Faerie RogueHow it works & interactions with other cards

Defining the Token

A Faerie Rogue token is a 1/1 creature that possesses two relevant creature types: Faerie and Rogue. It has the keyword ability Flying, meaning it can't be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach. Because it is a token, it does not have a mana cost and will cease to exist if it ever leaves the battlefield for another zone, such as your hand or graveyard.

Creation and Resolution

These tokens are typically created by triggered or activated abilities. When an effect like Bitterblossom resolves during your upkeep, the token is placed directly onto the battlefield. This does not count as casting a spell, so the token itself cannot be countered. Once on the battlefield, the token is subject to summoning sickness unless it has haste, meaning it cannot attack or use abilities with the tap symbol until you begin a turn with it under your control.

Common Pitfalls

A frequent mistake involves the interaction between tokens and zone changes. If a Faerie Rogue is destroyed by Violet Pall, it briefly hits the graveyard before disappearing; this will trigger 'whenever a creature dies' abilities. However, you cannot use effects to return the token to your hand or library, as it vanishes as a state-based action as soon as it leaves the battlefield. Additionally, remember that while they are Rogues, they only contribute to Prowl costs for spells like Notorious Throng if they actually deal combat damage to a player.

Strategic Implementation

Faerie Rogues excel in 'tempo' decks. They are best used to chip away at an opponent's life total while you hold up mana for interaction. Because they have flying, they are perfect targets for buffs that scale with the number of attackers. They also serve as excellent fodder for sacrifice outlets or as a way to enable specific tribal synergies that require a high count of Faeries or Rogues on the board.

Interaction examples

The Upkeep Engine

Bitterblossom

At the start of your upkeep, the Bitterblossom trigger goes on the stack. Upon resolution, you lose 1 life and a 1/1 black Faerie Rogue creature token with flying is placed onto the battlefield. This happens every turn, providing a steady aerial force.

Evasive Prowling

Notorious Throng

If a Faerie Rogue token you control deals combat damage to an opponent, you have satisfied the condition for Prowl. You may then cast Notorious Throng for its prowl cost of {5}{U}. This results in creating more Faerie Rogue tokens equal to the total damage dealt this turn and grants you an extra turn.

Draconic Transformation

Shadow Puppeteers

When Shadow Puppeteers enters the battlefield, you create two Faerie Rogue tokens. Later, when you declare an attack with these tokens, the Puppeteers' ability triggers. You can choose to have each 1/1 Faerie Rogue become a 4/4 red Dragon until end of turn, while they maintain their original Faerie and Rogue types.

Interaction and Goading

Alela, Cunning Conqueror

If you cast an instant on an opponent's turn, Alela creates a Faerie Rogue token. Later, when that token (or any other Faerie) deals combat damage to a player, Alela's second ability triggers, allowing you to goad a creature that player controls, forcing it to attack someone else.