Introduction
This deck is part of the Tribal Decks, which focus around one creature type. The term Tribal comes from Lorwyn block, which is a mechanic that can give non creatures a creature type, which has been changed to Kindred.
Focusing a deck around a creature type often provides benefits as there will be creatures that buff other creatures of the same type's stats, and provide other types of buffs, providing good synergies between the cards.
This deck focuses on the Faerie creature type, and the majority of the cards are from Lorwyn block. This was a deck list taken from when it was standard legal, and still holds up to this day as being a powerful deck.
Key Strategy
The Faeries deck is a classic control deck that excels in building incremental card advantage while disrupting your opponent's game plan. The deck leverages the synergy between powerful tribal creatures, countermagic, and Bitterblossom to dominate the battlefield.
Early Game Setup and Control: The early game is all about establishing control and setting up your board state. Bitterblossom is the key card in this phase, providing a steady stream of 1/1 Faerie Rogue tokens that can block, chip away at your opponent’s life total, or be used in combination with Spellstutter Sprite to counter a wide range of spells. Spellstutter Sprite is particularly powerful in the early turns, as it can counter many of your opponent's critical early plays while providing a flying body. Use Thoughtseize to disrupt your opponent’s hand, taking away key threats before they can be played.
Mid-Game Pressure and Board Advantage: As the game progresses, your focus shifts to maintaining board presence and increasing the pressure on your opponent. Scion of Oona is a crucial card in the mid-game, as it buffs all your Faeries and grants them shroud, making them untargetable and protecting your board from removal. The combination of Bitterblossom and Scion of Oona creates a resilient and evasive army that can quickly overwhelm your opponent.
Late Game Lockdown and Finishing Power: In the late game, you can close out the match with powerful tempo plays and efficient threats. Mistbind Clique is a standout card in this phase, allowing you to tap all of your opponent's lands during their upkeep, effectively locking them out of their turn. This play can be particularly devastating, especially when followed up by a strong attack or additional disruption. Mistbind Clique can also temporarily exile Bitterblossom, giving you a brief reprieve from its life loss effect while still maintaining your Faerie count. Vendilion Clique offers additional hand disruption and can also serve as a threat in the air.
Key Interactions:
Bitterblossom + Spellstutter Sprite: Bitterblossom steadily produces Faerie tokens, which in turn enhance Spellstutter Sprite’s ability to counter spells. This synergy allows you to control the board by countering spells of increasing mana value as the game progresses.
Scion of Oona + Faerie Tokens: Scion of Oona not only buffs your Faerie tokens but also grants them shroud, making your entire board more resilient against targeted removal.
Mistbind Clique + Bitterblossom: Mistbind Clique can target a Faerie, such as a token generated by Bitterblossom, to tap down all of your opponent's lands during their upkeep, potentially locking them out of their turn. Additionally, exiling Bitterblossom temporarily can mitigate life loss while maintaining your Faerie count.
Utility and Removal: The deck also includes versatile removal and utility spells. Agony Warp and Peppersmoke help deal with early threats and maintain board control. Cryptic Command is your catch-all answer, providing you with options to counter spells, bounce problematic permanents, or tap down your opponent’s team to push through damage.
Mana Base and Consistency: The mana base is designed to support the deck's color-intensive spells while providing flexibility. Secluded Glen is a key land that can come into play untapped when you reveal a Faerie, including Bitterblossom. Mutavault provides additional Faerie bodies that can be activated when needed and can also be buffed by Scion of Oona.
The Faeries deck is all about tempo and control, using its synergies to create an ever-growing threat while keeping your opponent off-balance. With the right balance of disruption, evasion, and powerful tribal effects, this deck can lock down the game and secure victory with a swarm of Faeries.
Key Cards
Cards to look for in the opening hand