Truth in Zealous Expression [Mardu MTG Color Philosophy]
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- The Wedge of Mardu is the kind of MTG Color Philosophy that I find so interesting. it is one of those MTG Color Combinations that have a very grand and sometimes extreme way of thinking. When breaking down Color philosophy in Magic the Gathering it's always fun having a chance to break down a Philosophy like Mardu. So join me in expanding upon the Philosophy of Mardu, one of Truth in Zealous Action a perfect slice of the mtg color pie
Special thanks to Cameron Davis for his work on Editing the script
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![Perfection in Ruthless Order [MTG ESPER Color Philosophy MTG Colors Explained]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D3vO1rwYqEQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Learn more about the colors featured in this video:
Red - ua-cam.com/video/uHJHwqsOZbU/v-deo.html
Black - ua-cam.com/video/PAlr1_ReQq8/v-deo.html
White - ua-cam.com/video/Kgj4Vb-Bc1g/v-deo.html
"We protect the weak, because we are strong and they are ours and one day we will make them strong too." My Mardu interpretation
I really like that! Thanks for the quote I might have to steal it some time for a video
@@DiceTry Thank you!
an individual is weak
a group strong
An army is powerful
each is a collection of several of the former
@aidanhearn4210 I do think that is more of an Abzan way of thinking, i think Mardu's way would be more into, "We are strong! We make every work, why do i need to be prayed or unslaved by the weak. We will not take that opression anymore if you are strong you can take everything you want. But no one can be stronger than the strongest of the mardu together, because we work every day to get stronger"
@@An_Ian and an individual is a collection of skills and talents given sentience
“What if Rakdos had a military”
Lol I like that
Rather, to me, it is if Orzhov and the Boros Legion teamed up.
If Boros was power hungry
If Orzhov was fast
What a truly terrifying concept lol
Personally I really like how the strengths of the other two colors can balance the one's flaws.
Red/Black encourages White to not get too comfortable with the status quo. Structure is important, but if you see a way things could be improved, go for it and don't let anything stop you.
Black/White takes Red's wild energy, and gives it both focus and discipline. Raging against the machine is great, but if you want to get anything worthwhile done you need a defined goal and a proper plan to get it done.
Red/White accept Black's ambition and remind it to think beyond itself. Nothing wrong with doing what's right for you, but don't become the villain you fought against, and remember that helping others and helping yourself are not mutually exclusive goals.
In its best form, the Mardu slice is a powerful engine of change and improvement, guided as much by its heart as its head. Without the analytical mind of Blue and serene mind of Green it ends up less than perfect, but if there's a problem, Mardu will be the first to make a plan, jump in and do what it can to fix it to the best of its ability.
Something I find fascinating with wedge philosophies, is how they manage to embody ideas of the colors that are not part of it.
For example, I imagine despite Mardu’s nature of abandoning the weak, they’d happily accept those who fell behind, picked themselves up, and sprinted ahead of everyone. That personal growth and communal acceptance is something very Green, but in a not so Green way. The innovations required to improve/perfect yourself to catch up to others touches on the very aspect of Blue, while not being Blue. I guess it reflects well because in that plane where the mana is missing, they have to use the tools of the mana they have to accomplish all parts of their “humanity”. They have to create something not possible with the things they do have, which makes Wedges so much more intriguing.
A second thing, I really like that point you made. Black’s focus on opportunity allows the breeding of RW’s Heroism. Despite having RB in it, it can result in some of the greatest people mankind can ever see.
Hmmm I really like your first point there. It's not something that I've thought about but you are very right. It's like the merger of ideals can align them with mono colors that they don't naturally hold.
Another aspect of white that would influence the warrior focused Mardu is reliance on the supply chain. Being a combat focused game we think about the fighters of MTG a lot and Mardu sounds like it would only value the strongest fighters, but it would probably value the strongest of any occupation. Weapons must be forged, mounts cared for and feasts cooked. The entire system works to support the warriors but this leaves a lot of opportunity in the system. Saying the weak will be left behind sounds extreme, but there's more room to succeed than fail since you can find anything to be good at. You may not be at the top of the pyramid but if that isn't so bad assuming the entire structure is respected, not just the apex.
The least extreme and (in my eyes) most realistic interpretation is a sort of moral hedonism
"I'm going to help you (white) because it makes me (black) fee! (red) good"
That's accurate,I was doing a psychology study recently that talked about not feeling guilty if you do good things for a bad/wrong/selfish reason because you did good anyways.
@@lainhikaru5657 its more of a question of is the person who did a good act entirely for selfish reasons actually a good person ethically speaking. There is no right anwser but to me no they arent they just are an opportunist
@@UnholyWrath3277 good is completly subjective most of the time
@@lainhikaru5657 hence there being no true right anwser
And there was me thinking at the ten minute mark i'd have to make the argument for anarchist mardu myself.
So here's the thing I think you're missing a key aspect of Mardu that I think may be due to Rakdos' stigma on RB and what they can do. This version of Mardu is what I'd call the "Mafia Mentality."
