Hidden Gems - All Aboard the Faerie Train

Here at Hidden Gems, we like to look far enough ahead to predict price spikes before they happen during the hype and excitement surrounding a new release.

Commander Masters is just around the corner. And while all eyes will be on that, it seems that now is the best time to beat price spikes for Wilds of Eldraine—coming September 8th. Once again, let’s dive into Magic’s history to see if we can find cards that are a bit overlooked, but might find new homes with upcoming commanders.

Along with the main set, Wilds of Eldraine will release two Commander decks. One is a green/white concoction that we know next to nothing about. The other is Fae Dominion—a typal deck centered around Faeries. This seems like just enough information to find some Hidden Gems.

#1 – Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor

Ok, sure, your Faerie deck isn’t going to be playing a lot of Cephalids. I get it. But you can play three blue mana to tap ALL creatures without flying. Which should be about 0% of your creatures. Well, except Aboshan. He taps himself with that ability because he’s drunk all the time and that’s how Magic worked in 2001.

Regardless, he’s a great way to control the board to keep you from dying to non-flyers and make sure your Faeries get past most blockers. Plus, Aboshan can tap himself (or Changelings) to keep the biggest flyer in check. It’s a fun late-game inclusion that can help you end the game with extra style. I mean, who doesn’t want to win with a bunch of faeries and their octopus emperor?

 #2 – Windreader Sphinx

If Peter Pan taught us anything, it’s that growing up is terrible because of taxes and back pain. But if it taught us a second thing, it’s that we’ve learned a lot about racism since 1953. But if it’s taught us a third thing, it’s that faerie dust makes you fly!

Most flying-matters cards include white, but Windreader Sphinx is available for this Dimir deck, and can turn your little 1/1 army into a bounteous card draw engine. A steam engine (for the Faerie train). 

#3 – Secluded Glen

If you’re like me, building a mana base for a new Commander deck puts your brain on autopilot. I pluck dual lands out of my binder and sleeve them up - no research required. This dual is no stranger to the spotlight, finding a home in competitive Faerie decks. But its use is so niche in Commander that it might be one you haven’t thought about in a terribly long time. So, let me put this particular card straight through your eyeballs and into your brain, because this is an auto-include. Everyone hopping aboard the Faerie train this fall will want a copy. 

#4 – Defiler of Dreams

This card isn’t that old, but it might have been quickly forgotten. Most blue decks don’t care about casting permanents. But Faeries care. They care a lot. As do Merfolk, but they’re drama queens who get all the attention and we’re not gonna give it to them.

As an added bonus, you can pay life instead of mana to cast your Faeries, accelerating your card advantage. Blue isn’t great about gaining life, but paired with black, your Faerie deck will have plenty of tools to regain what you pay, and keep this Faerie train full steam ahead! Toot toot!

Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor	CardKingdom $0.79	TCGPlayer $0.99
Windreader Sphinx	CardKingdom $0.49	TCGPlayer $0.45
Secluded Glen	CardKingdom $3.49	TCGPlayer $4.79
Defiler of Dreams	CardKingdom $0.59	TCGPlayer $0.50

That’s all for this edition. Don’t forget to check out our Premium Membership for more market insights and entertainment!

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