. Reprinted from Onslaught.
Cycle name {W}{B} {U}{R} {B}{G} {R}{W} {G}{U}
Enemy-colored rares Utter End Mindswipe Rakshasa Deathdealer Deflecting Palm Sagu Mauler
Five rare enemy-colored cards, each with simple yet strong effects or abilities. Each uses the secondary and tertiary colors of the clans.
Enemy-colored uncommons double-cycle Chief of the Scale
Chief of the Edge
Master the Way
Winterflame
Death Frenzy
Kin-Tree Invocation
Ride Down
Highspire Mantis
Icefeather Aven
Secret Plans
Five pairs of enemy-colored cards, each flavored one apiece per clan of these colors. The top row uses the primary and tertiary colors, while the bottom uses the secondary and tertiary colors.
Cycle name {W}{B}{G} {U}{R}{W} {B}{G}{U} {R}{W}{B} {G}{U}{R}
Khans Anafenza, the Foremost Narset, Enlightened Master Sidisi, Brood Tyrant Zurgo Helmsmasher Surrak Dragonclaw
Five mythic rare legendary creatures that have a cost that includes MNO, where MNO are wedge colors.
Ascendancies Abzan Ascendancy Jeskai Ascendancy Sultai Ascendancy Mardu Ascendancy Temur Ascendancy
Five rare enchantments costing MNO.
Rare wedge-colored creatures Ivorytusk Fortress Sage of the Inward Eye Rakshasa Vizier Ankle Shanker Avalanche Tusker
Five rare creatures that cost 2MNO, where MNO are wedge colors, and have a repeatable triggered ability.
Common wedge-colored morphers Abzan Guide Efreet Weaponmaster Abomination of Gudul Ponyback Brigade Snowhorn Rider
Five common creatures that cost 3MNO and has a morph cost of 2MNO, where MNO are wedge colors.
Wedgelands Sandsteppe Citadel Mystic Monastery Opulent Palace Nomad Outpost Frontier Bivouac
Five uncommon triple lands that come into play tapped and can be tapped for one of three colors of mana. These are a wedge version of Shards of Alara's triple lands.[31]
Charms Abzan Charm Jeskai Charm Sultai Charm Mardu Charm Temur Charm
Five uncommon instants that cost MNO and have three modes, the first of which is a removal effect in the primary clan color.
Uncommon wedge-colored creatures Armament Corps Warden of the Eye Sultai Soothsayer Mardu Roughrider Bear's Companion
Five uncommon creatures that cost 2MNO, where MNO are wedge colors. All but one of them have enter-the-battlefield abilities.
Banners Abzan Banner Jeskai Banner Sultai Banner Mardu Banner Temur Banner
These five common artifacts costing {3} reproduce the Dragon's Maze cycle of cluestones, producing any of three enemy colors of mana and sacrifice for them to draw a card.[32]
Cycle name {W}{U} {U}{B} {B}{R} {R}{G} {G}{W} {W}{B} {U}{R} {B}{G} {R}{W} {G}{U}
Life-gain Taplands Tranquil Cove Dismal Backwater Bloodfell Caves Rugged Highlands Blossoming Sands Scoured Barrens Swiftwater Cliffs Jungle Hollow Wind-Scarred Crag Thornwood Falls
Ten multi-color common lands that enter the battlefield tapped, gain the controller one life, and can tap for 2 different colors of mana. The allied color ones are functional reprints of the Refuge cycle in Zendikar.[33]

Pairs[ | ]

Khans of Tarkir has one matched pair.

Matched Pairs Description
Chief of the Edge
({W}{B})
Chief of the Scale
({W}{B})
Warriors which cost {W}{B}. They have mirrored stats (3/2 vs. 2/3) and bonuses (+1/+0 vs. +0/+1) that they grant to other warriors you control.

