The Manipulative Philosophy of Esper

Magic: the Gathering's color pie is an inherently complex thing, sure each of its five colors are rigid and easy to define but the magic happens when you begin to combine these colors to create something new. This game of ours has leveraged this complexity to craft many unique factions and characters over the years, but when it comes to MTG's three color combinations, known as shards and wedges, the definitions become less apparent and the examples less available. That's why, in this new series, I aim to clear up what drives each of them at a fundamental level, starting with the shard of Esper, the combination of White, Blue and Black. A Shard that is driven by ambitious goals and a desire for excellence, accomplished through control of ones self and their environment.
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[@DiceTry]

Do you think Esper has the right idea?

[@Carlos-bz5oo]

Boros guy here (or Lorehold if you prefer). When its academic Esper is worthwhile; when its political it better stay far away from me.

[@izzymosley1970]

Form how I see esper I think it's probably the most powerful out of all the three color combinations you get the ambition of black the knowledge and perfection seeking of blue and the discipline of white. Personally I feel like someone with these traits have the highest likelihood of becoming incredibly powerful and achieving virtually any goal because to do something incredible you need knowledge ambition and discipline to be able to achieve the most difficult goals since esper has all three of these and the lack of red to keep it from going off course and green to keep it from accepting its place it seems virtually perfect to me.

[@Carlos-bz5oo]

@@izzymosley1970 Maybe, but without red or green there's little adapting when plans go off course

[@izzymosley1970]

@@Carlos-bz5oo well if that's the case then they will be able to use the knowledge to gained from failure and come back at that same obstacle with even greater strategic Force.

[@shybard]

If I lean into my idealism, I prefer Bant. If I yield to my pragmatism, I have to acknowledge that Esper has the right idea.

[@sentinelstorm487]

I love seeing this take of what each tri-combination’s philosophy looks like when centered on *each* of the colors comprising it. We’ve really only gotten each tricolor focused on one color being central even through their repeated appearances

[@cl0k3]

Well, I would assume that the Imperium as an esper faction represents a primarily white group, the main religious dogmatism and militarism of the group being supported by shady or brutal tactics, and the Tech priests.

[@sentinelstorm487]

@@cl0k3 You are 100% right, I had forgotten the Imperium. They are Universes Beyond though, mainline magic has kept its Esper factions blue centered

[@eebbaa5560]

esper is more interesting when blue-centered imo

[@turtleforge3065]

I just realized that Esper might be definitively Self-determination as suggested in psychology. Self-Determination has three basic needs of autonomy or wanting to be in control of the self (black), competence or the wanting to maintain skill and knowledge (blue), and relatedness or wanting relationships important to goals (white).

[@burningbronze7555]

Shit that's all what I want

[@turtleforge3065]

Finally, more Shard-Wedge discourse!!! Really looking forward to all of them!!

[@stripeybag6977]

You're supposed to save the Best combo for last mate. Thanks for the video.

[@neminem233]

I’ve actually gotten really into the plane of Alara recently, it’s such a fascinating look at the color pie, with five different, unique, and incredibly well constructed worlds. I really want to return there, post Conflux

[@Case2_0]

We will probably be going back in like 2026/27. It’s the next on most people’s list after Lorwyn

[@MagusFlorren]

Esper is definitely my favorite color combination. I’ve always thought it was so enchanting and mystical. From dark spellcasters to brilliant artifact Sphinx creatures. And then the Obscura really blew me away with their style, themes, and art. Your video absolutely hit the mark for why I love this combination. Thanks for making it ❤

[@jacopomirabella8148]

I can't wait for grixis

[@DiceTry]

I will be sure to put the next video to a vote

[@aurochtamer]

It's cool that you're giving some more attention to "unbalanced" color combinations. I've been working on ideas of how to convert a ttrpg from D&Ds alignment system to using the color wheel and a key part of it is the difference between balanced and unbalanced color combinations

[@izzymosley1970]

To me esper is the most powerful of the color combinations i see esper as the combination of ambition discipline and knowledge-seeking which to me seem like the most powerful forces of self-improvement in existence. To mean these combinations of colors bring blue the to closest to perfection the quickest way possible.

[@christiangreff5764]

For three-color combinations and/or when solely looking at the psychological aspect I agree but when looking at the physical I would argue it could still profit from Green. Without it's facet of life the self-improvement is either limited to what your body can deliver or brought beyond those limits in the form of becoming (part) machine, which is no doubt a powerfull path that nevertheless limits ones ability to recover and regenerate. And can you truely call a form that cannot fight its own deterioration perfect?

[@coopertolbertsmith6067]

So excited to see your new perspectives on this color combination!

