DTK Alternate Timeline: Clans led by Dragons?
Spoilers, Rumors, and Speculation forum
Posted on Feb. 9, 2015, 5:56 p.m. by Caes
This thread is for speculation about what that alternate timeline will be like ( other than the fact that it will have dragons).
All right, so here's what we know so far:
In KTK the dragons had long died out and the clan are at war with one another.
In FRF Sarkhan saves Ugin after his defeat by the hands of Bolas, thus ensuring the survival of dragons and an alternate timeline in DTK.
Now, I believe that DTK will bring us shard-colored clans led by dragons.
Now, this is not baseless speculation. This prediction is based on the following:
- The article Doom of the Golden Fang.
Go and read this now if you don't like spoilers as I'm going to be talking about its contents
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This article ends with Tasigur's death after trying to appease Silumgar with treasure. This leaves the Sultai Khanless and at the mercy of the Legendary dragon. Perhaps we will see more of the Khans dying off in the future as the dragons continue to come?
This post on Doug Beyer's Tumblr tells us that the flavor text on the promo version of Hordeling Outburst that references "Kolaghan goblins" along with some other cards (primarily some Ugin's Fate promos) contain hints about an alternate timeline. "Kolaghan goblins" seems to imply goblins following or commanded by Kolaghan.
My reasoning on these new dragon-led clans being shard colored is that is the only thing that makes sense. The five legendary dragons are currently allied color pairs, but it doesn't make sense for wizards to make just allied colored clans in DTK with it being the end of the block. That just leaves out the five enemy color pairs with no hope of them being represented on Tarkir. It makes much more sense to finish the cycle of color triples off with the shards. This also makes more sense with respect to DTK being an alternate timeline. Instead of wedge colored Khans ruling clans and at war with one another, we will have shard color dragons ruling the clans and at war with one another.
Of course, this is all just my speculation. What do you think?
FatherLiir says... #3
This would also make sense with Renowned Weaponsmith and whatever the "Vial of Dragonfire" will be, how can you get a vial of fire unless a Dragon either gives it or you hold it down and take it.
February 9, 2015 6:41 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #4
Well the reason that a lot of cards up to this point were enemy colored was so that it fit inside two clans, but I believe the only allied colored cards were the dragons, signifying that the clans are still just wedges. I don't think it would make sense for the last block to be shards as we are still waiting for the shards to be focused on the right color, which makes the secondary colors symmetrical, bringing balance to the clans. It was mentioned early on that there was a reason for the wonky focus inside the wedges, but said that the reason would be revealed in time.
February 9, 2015 6:41 p.m.
Yeah, those seem to be the the most likely transitions if this actually comes to pass.
February 9, 2015 6:42 p.m.
Dragon to be epic. I hope not, honestly. That means that people who wanted to play allied colored decks (that are supported now) would only be able to use cards that are released now. Deck's wouldn't change at all. And anyone who wanted to play the "new" enemy colors wouldn't be able to use anything from Khans. It just wouldn't make ANY sense for wizards to do that.
February 9, 2015 7:47 p.m.
CommanderOfBolas says... #9
I have to say that I don't think the dragons will rule the clans. each legendary dragon has a brood that follows it, but I think we are likely to see the clans continuing to fight the dragons. that being said, I would still love a grixis dragon (a Nicol Bolas would be nice).
February 9, 2015 7:49 p.m.
sergiodelrio says... #10
I'm down. This actually makes a lot of sense. I need those fetchlands.
February 9, 2015 7:50 p.m.
@ kyuuri117 That's not true. If you look at Khans of Tarkir, a 3 color wedge set, there were cards that appeared in enemy two color pairs to support the wedges. For example Deflecting Palm, Kin-Tree Invocation, etc. If Dragons of Tarkir were a Shard set following a similar structure, I would expect to see ally two color pairs in the same fashion. This would give support to those wishing to play allied color decks. Not to mention all the mono color cards that can also fit into multicolored decks. The same goes for those wanting to play enemy colors.
February 9, 2015 8:29 p.m.
I should also point out that the use of hybrid mana in Fate Reforged incidentally allows those cards, the khans and the mythic cycle, to be used in either wedge or shard colored decks.
February 9, 2015 8:30 p.m.
/shrug, I just don't see it happening. Standard is diverse enough as it is, doesn't need a huge upset like this.
February 9, 2015 8:33 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #14
This whole theory doesn't account for the actual problem of correct wedge color focus, which as I stated before was addressed with a "you'll see soon enough".
I am 90% sure that the last set will be fixed wedges, not shards.
February 9, 2015 9:12 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #15
Maybe I'm reading it wrong but the story seems not to end with Tasigur's death but with him prostrate in the mud as Silumgar, the literal embodiment of death and decay descends toward him.
The UB color pairing makes Silumgar intellectual and selfish. He is not going to destroy someone who is offering him help with acquiring wealth and power just because they have been enemies in the past. I also wouldn't put it past Tasigur to be petty enough to deliver the clan into Silumgar's possession just so that the Naga and Rakshasa could not seize control.