When we think of Rakdos pairing, we tend to think of it in terms ofthe plane of Ravnica, but there's a subtle version of it as well that deals in subterfuge, brutal assasinations, harrasment, theft, and torture. When combined with the often times overlooked aspect of White's need for control we come to a natural conclusion of control through subtle takedowns. Queen Marchesa is a great example of this and why I think the Monarch mechanic works best in this tri pairing. This version of Mardu wants control and WB's influence can actually make R fall in line. The thing is R still needs an outlet, so it's anger and desire are enhanced and can lead to sudden and brutal takedowns after some planning. W is actually a very controlling color in MtG, forcing taxing payments in order to balance the playing field. Combined with B's desire to control what isn't theirs and we have a very scary usurper type that takes power through subtler yet brutal means. I think of it as "Oh that's a lovely store ya got there, shame if something were to happen to it..." approach to things until it is seated at the top and is controlling everyone else. I think if the Goading mechanic were expanded it could easily fit into this tri pairing.
Examples of this are: The Mafia, Corporate takeovers, enhance terrogation techniques, the Usurper to the throne type, etc.
Edit 1: Spelling/grammar
Great breakdown I like this idea
@@DiceTry Thanks, probably not as well written as your video tbh tho lol
But hopefully someone can write it up a little better than I did. Also keep up the good work, I'm really digging the videos. Makes the vorthos in me think about deckbuilding around themes again.
@@ReZELpilot The Goad mechanic is, in fact, in this tri-pairing, following the release of Strixhaven. Thought that was neat.
I think orzhov is more mafia like
mardu is more like the mongol horde.....led by kublai khan......
The subtlety of the ideas expressed in this video and the conversation it has sparked is highly captivating. I don't know the last time I've read through comments so thoroughly too! Awesome
Awesome to hear honestly. I'm really glad you liked ut
lol you got real close to saying the words "anarcho-communism" there near the end.
😉
How many spices are on your rack? Mine has 8.
@@PaulGaither
(is this a reference to something?)
@@gunjfur8633 - Go watch Spice8Rack and his MtG videos, which include one about anarcho-communism he put together recently.
@@PaulGaither
👍
I actually think many nations throughout history have embodied Mardu pretty well. I think the strongest example is actually the United States. The US has a strong culture of individualism that places value on freedom, but it is also a very militaristic, and imposing force in the world that will seek to spread its values of liberty through military might. Ironically, the status quo in the US is individualism, and so it forms a collective national identity around individual liberty. That means that to promote collectivist ideologies such as communism puts you at odds with the existing power structure.
I can see that yeah. Which also point out some of the flaws of mardu, even when it's trying to do good
Mardu would represent the communist very well..
For example you dont want be a commie you die by the commie becuase commie use the state to kill people with different view points
pretty sure they did so for financial gains
I would say US as a government and country right now is more of red black blue
@@phylippezimmermannpaquin2062 I feel like its more based in the collective efforts for each politician's personal gain.
for temur: it combines green's wisdom, bule's intelligence and red's creativity in one
I always felt that temur was the combination that did everything way over the top and out of control
The second ideology is definitely championed by the knights of Eldraine and Syr Gwyn. They fight for the weak and serve with zeal. Their drive is infallible letting them perform super human feats of skill, shown by how they can bend equipment artefacts to their cause. Also they can create new possibilities (drawing) through their sacrifice (life burn).
Klingons!
Not the smartest or most graceful bunch but they successfully made a massive empire built on the strength and guile of its people and allies, making them in my opinion a great example of Mardu philosophy. Red is their clear emotional expression, white is the empire they build and defend, and black is the subterfuge and selfish glory they all aim to achieve.
I love Mardu as a color combination, it’s one of the only ways, other than boros and selesnya, that makes me actually appreciate the qualities of white. Otherwise, I find white only seems to be utilized in oppressive and totalitarian means. Even mono white alone seems to stifling to be enjoyable.
Is there a version of Mardu Philosophy that you could agree with? Or is their way of thinking too extreme?
Mardu Vampire Knights
Mardu sounds like the ultimate extrovert 😆. In terms of philosophy though, I can’t say I really follow, but I definitely understand Mardu and by some extension Rakdos more now😊
Mardu is just a step to a totalitarian regime.
It's pretty close but I do believe the individualism of red and black would always keep that at bay.
@@DiceTry The idividualism could also mean: I and we are best! "They" are disgusting. That is how terrorists think or how actual fascism works. They have the color that doesn't care for the individual and the color that doesn't care for others combined. Anyone who isn't part of the group is of no concern to the individual. That spells discrimination for me.
DiceTry is the best channel on UA-cam.
I can think of two other ways this trio could play out:
Passionate lawful-evil - a person or group who cares only about themselves seeking to achieve their goals at any cost, with no regard for others, but while adhering to a strict moral code. They are zealous and impulsive, but with a strong sense of honor.
Zealous camaraderie combined with something... dark - a group or society that has a close-knit bond with one another and seeks to achieve what is necessary for the greater good of the whole, but cares little for outsiders.
I tend to use a combination of both as they are quite easy to mix and very malleable in combination with each other or on their own.
I really like the idea of Mardu as revolutionaries, and rebels. The anarchist tossing the molotov. With lofty ideas and the belief that in the face of oppression, it is necessary to burn it all down
I've felt drawn to Mardu for a long time, and I think that first philosophy encapsulates why, so very well.