[@DiceTry]

Hopefully there is something new in here for you, but at the very least it will be up to my more modern standards for videos.

[@eternaleclypse]

I tend to look at shards and wedged as adding a missing piece to an established guild. That's how I tend to build my decks as well. Right now, my Kamiz deck is a Dimir deck with white in it.

[@nerium5552]

I think you might have missed the "in-group and out-group" or "us vs them" part of esper. I think that white brings a very social aspect to dimir. The radical choices that esper-aligned people have made in their lives lead them to see the people that have followed a similar path as "part of the group". That's what makes Esper so unique in my pov. Awesome video as always, I'm already looking forward to the next ones in the series !

[@NinjaxCad]

I love this take on the shards that explore how each of the components can be a central color. It really opens up the color pie!

[@Indeside]

Happy to see this finally get made

[@ndefied3594]

Really happy to see this series start. I like the approach with focussing on one colour and how the combination of the other two affects it. Well done!

[@anthonydelfino6171]

A world driven solely by the pursuit of perfection and efficiency but without heart isn’t one I’d want to be a part of Probably why I’ve always felt a closer affinity to Jeskai than to esper. Trading the selfishness and ambition with emotion feels like the better chance at utopia

[@TotallyACat]

I’m absolutely loving this so far! An amazing start to the Wedges/Shards! I was absolutely blown away by how accurate the Black-Cored Esper was in describing me! Goal/Results driven, methodical and deliberate. The constant need for self-improvement. My entire thought process for most things can often be summed up in the phrase “Risk Analysis”, so in hindsight it’s rather quite obvious now why that quiz from that one video of yours keeps assigning me to Esper!😂 Thank you for another amazing video Dice!

[@Magnivore519]

Came for the Magic content, stayed because I got psychoanalyzed.

[@DiceTry]

Welcome that's what we do here

[@Hadex79]

I like that you are considering more than merely the Esper and Obscura factions but how each of the colors influence the whole when they become the center. As absorbing as color philosophy can be in a vacuum I, if possibly no one else, find the most value in creating my own original character ideas. Thanks for the work, looking forward to seeing what you do with the rest of the shards and, hopefully, the wedges.

[@Greenknight3]

Honestly, this feels like a shard very conducive to religion. A way of improving one's self through introspection and an unwavering knowing (not believing) of their "correct" ideals.

[@davidperkins7782]

Yes and no. Esper includes black, which involves self interest, autonomy, and flexible morals. All of which mainstream religions frown upon to one degree or another. Black is willing to do things that go against religious ideals, particularly getting involved with the occult. And blue has a natural curiosity towards the known. Id say if you want a shard/wedge that represents the concept of religion, it'd be Bant. Bant shares white and blue with Esper, but uses green instead of black. The green in Bant represents community, as in to say a religious congregation and the ties between followers. Esper is more like the occult; seeking out esoteric knowledge (blue) to learn spiritual truth (white) and/or to get ahead in life (black). Possibly keeping your work a secret from the rest of the world.

[@Greenknight3]

@@davidperkins7782 ah yes, but not if it is in the name of the church. free thinking is baned unles in the name of the church. spanish inquisition levels of hypocracy.

[@davidperkins7782]

@@Greenknight3 I know you're joking, but even so, unorthodox thinking, even in the name of Christ, is called heresy. For example, i believe that preaching to non-believers is at best a distraction of faith, and at worst a sign of insecurity. Only the weak willed want to police the lives of others outside of necessity. A Christian should spread the love of God by acting as an example, and therefore respecting the free will of others. Even if he has to hold his tongue. Even if this notion has merit, it's still technically heresy, especially considering that there's lots of people who love to preach and condemn.

[@hotdachsbun]

I absolutely loved this. I didn't even know this was something to think about or look into. This is an amazing video

[@igeoerre]

I really love this series, even though I don't have time to play Magic.

[@nicolascolchero726]

Love the analysis of the trio of colors as one main color + a pair. Makes the analysis much more intuitive and shows how a trio can manifest in many ways

[@xr9790]

So excited for when we get back to Sultai! Esper is what got me really excited, the colors in general but my first commander deck was the the esper D&D one! It comes full circle

[@rbruch98]

I really enjoy these videos and your takes on color identity and their associated philosophies. Especially over the past 2-3 years, I feel the Shards & Wedges have received a lot more support and there's quite a bit more to be learned in looking at these new directions. Sultai is far and away my favorite Shard: There's quite a lot of diversity in their play-style, the only common thread usually being Graveyard shenanigans. Xavier Sal, Gonti, Indominus Rex, Tatsunari Toad Rider and the Fallout Commanders are all pretty interesting additions to the shard!