Reprinted cards[ | ]

Functional reprints[ | ]

Card comparisons[ | ]

Notable cards[ | ]

  • The cycle of three-color lands (e.g. Nomad Outpost) was useful fixing for a three-color Standard format and in color-intensive decks like Niv-Mizzet Reborn focused decks in Pioneer until the triome lands were printed.
  • Hardened Scales is an innocuous but powerful card that became the focus of the eponymous deck in Modern mainly due to the interaction with Arcbound Ravager, giving the pilot the ability to put twice as much power as their total artifacts on any given artifact creature. It developed as an evolution of earlier Affinity decks when Mox Opal was banned.
  • Utter End was a staple removal spell in Standard control decks due to its versatility and ability to answer any permanent.
  • Clever Impersonator has been played in numerous combo decks in Pioneer where it combines well with cards such as Quintorius Kand, Fires of Invention, and Gyruda, Doom of Depths.
  • Deflecting Palm is a staple sideboard card in burn decks in Modern against the mirror and green creature decks.
  • Stubborn Denial sees significant play in Modern as a disruptive piece with Death Shadow, a creature that can have four power while only costing one mana.
  • Disdainful Stroke is a simple yet useful sideboard counterspell that has been played in Standard since it was printed and has often returned in various Standard sets since then.
  • Crackling Doom was a strong value removal card in Standard at the time and saw some play in Modern Mardu Pyromancer decks.
  • Jeskai Ascendancy is the face of an eponymous Pioneer combo deck that uses it to untap their mana creatures repeatedly until are large enough to win the game.
  • Abzan Charm, Duneblast, Anafenza, the Foremost, Wingmate Roc and particularly Siege Rhino made up the core of an Abzan deck that dominated Standard.
  • Rattleclaw Mystic provided explosive ramp for Temur-colored aggro and ramp decks in Standard. It was intended to be one mana a la Noble Hierarch, but proved to be usable more as an Elvish Mystic rather than a Temur card, so it needed to be tamped down.[34]
  • Narset, Enlightened Master and Sidisi, Brood Tyrant are among the most popular commanders in their respective color identities in the casual Commander format.
  • Mantis Rider was heavily played in Jeskai aggro decks in Standard as a strong creature with lots of keywords and translated well into Modern Humans decks thanks to its creature type.
  • Savage Knuckleblade was notoriously hyped before the release of the set but went on to little competitive success, largely due to failing to face off against Siege Rhino in most contexts.

Delve spells[ | ]

A "returning" mechanic from Future Sight, the colorless mana scaling proved difficult to grasp and balance when it became a main set mechanic, leading to half the cards printed in this set ranging from power players to format breakers.

  • Become Immense is a perfect card for various aggro decks by being a huge amount of burst damage for cheap, being used with Temur Battle Rage in Standard. It is occasionally also used in Modern decks that can cast it easily, particularly Infect decks that can kill in a single swing with the buff.
  • Murderous Cut is a deceptively strong removal spell that has seen play in Standard, Modern, and Legacy.
  • Hooting Mandrills has seen play in formats like Pioneer and Legacy where it can be played for only a few mana and then combined with spells like Neoform to fetch out a powerful seven mana creature.
  • Empty the Pits required significant reworking to prevent it from becoming a fast combo deck in a slow format.[35]
  • Dig Through Time and Treasure Cruise are two very powerful spells banned from almost every format they could be legal. Because in Modern and Legacy the graveyard can be filled very early thanks to fetch lands and low-cost spells and because of their delve ability, both the spells could regularly be cast at their cheapest. Dig Through Time helps combo and control decks to get the cards they need. Treasure Cruise most of the time was an Ancestral Recall and, in Modern and Pauper, all the metagame was shifted towards blue to play it for as long as it was legal.

Other banned and restricted cards[ | ]

  • Monastery Swiftspear became an immediate staple of burn and red aggro decks in every format, as it can deal significantly more damage than most one-drop creatures. It was eventually banned in Pauper in 2023 to reduce the speed of red-based decks.
  • The reprinted Onslaught fetch lands were printed to balance out the mana in Modern. It caused problems in Standard with the Battle lands, forcing tournaments to add more time to the round-the-clock. The stress their power had on formats and future designs led to them being banned for the next nonrotating format Pioneer.

Preconstructed decks[ | ]

Intro packs[ | ]

Khans of Tarkir has five tricolored intro packs:[36]

Intro pack name Colors Included Foil rare
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Abzan Siege W B G Ivorytusk Fortress
Jeskai Monks W U R Sage of the Inward Eye
Sultai Schemers U B G Rakshasa Vizier
Mardu Raiders W B R Ankle Shanker
Temur Avalanche U R G Avalanche Tusker

Event deck[ | ]

Khans of Tarkir has one event deck.[37]

Event
deck name
Colors Included
{W} {U} {B} {R} {G}
Conquering Hordes W B

MTG Arena[ | ]

On December 12, 2023, the set was imported into MTG Arena as the complete card file, in contrast to the Remastered blocks of Amonkhet, Kaladesh or Shadows over Innistrad. This is part of the "road to Pioneer".[38]

Creature type update[ | ]

The Rakshasa received errata to no longer being Cats.[39] They were original because the non-Hindu perception was largely based on the Dungeons & Dragons' portrayal of them. However, authentic Rakshasa were shapeshifters that could take any form, so labeling them Cat Demons was not particularly accurate.