"If you're on my team, I will do anything and everything to make us succeed. But if you are against my team, I will do anything and everything to crush you beneath my heel. Good thing is that all it takes to be on my team is to have the same strict set of morals." 😊
I find it interesting how mardu can lead to both extremely tyrranical or extremely free ways of thinking
So for the second philosophy, I thought of Frollo from the hunchback of notra dame. He thinks he is morally superior and is very selfish, lustful, and power hungry. He burns the city to the ground in search of esmeralda, because of his feeling of lust for her masked under zealous retribution.
"If you aren't willing to use your strength in favor of the weak, you are not worthy of it." - my condensation of Mardu's more anarchistic and compassionate incarnation.
Wanting for others the fulfillment and dignity you want for yourself is the perfect expression of Black self-interest and Red/White compassion. It's an aspect of this combo I'm happy to identify with.
I feel like Mardu is the philosophy gamers kinda have while playing.
I mean I could see that. Victory is key and the weak deserved to be left behind... In lower ranks
And then there's me, who plays support. And sometimes sacrifice myself to heal the idiot that charges 1v4. Yeah I'm not a skilled player but I have fun
@@DiceTry There's worse ways to select good draft picks
Been in a debate with my dungeon master and a friend over my character’s color combination, and I argued red/black because of his desire for freedom, his power source (he’s a warforged blood hunter) and his his acceptance that he’s become a monster. DM argued red/white because despite his darker and relentless methods and approach to combat and social encounters, the intent behind it followed Red/White, because he became a blood hunter to become the turning point (going from a healer in an apocalyptic war to a destroyer) and his one desire is to make sure that everyone he protects makes it back home.
After watching this video, Mardu seems to fit him best now I have a better understanding of the color combination.
He is unflinching in his ideals, protect the people he holds closest to him, and pushing himself beyond limits. He is very black and white in his beliefs (not in terms of mtg color) and generally refuses compromise, while he is the first to leap into action, he would rather crush a foe so no more may be harmed than rush to the aid of the wounded.
This mindset has had him turn on a party member naturally when the party kleptomaniac had stolen artifacts related to great warriors of a bygone age, and having constantly been the target of many accusations of being a traitor by the same party member due to a traumatic dominate person spell, resulted in a PVP situation where we both almost killed one another, with the closest companion he has in the party and his “brother” stepping in, both champions of “live and let live” both had to stop him from succumbing to the monster he accepted himself as
Mardu is my absolute go to, now to me the individual pairings lack the third color.
Mardu is really superiority in tribalism, and it has quite some interpretations. My favorite is 'controlled chaos'. You can be free, you can do what you want, you can express and be as you like, and indulge in your passions. But there's focus, structure, and guides to follow. Moderation in pleasure.
I usually gather vampires, dragons, and angels in the same deck. In a way, it's quite goth: it can be beautiful; terrible, stunning, dangerous, morbid, and heavenly. I love mardu.
Peace is a lie, there’s only passion
Through passion I gain strength
Through strength I gain power
Through power I achieve victory
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall set me free.
- The Sith Code
This was what I was thinking all through the video; Albeit it serves to Jund as well, I suppose, due to the denial of Peace being more Green than White. I do however think that the Sith Order after Darth Bane* definitely where more Mardu inclined.
*(for those who don’t know Star Wars lore that much, it’s just the Sith as we see it in the movies and tv shows, the lineage that produced Maul, Dooku, Vader and Palpatine)
Using the color for D&D method I've now played one of my favorite bards.
Dack "The Banner" Barristan is a Tiefling born to a noble family loyal to the rulers of the kingdom of Varhelt. First born of his generation Dack had a lot of expectations set upon him, but his particular "condition" made him unsuted to take over his family name. He was allowed his freedom. The duties of his name fell to his brothers as they were born. He indulged in his passions, and found he had a knack for politics. His terrifying deemanor allowed him to strong arm others into falling into line behind him. He got the monicker of "devil prince" and he loved it. [He is Rakdos at this point]
When war came to Varhelt it fell upon the noble homes to provide military might. Seeing an opportunity the Barristans sent a couple of their knights, a large portion of their militia, and their firstborn son. Dack had difficulties falling into line at first. He craves his previous life, his freedom, the ability to indulge in his passions and desires, but he was a smart man he understood how the world works. He was quick to find that those at the bottom, and those at the top, lived very different lives.
Dack was quick to volunteer for assignments. He became pleasant to work with, and with wit and talent he quickly climbed the ranks. Dack made a name for himself as someone capable of inspiring soldiers alongside him. It wasnt long before he found himself leading a detachment of soldiers himself, but by then something had slowly changed inside him. He found himself caring for others in a way he didnf before. It felt GOOD to do good, but it also felt good to win. Dack would push his soldiers to be the best they could be. Not only for themselves and their glory, but for his glory as well. He understood that they where more likely to follow a leader who led from the front, and so he was given the monicker "The Banner"
Once the war was done, most of the forces were disbanded, but Dack missed them. He craved that sense of closeness and comroderrie, he craved the thrill of battle, and he craved the sense of power and satisfaction that came with succeeding against your foes, so he set off. He did not return to his family home, insteadnhe found himself headed towards a small town on the outskirts of the Vellen forest. Where he would run into his new adventuring party.
His philosophy is "In order to sieze my ambitions (b) and freedom (r) I will need help (w), and my through our victory and strength (wr) i will ensure my group (wb) will be able to live a life of joy and unrestricted fulfilment (br)"
I always interpret Mardu with being people are pursue and achieve their goals, black, freedom to express themselves, red, without harming others, white. In extremes it could lead to zealous individuals who force their goals on others, but on the other end it could be someone who can advocate for positive change and allow others to be themselves.
