<em>Magic: The Gathering</em> has recently unveiled a fascinating array of previews for the Tarkir: Dragonstorm set, highlighting a significant correction to one of the creature types that was first introduced in the 2014 Khans of Tarkir expansion. This original set introduced players to the five clans of Tarkir, each of which was inspired by various historical cultures from across Asia. While these clans and the plane of Tarkir quickly gained popularity among Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts, the original representation of these cultures was not without flaws. Fortunately, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is actively addressing these earlier missteps to provide a more accurate and respectful portrayal.

As is customary with new Magic: The Gathering sets, previews for Tarkir: Dragonstorm have been steadily released as we approach the highly anticipated launch date of April 11, 2025. The excitement surrounding these previews is palpable, particularly as they appear to mark a return to the robust world-building and intricate storytelling that Magic has been known for, especially after a series of less compelling designs last year. I am particularly pleased to observe that Wizards of the Coast has taken deliberate steps to enhance and update the original depictions of certain creatures, ensuring that they align more closely with their real-world inspirations.

Discover the Reimagined Rakshasa in Tarkir: Dragonstorm

Meet Rot-Curse Rakshasa: The First Comprehensive Look at a New Rakshasa Card

In an exciting reveal, Rot-Curse Rakshasa has provided the first complete look at the redesigned Magic: The Gathering Rakshasa on a brand-new card. While the earlier card, Rakshasa’s Bargain, only hinted at the creature type’s hands, Rot-Curse Rakshasa showcases a full-body depiction, marking a significant evolution in the Tarkir: Dragonstorm series. The striking illustration by Chris Rahn presents a more traditional interpretation of the Rakshasa, diverging from the original designs seen in the Khans of Tarkir block, and offering players a captivating glimpse into this reimagined creature’s aesthetic and thematic depth.

Historically, Magic: The Gathering‘s Rakshasa cards were depicted as humanoid tiger-like creatures, a design choice reflected in their Cat Demon classification. However, the new iteration of Rakshasa in Tarkir: Dragonstorm presents them as blue, four-armed humanoid demons, abandoning the Cat classification altogether to simply be recognized as Demons. This significant departure in aesthetics might confuse players who are used to the original Rakshasa designs from Magic: The Gathering or the Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual, but understanding the cultural roots of Rakshasa helps clarify this transformation.

Understanding the Redesign of Rakshasa in Tarkir: Dragonstorm

Rakshasa: A Redesign Aligned with Cultural Heritage

The transition of Rakshasa from humanoid cats to four-armed demons was not a random choice made by Wizards of the Coast during the design phase of Tarkir: Dragonstorm. In fact, this decision was driven by collaborative efforts between the Magic design team and cultural consultants, aimed at creating a more authentic representation of these creatures. This initiative was publicly announced via Twitter alongside the first look at Tarkir: Dragonstorm last October. The modern depiction of Rakshasa in Magic: The Gathering now aligns more closely with traditional representations found in historical statues and artworks.

Originating from multiple cultural belief systems, including Hinduism and Buddhism, Magic: The Gathering‘s Sultai Brood draws inspiration from the Khmer Empire, a civilization whose populace practiced both of these religions. This cultural connection is likely a key reason why Wizards of the Coast chose to incorporate Rakshasa into the lore of the clan. However, the initial design of Rakshasa in Magic was more influenced by their appearance in Dungeons & Dragons, resulting in the earlier cat-like portrayals that diverged from their true mythological roots.

Magic: The Gathering content creator Spice8Rack’s YouTube video delves into the influence of pop culture on the depiction of Rakshasa in Magic and how it diverged from the traditional mythological representation. It is evident that, during the design process for Tarkir: Dragonstorm, Wizards of the Coast and their cultural consultants made a conscious decision to prioritize authentic representations over pop-cultural stereotypes, aligning with the cultural context that the Sultai Brood is meant to embody. This approach reflects Wizards of the Coast’s ongoing commitment to cultural sensitivity and respectful representation in their games.

The Rakshasa Redesign by Wizards Reflects a Commitment to Cultural Sensitivity

Wizards Of The Coast’s Ongoing Efforts to Address Cultural Sensitivity in Game Design

The new portrayal of Rakshasa in Tarkir: Dragonstorm is not the first instance of Magic: The Gathering undergoing redesigns aimed at improving cultural sensitivity. In prior announcements, Wizards of the Coast revealed that they would discontinue the term “Tribal” in favor of “Typal” for cards like Bitterblossom and All Is Dust, a change that stemmed from feedback received from consultants involved in the development of Magic: The Gathering. This commitment to cultural sensitivity extends beyond Magic itself, as Wizards has also been proactive in addressing potentially problematic elements in the latest iterations of Dungeons & Dragons.

While the latest edition of D&D has not altered the depiction of Rakshasa, it has made significant, controversial changes to Orcs. The game now portrays Orcs as a more complex and nuanced species rather than a monolithic representation of evil and aggression. This shift is crucial in avoiding the racial essentialism that has historically been associated with Orcs in both D&D and the broader fantasy genre, which can carry unsettling implications in real-world contexts.

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I commend Wizards of the Coast for their proactive approach in updating potentially problematic elements of the game rather than merely eliminating them entirely. Given that Rakshasa are not particularly common in Magic: The Gathering, it would have been easy for Wizards to simply stop producing new cards featuring them instead of working to rectify past mistakes. By making these adjustments with the assistance of cultural consultants, Wizards of the Coast demonstrates a commendable willingness to learn from previous errors and embrace growth, which is far more constructive than avoiding controversy altogether.

Sources: Magic: The Gathering/Twitter, Spice8Rack/YouTube, Magic: The Gathering