[@benjismith2549]

Love this! I’ve been working on a custom center shifted shard cube!

[@mcswaggerduff8946]

Cannot wait for other 3 color videos!

[@johanandersson8252]

Blue-Blackberry crumble with vanilla custard.

[@ThatHuedGuy]

Wait a min now, that sounds good

[@uwtartarus]

Looking forward to Jund and Grixis!

[@asifadnan6362]

I've been waiting for this for years ever since the first mono-color definitive came out. Thank you. Bant guy here waiting for my thing. Also here's hoping you do a definitive colorless after this to round out and complete the whole pie.

[@DiceTry]

Honestly you're right colorless should be on my list for definitive versions.

[@VoteOmnivore]

Glad to see you revisiting these!

[@DiceTry]

Honestly me too

[@-Claws72-]

Wow, this video was really good, both in content and aesthetics! I had a great time watching, thank you! And, as a mono-black or dimir person, I definitely agreed with a lot!

[@DiceTry]

Thanks! I do love making these remakes as it shows how much I've grown.

[@WastingTimeHandle]

Hype for the return of this series!!!!!

[@viniciuscatais8126]

Just Awesome this version! Like the shards in our daily lives perspective

[@Ctrooper2011]

I like how you're exploring the different sides of the trios depending on the dominant color. Of course, this doesn't change my opinion of Stormscape/Esper/Obscura, but it does give a good insight to how it operates. I can't wait to see Raka/Jeskai/Raugrin, Thornscape/Caparetti/Naya, Sunscape/Brokers/Bant, and Ceta/Temur/Ketria! I've been interested in these trios the most, but I'm willing to wait.

[@GonzaloAPH]

Great video! I still remember your original "Shards Philosophies" videos. Those were very good, but this one, compaired to the older Esper video, seems better. More complete. I am looking forward to the other shards, especially Bant! I am curious on what a blue-focused Bant would look.

[@felipepereira214]

I'm looking anxiously forward towards mine personality's wedge of Sultai.

[@junniloony]

the way you speak about this shard reminds me of someone trying to master something a journey of 10,000 hours

[@javiernavarroguinda123]

Great job, i normally don't leave likes. You've became an exception

[@EdgarMartinez-ks1yl]

Love the videos fam ❤️‍🔥

[@Hinatacrush92]

Oh boy! I can't wait to see Naya again!

[@asdrubalvect6328]

I'm looking forward to your Definitive Videos for the Wedges. Namely how you'd describe the "Triomal" Societies (the societies that focus on the 'point' of the Wedge and not the allied pair)

[@Radiodragonofdoom]

I love this three color pairing so much. I have foil Alara basics of the esper lands. I just wish that WotC would print a powerful card in this color combination instead of letting Simic and Izzet crack every format in half ever year or so.

[@izzymosley1970]

How I see esper applying to an individual is you have the seeking perfection through knowledge of blue you have the ambition of black and you have to discipline of white when you combine them all together you have a person ambitiously seeking perfection by using discipline and knowledge. Personally I see esper as the most powerful of the three color combinations in the color pie but that's probably because of my Outlook on life and would I find important.

[@TheMightyBattleSquid]

Esper is basically the appeal to authority personified. They speak down to you from a place of higher strength, logic, or position in the caste who you aren't to question but, in doing so, you open yourself up to additional manipulation when they sneak in their personal agenda.

[@pierantonioparziale5536]

Like I said in the comments of the previous video, Esper looks like a place where Massive Attack is very much listened to

[@burningbronze7555]

It might help if you also did what a heroic individual and villainous individual for each of the three interpretation of each shard and wedge it makes it tangible.

[@DiceTry]

I think that's something that could be its own video

[@dittmar104]

I just realised we could give a RBG colour code to each colour combination and use black and white as saturation and tone. Maybe in a different world the colour pie was made in Microsoft paint and each combination had a distinct colour and name derived from the colour.

[@AtlasAdvice254]

I feel like 3 color combinations are essentially magic at its purest, the combinations are defined both by what they have and by what they lack, in a better balance than 2 and 4 colors. By merging the 3 together, they form together like legs on a stool, take one off and the stool cannot stand, and each of the three are important to the combination’s identity.

