Learn more about the colors featured in this video: Green - ua-cam.com/video/Wa4unbtsBtE/v-deo.html Black - ua-cam.com/video/PAlr1_ReQq8/v-deo.html Blue - ua-cam.com/video/_SJWQkWBj6c/v-deo.html
For me, Sultai is when Blue and Black pushed and removed all limitations, and Green begins to grow uncontrolably, so almost nothing can stop it once its started.
To me Sultai is the color of absolute darwinism, and nature at it's absolute harshest. The only thing that matters is to continually survive and grow, and the only way to do this is to constantly change and adapt to the world, and mercilessly making use of any strategy that works, regardless of what you think is the right or the wrong way to live. If it keeps you going, it works. It's also the color of the ultimate predator. A combination of Green instinct and physical might, Blue knowledge and rational strategy, and Black ruthless pragmatism
I've always related to Sultai since I learned about the color pie. I see Sultai as the wedge that seeks relentless self-improvement, on its own terms. It isn't really concerned with the actions or perspectives of others (white), since it knows what it sees as the goal, and seeks that. And it doesn't seek to express or demonstrate itself to to others (red), since it is entirely motivated by itself. Simic is the pair of targeted growth, of seeking to make a subject grow into a better version of itself with a purpose in mind, and the addition of black allows that subject to be oneself, to cultivate oneself with purpose into what Sultai sees as desirable. Simic is insatiable growth, and Sultai is insatiable growth of the self. Golgari is the pair of perspective, of seeing the value in what others dare not look at, of recognizing the timelessness and endlessness of all things, to which blue adds learning and observation, so that Sultai will watch, listen, and learn from all things, for all of time. Golgari is patience, and Sultai is patient observation. Dimir is the pair of self-perfection, of power through knowledge and knowledge through power, to which green adds awareness of the world, so that Sultai won't become lost within itself as it pursues perfection. Dimir is perhaps the most self-focused pair, and Sultai is a worldly form of that same self-focus. The past is something to regard (green), to learn from (blue), and to accept (black). But being bound by the structures of the past (white) or ignoring it altogether in favor of the present (red) will only serve to hinder progress into the future.
Sultai in a nutshell can be looked at in 3 ways 1: Simic growing power hungery and incorporating black 2: Golgari developing a passion for learning and incorporating blue 3: Dimir looking at green's raw power and asking "How can I ad this power to my own?"
I wouldn't call it "Simic growing power hungry". More like "Simic becoming focused on the practical". Black cares only for what works or does not work, and is thus amoral, not immoral. It recognizes that everyone has goals they seek, and believes that other colors are simply deluding themselves by spinning fancy stories to justify their goals as noble or righteous, rather than simply accepting the world as it is. (It's kind of like a darker spin on Green, in that way.)
And of those 3 the third one tends to be the most common/accurate This is because green being the enemy color means it is “added” or incorporated last, it is the most separate of the 3 colors
When I think of Sultai I think "don't be a hero." That's not the same as being a villain or being a bystander, it just has no use for that narrative whatsoever. It exists fully outside of it.
While Black's "Greatness, at Any Cost" is a straight path to achieve their goals, the green and blue really branch out, allowing Sultai to take advantage of *every* angle, every opportunity, and every resource others would never even consider because of their danger, immorality, or obscurity.
When I think of Sultai one simple word comes to mind, pragmatism. Sultai doesn't concern itself with anything such as emotions or what is "moral", they concern themselves with what is practical. If Sultai instates laws or rules it is because those laws or rules serve a pragmatic and logical purpose. Much like its snake iconography, Sultai is the ever calculating and ambitious serpent. Whatever they do good or evil, they do it because it benefits them.
I think a common trait between blue, black, and green is stoic pragmatism. Blue’s cold calculation, black’s amorality, and green’s instinct. All without the emotion and morality of red and white.
I came here through your mtg quizz, I got the Sultai wedge and it's funny 'cause I have always identified with that color combination. For me, Sultai is the combination of transcendence, it represents the "Trinity". Green is your soul, your essence, blue is your mind, your perception, and black is your body, your desires, and when you create harmony between these three things, you don't have limits any more. You are in the present, so you enjoy life, and take advantage of everything around you 'cause you know you are alive. You conquer your mind, so you don't torture yourself with the past or the future, so you can use your entire mind to found what you want to find or see more than what others can. And you have made peace with your desires, learning that your ambitions can harm yourself, others or your environment, realizing that the void inside you can never been filled, but now you know you are the one who controls your desires, making you capable to reach what you truly want. And with this knowledge it frees you and even the fear to dead has vanish, 'cause you now know that the cycle its going to repeat itself and nothing can't stop that. Wonderful video!
I think Sultai best represents knowing what is impossible but still improving oneself. For example, Blue and Black aim for impossibilities (perfection and omniscience for Blue and immortality and omnipotence for Black) where Sultai accepts that those goals are impossible but still stives to improve itself for no other reason but to be better than what it was before. I would imagine that Sultai would be the first one to tell you if your goals are impossible but will still want you to grow better and stronger than you were before.
interesting. im a sultai player myself and i agree. then when im my early days of playing, i got attracted to blue and black because ambition, power black and the precision blue motivates me. i seek ambition with the help of precision but eventually i evolved into sultai because i realized that green(nature) has been in control all along. so in my case, blue and black surrendered their power to the green in order to achieve this godly state finally satisfied. the seeking for power can be achieved by letting nature take its course and at the same time ambition and precision is not erased because, its all in nature eversince. great video i enjoyed it.
Cool video! I get the feeling that Wedges are like the allied colors' extremes being tempered by an outsider. For Sultai, Dimir's inhuman drive for perfection at any cost is tempered by green's perspective and realistic outlook on life and chill out a bit. For Jeskai, Azorius' zeal for perfect law and order is tempered by red's influence to take a more humanitarian approach, and chill out a bit. For Mardu, Rakdos' recklessness and self indulgence is tempered by white's inclination towards order and discipline, you know, chill out a bit. For Abzan, It encourages members of the collective (Selesnya) to have a bit of self interest and individuality to chill out a bit (black's influence) I don't know about Temur, you haven't made a video about it yet ;)
For sure! I think dual colors can get a bit out of hand with their beliefs, almost becoming zealous but a third color adds a new way to look at things and the philosophies that are created because of this are more well rounded
I could see this. Forces them to take a moment and actually think about what they want instead of just going with the flow, at least have an eye to the future
Gruul's desire to go absolutely crazy and curbstomp the things they don't like is tempered by Blue's desire to learn and apply their destructive knowledge in a more productive, protective way and chill out a bit
I really like the things you said about Green and the need to slowdown. Regardless of which color one “ascribes” to, there are some very practical benefits. I have a technician job and it’s very noticeable between the quality of technicians. Some of the younger ones have a very Red/Black approach - do the job fast with gusto or find the easiest “clever” solution. However, when it comes to solving problems, they end up lost or missing an important detail that points to the actual problem. Sprinkling a little more Green, a little more humility of your own skills, and an openness to what’s actually happening can go a long way in life. Fantastic video as always and thank you for sharing it!
This is cool to see someone apply these philosophies to their own life. In the end that's the thing I love, it's finding ways to look at ourselves and the world around us through the lense of MTG colors that's so fascinating
I like the way your videos take the form of a Venn diagram, starting with each color, their intersections of dual colors, and lastly the union of them.
1st, sorry for the bad english. I'm really thankfull about this video. I always think that my way to see the world and face my fears was the sultai way. But the villanous way that the sets shows Sultai to us aways desistimulates me. With your shared knolege now I can acept that I'm sultai from the roots. Some words in this video really touch me. Thanks.
Bit of a story here, but I got back into MTG the other day as I was teaching someone how too play. He was attracted too blue when I was explaining the colours to him and after the first few games I wanted to show him a bit more about different strategies and combos decks could play. I had a deck that was a Sultai made from a duel deck package I bought when I first got into it (like 2016, the package would have been from earlier). Now when I played that deck back in the day I didn't quite get it. It focused a lot on putting cards into the graveyard which at the time I thought was weird and counter productive, however this time I decided I'll just play the deck unchanged and see what happens. Wow, that deck came alive and was unbeatable! I embraced the graveyard, delving and sacrificing of cards and the deck rewarded me! I was looking at doing a Blue/Black combo deck now that I am getting back into it but I might stick with Sultai as it's a lot of fun once you get into it's mindset.
