<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nurturing Pixie" href="#" target="_blank">Nurturing Pixie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://iriscompiet.art/">Iris Compiet</a></em></p>
<p>Hey nerds! I've been playing quite a bit of Canadian Highlander lately, and a new deck popped up recently featuring <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nurturing Pixie" href="#" target="_blank">Nurturing Pixie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> — a card that was an absolute menace alongside <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tithing Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Tithing Blade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hopeless Nightmare" href="#" target="_blank">Hopeless Nightmare</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This concept even broke into Pauper thanks to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glint Hawk" href="#" target="_blank">Glint Hawk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>If it breaks two formats, why not a third? I firmly believe Pixie is an underexplored archetype in Commander. Between white's redundant Pixie effects and how cheap powerful ETB effects (enters-the-battlefield) on permanents have gotten, there's a ton of room to brew. So let's break down what makes Pixie good.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nurturing Pixie"></div></div>
<h3>Exploring Nurturing Pixie</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shrieking Drake"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hopeless Nightmare"></div></div>
<p>For starters, Pixie is a one-mana flyer with no downside. We've seen a similar effect on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shrieking Drake" href="#" target="_blank">Shrieking Drake</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> back in <em>Visions. </em>Unlike Drake, Pixie is a may trigger, it can return any nonland permanent, and if you do, it's actually a 2/2 flyer.</p>
<p>This normally wouldn't be an issue, but when combined with effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hopeless Nightmare" href="#" target="_blank">Hopeless Nightmare</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> it can be crippling. You're ripping your opponents' hands apart and chipping away their life totals. Sometimes multiple times in a single turn. Cards like Hopeless Nightmare are essentially sorceries that stick around, so being able to replay their effect can add up over the course of a game.</p>
<h3>The Case for Underutilization</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alela, Artful Provocateur"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zinnia, Valley&#039;s Voice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chulane, Teller of Tales"></div></div>
<p>Pixie is only showing up in 0.11% of white decks. Of all the available commanders, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="God-Eternal Oketra" href="#" target="_blank">God-Eternal Oketra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has the most Pixie representation at 24% inclusion. But that's still a measly ~600 decks. This number is criminally low, especially given the power of Oketra.</p>
<p>However, that isn't the most surprising part. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alela, Artful Provocateur" href="#" target="_blank">Alela, Artful Provocateur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of the best commanders for Pixie and it's only included in 1.9% of decks. Pixie's effect is exactly what Alela is looking for. It's a cheap flying creature that can bounce artifacts and enchantments to recast.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zinnia, Valley&#039;s Voice" href="#" target="_blank">Zinnia, Valley&#039;s Voice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another case where I'm surprised to see it so low, at only 0.6%. Giving Pixie offspring means you can always return your two creatures you've already given offspring to. Sadly, Pixie can't return itself since it excludes Faeries. And <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chulane, Teller of Tales" href="#" target="_blank">Chulane, Teller of Tales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> wants cheap creatures to draw cards and ramp. Pixie not only provides a cheap body, but can return other cheap creatures for additional value. These are just some examples of commanders that are underplaying Pixie massively.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Key Packages</h2>
<p>The next section isn't meant to be exhaustive but simply showcase some cards you should consider when building a Pixie deck. I believe Pixie is best when you're building around three colors, with a focus on Orzhov then splashing for a third color.</p>
<h3>Card Draw</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcum&#039;s Astrolabe"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Abundant Growth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The One Ring"></div></div>
<p>Cheap and replayable artifacts are the fuel you'll need for your Pixie engine. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcum&#039;s Astrolabe" href="#" target="_blank">Arcum&#039;s Astrolabe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great one-mana artifact that replaces itself and has the ability to filter your mana. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abundant Growth" href="#" target="_blank">Abundant Growth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is basically the same, but is an enchantment, which is great if you're looking to build Abzan Enchantress Pixie.</p>
<p>And this shouldn't be a surprise, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The One Ring" href="#" target="_blank">The One Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is already powerful, can become a win condition in Pixie decks. It's trivial to return The One Ring to your hand turn after turn gaining protection and drawing cards. If you wanted to include a single <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers">Game Changer</a>, this is the card I'd add.</p>
<h3>Additional Pixie Effects</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ambrosia Whiteheart"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aviary Mechanic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Night Nurse, Healer of Heroes"></div></div>
