Scion of the Ur-Dragon: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Power of Dragon Transformation

Scion of the Ur-Dragon is a legendary creature that offers unparalleled flexibility and power to players who include it in their deck. Its ability to transform into any Dragon permanent card in your library makes it an attractive inclusion for any deck focused on Dragons.

Mana Cost and Card Mechanics

At first glance, Scion's mana cost may seem daunting: {W}{U}{B}{R}{G}. This is one of the most expensive legendary creatures in the game, requiring a significant investment of colorless mana to cast. However, this cost also reflects its immense power and versatility.

The card's text reads: "Flying // {2}: Search your library for a Dragon permanent card and put it into your graveyard. If you do, Scion of the Ur-Dragon becomes a copy of that card until end of turn. Then shuffle." The flying keyword is immediately apparent, making it an excellent addition to any deck seeking to attack with creatures.

However, the true meat of the card lies in its second ability: "Search your library for a Dragon permanent card and put it into your graveyard. If you do, Scion of the Ur-Dragon becomes a copy of that card until end of turn. Then shuffle." This allows players to transform their Scion into any Dragon card they have available, granting access to unique abilities, power/toughness upgrades, or other effects.

Strategic Uses and Combos

Given its ability to become a copy of any Dragon card in your library, Scion of the Ur-Dragon is an excellent inclusion for decks focused on Dragons. This can include traditional Dragon-based aggro or control strategies, as well as more experimental builds that seek to combine different Dragons for unique effects.

One potential combination involves pairing Scion with Falkenrath, Dragon Queen. The Queen's ability allows players to search their library for a Dragon permanent card and put it into play, which can then be transformed using Scion's second ability. This would allow players to rapidly accelerate their board presence while also granting access to powerful Dragon abilities.

Another possible combination involves pairing Scion with Ghirapur, Entropia. The Entropia's ability allows players to tap down a creature and generate a colorless mana, which can be used to cast Scion. This would allow players to quickly develop their board presence while also granting access to powerful Dragon abilities.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Scion of the Ur-Dragon is an excellent addition to any deck focused on Dragons, but its specific role in a given build will depend on the player's strategy and playstyle. Some potential roles include:

• Dragons-as-Combinations: Players can use Scion to transform into different Dragons, creating unique combinations that grant access to powerful abilities or effects.
• Aggro/Control Split: Scion can be used as a way to accelerate an aggro deck's board presence while also granting access to control-oriented Dragon abilities.
• Token Generation: By transforming into a token-generating Dragon like Sarkhan the Masterless, players can rapidly generate tokens and swarm their opponent with small creatures.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Scion of the Ur-Dragon has been included in various formats since its release, including Modern, Commander, and Pauper. Its competitive viability will depend on the specific metagame and player strategies.

In Modern, for example, Scion is often used as a way to access powerful Dragons like Sarkhan, Firebring or Akiri, Fearless Voyager. This can be particularly effective in decks that seek to generate tokens or ramp up their mana development quickly.

However, its use in Modern also depends on the specific meta and player strategies. Players seeking to access more controlling Dragon abilities may opt for cards like Archmage Emrakul or Liliana of the Veil, which can provide additional value and flexibility.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

One important note about Scion's second ability is that it only allows players to search their library for a single Dragon permanent card. This means that if a player searches for a non-Dragon card, they will be unable to transform their Scion into that card.

Additionally, the "copy" effect of Scion only lasts until end of turn. This means that any effects or abilities granted by the copied Dragon card will also expire at the end of the turn, unless otherwise specified.

Art and Flavor

Scion of the Ur-Dragon was released as part of the Dragons of Tarkir set in 2014. The card's artwork features a majestic dragon-like creature with four wings spread wide, surrounded by swirling clouds of magical energy.

The flavor text for Scion reads: "A mighty form, born from the collective might of dragons." This reflects the card's ability to tap into the power of multiple Dragon cards, granting access to unique abilities and effects.

Key Points

• Scion of the Ur-Dragon is a powerful legendary creature that enables players to transform into any Dragon permanent card in their library.
• Its second ability allows players to search for a Dragon card and put it into their graveyard, which can then be transformed using the first ability.
• Scion is an excellent addition to any deck focused on Dragons, but its specific role will depend on the player's strategy and playstyle.

Conclusion

Scion of the Ur-Dragon is a game-changing card that offers unparalleled flexibility and power to players who include it in their deck. Its ability to become a copy of any Dragon permanent card in your library makes it an excellent inclusion for any deck focused on Dragons.

Whether used as a way to accelerate aggro decks or grant access to controlling Dragon abilities, Scion is sure to be a valuable addition to any competitive Magic player's arsenal.

Potential Playstyle Combinations

Players seeking to utilize Scion of the Ur-Dragon in their deck should consider the following combinations:

• Aggressive Combo: Pairing Scion with aggressive Dragon creatures like Sarkhan the Masterless or Falkenrath, Dragon Queen, allowing players to rapidly accelerate their board presence and deal massive damage to their opponent.
• Control-oriented Combination: Combining Scion with controlling Dragon abilities like those found in Archmage Emrakul or Liliana of the Veil, granting players additional value and flexibility.
• Token Generation: Using Scion to transform into a token-generating Dragon like Sarkhan the Masterless, allowing players to rapidly generate tokens and swarm their opponent with small creatures.

In conclusion, Scion of the Ur-Dragon is an incredibly versatile card that offers players unparalleled flexibility and power. Its ability to become a copy of any Dragon permanent card in your library makes it an excellent inclusion for any deck focused on Dragons.