I loved that Wizards has gone a different direction with some Black cards recently. Where it's not focusing on the self for power or ruthlessness, but for solitude. My favorite depiction of Sultai is Archelos, Lagoon Mystic. I picture this ancient turtle, who has been alone (and therefore the color Black) for so long that he only knows how to focus on himself and his actions with the world around him. Thus the whole entering tapped or untapped rules text. This ancient turtle is alone in person, but at the same time one with the world he lives in.
Im glad I watched the series even though I haven't heard of you or this channel until this year. Its actually really interesting that you changed my outlook on what wedge i consider myself in and how I've played my dnd characters, basically I was always thinking if I lived in the world of magic that Abzan would easily be what I would strive towards but your analysis of Sultai really hit home for both my ideals and any DM writing i do. For me Sultai taken as is for a character is someone who understands the impact of both themselves and the world around them and has learned to manipulate it to their ends whether its for the benefit or degradation of the world at large. This person would explore a known cursed temple reach inside to find an ancient relic of dark eldrich power. Understanding full well the true cost of using it and will grab it anyway, knowing if they don't they will regret not taking that chance to satisfy their ambitions.
That's awesome to hear. It's the reason why I love talking about the color pie. It's a great way to not only understand our characters but ourselves as well.
I see green rather differently. It is not tradition nor acceptance but stability, growth, and health. Mono green may sometimes fail to see the unreliability of tradition or mistake nature's beauty for perfection, but these are not inherent. With blue, this mistake is not made. What green brings to Sultai is a counterbalance to the often draining options Dimir opens, providing mindfulness of the importance of sustainability in its ambitious long game. Furthermore, contemplation of nature teaches interdependence, reminding Dimir of the utility of cooperation, not because of some notion of morality but because there is ultimately a limit to how much one person can achieve alone (and some games are positive sum). Sultai seeks with balance, but not restraint.
Hey I appreciate it glad to have fans that love my work. Truly does make it worth it. Can you believe we are at the final episode of slicing the pie up next.
@@DiceTry - It has been almost a year to the day since your upload of the dimir duality in magic video which got me hooked and excited for each upload and topic. I both look forward to and fear the day when your channel grows so big that you don't have time to read and reply to the various comments, which happens to all great channels. You have done such an amazing job of finding your special take and presentation. This is quality content of topics I found myself thinking about at nights (and boring shitmfts at work) going back to 2005 and the days of the original Ravnica. I am so happy to see such a well produced series. I struggle to think how you could do this for the five 4-color Commanders and Nephlim they printed, and have zero expectation for you to try.
Well thanks man means a lot. As for the 4-5 color pairings I do think that once you go passed 3 things start to get muddy and it's more about the one color that is missing. I have plans for the future and I'll lean on color philosophy going forward as there isn't much out there.
Wow. With Sultai I finished the videos I consider to fit in green. First there is green. Then there are two with allied colors. There is Gruul. Then there is Naya. Then there are two which enemy colors. This has Golgari. The nature of green has the whole circle of life. It has the life of green with the death of black mixed in. Then Sultai adds in blue. There are two enemy pairs here. There is the Golgari pair and the Simic pair. Simic has an opposites of nature and nurture. Green is about nature, tradition and instinct. It is about what one is born with. Blue is about nurture, innovation and learning. It is about what one gains through experience. With all three colors, Sultai shows the entire journey of life. This is life grounded in the real material world. There are no feelings of red or spirituality of blue. One starts out with green. They are a part of nature. There is instinct and life. Then blue comes along. There is learning and gaining knowlage and experience to the life. At the end there is black. Black has the death and decay at the end of life. Sultai can understand this process and make it into thier own ends. Black and blue are allied colors. They form Dimir. This is a guild of ambition. It is also one that learns secrets for its own ends. Green adds on to it. So one can learn the life of green and nature. Then they can manipulate it and use it for thier own ends. One can even gain wealth from such shady dealings. The power through manipulation is most like Simic, and there is an addition of black. Simic is very good at manipulation. One can say the same about Golgari, but I think Simic is closer. Simic can manipulate the evolution of life to form whole new creatures. There is an intellegence in there. Black gains so much power by adding in the self interest and ambitions. It also adds in necromancy as a tool for manipulation. So one gets even more power through manipulation. The perspective through acceptence is most like Golgari, and there is added blue. Golgari does have a lot of acceptence. It accpts the harsh realities of life and death. It make the most use of the process. Blue gives a deeper look and more perspective. It can think deeper and clearer. So there is a greater understanding of life. The Rooted Ambition is most like Dimir, and it adds in green. Dimir has strong ambition. It desires information so it can achieve more power. Green gives a way to ground it in nature. One gains power over the process of life.
I love the way you analyzed these. Most explanation piece that I've seen so far doesn't try to look at each different colors and combos' perspective. They're often feel like an observation made from their(writer's) perspective and their perspective alone. It's like you're trying to walk in these colors' shoes and it's something refreshing to listen to. You are actually the first person that manage to make me rethink my view on colors/combos' philosophy that I dislike.
Hey thanks. I'm glad my intention came across. The way I look at it, everyone believes they are right and have a reason for their beliefs and the colors are no different. So I wanted to showcase each combination for their point if view
I have another thought that comes in the form of a question: What happens when the enemy color is the goal and the allied pair is the means to achieve that goal? In this case, green's view is the goal and is built up by black and blue. This to me is the individual or society that wants to live a life in nature and accepting their place in the world, but driven by black's ruthlessness and blue's progressive thinking to get there and maintain it! This is a return to nature, as it was meant to be...whether we want to or not. Blue and Black work in the forms of ancient and dark beings that rule from the shadows while keeping those under its rule properly kept in their place and accepting their place in it.
Indeed it could :) There are Abzans who are more Black than White/Green, Jeskais who are more Red than White/Blue, Mardus who are more White than Black/Red, and I myself am a Temur who’s more Blue than Red/Green ;)
@@Simpson17866 Sounds to me like a mentality where one has red's strong passions and green's good instincts tempered by blue's thoughtfulness. They pursue perfection of the self through primal authenticity. Embrace the animal within and you'll achieve the perfection you desire. At least that's one take on it. If that's not you, then please don't take offense. ^_^
Awesome video again. I think the deeprooted ambition feels close to the gameplay side of Sultai as well. Look forward to the last one! The more I think about Temur, the more interesting I believe it is.
To me, Sultai represents three concepts. The first is the ultimate predator. With black and blue, the predator is cunning and ruthless. With green, the other two colors are channeled into pure animal instinct. Whether its a wild beast, an assassin, a serial killer, or just someone who's cutthroat in their dealings. The predator recognizes that their destiny is to kill and consume, or at least take out the competition. Second is pollution and how modern industry corrupts nature. Self explanatory. Third is the nihilistic philosopher, one who's used his intellect (Blue) to contemplate the nature of life and existence (Green) and has come up with grim recollections (Black).
I've always liked the idea of Izzet + Green or Simic + Red, but from what I know, Tarkir seemed to take it as Gruul + Blue. I'm interested to see his take on the combination.
This would take in the primary ideas of the instinct and savagery of the red, green pair with the outward assistance of blue to strive for understanding. It's just an idea though :)
Sultai is about improving natural state of things foy your own good. Like growing a garden, as fast and the most efficient way, so you will have no troubles with your food.
If Bant is the ultimate idealist, then for me I see Sultai as the ultimate nihilist. By utilizing the breadth of knowledge granted by blue, and seeing the brutality of nature by green, it can turn the more ego-driven black up to 11. In the end, you're left with a character who thinks the world is unfair and terrible, so they might as well use their knowledge and all resources available to bring the world to a swift end. To be clear, I think a Sultai character would, at least more likely than the other colors, tend to view existence moreso as a curse or burden than it would a blessing. Just recently found your channel and I'm having a blast going through your catalog! Keep up the good work!
Sultai's appeal for me revolves around Dimir that is more grounded by nature. It's not necessarily trying to co-opt the raw power of green, but rather appreciating a broader scope than just the pursuit of knowledge or power. To me the archetypical example of sultai are faeries. Deceitful, playful, curious tricksters that nevertheless have a deep bond with nature.