I think that this color combination, as with others, can be interpreted in a number of ways depending on the dominant color.
With White at the helm, it's philosophy of truth is influenced by red's honest emotions and black's self interest. You're not rude, you're simply brutally honest, not sugar coating your interests, emotions, needs, or opinions.
With Red in the driver's seat, white's order and black's paranoia makes a very interesting ideology. You ruthlessly control your self, strictness born out of fear of your darker side.
Black at the head can combine with white's selflessness and red's freedom to form pure zealous behavior. You're more than willing to throw yourself into the thick of it,l because any sacrifice is gain in the end.
When I think of Mardu, I think of Jaime Lannister from GoT.
He became the greatest swordsman in the south to defend his family and King's Landing. He didn't let the warrior's code that he had to adopt get in the way of that and he's willing to do anything to ensure the safety of his loved ones and home. He still respects strength however and seeks to challenge himself (key example being his fight against Ed).
Essay incoming: I think there's some confusion here about the application of Mardu in terms of political ideology (anarcho-communism) which was mentioned here. I'd argue its a much better representation of voluntarism, also known as anarcho-capitalism, and I'll explain why:
As mentioned here, mardu is the combination that best exemplifies ideological fundamentalism (also known as extremism) because when mardu believes in something, it sees no problem in taking those beliefs to their logical conclusion. In fact, Mardu would likely view those who are not ideologically fundamentalist as cowards, because they know if someone really believed in something, they'd follow it to the end. That, or the person in question is so afraid of confrontation that they won't commit to anything to avoid making enemies. Either way, a wishy-washy coward. Mardu has no problem making enemies, because it knows conflict is inevitable in a world of those who are right and those who are wrong. And its OK, perhaps even moral in Mardu's eyes if one makes enemies in the pursuit of what's right.
Red and black, the ally colors, embody the importance of the individual - one should not be restricted in any way by tyrannical exploitative forces that would prevent one from living to his full potential/self expression. This exemplifies the correct tendency of Mardu towards anarchism. Mardu hates bureaucracy or exploitative forces that prevent them from following their ideals or goals to the fullest.
However, Mardu still believes in the concepts of hierarchy and order, which are part of its white identity. This can be exemplified through one of the examples, the "warrior code". A warrior code is a simple creed which exemplifies the principals Mardu values in order live its life, and it is a standard applied to other warriors in the Mardu culture as well. Those who fail to uphold the code are considered incapable, inadequate, and or undeserving of the society Mardu constructs for itself, leading to the consequences of failure, be it ostracization, exile, etc. In this system, hierarchy exists. Those who abide by the code and thrive, and those who do not.
Anarcho-communism is only one half of this framework, because it fundamentally does not believe in the concept of hierarchy or order. It considers any inequality a result of exploitation and therefore immoral. However, this clearly cannot line up with Mardu philosophy. In Mardu philosophy, strength (as in one's capacity) is one of the defining principles Mardu values. However, in terms of the capacity of the individual, there will always be those who are more capable than others, thus producing inequality.
On the inverse, voluntarism applies both halves of this framework. It does away with systems that would impede the individual from doing as he wishes. But in this system, order and hierarchy still exist, therefore absorbing the third portion of mardu philosophy. In voluntarism, the code is simple: "You may do as you wish, as long as you respect the right to self-determination of others. Should you break this rule, you revoke your right to self-determination."
The right to self-determination: Without your consent, nobody can interact with you or extensions of yourself, aka the right to be left alone. All rules effectively become this rule in a voluntarist system. It's simple, radical, principled, and effective, things Mardu likes.
Why do I believe voluntarism better exemplifies Mardu principals? Because it does away with exploitation (not imposing the will of others upon the individual) while still giving room for the strong to be strong (natural hierarchy and order). In voluntarism, inequality is caused by weakness, incapacity, or laziness, which is considered a valid form of inequality within Mardu principles. In Mardu's eyes, hierarchy is good if it makes people stronger.
It is easy to imagine a Mardu individual saying "Why should the weak hold back the strong?" or "The strong have no obligation to help those who won't help themselves." Mardu individuals would view the weak who try to enforce equality on the strong as just as much of a parasite as those who would tyrannically impose their will on others. This is much more in the vein of voluntarism as opposed to anarcho-communism, where it is believed that those who are capable have a moral obligation to use their capacities and capabilities to maintain those who are less gifted. In this same framework of voluntarism, the capacity for violence is not considered immoral, but a necessary tool for needed to defend one's right to self determination in the correct circumstance. In the ideal Mardu society, everyone is a warrior, each person able to take care of themselves and others if they wish.
... So I was going to just say "Anarcho-communism sounds a lot more Naya than Mardu. Black still wants as much for itself as possible, and Black without Green is willing to step on a lot of people's toes to get it"
But your essay was so much better :)
Question about Anarcho-Capitalism:
Doesnt Capitalism require the state, because of property rights and stuff?
@@gunjfur8633 Essay incoming: In a voluntarist system, property rights could be protected in multiple ways -
- Individual acquisition of the means of self defense for themselves or extensions of themselves (their property) the most obvious example is a weapon one would carry to defend themselves should they need to enforce their own right to self determination. Other more passive examples include door locks or fences, things that make it more difficult for individuals to interact with another individual's property without their consent.