[@Ubersupersloth]

I think there’s one more reason interpretation of Esper which that probably should be addressed and that’s the “absolute utilitarian leader” deal. A “benevolent dictator” who makes the “right” call to “perfect” society by with their own set of values without regard for what other people view as “right”. THEY are “right” and you should obey because they know better than you. You take Arzurios’ desire for a better world under rules and regulations and you add just a BIT of the “amorality” of black and you have a leader who would power a country using the torture of an infant “Ones who walk away from Omelas” style, would order the death of 10 to save 11 and not bat an eye Someone who would look someone dead in the eye and say “The resources it would take to make your life better is better spent elsewhere. Would you like me to offer you a painless death instead?” I said it on the last Esper video but I think “Brave New World” is a really good example of Esper (MAYBE Witch with the whole “we all belong to each other” thing but you can chalk that up to white, IMO) because they “perfected” (blue) a “happy society” (white) with a combination of eugenics-based slave labour and constant indoctrination of the residents (pretty black).

[@qromaxwell6548]

My favorite thing about Esper is trying to get opponents to scramble to play cards they dont even have

[@Dottor_Zarcon]

When i think of a perfect society Esper is the answer, but not fit in my personality... For me I only see grixis. Hope the shard of bolas come up as soon as possible.

[@AkukAkuku]

One thing I struggle to see is difference between philosophy of WUB and BGU, so I hope you'll touch a bit on differences between trios that share a pair in future videos.

[@shybard]

Pragmatic perfection, eh? I could get into that.

[@tuongpham7609]

If the illuminati would have a color, it would be esper.

[@laszlokaszas1003]

If I had to sum up my one problem with esper philosophy, it would be this: "Either it's my way, or no way." I feel like esper is unwilling to accept other ways of thinking that the one they decided is the correct way. The best you can hope for is that they will adapt "that one good idea you had", and ignore the rest of the context.

[@Alex-bx9og]

How have you remade this series and made it better Everytime so many times?

[@fawkes3398]

Looking forward to grixis and Jund videos

[@Atmatan_Kabbaher]

You know, i use the faction names so rarely as a monolith that I literally didnt even realize Obscura was Esper until this exact moment. Like when i call token UG Quandrix instead of simic, because simic isnt token heavy....

[@t.e.archon7600]

I think it would be interesting to focus on Esper for good. A leader who believes single mindedly pushes to lift up its community, and logically sees that every individual has great potential. It may contradict with black some, but you’ve said before black isn’t just the color of evil, one’s personal ambition can be to better one’s community and recognize that they can’t do that by being purely selfish, a more white aligned view on the shard

[@Miner49er201]

There are things that I like and dislike about the new format; I love discussion of the shards and wedges with each individual color being analyzed as a focal point, but I miss the context from the previous videos about not having the two other colors, because I feel that better defines the boundaries of the tri-color factions.

[@jthrone7768]

Please lord I need Abzan

[@Atmatan_Kabbaher]

Shoutout to Sen Triplets tho

[@SheruMuko]

Can you please do Red, Green, and Black next? I don’t know it’s official name but it is my go to color combo.

[@Komamura821]

Yoooo bant next?

[@thehulk123123]

Can you do grixis next? Im a huge grixis commander player and i wanna know more about them xD

[@SheruMuko]

Everybody who joined because they watched the short like this comment and the video.

[@Pyrfalcon]

I like the pragmatism of Esper

[@XTempestBuster]

While i think jund is the most powerful of the alara realms, esper certainly feels it

[@jackiespaceman]

Aleister Crowley was esper as heck

[@jokerswild469]

Jund next please

[@MichaelPesta]

I want soul tie

[@otakunemesis34]

i go between sultai and esper.

[@Hencid]

Jeskai next pleeeease

[@MichaelPesta]

Sultai

[@philbuttler3427]

Ah yes purple my favorite color in Esper. But seriously, how WotC actually tries to talk about the color pie sucks. Like just the way theyve handled black as a colors depiction over the years is so bad. Like they cant do subtlety or morally grey writing at all.

[@richardbautista9256]

hard to follow tbh.

[@phucdao5073]

First

[@DiceTry]

That was fast

[@rafaelxgonzalez5236]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4WbaZdoq7pkhJI

[@FluffySpikeM]

The shard primarily driven by ambitions is Grixis, not Esper. Esper is driven by unbridled cold rationalisation. You don’t seem to understand your own topic too well.

[@DiceTry]

Interesting, I would say any combination with Dimir within it would be one who has ambition within them. The difference between Esper and Grixis is white versus Red. So that ambition takes on different forms. White meaning it is structured and with purpose while for Grixis, and its addition of Red, reaches for ambition for its own sake, almost as an obsession. Though I would love to hear your explanation since you seem to have a different idea.

[@FluffySpikeM]

@@DiceTry No. Shards are more than the sum of their parts. The difference between Esper and Grixis is they’re completely different worlds with completely different ideologies. Alara was a very well designed set in this regard. One thing you could say is each shard had a central color and two supporting ones, in terms of mechanics and ideology both. For Grixis the central color is black, for Esper it’s blue.