‘Magic: The Gathering’ Takes Flight With ‘Tarkir Dragonstorm’
by Anton Kromoff
Welcome to the table,
Magic: The Gathering has always been a game of endless fascination for me. As a disabled kid who could not kick a ball or run bases, it provided one of the first semblances of “sport” that I ever experienced. It felt like more than “hit this little ball full of holes off this weird floppy peg thing … everyone cheers … you still feel hollow.”
Magic was, and honestly still is, this beautiful tangible thing. I had to figure out how to build a deck with the cards I had on hand, then sit across the table from an opponent or opponents, and anticipate their moves and strategy. Winning was a great feeling and gave a sense of accomplishment. I won. I won a lot. It felt amazing.
The lore attached to these cards, as it grew and changed over the years, became an aspect of the game I loved as well. I often incorporated creatures and artifacts into the Dungeons & Dragons games I was running at lunch tables or tucked into the backroom of the comic shop. Items and creatures inspired by the Chimeric Staff, Myr, and the Moxes all found their way into the cobbled-together home brewed worlds taking shape at the table.
My lifelong love of the game always has me checking in on what new sets are dropping and when new cards are coming to the table. When I had the chance to drop in for a call with the MTG team to listen to what the new set was going to bring it was an opportunity, I was not about to turn down.
The new set is called Tarkir Dragonstorm and it takes us back to Tarkir, a world of warlords and powerful warning clans that are locked in a seemingly eternal war for dominance over the plane. Where once there were no dragons, the very fabric of time has been altered. Dragons have returned, becoming an intrigue part of the story of this setting and Tarkir Dragonstorm leans into that story of powerful warriors and dragons on the wing in some really rad ways.
Tarkir Dragonstorm sets out to combine everything that was cool about the previous sets in this block. From what I have seen, it is setting itself to do that and so much more. Above, you can see some of the Draconic Frame treatments that select cards will have. This treatment provides a really rad dragon themed frame, along with matching artwork that showcases the aesthetic of Tarkir’s themed world building and the raw power of the dragons who dwell there.
The dragons in this set can be felt everywhere, and these ‘Dragon’s Presence’ full art basic lands are a standout example of how the team behind this set have really given the dragons their due. These basic lands showcase shadows of the dragons stretching across the landscapes of Tarkir, really dialing in on that sense of looming danger and awe-inspiring spectacle that a dragon can command.
One of my favorite things about this set is the second collection of full art basic lands it offers. These ‘Dragon’s Eye’ basic lands are absolutely stunning. They give an up close view of the dragon’s eyes reflecting the mana symbols. Much like the full art dragon cards from the Adventures in the Forgotten Realm MTG set that I have framed above the door of my office, I already have plans on how I want to display these above my desk. I just have to find them in the collector boosters, as they are exclusive to those packs.
Speaking of dragons, Ugin, a legendary Planeswalker dragon, and the twin brother of the iconic Nicol Bolas, features in this set. There are cards that will have a ghostfire treatment that speaks to Ugin’s ghostfire ability, a mystical flame that can destroy almost anything in the known multiverse. This treatment will be applied to select cards throughout the set.
With the dragonstorm being felt through the multiverse and dragons popping up in various planes, there are some Planeswalkers who will be showing up to try and put a stop to these happenings and prevent further destruction to the various MTG settings. Elspeth the ascended Archangle has arrived in Takir to throw some stick about as she joins up with Narset who is now leader of the Jeskai.
But not everyone wants to see the dragonstorm end.
Sarkhan wants to see the dragonstorms continue, and will serve as the narrative foe to Elspeth, Narset, and “no shirt, no shoes, no service” signs everywhere.
Of course the set has to have some really rad spirit dragons that are associated with the various clans and each really feels like it leans into the narrative flavor of the clans and provides some unique style to how you are going to approach how you play.
One of the coolest things the team has done with this set is crafted a “hybrid mana” of sorts. One of the biggest issues of playing with a three color deck is finding the mana you need in early game. This smoothing mechanic lets you play two colorless mana rather than the color you are missing so you can get cards our early and not be stuck with cards you don’t need in your hand.
I really like this because it bridges for some players who many end up in a rough spot in sealed and draft environments. This is another showcase of how much the team over at Magic is considering the players, finding fun ways to ease some of the strain while providing engaging gameplay moments. This is also going to get some new players out of their comfort zone and into some fun new play styles.
In addition to the basic lands, there are also some breathtaking fetch lands in this set. For those not in the know, a fetch land is a non basic land that allows you to search your library for a land card and put it into play. When you are dealing with multicolored decks or swinging big creatures that require a lot of mana to play these are invaluable to have in your deck.
One of the cool things about the Tarkir Dragonstorm set is we will see a rad new dragon scale treatment that will give some of these lands a iridescent dragon scale texture you can see and feel. As far as alternative versions of cards go, I love that they are moving into this space. Texture is a cool thing to play with at the table and for collectors these are going to be a must have for your collection run.
Next on the stack was a bit of a “gasp” moment for me during the call. I was not expecting to see a new Mox card hitting the table. The Mox Jasper will come in a serialized double rainbow foil retro frame version only found in the collector boosters. These copies will feature exclusive artwork by Dan Frazier.
There will also be mechanically similar version of the Mox Jasper that are themed to the Dragonstorm set so that everyone will have a chance to play with this rad new addition to the Moxes even if they can’t score one of the serialized versions of this soon to be iconic card.
There are a ton of really rad options with this new set. As they start hitting shops, I will be sure to showcase you all the wickedly wonderful cards that come into play.
With five commander decks, unique spin down d20 counters, and more I know this is going to be one of those super fun sets that Magic is bringing to the table.
Until next time, you can check out this link for more lore info and pre-orders as the set draws ever closer to its world wide release!