The extent to which one would need said means would be determined by that individual's self-assessment. E.G. should the individual live in a high risk neighborhood, although they may not like metal decor, they would purchase it for both fencing and window protection to ensure their house cannot be entered in those ways. If their neighborhood does not have those risks, they may assess that a door lock is sufficient.
- Preventative self defense could be outsourced, e.g. private defense. Should someone assess that the cost of constant active defense of one's property is affordable and necessary given their property's value, such as a vault or museum. In this case, one would hire contract property guards, bodyguards or perhaps automated security systems. Private companies already do this to some extent in our current system, with private body guards, property guards, and security systems. These services would merely be used more often and subject to market forces. This can also be scaled up to more large and complex systems of defense should the risk of attack be deemed high enough. The price for these services could be made a group purchase, e.g. neighborhood private security costs for fences, gates, and gate security are paid for with a periodic HOA membership fee.
- Should one's rights already have been infringed upon by a bad actor, one could either act in self defense to exact repayment (e.g. force someone to give back stolen goods plus any additional capital for the infringement) but in most cases, people don't want that type of trouble or aren't willing to take that risk, so this will be outsourced. Private firms who enforce contracts or provide compensation would be in charge of this. For example, in our current system, we already have things such as private investigators or bounty hunters, both of which work by contract. The duty of finding the bad actor, apprehending them, and making them compensate the victim adequately would be their responsibility and their contractual duty. These services would now also be subject to market forces. The price for this type of service can also be amalgamated, in a manner similar to car insurance. A service provider charges a periodic fee in exchange for protection and compensation should the need for those services arise.
- In the case of nonviolent property disputes, or situations where the innocent or guilty party is not clear, professional voluntary dispute arbiters (think of a contractual judge) would arise in the place of courts. Given the need for both parties to consent to the arbiter's assessment or judgment, market forces would incentivize unbiased and fair arbitration, because no individual would agree to have a dispute settled by a judge they know won't provide a fair assessment. The primary selling point of said arbiter would be their reputation for fairness and excellence in dispute settlement. Should someone's reputation be tarnished by poor arbitration, they would pay for it in the lack of future customers.
In conclusion, private services that provide property rights protection would exist in the system, that enforce property rights via contract. The extent to which property rights are preventively protected or retroactively enforced are determined by the individual for that individual and any individuals that fall under the initial individual's care.
I agree, for me Mardu is more like Hoppeanism.
Very well said. I think this is the best view of Mardu and it’s my Mardu is my favorite.
A very interesting philosophy for a colors.
Sounds like the philosophy of every revolution ever. And I'm not saying this in a bad way
I do agree with the anarchist position of Mardu however when you said it was the position when white has to make the most sacrifice I disagree white is the color of order but their is many way of interpreting it and as far as I'm concerned a society without hierachy can still have order
I could see someone who wanna rise to the top but knows that they can't do that alone. So they find the best people in their craft and implements their ambition in their own.
If I could come up with a philosophy for Mardu is “Our Victory, through My Passion”
They're spreading the message of true freedom and the philosophy of a better world. These guys are freedom fighters, I love these guys.
Omg how did i not see this before.... the Facsism comment literally just clicked and wow what an amazing brilliant correlation. Im super impressed.
*Ghen, Arcanum Weaver* is Mardu at its most lofty. He’s creative (Red), altering Enchantments into new forms. He’s unapologetic when altering other people’s things (Black), but an improved spell is his selfless motivation (White). His card quote wonderfully summarizes his intellectual brand of Mardu:
*”This is different. This is art.”*
Red, black and white was my first deck in mtg. the nostalgia of seeing that artwork again as wonderful thank you. it brings back memories of me not attacking with that invincible orc looking warlord to let my little brother prove himself a true warrior and then blowing him away with dragon fire?(infinite mana cost but is 1/1 ratio for single target damage)
I was trying to think of what color identity a character of mine would be, and had kind of a tough time. I had settled on Rakdos for now, but that didn't feel quite right, and I didn't know what else to go with. But after watching this, I'm realizing Mardu might work for him way better than I initially thought
Nice job, brother. These videos are applicable to DMs in games as much as MTG deckbuilders. Liked, subbed, and sent to friends.
Love your content and all the effort you put in your videos. They're great! Hope you'll find a way to a bigger audience - it's what you deserve.
Thanks for this it honestly makes my day when I get these comments.
My absolute favorite wedge and clan, thanks for the deep dive. Just found your channel, subscribing now
Glad I could do your favorite wedge justice. I found it to be a fascinating wedge
I think the initial philosophy hits the nail on the head. Thinking of the Crusades especially, that is something where humanity displays Mardu philosophy at its purest form. Even in current times that philosophy is often found in extremist or very conservative circles affecting even our politics.
Even with a minor white influence on the Rakdos colors, it is hard to imagine those colors striving for a free world without reigns, as there are too many eager for power, and within those colors that'll inevitably lead to power struggles.
Thanks for another great video!
Big essay incoming 😅😊
recently started getting into MTG and I immediately got drawn into Mardu. My spin on it is that the combination embodies love of human life in the highest form it can and ill break it down as follows:
-Red by itself is stright forward. Freedom, adventure, excitement. It's the drive towards a life that grasps every form of experience it can on the individual level and demands of itself to seek it out.
