Hidden Gems - There's No Place Like Homelands

Welcome to another edition of Hidden Gems—where we dig deep into Magic’s past to find overlooked and underappreciated cards for Commander.

Since we like to embrace the casualness of the format, today we find ourselves all the way back to what is probably Magic’s worst expansion: Homelands.

But even the worst collections have valuable things to consider, especially for those players who enjoy embracing the jank. Minotaur players know what I mean, thanks to the reserved list gem, Didgeridoo. 

#1. Primal Order

My top pick is Primal Order. I play a mono-green control deck, and yes, you read that right. Commander brings out the Johnny/Jenny mindset in me (a focus on self-expression), which makes me want to play unusual strategies. There’s nothing wrong with green stompy. I love a Craterhoof Behemoth as much as the next guy (not romantically, of course). But more than that, I love toying with this oddball control deck of mine, and Primal Order is a shining star. 

Lots of players are equipped to handle creature strategies—especially from green. And since Commander leans toward multi-colored decks, Primal Order can get in plenty of damage outside of combat. 

If you take anything from this article, it’s that you should ask out Primal Order on a first date (a romantic one).

#2. Soraya the Falconer

Not to mansplain Birds, but when Soraya says, “Falcons”, she means, “Birds”. (Thanks errata.) And there are lots of Birds in Magic. Three mana for a Bird anthem is a decent rate, but what’s even scarier about her is the ability for her to give Birds Banding. 

Now, Banding is a complicated mechanic, one that astrophysicists are still trying to figure out. But use that to your advantage! Give a Bird of yours Banding and your opponents will NOT want to deal with the headache of figuring out what that means. It’s practically unblockable! (Though, as the player of the card, you need to know what it does. Good luck with that.) 

As an added bonus, Soraya is on the Reserved List, but still cheap!  

#3. Wall of Kelp

This little guy spiked once before, when Arcades, the Strategist first burst onto the scene. It’s since gone back down, but as one of only a handful of cards that make tokens with defender, it’s only a matter of time before a new defender commander appears and puts this Reserved List card on everyone’s wish list. Mark my words.

#4. Aether Storm

Okay—this one is a bit of a stretch. But its ability is so strange that it makes me want to concoct bad combos, and I can’t be the only one. 

The ever-increasing complex web of card interactions can let you pull off strange things. Have you ever locked everyone out of playing creatures? Do you want to? I assume everyone in the world would answer yes, so here’s how: 

Step one: Play a card that prevents your opponents from being able to pay life for abilities. I’m looking at you Karn's Sylex, Angel of Jubilation, and Yasharn, Implacable Earth. 

$13.50$11.99

$0.50$0.79

Step two: Play Aether Storm 

Step three: Try to convince everyone to not beat you up in the parking lot.

See? Fun!

Primal Order	CardKingdom $1.29	TCGPlayer $1.50
Soraya the Falconer	CardKingdom $1.29	TCGPlayer $1.43
Wall of Kelp	CardKingdom $3.99	TCGPlayer $3.85
Aether Storm	CardKingdom $0.35	TCGPlayer $0.25

That’s all for this edition of Hidden Gems. Don’t forget to check out our Premium Membership for more market insights and entertainment. Until next time, keep your eyes peeled for the ever-present danger of an Apocalypse Chime.

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History, Restapled - The Wilds Bunch by Steve Heisler