I think sultai is also interesting from the perspective blue and green plays in the way they can almost serve black. I feel like in most wedges and shards, black is the color and philosophy that uses the others as it's tools, or are the means by which black achieves its ends. I feel like black and white are the two most goal oriented colors, that black is the goals of the self and white are the goals of the collective (whatever that collective looks like). But because of the egoist nature of black, I find it tends to cause submission, or maybe take the lead in whatever place it finds itself in. In regards to sultai, i feel like it's the ultimate goals oriented wedge. It is black armed with the foresight and desire of knowledge of blue, thus the capacity to develop informed and educated plans, in conjunction with the understanding of the world that its connection with green allows it to have. I'm basically saying sultai represents black using the knowledge of blue and understanding of the world's functions and interconnections of green to achieve whatever goals it desires.
Dimir = Tabula Rasa. Green is about staying grounded to reality, tradition/culture that transcends death and predestination. What’s already there can be very reassuring for people who are too focused on what could be, and others who neglect what they have in the instant.
In my eyes Sultai represents unrestrained growth. Not for the sake of something or someone but growth without end and without a concrete goal. It is likely my most favorite combination, seeing as i have three vastly different Commander decks build around it or using it in their commander colors. Muldrotha, with a never ending tide of zombie tokens, amassed armies and copies of copies of permanents is a deck that i build upon the idea of "why the BOGGLE won't you effing die already?" No matter what is thrown my way, i will be able to rebuild and a boardwipe or three won't even scratch my ability to drown my opponent under a tide of undead flesh. Brokkos, likely mirroring his history of being succeeded by his Grandson Otrimi, Is now a sick an plaguedriven grandpa, almost like poppa Nurgle, bearing the touch of the black oil, leads my Infect Deck. A myriad of creatures that either infect by themselves or allow Brokkos to mutate onto them to attack without being blocked, combined with many a proliferate effect to hasten the inevitable demise of anyone who plays against this deck. Even if you stop one or two attacks, Green gives me ample mana to revive him again and again whilst the frightening combination of 6/6, Trample and Infect is the first, second and last nail to many a coffin. Atraxa... Yeah, ok, i may just flaunt it at this point but tbh, i just loved the idea of +1/+1 tokens. Endlessly proliferating any of the Hydras or oozes i could spawn with the help of Zaxara, this is a slow and rumbling wait until i make my one and final attack to obliterate anyone stupid enough to give me the time to grow
You say that green is conflicting with black and blue, but I think the three work really well together. I have always known that sultai is my colour combo
For me, my own sultai philosophy is a combination of truth seeking, ambition, and creative drive at the cost of anything that would be advantageous to give up, but also semi-pacifism at the same time. Blue-Black for finding truth, Blue-Green for creation/truth seeking, and Green-Black for creating new life through death (Although if I were actually a mage, I would just sacrifice insects and other barely alive things. Turning many non-sentients into sentience. This is the pacifist part). Its mostly a simic core, with black as a support and/or perspective.
My first experience with sultai was going up against that rare ikoria card. Even tho I’ve been hit by the other ones, that color combo gives me the most spooks
I have loved watching what's in a color, duality in magic, colors in other media, the colors of heroism and evil, and slicing the pie, and while I'm excited for your video on Temur I can't help but feel sad at the thought that these kinds of videos may be the last of your color analysis videos. You could always do other videos, but as for color combinations there's really only combinations of four and five left after Temur, and while it may not be impossible to analyze those it does sound challenging. There aren't many examples of four colors to draw inspiration from, or any glimpses into what worlds without only one other color look like. Without references, anything aside from speculation based on what we do know about the colors already is impossible. I have thought before about how breaking down those combinations may work, but since each one would contain three allied pairs and three enemy pairs it forms quite an entangled web. Non-red, for example, feels as though it would have a naturally strong azorian presence because of the overlap between bant and esper, which would result in more of a broadened Azorian idea. Conflict and confusion arises though when you take into account how blue and green are enemies or how white and black are also enemies... or how even green and black are enemies as well... and how those relationships fit into the puzzle. It's not that they wouldn't have any say over anything, but that their ideas would be... respected as opposed to being rejected like red. In that way you kind of have to treat them as both a shard and a wedge, but I think it's easier to think of them as two unconnected pairs of two colors each, one pairing being the stronger of the two in terms of influence due to their natural connection. Separating them by Azorius and Golgari makes more sense to me than thinking of them as Dimir and Selesnya, but I think doing it either way limits the conclusions you can come to about the kind of ideas the group may have as a whole.The more unified pair, I feel, is the root of the idea, and the outside color or colors should bend to meet it as opposed to the other way around. That's the logic I'm using, at least. Isolating the shards, wedges, allied pairs, and enemy pairs, and looking at what they have in common a pattern does emerge though, one of growth. Whether that's of a community or of the self by whatever means they feel appropriate, I think that'd be their main idea. That growth may come at the cost of others through manipulation, or through fostering connections with others, by changing themselves, or the world around them, but whatever it does will always be about that over the feelings of others. That's not to say red is a color that can't grow or doesn't change, but I think emotional attachment would seem counterproductive to this combination, and the chaos it brings is the opposite of what the azorian identity within the combination would want. A world without empathy, without passion, or freedom, and that is also struggling with whether to be selfish or selfless, but that advances in all fields at a rate none can compare to? One that is as efficient as it can be by utilizing all of its resources diligently and deliberately, has power, knowledge, and magic few others possess because they're not afraid to pursue it and have all the tools required to understand it? Perhaps to some it sounds ideal, but I think its lack of empathy and struggle to find a comfortable center on some issues will always keep it at odds with itself, and thus the consequences of the pursuit of growth at all costs will, in and of itself, impede the growth it is looking for. This is just an idea of one facet of the combination, and it is nowhere near as well thought out or as of the same level of quality as the videos you put out. I hope you find it entertaining or interesting even if the idea of doing combinations of four colors isn't something you decide you want to do in the future. I'm still glad I was here to watch these videos and to experience them as they came out because every one of them was enjoyable to watch. I'm definitely looking forward to the Temur video and to what you do next.
Wow thanks for your input! Well I actually do have plans to continue on with color philosophy. I don't know if ill do 4-5 color but Indo have some plans. I would love to do more videos like my color of evil video, as well I think I will be doing the mono color videos all over again. They are my first videos and they are not at the level of the rest of my content. I want to be able to really dive in deep on the mono colors and bring them up to the level of my current videos. The future is still full of color philosophy
If you do decide to redo them, I'll absolutely watch the new ones. The mono color videos were my introduction to color philosophy and the start of my fascination with all of the videos you've made that I've watched. It'll definitely be interesting to see how your experiences with color pairings, groups, and their philosophies has changed your views on the colors themselves and given you the experience you need to dive into what makes each of the colors their own entities
5:40- so... a philosophy of self progression with acceptance of the world around it? One that might ask “how do I make myself better in the world that that I have?” Hmm...I can see the value this line of thinking might have, but it’s just too self focused for me to adopt in full. Might just be the selesnya talking, but I can’t imagine myself being better without caring for and lifting up others. I’ll come back to this comment once I’ve finished the video though! Edit: wow....I never imagined this side of sultai! Though I still stand by what I said earlier, a clear prospective on life, one were you know you did the best you could do...I definitely have more respect for the wedge now than I did before. Thank you for yet another amazing philosophy video!
When I thought of sultai before this video the main idea I had of it was resourcefulness. Using absolutely everything at your disposal to achieve your goals wether that be life, death or the knowledge of those
I'm a bit late, but this is my favorite Color combination. I always saw this wedge as: "What if we removed Red in the classic villan color combo and put in green instead." The big weakness of a classic villan, is that, he is not sustanible in the long term. They rise very fast through their schemes, but they fall just as easily, because they didn't build their power base, offended the wrong people etc. Taking the impulsivity of red out of the tri-color and replacing it with green, adds this necessary sustainability and long term planning. This wedge takes the time to grow its plans and position over the long run. This way, once it acheives its desired position, it will be incredibly hard to get rid of it again.
Another important aspect of the color combo, is that it accepts the way things are and instead of changing (blue) or destroying (black) its environment, it asks itself, how it can use the given circumstances in its favor. That makes it very pracmatic and adaptable. I bet, you could write some really interesting villains and heros with this Tricolor.
Y'know I always thought Jeskai was my color identity and that having a refined self through discipline was how I'm going to live. But I think that second philosophy changed that.
