Older collectors are typically still shocked by prices because they remember times when these cards did not have the same following as they do now
This card can also be used as a substitute for a Prank-Kid that needs to tribute itself for an effect
But, clearly, that hasnt stopped hardcore fans from jacking up the cost
The archetype really wanted to get to Zoodiac Ratpier in order to climb into Zoodiac Xyzs like Drident or Broadbull
Eshki grows fast and becomes a serious threat on its own, and the deck quickly builds overwhelming board presence through efficient ramp, creature cost reduction (like Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma), and dragon-specific synergy cards such as Dragon's Fire, Fearsome Whelp, and Dragonhawk, Fate's Tempest