Eshki Dragonclaw and the Temur Clan in Magic: The Gathering
Eshki Dragonclaw stands out as one of the remarkable creatures from the Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm set. For devoted fans of the Temur clan (green, blue, and red), Eshki is an exciting new figure in the latest iteration of Tarkir.
As for gameplay, Eshki Dragonclaw introduces a distinctive approach that encourages players to utilize a mix of both creatures and noncreature spells. Several strategies can be implemented, but crafting an Adventure-themed deck is often the most effective. This format allows you to play cards with both creature and Adventure abilities, simplifying the casting of both types of spells.
Deck Overview
The deck features an impressive 37 creatures, along with eight sorceries, eight instants, nine artifacts, three enchantments, and 34 lands. Although there may be a limited number of noncreature spells, the majority of creatures possess the Adventure ability, allowing them to be utilized as noncreature spells effectively.
Key Cards
Eshki Dragonclaw
As the commander, Eshki Dragonclaw is not only a formidable force in battle but also offers card advantage. Its solid stats and abilities pose a constant threat, compelling opponents to address it swiftly or risk losing control of the game.
Tip: The deck can function without your commander, so there’s no rush to cast it immediately.
Eshki primarily benefits from casting both Adventure and creature spells. You can utilize cantrips—spells that cost one mana—to easily trigger its ability while simultaneously setting up your larger creature spells.
Beluna Grandsquall
This card excels within the deck, as it provides significant card draw through Adventure while also discounting all Adventure spells you cast. Since you’re looking to play multiple spells in one turn, this discount is valuable early in the game, when spellcasting can be challenging.
Caution: The discount applies only to the permanent side of Adventure spells and not to the Adventure effect itself.
Using the Adventure component of Beluna Grandsquall as an instant during the end step is strategically wise. This method allows you to enter your turn with multiple Adventure creatures ready to be summoned, as well as a three-mana creature to help activate Eshki.
Taigam, Master Opportunist
Taigam is a crucial card in this deck, as it enables you to cast two spells every turn efficiently. By copying the second spell you cast and suspending it with four time counters, you can resolve the copy while the original spell awaits its time to be cast.
The biggest advantage comes when the suspended spell is finally played; it counts as your first spell of the turn, allowing you to trigger Eshki Dragonclaw without needing to pay its mana cost.
Tlincalli Hunter
Though it requires a decent amount of mana to play, Tlincalli Hunter is highly effective. Once on the battlefield, you can cast any spell from exile at no cost. Should the Adventure side of a card be used, it goes to exile, letting you employ the Hunter’s unique ability.
The Adventure feature of Tlincalli Hunter also allows you to bring back any creature from your graveyard. This two-mana effect helps maintain a solid battlefield presence while enabling Eshki to activate.
Lozhan, Dragons’ Legacy
Lozhan is an excellent support card, as it accelerates your strategy by quickly reducing opponents’ life totals or removing problematic creatures. While it cannot target commanders, that is rarely a concern.
Note: Lozhan’s damage effect only activates when the Adventure portion of a spell is played.
Adventures can be mana-intensive, making Lozhan’s ability particularly valuable for targeting significant threats.
Playing the Deck
To effectively play an Eshki Dragonclaw deck, focus on casting both creature and noncreature spells. This will enhance Eshki’s abilities and create a powerful field of attackers. Using Adventure spells liberally will allow you to summon creatures later while still maintaining options to cast noncreature spells.
Strategy Tip: Remember that Adventure cards remain in exile and can be used in future turns. Early plays of Adventure should allow you to cast the creature side later when you can cast a noncreature spell as well.
Additionally, certain cards provide discounts for spells cast from exile, essential for meeting the requirements to trigger Eshki Dragonclaw’s ability. Cards like Fortune Teller’s Talent, Doc Aurlock, Grizzled Genius, and Savvy Trader are excellent for this purpose.
Win Conditions
The primary way to secure victory with this deck is through effective combat strategies. The abundance of creatures lends itself to overwhelming your opponents. With Eshki’s ability ensuring a full hand, you’ll be able to keep up the pressure. Additionally, you can score damage through Lozhan’s and Passionate Archaeologist’s abilities to simplify your path to victory.
Final Thoughts
The primary challenge with this deck is managing its pace. Striking the right balance between casting creature and noncreature spells requires ample mana. Expect to spend the early game placing mana dorks and mana rocks onto the battlefield, which might leave you exposed until you can begin assembling a powerful turn with multiple spells.
While stabilizing becomes easier, achieving that state might be difficult against more aggressive decks.