Keep in mind each philosophy is merely a potential ideal. You can take from any of the three. Some versions might align with you while others may be to extreme
I'm not that deep into the color pie ideals, but I thought that Sultai would be the would be the apex predator, the best hunter or something. Using black/blue's ambitions with green's self reliance
So the plane focuses on the Here and now, me, and the future. I could see the color fracturing into 2 distinct factions those who focus on rewriting nature to improve themselves and those who seek to use natures power to its limits for their own ends.
The wedge of the sociopathic sage. Sultai is the pursuit of profound wisdom without regard for morality. It is different from Dimir in that it is wisdom and not short-sighted knowledge that is sought.
I think one interpretation could be "Ruthless Evolution" pursuing the perfect form by any means whether organic or inorganic for a example check out the Harmony-Supremacy path in Civilization: beyond earth which in that path you turn your people into techno organic cyborgs without any regard for ethics or morals. Green for evolution and using natural adaptations,Blue for the the pursuit of perfection and inorganic methods and finally Black for the amorality and the ambition. Overall amoral techno organic cyborgs would make for great villains on a Sci-Fi inspired plane.
@@loganswalk8621 That's why in the mirrodin block black/green/blue are the first colors to fall to the phyrexians. Only white and red left. White finally fall when the concept of law and justice are redefine by the phyrexians. Only red never truly fall, since red care about what it feel, so it can never be brainwash into uncaring about something.
FInally, for 1 year i had confused what is my color and what is my mirror personality. firstly i choose Golgari but i dont feel control or enabling control my fate (draw , counter enemy, etc) ... I try SImic color, it feel lack of hate or "power"or feel that i want more ... Thankyou for test
It’s a shame that the Abzan, Jeskai, Sultai, Mardu and Temur just became the Ravnican guilds at the end of the Tarkir set. I understand it was a philosophical experiment about how taking away just one colour can completely change a culture of a group of people but I do hope Wizards find a way of going back to the unique three colour set of the original block.
I Play a Sultai Based Charakter in my Campain, in my Opinion it is a Little difficult to get bound together with the group. Because i Feel like as Long they dont get you a Advantage u dont really have a reason to Stay together.
I had an angle to share (yes. I resonate with sultai 😂). Have you ever thought that Sultai is the other side of Jeskai? I feel like when we look at Green/Blue we see a form of development. Then you add Black and it becomes self development in a way or developing one's group/community around them. Jeskai is the world/society and Sultai is the world around them.
ive wondered for a while if i follow a shell model in real life.... blue at core for mastery, black to implement it, green to center my drive. and red as an outward emotive, hiding a white-element "good guy"....
the way i see it black and blue are intelligent, cunning and powerful, but they lack wisdom. Dimir is ambitious, all they focus on is the goal and they will go to any lengths to achieve it and IF that goal is achievable, they will achieve it, but won't be satisfied, instead they'll find a new goal to throw themselves at right away. if a goal is unachievable, Dimir will waste its entire life on achieving it, hurting themselves and others, turning to villainy, using any means available in vain. what green adds to this is wisdom, the ability to consider the long term consequences of their actions, the ability to accept when a goal is unachievable, cutting their losses, finding a new goal and the ability to be satisfied, to reach the point where they have enough.
I love this series, it really shows that there is no universal truth or meaning to life, rather everyone can look at it their own way and each philosophy is equally valid. I'm curious, would you like to dive into the four-color pairs in the future? I believe there is great potential in them, but they are also extremely hard to design as cards. But if you break it down philosophically, maybe it could make things clearer/easier. Or how about WUBRG? What would be the philosophy of beings that are able to chanell all colors of mana?
I get asked this all the time and while it is not out of the question it's not something I intend to do in the near future. The more colors you add the less defined it becomes. 4 color is a but much with the only real difference being the 1 color missing
You took the more abstract approach which I defiantly appreciate. But from a story standpoint I think I like the more classical interpretation. Because I think Sultai embodies a capitalist society where the true nature of value is subject a complex system of exploitative psychology. Where people are run by fear and to question daily life is to question a history of overlooked abuse. Sultai could be a place where the spirits of the dead are mined for their memories and are used to blackmail a populace of people who become apart of indentured servitude. Where those manipulated are further used to exploit later generations of people and those who are victims then become apart of a larger system of fear and compliance in other peoples suffering.
You are getting out the curiosity and innovation aspect that would prevent that. To be fair, Wizards decided to make sultai the bad guys, god knows why.
@@alfredosaint-jean9660 There's no one way of interpreting the colour pie. In fact, wedges, shards, and anything more complex can either use or disregard the enemy or ally colour which is center to the philosophy. So in the case of Sultai, you could disregard green and choose to make blue the centrepiece colour. That would mean (in the case of Sultai) both Dimir and Simic philosophies would push Golgari to the bottom. Another example would be two-coloured guilds like Rakdos. Where red is considered parasitic to black and is more dominant.
@@alfredosaint-jean9660 no but what I mean is that you shift "green" being the dominant colour in Sultai to either blue or black. That doesn't mean you get rid of a colour. It means green is less expressed
You know, I've always wondered what sort of selection process you go through for selecting the actual cards you show during your videos. Are they just selected at semi random, or are they somehow connected to what you're talking about at that point
I try my best to grab art that at least connects to what I'm trying to explain. There is just a tonne of cards though so it isn't practical to look at every one. So to answer your question it's a but of both
![The Structures of Prosperity [Abzan MTG Color Philosophy]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xG1wMgLb2oM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Nature's Right Hand [TEMUR MTG Color Philosophy]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IXqPH4X1tgo/mqdefault.jpg)
![Truth in Zealous Expression [Mardu MTG Color Philosophy]](/img/n.gif)
Learn more about the colors featured in this video:
Green - ua-cam.com/video/Wa4unbtsBtE/v-deo.html
Black - ua-cam.com/video/PAlr1_ReQq8/v-deo.html
Blue - ua-cam.com/video/_SJWQkWBj6c/v-deo.html
For me, Sultai is when Blue and Black pushed and removed all limitations, and Green begins to grow uncontrolably, so almost nothing can stop it once its started.
I like this idea! It's sort of nature's ability to overtake all pushed on by the ambition of blue and black
So, Green is the center color?
@@adrianjamesdelfin7414 right because the color pie is WUBRG. So Black and Blue are separated by green.
I have a grist, plagueswarm deck that follows this philosophy and i wish i could put blue in, for Koma, cosmic serpent if nothing else.
I was in a really bad mood today, but this turned it around. Sultai is my wedge.
Thank you for your insight.
Glad I could brighten up your day a bit
To me Sultai is the color of absolute darwinism, and nature at it's absolute harshest. The only thing that matters is to continually survive and grow, and the only way to do this is to constantly change and adapt to the world, and mercilessly making use of any strategy that works, regardless of what you think is the right or the wrong way to live. If it keeps you going, it works.
It's also the color of the ultimate predator. A combination of Green instinct and physical might, Blue knowledge and rational strategy, and Black ruthless pragmatism
I've always related to Sultai since I learned about the color pie. I see Sultai as the wedge that seeks relentless self-improvement, on its own terms. It isn't really concerned with the actions or perspectives of others (white), since it knows what it sees as the goal, and seeks that. And it doesn't seek to express or demonstrate itself to to others (red), since it is entirely motivated by itself.
Simic is the pair of targeted growth, of seeking to make a subject grow into a better version of itself with a purpose in mind, and the addition of black allows that subject to be oneself, to cultivate oneself with purpose into what Sultai sees as desirable. Simic is insatiable growth, and Sultai is insatiable growth of the self.
Golgari is the pair of perspective, of seeing the value in what others dare not look at, of recognizing the timelessness and endlessness of all things, to which blue adds learning and observation, so that Sultai will watch, listen, and learn from all things, for all of time. Golgari is patience, and Sultai is patient observation.
Dimir is the pair of self-perfection, of power through knowledge and knowledge through power, to which green adds awareness of the world, so that Sultai won't become lost within itself as it pursues perfection. Dimir is perhaps the most self-focused pair, and Sultai is a worldly form of that same self-focus.
The past is something to regard (green), to learn from (blue), and to accept (black). But being bound by the structures of the past (white) or ignoring it altogether in favor of the present (red) will only serve to hinder progress into the future.
Sultai in a nutshell can be looked at in 3 ways
1: Simic growing power hungery and incorporating black
2: Golgari developing a passion for learning and incorporating blue
3: Dimir looking at green's raw power and asking "How can I ad this power to my own?"