February 9, 2015 9:15 p.m.
@ MagicalHacker MaRo has said multiple times that Khans of Tarkir the set will be wedge focused while the block as a whole will not. If we know anything about DTK, it's that it will not have a wedge focus. Also, color focus of DTK aside, what do you make of the reference to Kolaghan goblins?
@ Gidgetimer That's certainly another way to interpret the ending. However, regardless of whether Tasigur dies at the end of the article or not, Silumgar ends up ruling the Sultai.
February 9, 2015 9:28 p.m.
Again, it could be just that, flavor text. Kologan might just command some goblins. He is not grixis, and I don't see anything that would imply he is.
February 9, 2015 9:35 p.m.
I just hope there's lots of dragons and awesome ones at that... the dragons in this block, which has a dragon sub theme, sick duck compared to stormbreath and thundermaw.
February 9, 2015 9:46 p.m.
kyuuri117 You're right, it could be as simple as that. This is nothing more than, as the forum suggests, rumors and speculation. Please understand I am in no way saying this is how it has to be. I'm merely pointing out some interesting observations.
February 9, 2015 9:49 p.m.
Caes Yea, sorry if i came across as, i dunno, hostile or something, didn't mean to. I get that it's just speculation.
February 9, 2015 10:05 p.m.
CommanderOfBolas says... #21
@Caes: MagicalHacker could be correct, still. frf is not wedge based, meaning DTK could be. also, there is nothing saying that silumgar rules the sultai. just that he is about to kill tasigur. I don't think dragons will rule the clans, just their own broods, who will still be in existence thanks to sarkhan. Again, though, just speculation
February 9, 2015 10:13 p.m.
jandrobard says... #22
It'll be like new phyrexia all over again; humanoid races either hiding out, refugees in their own land, or they'll join the enemy in return for their lives being spared. Just a guess.
February 9, 2015 11:07 p.m.
It was said plenty of times, DTK is not a wedge set. Maybe allied colors broods, and enemy colors clans? Or would it be too many pairs for one set?
February 10, 2015 4:20 a.m.
I'm predicting we will see the enemy colour fetch lands in DTK, so I keep asking why wizards would do allied colours first, when enemy colours obviously fit a lot better with the clans.
Turning everything into Shards would be super cool, would work with the time travel aspect of FTF as well.
I'm not completely sold though to be honest, it's a theory that WOULD work, but whether it makes things complicated in design or not is another thing. They've taken on a whole new draft structure for KTK block, so trying to mix wedges and shards may have been to much.
I guess we shall just have to wait and see!
February 10, 2015 7:19 a.m.
CanadianShinobi says... #25
If any of you have read the Uncharted Realms articles your notices something, notably that Ugin was the one who gave Sarkhan the name "Sarkhan", which we also learn means "Sky Khan" or "Great Khan". I propose that the clans WILL be led by a dragon, but that dragon isn't a real dragon. The Clans will be unified under Sarkhan Vol for his role in saving Ugin.
February 10, 2015 9:20 a.m.
Hickorysbane says... #26
brainac, it'd be the same amount as pairs as Ravnica and RTR had. So it's feasible.
February 10, 2015 9:26 a.m.
Enemy color fetchlands in DTK is just wishful thinking. Any reasoning to support this hypothesis? I don't think they can appear until allied ones rotate out of standard.
February 10, 2015 9:30 a.m.
brainac - Wizards have spoken before about how they want to complete whole sets of lands throughout a block. There is some speculation on how they will release enemy fetch's in DTK and allied pain lands in MTG:Origins, as these will rotate together.
If you look at the art and flavour text of Khans fetches, you see the whole thing about bones of dragons, obviously the geography (land) would now be different after the events of FTF, so it kind of links in there as well.
Why can't they all exist in standard together at the end of the day? The reason they are so powerful is only due to shock's and their play in Modern.
I mean, it's all baseless speculation, Wizards have it planned out so far ahead. But people said we wouldn't get fetch's in Khans! Plus if the next set after origins is Zendikar, it means we still get fetch's and landfall potentially together for at least 12 months.
February 10, 2015 9:58 a.m.
golffore297 says... #29
I agree it make sense for there to be Shards in the next set. Look at the mechanics. Bolster is only on Green and White cards. Dash only Red and Black. Etc. This would make it an easy transition with the Ally color pairings in DTK.
February 10, 2015 8:40 p.m.
Further Evidence in today's Uncharted Realms!
Read it now before continuing to avoid spoilers
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In the article, Abzan humans have pledged allegiance to Dromoka and she commands them along with her brood! The legendary dragons are growing in power and following. Whether or not they are shard, wedge, or ally pairs, it seems very likely that we will see the clans lead by legendary dragons in DTK!!
February 11, 2015 11:45 a.m.