-Black by itself factors as selfishness which completes Red's freedom but it brings a form of amoralism that grounds the individual. It can be disregarding and disparaging of weakness but at the same time black is the most disillusioned of the bunch. Lofty ideals are just distractions and peddlers of mental, moral and ideological traps. One cannot be free if the ideals one has are the ones possesing and wielding him or her. Thus black centers pragmatism
-White channels respect and purpose. Where Red and Black may become myopic in the drive towards freedom White comes in and adds conscience. By itself it is too moralistic and communitarian but mixed with the rest it finds its balance. Once satisfied with their wants and wandering the world, White draws the Black and Red back into the civilization and community and asks them "Well, you've done all of that, you've found the Golden Fleece or Excalibur you wrestled with monsters for the fun of it, now come back to the rest of us and put all that experience and knowledge you gathered on your journey to use so that we will celebrate the adventure and grow stronger from it. Absent White RB never becomes more than a purposeless vagrant, hoarding experience and smirking but never doing anything with it.
The absence of Blue and Green is because in themselves these two colors are the most inhuman
A)Mardu looks at green and thinks: you care so deeply for the natural world that you've annihilated what makes you human. You've given up on empathy for others of your kind and the value inherent in their lives for things that are not you nor care about you. Red might relate with the freedom in nature that green finds but black comes in with the disillusionment and calls out green for misplaced altruism and even a higher form of selfish moralism (I'm better than you because I care about the natural world) while white questions for what value the natural world by itself brings when it is a brutal realm to exist in. it's the domein of prey and predator which it can't tolerate as such a life is too brutal
B)Mardu looks at blue and thinks: First of all you hoard knowledge like a dragon jealously hoarding treasure and having knowledge for the sake of it has no inherent virtue. You've not added anything of value to the world though it. Its the condemnation aimed towards a detached deity. Having the power to stop suffering and yet closing its eyes and ears to the world just to accumulate more. Red despises the abnegation of humanity it sees. White calls out the detachement from everything and everyone else and black simply questions what good is all you have if you dont use it.
So to round up. On the individual level RWB is someone who abhors having any form of strings on them from ideological and moral ones to societal one but at the same time it admits that it has the freedom to choose those and, when it does, it does it with genuine diligence be it towards family or community wanting to see them achive their own furfilment and joy. Its a love and respect for their fellow man that one may find in the likes of King Arthur. In battle it's a knight or samurai who will fight you honorably and give you the credit of calling you a worthy foe but at the same time if you play dirty the pragmatism of black says "You started it so i don't have to hold back just for my honor. It does me no good if I am dead"
Societally it is a little hard to predict how it may turn out as the outside stimuli on RWB matter more. Left alone I think it is quite an inward society. Everyone has their "castle" and as long as nothing disturbs that, everyone is happy. Strangers are welcome as they bring in new tales and experience but they are required to leave their prejudices at the door. You can debate and are free to question but it has to be in good faith and without preachiness. Trade is seen as advantageous in adding value. If RWB neighbor societies are peaceful then they are more than happy to share with those societies in any form they can while respecting their differences and when common ground isnt found it's an "agree to disagree" and move on. IF the neighbor societies are not peaceful then RWB is the kind of "F around and find out" military force. You challenge it and it will end a fight with you never being able to challange it again. In this there is a question of proportionality on what side of the psyche wins out. Be it the proportional means part of white to minimaze casualties and fight honorably or the ruthlesness of black which bases itself in a a very pragmatic take on war, namely that the only good war is a short war and the only short war is a brutal one. The logic is that the society that losses is so traumatized by the experience that for generations it won't ever pick up war as a means because it was shown the cost. It may sound very paradoxical but the calculus of war in RWB's mind is that maximum damage inflicted in the moment is preferable to the prolonged suffering of attrition.
I'm playing Mass Effect and it is most in tune with the games if you play as one, two or all of the colors of Mardu.
Very insightful video, I think the discussion in the comments means you did a great job!
Will you be addressing Colorless in the future? I’d like to see how the lack of a color impacts the game and maybe how it aligns with entities like the Eldrazi and Devoid mechanics. Thanks!
It's something I've been asked a few times and I'm sure if my channel keeps going along the way it is I will cover it but I don't have any immediate plans for colorless
Well I came in knowing I was Mardu and then you blew me away by describing my entire personal philosophy and ideology in that last bit, so thanks for validating my perception of myself, that was neat! A small correction is that everyone doing "equal work" is impossible to measure, and if it were possible it would be unrealistic and quite authoritarian. People do not need to push themselves to do an equal or greater amount of good then their neighbor, as long as they are doing what they can to build a better world for themselves and others.
Also I don't think there's as much... directionality as you made it seem here. While a Mardu ideology can be reached from the individualism and pleasure seeking of Rakdos, with its selfishness tempered, and its empathy expanded to everyone (not just the loved ones of red) by white. You could also start at the strong moral framework, caring heart, and parental authority of white, that can too often fall into a harsh and cruel "I know what is best, and I am doing this for your own good (or worse, the vague greater good)", and then add red and black to (somewhat ironically) humble it. To give it a more solid grasp of the individual, stop it from thinking in the broad terms of "what is best for this family/city/country/world/etc" and start asking the people what is best for them, and centering them in the decisions that affect them, and eventually, when the three colors reach equilibrium, handing the power to the people directly, allowing each one to have control over themselves and their lives, with only the structures necessary to keep one person from taking that control away from another kept in place.