I wouldn't call it "Simic growing power hungry". More like "Simic becoming focused on the practical". Black cares only for what works or does not work, and is thus amoral, not immoral. It recognizes that everyone has goals they seek, and believes that other colors are simply deluding themselves by spinning fancy stories to justify their goals as noble or righteous, rather than simply accepting the world as it is. (It's kind of like a darker spin on Green, in that way.)
And of those 3 the third one tends to be the most common/accurate
This is because green being the enemy color means it is “added” or incorporated last, it is the most separate of the 3 colors
for me i just mix simic's knowledge of genetics and biology with witherbloom's knowledge of life and death.
it's the reason I have a Dimir Tasigur deck & a Golgari Tasigur; 99 cards is too few for all the choices I want to make in a single deck
When I think of Sultai I think "don't be a hero." That's not the same as being a villain or being a bystander, it just has no use for that narrative whatsoever. It exists fully outside of it.
While Black's "Greatness, at Any Cost" is a straight path to achieve their goals, the green and blue really branch out, allowing Sultai to take advantage of *every* angle, every opportunity, and every resource others would never even consider because of their danger, immorality, or obscurity.
Well said I think this sums it up nicely
And neither Red’s “never obey” nor White’s “always obey,” they’re also the most pragmatic about whether to submit to others’ authority or not ;)
When I think of Sultai one simple word comes to mind, pragmatism. Sultai doesn't concern itself with anything such as emotions or what is "moral", they concern themselves with what is practical. If Sultai instates laws or rules it is because those laws or rules serve a pragmatic and logical purpose. Much like its snake iconography, Sultai is the ever calculating and ambitious serpent. Whatever they do good or evil, they do it because it benefits them.
I think a common trait between blue, black, and green is stoic pragmatism. Blue’s cold calculation, black’s amorality, and green’s instinct. All without the emotion and morality of red and white.
No silly constraints!
I didn’t know this was the channel I needed.
I came here through your mtg quizz, I got the Sultai wedge and it's funny 'cause I have always identified with that color combination.
For me, Sultai is the combination of transcendence, it represents the "Trinity". Green is your soul, your essence, blue is your mind, your perception, and black is your body, your desires, and when you create harmony between these three things, you don't have limits any more.
You are in the present, so you enjoy life, and take advantage of everything around you 'cause you know you are alive.
You conquer your mind, so you don't torture yourself with the past or the future, so you can use your entire mind to found what you want to find or see more than what others can.
And you have made peace with your desires, learning that your ambitions can harm yourself, others or your environment, realizing that the void inside you can never been filled, but now you know you are the one who controls your desires, making you capable to reach what you truly want.
And with this knowledge it frees you and even the fear to dead has vanish, 'cause you now know that the cycle its going to repeat itself and nothing can't stop that.
Wonderful video!
Soon... soon.. My beloved Temur will come!
Good video brother! Keep it up!
Essentially: Society is made of individuals. A strong society is made of strong individuals.
Good point 👍🏻
This
Yep, definitely me.
But in sultai society the strong ones eat the less strong than then, boros is more like The way you say no?
@@caiodhernandezdeoliveira9492not boros, but mardu
I think Sultai best represents knowing what is impossible but still improving oneself. For example, Blue and Black aim for impossibilities (perfection and omniscience for Blue and immortality and omnipotence for Black) where Sultai accepts that those goals are impossible but still stives to improve itself for no other reason but to be better than what it was before. I would imagine that Sultai would be the first one to tell you if your goals are impossible but will still want you to grow better and stronger than you were before.
interesting. im a sultai player myself and i agree. then when im my early days of playing, i got attracted to blue and black because ambition, power black and the precision blue motivates me. i seek ambition with the help of precision but eventually i evolved into sultai because i realized that green(nature) has been in control all along. so in my case, blue and black surrendered their power to the green in order to achieve this godly state finally satisfied. the seeking for power can be achieved by letting nature take its course and at the same time ambition and precision is not erased because, its all in nature eversince. great video i enjoyed it.
Cool video!
I get the feeling that Wedges are like the allied colors' extremes being tempered by an outsider.
For Sultai, Dimir's inhuman drive for perfection at any cost is tempered by green's perspective and realistic outlook on life and chill out a bit.
For Jeskai, Azorius' zeal for perfect law and order is tempered by red's influence to take a more humanitarian approach, and chill out a bit.
For Mardu, Rakdos' recklessness and self indulgence is tempered by white's inclination towards order and discipline, you know, chill out a bit.
For Abzan, It encourages members of the collective (Selesnya) to have a bit of self interest and individuality to chill out a bit (black's influence)
I don't know about Temur, you haven't made a video about it yet ;)
For sure! I think dual colors can get a bit out of hand with their beliefs, almost becoming zealous but a third color adds a new way to look at things and the philosophies that are created because of this are more well rounded
Maybe for Temur, Gruul’s impulsiveness and reliance on their instincts is tempered by blue’s desire to better themselves and use their mind?
I could see this. Forces them to take a moment and actually think about what they want instead of just going with the flow, at least have an eye to the future
Gruul's desire to go absolutely crazy and curbstomp the things they don't like is tempered by Blue's desire to learn and apply their destructive knowledge in a more productive, protective way and chill out a bit
Thanks for covering my favorite wedge!
It was a fun one to cover. Hoepfully I did it justice for you
I really like the things you said about Green and the need to slowdown.
Regardless of which color one “ascribes” to, there are some very practical benefits.
I have a technician job and it’s very noticeable between the quality of technicians. Some of the younger ones have a very Red/Black approach - do the job fast with gusto or find the easiest “clever” solution. However, when it comes to solving problems, they end up lost or missing an important detail that points to the actual problem.
Sprinkling a little more Green, a little more humility of your own skills, and an openness to what’s actually happening can go a long way in life.
Fantastic video as always and thank you for sharing it!
This is cool to see someone apply these philosophies to their own life. In the end that's the thing I love, it's finding ways to look at ourselves and the world around us through the lense of MTG colors that's so fascinating
I like the way your videos take the form of a Venn diagram, starting with each color, their intersections of dual colors, and lastly the union of them.
1st, sorry for the bad english.
I'm really thankfull about this video. I always think that my way to see the world and face my fears was the sultai way. But the villanous way that the sets shows Sultai to us aways desistimulates me.
With your shared knolege now I can acept that I'm sultai from the roots.
Some words in this video really touch me. Thanks.
Hey I'm happy that this video resonated with you in some way. Sultai really is an interesting wedge and I think I learned from it as well
Bit of a story here, but I got back into MTG the other day as I was teaching someone how too play. He was attracted too blue when I was explaining the colours to him and after the first few games I wanted to show him a bit more about different strategies and combos decks could play.
I had a deck that was a Sultai made from a duel deck package I bought when I first got into it (like 2016, the package would have been from earlier). Now when I played that deck back in the day I didn't quite get it. It focused a lot on putting cards into the graveyard which at the time I thought was weird and counter productive, however this time I decided I'll just play the deck unchanged and see what happens. Wow, that deck came alive and was unbeatable! I embraced the graveyard, delving and sacrificing of cards and the deck rewarded me!
I was looking at doing a Blue/Black combo deck now that I am getting back into it but I might stick with Sultai as it's a lot of fun once you get into it's mindset.
Another excellent video to add to the 'listen to while working' playlist.
I loved that Wizards has gone a different direction with some Black cards recently. Where it's not focusing on the self for power or ruthlessness, but for solitude. My favorite depiction of Sultai is Archelos, Lagoon Mystic. I picture this ancient turtle, who has been alone (and therefore the color Black) for so long that he only knows how to focus on himself and his actions with the world around him. Thus the whole entering tapped or untapped rules text. This ancient turtle is alone in person, but at the same time one with the world he lives in.
Very cool breakdown. You are right it does take blacks focus on self and allows for characters of solitude. This gave me more to think about thanks
I would like to build him in edh. I really love the design and art.
It is ambition, it is pragmatism, it is necessity.
To survive by any means, to grow by any means, to be strong by any means.
Im glad I watched the series even though I haven't heard of you or this channel until this year.
Its actually really interesting that you changed my outlook on what wedge i consider myself in and how I've played my dnd characters, basically I was always thinking if I lived in the world of magic that Abzan would easily be what I would strive towards but your analysis of Sultai really hit home for both my ideals and any DM writing i do.