I would say that the article today points towards the clans being allied colour pairs in DTK. The reason is that the Abzan have to renounce necromancy in the story and I would consider that the black portion of their wedge. If you take out the necromancy then they are just White/Green and fit into that allied colour pair.
Say this is true, the Sultia story would have them losing green. What part of that story leads them to giving something up? He gives away his wealth and power does that seem green enough?
I am sure that we will see the other clans stories too. Although Alesha's was just about how she got her name.
February 11, 2015 1:18 p.m.
jandrobard says... #32
@Shill But the kin-tree magic is B/G colored. I think that instead of losing/swapping one color, the clans will each lose their secondaries, becoming monocolor.
February 11, 2015 1:28 p.m.
Nomeacuerdo says... #33
I was about to suggest that the Dragons could evolve to wedge dragons, but today's article speaks for itself, the clans will have dragon khans, and will lose the opposing color (I think that the sultai will be a clan filled with zombies, maybe we'll see the return of Tasigur as a legendary zombie).
Also, I think that there's the possibility that there will be some dissident clans (the "necromancers" from the Abzan and the rakshasas and/or Nagas from the Sultai so far) and they'll be paired with the removed color from the clans.
The surrounding lore from this expansion is turning out really sweet! What role will have Ugin in the future? What will happen between Sarkhan and Yasova?
February 13, 2015 11:11 a.m.
If this article doesn't confirm dragon-led clans in DTK for you, I don't know what will.
Now all that's left is to speculate what colors the clans shall be in the future. I sticking to my guess of shards.
February 18, 2015 7:39 p.m.
Named_Tawyny says... #35
@Shill Note too, that the Jeskai sacrificed their warriors (all those who killed dragons) losing the fire of their combat (and thus becoming UW), the Mardu gave up their command structure (giving up W) to become purely nomadic. Not sure how the Temur becoming glorified waiters is RG, but I'm sure there's a way.
February 19, 2015 7:19 a.m.
Nomeacuerdo says... #36
Named_Tawyny Also the Abzan without the dead-Magic drops the Black, and I think that the Sultai will drop the "living" thang.
The story took an awesome turn. My guess is that there will be still a dissident faction from every clan (like a coalition) and in the future they find out the key that Shu Yun swallowed, learning about the clans, and their history, pushing them to fight the dragons and restore the balance.
February 19, 2015 9:33 p.m.
jandrobard says... #37
I think that the clans will lose both secondary colors and become monocolored, with enemy colored "splinter" clans that refused to serve the dragons.
February 19, 2015 9:40 p.m.
Named_Tawyny says... #38
Nomeacuerdo, yup, somebody mentioned that already (my comment was in reply). This also explains why the wedges were centred around the allied pair, and not the enemy of them both - easiest to drop the enemy.
It's going to be great - I'm already excited.
February 19, 2015 11:37 p.m.
jandrobard I think it would be the opposite actually. The majority of each clan is currently following a dragon lord (who are two colored). Mardu becomes B/R, Sultai becomes U/B, Abzan becomes G/W, Jeskai becomes U/W, Temur becomes R/G.
As Named_Tawyny stated above, Mardu is become more hectic and lost white, Sultai lost nature and is following the "drifting death", Abzan lost death magic and became G/W, Jeskai lost it's warriors and has become U/W, and Temur lost their pride and poise (grace, elegance, balanced), and will likely devolve into feral servants. If there were going to be splinter factions, it would be the mono colored part that each clan dropped.
However, I think this is unlikely. As we read in the siege against the Jeskai fortress, the splinter faction of Abzan was killed.
Personally, I think the Mardu have gotten the best deal here. Yes, they are no longer a clan with a khan, but other than that they don't really have to change their way of living. They don't have to bow to the dragon, simply keep up as it takes the world by storm. Which is what they did anyway, just more controlled.
Now, this being the case, and the new "clans" being the same two colors of the fetch lands released in Khans, I think we can put to rest the idea that the other 5 fetches are going to be printed. There would be no point to printing the other fetches in a set focused on U/B, R/G, G/W, U/W, B/R.
February 20, 2015 12:08 a.m.
jandrobard says... #40
@kyuuri117 We can agree on one thing, the Mardu got the best deal. Screw chain of command, we have dragons!
February 20, 2015 12:11 a.m.
Nomeacuerdo says... #41
The one that I feel glad that had what he deserved is Tasigur. Dumb Ass.
Now, What do you think will happen with Sarkhan? With the past-changing paradox, will he cease to exist? or we'll see a new version of him?
derKochXXL says... #2
So you think Silumgar, the Drifting Death will be Grixis? I don't know. It would be kind of weird. So Abzan would be Bant (not that much new interaction with blue), Jeskai would be Esper (this doesn't seem right, but maybe if Taigam rises), Sultai in Grixis (could actually get behind that. I'd like a delve fireball), Mardu as Jund (What? Sarkhan as three colour legendary creature?), and Temur as Naya (this makes a lot of sense). Some seem quite a good fit, some seem not so intuitive. We'll see.
February 9, 2015 6:08 p.m.