Without making this comment too long, I feel you could more or less start with any color or pair of colors and add the rest to arrive at this. You could take the passionate self expression of red and add the colder realism and political mindedness of Orzhov. Starting with black's selfish individualism and adding the comradery and passionate empathy of Boros plays out very similarly to starting with Rakdos and adding white.
Rather fitting to this interpretation of a Mardu ideology there is not a strict hierarchy between the colors, it isn't any color pair with a bit of the 3rd, or any one color with a bit of the other two. It is the unity of the self, the public, and the passion of, and for, both, without care for what lives up to the proclaimed "natural order" of green, or blues detached ideals of "perfection".
Negan is honestly probably the most Mardu of all Mardu cards
great video man and can't wait til sulti and i feel like mardu would be the sith as most sith start out meaning to do well but twist due to power, the sith focus on both power and passion( though usually negative) while trying to shift into control that will never last due to their ambitions causing infighting. the sith takes black in the reins while using white to maintain their own peace and control( black white) though they tend to strip white of most of its beneficial parts to increase their own chances and forcing red into burning pit of passion taking it to an extreme as they focus on hate rage, despair etc to draw power
Based on the first philosophy, the shard basically accepts the Sword Logic from Destiny.
Love this!
You deserve so many more subs...
I expect growth from you similar to Spice 8rack.
Cant wait for more videos.
2 more real life exaples for mardu:
-A mercenary army.
-A pirate crew.
In both instances individuals with selfish interest (black and red) agree to work together in a
unified way (white).
That last line describes almost every company.
Yeah I could see that
Ok its a realy loose agreement.
Most pirates/mercenaries could leaved at any time without mayor consequences.
Dunno if you still read comments this long after the video is posted but here something I thought about Mardu, on the more 'heroic' side of thing. We see a lot about the extreme in this color combination but I also think that they can shine in time of darkness.
In a setting like the Witcher or monster hunter Van Helsing type of thing. Mardu could be a monster hunter maybe not helping people due to moral virtue alone (W) but because it want to (WR), because it makes him feel good doing so, giving him a sense of superiority (RB), because it is payed handsomely (B), - or just because it is a way to canalise its lust for blood and adrenaline (R). But at the end it still help people.
Now when it will be against some lost monster, which is fighting against its own nature. See a new vampire not ready to lose its life but tortured by his action and need for blood, a werewolf in human form remorsely clawing at his own skin after having lost its mind in blind rage and murdering innocents. A creature gone mad after that its cub were mistakenly killed by some hunters. Our Mardu character will understand the dilemma, its Red side will allow it to have empathy but where other color combination will have a harder time thinking about what it's the right action here, Mardu will end it swiftly. Understanding but still doing what need to be done. It will not let pity hold its hand and will quickly come to a decision. Maybe not the right decision, maybe the creature could be cured but how long could it take to do so and at which cost?
At the same time this kind of Mardu could very easily turn into its contractor if it think that they are fooling and using it to kill someone or something not deserving it. Its sense of hindered justice will not think twice about it. Yes it will act based only on its own morality but in a world where what's good and bad is blurred, where feeling are manipulated - if you don't believe in yourself and believe in what your doing, it exist no hope. And Mardu is the kind of character that will do what need to be done for the better/survival of all (W) or of its loved one/community (R) . It's a kind of them or us philosophy but not devoid of understanding the other party struggle.
I hope I made sense (English isn't my first language), and I'd love to have others views on this!
I also like that these different versions of mardu don't have to be exclusive from each other. Some versions could incorporate all three versions that you presented. A zealous society trying to force its views on others, views that values the strength of the invididual to carve a path for those left behind that seek peace through fullfilled desires. You could see it as tiers, with a mardu government of zealots commanding a mardu military to create a world for the mardu citizens. Much like how each individual color works together to form your 3 presented ideologies, each ideology can work together as part of the greater Mardu Whole.
Probably my absolute favorite shard simply because it can be as beautiful as it can be terrifying.
That was deep
Technoblades character on the dream smp is a good example if this i think. He left behind a dog that wouldn't go through a nether portal while traveling, and believes that "Violence is the only universal language." He works tirelessly to destroy oppressive governments that corrupt good people in order to allow all to carve out their own existence from the ash.
Starting to be my fav slice of pie cuz it excludes the cheating colors of blue/green.
I think Mardu can take the form of elitist indulgence, someone using their wealth, status, and position to satisfy base urges and thirst for pleasures.
I have a Conquest Paladin im about to start playing and i think ive found a good blueprint for him in Mardu
I believe Temur is the wedge that loves nature but understands when knowledge and technology are the best and most convenient way to live. Seeking freedom is the goal, but you need to know as much as you can. Plus when was the last time you got around without gps?
Revenge and a desire for it is Mardu
I love this wedge faction
I created a Mardu Half-Orc who is passionate (Red) and willing to do anything to one day overthrow his chieftain (Black) so he can bring his tribe to a new age where they incorporate with greater society and overcome their status as monsters (White).
This produces an interesting Mardu character who is Chaotic Good at their core, viewing himself as a rebel who seeks the best for his people, while playing the tribe from the inside. But at the same time, he is also a zealot trying to push his ideals on others.