For me Sultai taken as is for a character is someone who understands the impact of both themselves and the world around them and has learned to manipulate it to their ends whether its for the benefit or degradation of the world at large. This person would explore a known cursed temple reach inside to find an ancient relic of dark eldrich power. Understanding full well the true cost of using it and will grab it anyway, knowing if they don't they will regret not taking that chance to satisfy their ambitions.
That's awesome to hear. It's the reason why I love talking about the color pie. It's a great way to not only understand our characters but ourselves as well.
I see green rather differently. It is not tradition nor acceptance but stability, growth, and health. Mono green may sometimes fail to see the unreliability of tradition or mistake nature's beauty for perfection, but these are not inherent. With blue, this mistake is not made. What green brings to Sultai is a counterbalance to the often draining options Dimir opens, providing mindfulness of the importance of sustainability in its ambitious long game. Furthermore, contemplation of nature teaches interdependence, reminding Dimir of the utility of cooperation, not because of some notion of morality but because there is ultimately a limit to how much one person can achieve alone (and some games are positive sum). Sultai seeks with balance, but not restraint.
Thank you very much for this video. Sultai’s become my favorite wedge the further I played MTG. 🖤💚💙
Fine, I'll check out the entire series. The quality is that good.
Sultai seems like a zen version of grixis.
Taoism would be sultai.
@@alfredosaint-jean9660Taoism doesn’t support evil, Temur would be Taoism
@@dekaw9138 Are you suggesting that sultai is evil?
@@alfredosaint-jean9660 well it has black so it attracts a lot of evil
@@dekaw9138 Black is not evil.
Maro has repeteadly denied that misconception.
Every one of these videos is a gift 🎁. Thank you.
Hey I appreciate it glad to have fans that love my work. Truly does make it worth it. Can you believe we are at the final episode of slicing the pie up next.
@@DiceTry - It has been almost a year to the day since your upload of the dimir duality in magic video which got me hooked and excited for each upload and topic.
I both look forward to and fear the day when your channel grows so big that you don't have time to read and reply to the various comments, which happens to all great channels.
You have done such an amazing job of finding your special take and presentation. This is quality content of topics I found myself thinking about at nights (and boring shitmfts at work) going back to 2005 and the days of the original Ravnica. I am so happy to see such a well produced series.
I struggle to think how you could do this for the five 4-color Commanders and Nephlim they printed, and have zero expectation for you to try.
Well thanks man means a lot. As for the 4-5 color pairings I do think that once you go passed 3 things start to get muddy and it's more about the one color that is missing. I have plans for the future and I'll lean on color philosophy going forward as there isn't much out there.
Wow. With Sultai I finished the videos I consider to fit in green. First there is green. Then there are two with allied colors. There is Gruul. Then there is Naya. Then there are two which enemy colors. This has Golgari. The nature of green has the whole circle of life. It has the life of green with the death of black mixed in. Then Sultai adds in blue. There are two enemy pairs here. There is the Golgari pair and the Simic pair. Simic has an opposites of nature and nurture. Green is about nature, tradition and instinct. It is about what one is born with. Blue is about nurture, innovation and learning. It is about what one gains through experience. With all three colors, Sultai shows the entire journey of life. This is life grounded in the real material world. There are no feelings of red or spirituality of blue. One starts out with green. They are a part of nature. There is instinct and life. Then blue comes along. There is learning and gaining knowlage and experience to the life. At the end there is black. Black has the death and decay at the end of life. Sultai can understand this process and make it into thier own ends. Black and blue are allied colors. They form Dimir. This is a guild of ambition. It is also one that learns secrets for its own ends. Green adds on to it. So one can learn the life of green and nature. Then they can manipulate it and use it for thier own ends. One can even gain wealth from such shady dealings. The power through manipulation is most like Simic, and there is an addition of black. Simic is very good at manipulation. One can say the same about Golgari, but I think Simic is closer. Simic can manipulate the evolution of life to form whole new creatures. There is an intellegence in there. Black gains so much power by adding in the self interest and ambitions. It also adds in necromancy as a tool for manipulation. So one gets even more power through manipulation. The perspective through acceptence is most like Golgari, and there is added blue. Golgari does have a lot of acceptence. It accpts the harsh realities of life and death. It make the most use of the process. Blue gives a deeper look and more perspective. It can think deeper and clearer. So there is a greater understanding of life. The Rooted Ambition is most like Dimir, and it adds in green. Dimir has strong ambition. It desires information so it can achieve more power. Green gives a way to ground it in nature. One gains power over the process of life.
Sultai reminds me of being in the forest at night and steeling one’s nerves of being in the dark. To question and conquer the unknown.
I love the way you analyzed these. Most explanation piece that I've seen so far doesn't try to look at each different colors and combos' perspective. They're often feel like an observation made from their(writer's) perspective and their perspective alone.
It's like you're trying to walk in these colors' shoes and it's something refreshing to listen to. You are actually the first person that manage to make me rethink my view on colors/combos' philosophy that I dislike.
Hey thanks. I'm glad my intention came across. The way I look at it, everyone believes they are right and have a reason for their beliefs and the colors are no different. So I wanted to showcase each combination for their point if view
5:50 Power through Manipulation
8:43 Perspective Through Acceptance
12:00 Rooted Ambition
Oddly enough I've got a sultai commander deck for each of the philosophies and didnt even realize
I really love this. This wedge is the one I was always confused about.
Honestly it was one of the have rest ones to write so far but I'm happy people are getting enjoyment out of it
I have another thought that comes in the form of a question: What happens when the enemy color is the goal and the allied pair is the means to achieve that goal? In this case, green's view is the goal and is built up by black and blue. This to me is the individual or society that wants to live a life in nature and accepting their place in the world, but driven by black's ruthlessness and blue's progressive thinking to get there and maintain it! This is a return to nature, as it was meant to be...whether we want to or not. Blue and Black work in the forms of ancient and dark beings that rule from the shadows while keeping those under its rule properly kept in their place and accepting their place in it.
Awesome breakdown as always. I like this idea
@@DiceTry I wonder if this could be applied to the other wedges...
Indeed it could :)
There are Abzans who are more Black than White/Green, Jeskais who are more Red than White/Blue, Mardus who are more White than Black/Red, and I myself am a Temur who’s more Blue than Red/Green ;)
@@Simpson17866 Sounds to me like a mentality where one has red's strong passions and green's good instincts tempered by blue's thoughtfulness. They pursue perfection of the self through primal authenticity. Embrace the animal within and you'll achieve the perfection you desire.
At least that's one take on it. If that's not you, then please don't take offense. ^_^
I'm really glad I've found your channel, your insight is quite compelling
Awesome video again. I think the deeprooted ambition feels close to the gameplay side of Sultai as well. Look forward to the last one! The more I think about Temur, the more interesting I believe it is.
To me, Sultai represents three concepts. The first is the ultimate predator. With black and blue, the predator is cunning and ruthless. With green, the other two colors are channeled into pure animal instinct. Whether its a wild beast, an assassin, a serial killer, or just someone who's cutthroat in their dealings. The predator recognizes that their destiny is to kill and consume, or at least take out the competition.
Second is pollution and how modern industry corrupts nature. Self explanatory.
Third is the nihilistic philosopher, one who's used his intellect (Blue) to contemplate the nature of life and existence (Green) and has come up with grim recollections (Black).
I'm very sorry but I have to disagree with you on the second part.
I wonder what Temur is gonna be like
I am nervous and excited to dive into temur. Crazy that it'll be the end of the series
I've always liked the idea of Izzet + Green or Simic + Red, but from what I know, Tarkir seemed to take it as Gruul + Blue. I'm interested to see his take on the combination.
“Life is good. But it can be better :)”
@@Simpson17866 Ooo I like that one, I was thinking "perfecting and understanding instinct to benefit the self and/or the community"
This would take in the primary ideas of the instinct and savagery of the red, green pair with the outward assistance of blue to strive for understanding. It's just an idea though :)
Not gonna lie these videos are great to listen to while at the gym
Sultai is about improving natural state of things foy your own good. Like growing a garden, as fast and the most efficient way, so you will have no troubles with your food.
If Bant is the ultimate idealist, then for me I see Sultai as the ultimate nihilist. By utilizing the breadth of knowledge granted by blue, and seeing the brutality of nature by green, it can turn the more ego-driven black up to 11. In the end, you're left with a character who thinks the world is unfair and terrible, so they might as well use their knowledge and all resources available to bring the world to a swift end. To be clear, I think a Sultai character would, at least more likely than the other colors, tend to view existence moreso as a curse or burden than it would a blessing.