A change from Naga to Snake, which was announced at the same time[39], wasn't seem implemented yet.

Cards with new art[ | ]

Trivia[ | ]

  • The original planned name for the set was Warlords of Khanar.[40] It was rejected on legal grounds.

References[ | ]

  1. Product info
  2. Wizards of the Coast (May 19, 2014). "Announcing Khans of Tarkir". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. Mark Rosewater (July 26, 2014). "What do you mean by "small set is drafted with both large sets"?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  4. Mark Rosewater (July 26, 2014). "How early in Tarkir Block design was the unique Large-Small-Large draft format set in stone?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  5. Blake Rasmussen (September 8, 2014). "Tarkir, Basically". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  6. Mark Rosewater (August 25, 2014). "Metamorphosis". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. Wizards of the Coast (September 1, 2014). "Khans of Tarkir Trailer Video". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  8. Magic Creative Team (September 3, 2014). "Planeswalker's Guide to Khans of Tarkir, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. Mark Rosewater (July 26, 2014). "Can you tell us about which color each clan is focused on?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  10. MTG Talk (July 26, 2014). "The five clans!". MTG Talk. Tumblr.
  11. Mark Rosewater (September 1, 2014). "Khan Do Attitude, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. a b Mark Rosewater (September 8, 2014). "Khan Do Attitude, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  13. Mark Rosewater (March 2, 2015). "Imagine Dragons, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. Mark Rosewater (May 27, 2015). "Can you finally tell us why the clans were centered in an ally color?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  15. Magic: The Gathering (May 18, 2014). "Announcing Khans of Tarkir"
  16. Blake Rasmussen (July 11, 2014). "San Diego Comic-Con 2014". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. Wizards of the Coast (YouTube) (July 26, 2014). "Magic Panel at SDCC"
  18. Mark Rosewater (July 26, 2014). "All The Goods From The Panel, Part 1". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  19. Blake Rasmussen (September 2, 2014). "Khans of Tarkir Packaging". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  20. Dan Barrett (August 15, 2014). "Revealed at Gamescom". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  21. Gavin Verhey (September 15, 2014). "Khans of Tarkir Prerelease Primer". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  22. Mark Rosewater (July 26, 2014). "All The Goods From The Panel, Part 2". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  23. Blake Rasmussen (September 4, 2014). "Khans of Tarkir Promos". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  24. Matt Tabak (August 31, 2014). "Mechanics of Khans of Tarkir". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  25. Blake Rasmussen (September 10, 2014). "Tokens of Tarkir". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  26. Sam Stoddard (September 12, 2014). "Developing Khans of Tarkir". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  27. Sam Stoddard (September 5, 2014). "Delving the Pits". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  28. Mark Rosewater (December 31, 2014). "Any trivia on my favourite theme, tribal?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  29. Mark Rosewater (May 11, 2015). "Phooey". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  30. Marshall Sutcliffe (September 3, 2014). "Five Little Morphlings". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  31. Blake Rasmussen (September 5, 2014). "The Khans of Tarkir Tri-Lands". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  32. Blake Rasmussen (September 9, 2014). "Raise Your Banner". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  33. Erik Lauer (September 8, 2014). "Developing Khans". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  34. Gerry Thompson (February 25, 2022). "The Untold Stories From Developing Khans of Tarkir, Part I". StarCityGames.
  35. Gerry Thompson (February 25, 2022). "The Untold Stories From Developing Khans of Tarkir, Part I". StarCityGames.
  36. Blake Rasmussen (September 18, 2014). "Khans of Tarkir Intro Pack Decklists". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  37. Blake Rasmussen (September 23, 2014). "Khans of Tarkir Event Deck Decklist". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  38. 30th Anniversary Panel at GenCon – A Recap of MTG's Past, Present & Future (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (August 5, 2023).
  39. a b Wizards of the Coast (November 3, 2023). "Card Updates Coming with Khans of Tarkir on MTG Arena". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  40. Mark Rosewater (August 4, 2023). "How Trivial with Mark Rosewater (Video)". Magic: The Gathering. YouTube.

External links[ | ]