Mardu. My first tri color i tried and feel in love with. Nomads sort of. And 3 colors that i like. Love blue 2. Green is so so
These rooming conquerors love to go raid. White was the army. Red was the speed and destroy and black was death.
Hey Dice, would you be open to doing a Wedge Video on how the color wedges planes would operate? Like how the Shards all have their own distinct planes,creatures, etc. could you do that for the wedge?
The more an more I watch of your videos the more I look into myself an find that I'm all the colors. All the colors on never ending battle for balance.
When I took the "what are your colors" test, I scored heavily in nardu
I've always considered Mardu to be perfectly represented by a stereotypical wild west marshal/sheriff.
They tend to take the law into their own hands (W/R) to protect their own community (W/B), and they tend to do so quickly and ruthlessly (B/R)
They tend to oppose the natural world by helping "conquer" the west (G), and while they aren't necessarily opposed to progress (U), they aren't actively spearheading it either. Blue is the weakest of their oppositions because of W and B being such a heavy part of their Mardu identity.
Mardu reminds me of Eleazar and the Elephant
In my point of view as a mardu deck user , i like this:
Black+Red= Extreme need of fullfill own desires
White= law ,justice and order
Black+Red+White= seek peace throught any means necesary ,the absolute benefit at any cost.
**All "For the greater good"**
-Gellert Grindelwald
I'd like to mention one thought I had, you mentioned that without Blue mana present there is a lack of introspection. But I do not believe that is the case, there are many White cards that are philosophers and furthermore I would say that the core of Black is the self and wish for fulfillment in life. Wel,l without some understanding of what it is you want you can't ever get going with Black. So while Black is not as introspective for the purposes of improvement, it is introspective for the purposes of who they are and what they want out of life. So there very well could be philosophizing and self-reflection within a Mardu society.
If I were to make this video again I'd probably change that. Every color would have to have at least some introspection to understand what they want from life.
Omfg literally me!!!
The last one is I think what Ayn Rand talked about in her Atlas Shrugged book.
By doing what you want, you improve society, because you dedicated yourself to do said things better. This brings the best contribution for all, and thus you help more society by being selfish than by sacrificing your goals for a nebulous greater good.
I saw A LOT of the Fremen people of Dune saga in the Mardu
Same.
The Qunari from Dragon Age are quintessentially Mardu.
Oh hello!
So Rakdos with a military mind (Boros) control by a religious doctrine (Orzhov).
THE ONE
What is the soundtrack that is used in the start of the video? It gives heavy ambience in a soothing manner.
Reminds me a lot of the Tal'darim of the star craft universe.
Which commander decks better embody the "Peace fulfilled desires" ?
Bearhug
It seems like -
For those who have the will to take power and use it, can make society under their will. But if someone else were to take that power from you, they have the right to do so for their own ideals.
My take on it is "Order, brutally forged"
There will be losses
It will be hard, from the standpoint of your troops
But your order is what stands between you and defeat, just as much as strength and power
When its time to wait, you defend and stand your ground
When its time to attack? Hold nothing back
Thats just my take on it, from my experience playing my Mardu deck
The Rakdos Cult
The Orzhov Syndicate
The Boros Legion
All combine to form…
*The Mardu Comrades*
(It even sounds Russian, this is perfect)
I feel like no color combo is as prevalent as mardu in embodying war itself. Rage, passion and violence from red, conquest and a disregard for death in black. Its strange because white embodies peace, but in my mind it also embodies a soldier's organization and a warriors code of honor. White would prefer to deal with martial conflict through a straight fight, the classic sea of soldiers in a field, instead of subterfuge or guerilla tactics that maybe the other colors would prefer.
i'm surprised by the lack of viewers these videos had been getting, is it just not being sent to your subscribers?
What if the orzov actually cared about eachother but hated everyone else.
This is why I couldn't build vampires outside of Mardu. They epitomize what it means to be a vampire, imo.
Passion, fervor, thirst? Red's got that covered
Selfishness, pride, power? Look no further than black
Concern for the group, wanting the whole to rise above? Not to mention control. White has that in spades. Though obviously in this case it only really refers to other vampire clans
The entirety of Edgar Markov's story involves all three of these and they're on full display time and again in each of the main vampire clans. It's just perfect for them.
the third version sounds like the pokemon world
The first iteration is basically Khorne, from warhammer, only with a loooot less red black bloodthirsty.
Bruh you don't get more bloodthirsty than khorne. Although black/red is more slaanesh, because let's be real, the Rakdos cult is just a clown themed slaanesh cult
Damn I need to know more Warhammer lore. I always get these sort of comments comparing philosophy to factions and I need to know. Time to go watch some videos
@@DiceTry I'd recommend luetin09. You know if you have like 20 hours
@@DiceTry This is a hole that’ll take you a looong time to crawl out of.
@@roguepsykerhaaker4813 I think when I typed that I meant “less” bloodthirsty but goofed the spelling.
Megatron in a nutshell
Luffy? Even if unintentionally
Seems to me that mardu could be a representation of a martial artist as a martial artist myself I follow my own personal warrior code which is to defend those that cant, to live laugh and love and to me confidence is everything cause without confidence it is hard to do anything and ultimately not to use my abilities to cause pain, as there are tgose out there that would use their ability to fight as a threat all the time, and I don't agree with that not all, a true martial artist will only fight if he has to
Fire Nation from Avatar