Just recently found your channel and I'm having a blast going through your catalog! Keep up the good work!
I love your color series.
Thanks it's been a blast putting together the shards and wedges especially
Sultai's appeal for me revolves around Dimir that is more grounded by nature. It's not necessarily trying to co-opt the raw power of green, but rather appreciating a broader scope than just the pursuit of knowledge or power.
To me the archetypical example of sultai are faeries. Deceitful, playful, curious tricksters that nevertheless have a deep bond with nature.
I'm still waiting for a Faerie Legendary that is Sultai 💚💙🖤🧚✨
Your new intro make me wanna watch every if your upcoming Videos 😏
Lol I mean it is pretty fancy
When you described they’re philosophie in the first part, I instantly thought of Thanos XD
I think sultai is also interesting from the perspective blue and green plays in the way they can almost serve black. I feel like in most wedges and shards, black is the color and philosophy that uses the others as it's tools, or are the means by which black achieves its ends. I feel like black and white are the two most goal oriented colors, that black is the goals of the self and white are the goals of the collective (whatever that collective looks like). But because of the egoist nature of black, I find it tends to cause submission, or maybe take the lead in whatever place it finds itself in. In regards to sultai, i feel like it's the ultimate goals oriented wedge. It is black armed with the foresight and desire of knowledge of blue, thus the capacity to develop informed and educated plans, in conjunction with the understanding of the world that its connection with green allows it to have. I'm basically saying sultai represents black using the knowledge of blue and understanding of the world's functions and interconnections of green to achieve whatever goals it desires.
That's a very good analysis.
Dimir = Tabula Rasa. Green is about staying grounded to reality, tradition/culture that transcends death and predestination. What’s already there can be very reassuring for people who are too focused on what could be, and others who neglect what they have in the instant.
Green: Stoicism Black: Pragmatism Blue: Cartesianism
In my eyes Sultai represents unrestrained growth. Not for the sake of something or someone but growth without end and without a concrete goal.
It is likely my most favorite combination, seeing as i have three vastly different Commander decks build around it or using it in their commander colors.
Muldrotha, with a never ending tide of zombie tokens, amassed armies and copies of copies of permanents is a deck that i build upon the idea of "why the BOGGLE won't you effing die already?" No matter what is thrown my way, i will be able to rebuild and a boardwipe or three won't even scratch my ability to drown my opponent under a tide of undead flesh.
Brokkos, likely mirroring his history of being succeeded by his Grandson Otrimi, Is now a sick an plaguedriven grandpa, almost like poppa Nurgle, bearing the touch of the black oil, leads my Infect Deck. A myriad of creatures that either infect by themselves or allow Brokkos to mutate onto them to attack without being blocked, combined with many a proliferate effect to hasten the inevitable demise of anyone who plays against this deck. Even if you stop one or two attacks, Green gives me ample mana to revive him again and again whilst the frightening combination of 6/6, Trample and Infect is the first, second and last nail to many a coffin.
Atraxa... Yeah, ok, i may just flaunt it at this point but tbh, i just loved the idea of +1/+1 tokens. Endlessly proliferating any of the Hydras or oozes i could spawn with the help of Zaxara, this is a slow and rumbling wait until i make my one and final attack to obliterate anyone stupid enough to give me the time to grow
I like to think Sultai has a fascination with eternity and endless life, the greatest goal of all.
Yessss, another video
You say that green is conflicting with black and blue, but I think the three work really well together. I have always known that sultai is my colour combo
Awesome videos dude 👍🏽
Woo sultai! Almost as broken as Jeskai
It truly is a crazy combo to both play and think about philosophically
I think I can relate to that Philosophy.
Great video!
For me, my own sultai philosophy is a combination of truth seeking, ambition, and creative drive at the cost of anything that would be advantageous to give up, but also semi-pacifism at the same time. Blue-Black for finding truth, Blue-Green for creation/truth seeking, and Green-Black for creating new life through death (Although if I were actually a mage, I would just sacrifice insects and other barely alive things. Turning many non-sentients into sentience. This is the pacifist part). Its mostly a simic core, with black as a support and/or perspective.
My first experience with sultai was going up against that rare ikoria card. Even tho I’ve been hit by the other ones, that color combo gives me the most spooks
I have loved watching what's in a color, duality in magic, colors in other media, the colors of heroism and evil, and slicing the pie, and while I'm excited for your video on Temur I can't help but feel sad at the thought that these kinds of videos may be the last of your color analysis videos. You could always do other videos, but as for color combinations there's really only combinations of four and five left after Temur, and while it may not be impossible to analyze those it does sound challenging. There aren't many examples of four colors to draw inspiration from, or any glimpses into what worlds without only one other color look like. Without references, anything aside from speculation based on what we do know about the colors already is impossible.
I have thought before about how breaking down those combinations may work, but since each one would contain three allied pairs and three enemy pairs it forms quite an entangled web. Non-red, for example, feels as though it would have a naturally strong azorian presence because of the overlap between bant and esper, which would result in more of a broadened Azorian idea. Conflict and confusion arises though when you take into account how blue and green are enemies or how white and black are also enemies... or how even green and black are enemies as well... and how those relationships fit into the puzzle. It's not that they wouldn't have any say over anything, but that their ideas would be... respected as opposed to being rejected like red. In that way you kind of have to treat them as both a shard and a wedge, but I think it's easier to think of them as two unconnected pairs of two colors each, one pairing being the stronger of the two in terms of influence due to their natural connection. Separating them by Azorius and Golgari makes more sense to me than thinking of them as Dimir and Selesnya, but I think doing it either way limits the conclusions you can come to about the kind of ideas the group may have as a whole.The more unified pair, I feel, is the root of the idea, and the outside color or colors should bend to meet it as opposed to the other way around. That's the logic I'm using, at least. Isolating the shards, wedges, allied pairs, and enemy pairs, and looking at what they have in common a pattern does emerge though, one of growth. Whether that's of a community or of the self by whatever means they feel appropriate, I think that'd be their main idea. That growth may come at the cost of others through manipulation, or through fostering connections with others, by changing themselves, or the world around them, but whatever it does will always be about that over the feelings of others. That's not to say red is a color that can't grow or doesn't change, but I think emotional attachment would seem counterproductive to this combination, and the chaos it brings is the opposite of what the azorian identity within the combination would want.
A world without empathy, without passion, or freedom, and that is also struggling with whether to be selfish or selfless, but that advances in all fields at a rate none can compare to? One that is as efficient as it can be by utilizing all of its resources diligently and deliberately, has power, knowledge, and magic few others possess because they're not afraid to pursue it and have all the tools required to understand it? Perhaps to some it sounds ideal, but I think its lack of empathy and struggle to find a comfortable center on some issues will always keep it at odds with itself, and thus the consequences of the pursuit of growth at all costs will, in and of itself, impede the growth it is looking for.
This is just an idea of one facet of the combination, and it is nowhere near as well thought out or as of the same level of quality as the videos you put out. I hope you find it entertaining or interesting even if the idea of doing combinations of four colors isn't something you decide you want to do in the future. I'm still glad I was here to watch these videos and to experience them as they came out because every one of them was enjoyable to watch. I'm definitely looking forward to the Temur video and to what you do next.
Wow thanks for your input! Well I actually do have plans to continue on with color philosophy. I don't know if ill do 4-5 color but Indo have some plans. I would love to do more videos like my color of evil video, as well I think I will be doing the mono color videos all over again. They are my first videos and they are not at the level of the rest of my content. I want to be able to really dive in deep on the mono colors and bring them up to the level of my current videos. The future is still full of color philosophy
If you do decide to redo them, I'll absolutely watch the new ones. The mono color videos were my introduction to color philosophy and the start of my fascination with all of the videos you've made that I've watched. It'll definitely be interesting to see how your experiences with color pairings, groups, and their philosophies has changed your views on the colors themselves and given you the experience you need to dive into what makes each of the colors their own entities
Is there a side of sultai that you can personally relate to? Or is there concept of life just a bit to far fetched
5:40- so... a philosophy of self progression with acceptance of the world around it? One that might ask “how do I make myself better in the world that that I have?” Hmm...I can see the value this line of thinking might have, but it’s just too self focused for me to adopt in full. Might just be the selesnya talking, but I can’t imagine myself being better without caring for and lifting up others. I’ll come back to this comment once I’ve finished the video though!
Edit: wow....I never imagined this side of sultai! Though I still stand by what I said earlier, a clear prospective on life, one were you know you did the best you could do...I definitely have more respect for the wedge now than I did before. Thank you for yet another amazing philosophy video!
This is actually a very good point. It is a mindset that is effective but without the ability to work together what sort of society do you have.
definitely self progression through acceptance personally and great video man
When I thought of sultai before this video the main idea I had of it was resourcefulness. Using absolutely everything at your disposal to achieve your goals wether that be life, death or the knowledge of those
@@coopertolbertsmith6067 I wish to be a great chef, by doing so, the world will deleite with my recipes.
I don't really want change to happen, but should it happen, I want it to benefit me.
When I think of sultai the first thing that comes to mind is simic hybrid golgari agent forest druid
You make very cool videos 😎😁my king
I am your loyal servant now
I'm a bit late, but this is my favorite Color combination. I always saw this wedge as: "What if we removed Red in the classic villan color combo and put in green instead." The big weakness of a classic villan, is that, he is not sustanible in the long term. They rise very fast through their schemes, but they fall just as easily, because they didn't build their power base, offended the wrong people etc.
Taking the impulsivity of red out of the tri-color and replacing it with green, adds this necessary sustainability and long term planning. This wedge takes the time to grow its plans and position over the long run. This way, once it acheives its desired position, it will be incredibly hard to get rid of it again.
Another important aspect of the color combo, is that it accepts the way things are and instead of changing (blue) or destroying (black) its environment, it asks itself, how it can use the given circumstances in its favor. That makes it very pracmatic and adaptable.
I bet, you could write some really interesting villains and heros with this Tricolor.
You really should work for WoTC. These insights are amazing!
This is the one I want remade the most
Y'know I always thought Jeskai was my color identity and that having a refined self through discipline was how I'm going to live.
But I think that second philosophy changed that.
Keep in mind each philosophy is merely a potential ideal. You can take from any of the three. Some versions might align with you while others may be to extreme
I'm not that deep into the color pie ideals, but I thought that Sultai would be the would be the apex predator, the best hunter or something. Using black/blue's ambitions with green's self reliance
Now I wait in the snowy wasteland for the Temur -.-
Thanks.
So the plane focuses on the Here and now, me, and the future. I could see the color fracturing into 2 distinct factions those who focus on rewriting nature to improve themselves and those who seek to use natures power to its limits for their own ends.
The wedge of the sociopathic sage. Sultai is the pursuit of profound wisdom without regard for morality. It is different from Dimir in that it is wisdom and not short-sighted knowledge that is sought.
Sultai kinda feels like Taoism without being limited by morals.
I think one interpretation could be "Ruthless Evolution" pursuing the perfect form by any means whether organic or inorganic for a example check out the Harmony-Supremacy path in Civilization: beyond earth which in that path you turn your people into techno organic cyborgs without any regard for ethics or morals.
Green for evolution and using natural adaptations,Blue for the the pursuit of perfection and inorganic methods and finally Black for the amorality and the ambition.
Overall amoral techno organic cyborgs would make for great villains on a Sci-Fi inspired plane.
You just described phyrexians.
@@nguyenxuantungnguyenxuantu86 now that you say that I realize that's true. 😑
@@loganswalk8621 That's why in the mirrodin block black/green/blue are the first colors to fall to the phyrexians. Only white and red left. White finally fall when the concept of law and justice are redefine by the phyrexians. Only red never truly fall, since red care about what it feel, so it can never be brainwash into uncaring about something.
Best channel on youtube....helped me realize who i really am #gravetidegang or GOTTA GO for short haha
FInally, for 1 year i had confused what is my color and what is my mirror personality. firstly i choose Golgari but i dont feel control or enabling control my fate (draw , counter enemy, etc) ... I try SImic color, it feel lack of hate or "power"or feel that i want more ... Thankyou for test
It’s a shame that the Abzan, Jeskai, Sultai, Mardu and Temur just became the Ravnican guilds at the end of the Tarkir set. I understand it was a philosophical experiment about how taking away just one colour can completely change a culture of a group of people but I do hope Wizards find a way of going back to the unique three colour set of the original block.
These would be the colours required to summon me
I Play a Sultai Based Charakter in my Campain, in my Opinion it is a Little difficult to get bound together with the group.
Because i Feel like as Long they dont get you a Advantage u dont really have a reason to Stay together.
if I were a planeswaker I would be a Sultai biomancer.
Low key Sultai seems almost better thematically for the eldrazi than colorless is
I had an angle to share (yes. I resonate with sultai 😂). Have you ever thought that Sultai is the other side of Jeskai? I feel like when we look at Green/Blue we see a form of development. Then you add Black and it becomes self development in a way or developing one's group/community around them. Jeskai is the world/society and Sultai is the world around them.
@DiceTry i like your voice my king 😁👑
ive wondered for a while if i follow a shell model in real life.... blue at core for mastery, black to implement it, green to center my drive. and red as an outward emotive, hiding a white-element "good guy"....
Quintillionaire Sultai male grindset
the way i see it black and blue are intelligent, cunning and powerful, but they lack wisdom.
Dimir is ambitious, all they focus on is the goal and they will go to any lengths to achieve it and IF that goal is achievable, they will achieve it, but won't be satisfied, instead they'll find a new goal to throw themselves at right away.
if a goal is unachievable, Dimir will waste its entire life on achieving it, hurting themselves and others, turning to villainy, using any means available in vain.
what green adds to this is wisdom, the ability to consider the long term consequences of their actions, the ability to accept when a goal is unachievable, cutting their losses, finding a new goal and the ability to be satisfied, to reach the point where they have enough.
I love this series, it really shows that there is no universal truth or meaning to life, rather everyone can look at it their own way and each philosophy is equally valid.
I'm curious, would you like to dive into the four-color pairs in the future? I believe there is great potential in them, but they are also extremely hard to design as cards. But if you break it down philosophically, maybe it could make things clearer/easier. Or how about WUBRG? What would be the philosophy of beings that are able to chanell all colors of mana?
I get asked this all the time and while it is not out of the question it's not something I intend to do in the near future. The more colors you add the less defined it becomes. 4 color is a but much with the only real difference being the 1 color missing
When I think on Sultai I imagine Slytherin
I could see it
You took the more abstract approach which I defiantly appreciate. But from a story standpoint I think I like the more classical interpretation. Because I think Sultai embodies a capitalist society where the true nature of value is subject a complex system of exploitative psychology. Where people are run by fear and to question daily life is to question a history of overlooked abuse. Sultai could be a place where the spirits of the dead are mined for their memories and are used to blackmail a populace of people who become apart of indentured servitude. Where those manipulated are further used to exploit later generations of people and those who are victims then become apart of a larger system of fear and compliance in other peoples suffering.
Great analasys! I always try and at least look at the positive side of any given combination but your idea is spot on
You are getting out the curiosity and innovation aspect that would prevent that.
To be fair, Wizards decided to make sultai the bad guys, god knows why.
@@alfredosaint-jean9660 There's no one way of interpreting the colour pie. In fact, wedges, shards, and anything more complex can either use or disregard the enemy or ally colour which is center to the philosophy. So in the case of Sultai, you could disregard green and choose to make blue the centrepiece colour. That would mean (in the case of Sultai) both Dimir and Simic philosophies would push Golgari to the bottom. Another example would be two-coloured guilds like Rakdos. Where red is considered parasitic to black and is more dominant.
If you disregard a color, then is no longer a color trio and it becomes a color pair.
@@alfredosaint-jean9660 no but what I mean is that you shift "green" being the dominant colour in Sultai to either blue or black. That doesn't mean you get rid of a colour. It means green is less expressed
Wedges are in my opinion much more interesting than shards.
Slicing the sult-pie
You know, I've always wondered what sort of selection process you go through for selecting the actual cards you show during your videos. Are they just selected at semi random, or are they somehow connected to what you're talking about at that point
I try my best to grab art that at least connects to what I'm trying to explain. There is just a tonne of cards though so it isn't practical to look at every one. So to answer your question it's a but of both
As a Boros, I always found this combination scary.
Sultai "Evolve or die"
I will always be a sultai player. Boros is always going to be the enemy lol.
Boundlessness🧿💀🌿