<p>For one additional mana, there are several Pixie effects with flash. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ambrosia Whiteheart" href="#" target="_blank">Ambrosia Whiteheart</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rescuer Chwinga" href="#" target="_blank">Rescuer Chwinga</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunpearl Kirin" href="#" target="_blank">Sunpearl Kirin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can all bounce permanents to replay for additional value and act as protection for key cards.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shepherd of the Flock" href="#" target="_blank">Shepherd of the Flock</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an Adventure that can return a permanent for only one mana. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aviary Mechanic" href="#" target="_blank">Aviary Mechanic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kor Skyfisher" href="#" target="_blank">Kor Skyfisher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are two-mana options without flash. Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Night Nurse, Healer of Heroes" href="#" target="_blank">Night Nurse, Healer of Heroes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Samwise the Stouthearted" href="#" target="_blank">Samwise the Stouthearted</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, while not traditional Pixie effects, are great additions to return key pieces from the graveyard.</p>
<h3>Black Payoffs</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Momentum Breaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nowhere to Run"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sarcomancy"></div></div>
<p>Aside from the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tithing Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Tithing Blade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hopeless Nightmare" href="#" target="_blank">Hopeless Nightmare</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, there are some other great black options to include. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Momentum Breaker" href="#" target="_blank">Momentum Breaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an enchantment version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tithing Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Tithing Blade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, that can also have opponents discard.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nowhere to Run" href="#" target="_blank">Nowhere to Run</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not only removal, but gets rid of hexproof and stops ward from triggering. It's a great political piece that can set up removal for another player. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sarcomancy" href="#" target="_blank">Sarcomancy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might seem weird, but one mana for a Zombie token is cheap enough to fill up the board.</p>
<h3>Blue Payoffs</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cryogen Relic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stormchaser&#039;s Talent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zoetic Glyph"></div></div>
<p>Most of the blue payoffs don't impact the board in the same way as the black payoffs, but instead are mostly card advantage engines. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cryogen Relic" href="#" target="_blank">Cryogen Relic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> draws when it enters and leaves, which is a nice upgrade from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ichor Wellspring" href="#" target="_blank">Ichor Wellspring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. You can sacrifice it for a stun counter, but I'd be hesitant to do that in most situations.</p>
<p>The recently banned-in-Standard <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stormchaser&#039;s Talent" href="#" target="_blank">Stormchaser&#039;s Talent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is like a blue Sarcomancy, but instead of creepy Zombies, you get cute Otters. And my secret piece of tech is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zoetic Glyph" href="#" target="_blank">Zoetic Glyph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Every time you recast it, you discover 3, which adds up over time.</p>
<hr />
<h3>Archetype Suggestions</h3>
<p>To begin your Pixie journey, there are three archetypes I'd suggest building first. Those being <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/artifacts/mardu">Mardu Artifacts</a>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/enchantress/abzan">Abzan Enchantress</a>, and <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/good-stuff/esper">Esper Good Stuff</a>.</p>
<p>Mardu can take advantage of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Welder" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Welder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Engineer" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Engineer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> along with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Experimental Synthesizer" href="#" target="_blank">Experimental Synthesizer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and some potentially larger artifacts, along with powerful removal pieces like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chainsaw" href="#" target="_blank">Chainsaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Legion Extruder" href="#" target="_blank">Legion Extruder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Abzan Enchantress is a great value deck that draws tons of cards and controls the board. And Esper Good Stuff just plays the best removal, card draw, and value pieces.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>So are you Pixie-pilled now? Do you believe in the one-drop or do you think I'm overhyping it? I'd love to hear your thoughts below. Even if Pixie doesn't fit in every deck, this is an archetype that has so much room for brewing. It might be worth increasing the mana curve to play stronger enters triggers since we have much more life to work with. But I love the low to the ground deck just taking so many game actions each turn.</p>
<p>The biggest issue I foresee with this deck is turn time. If you're not familiar with the lines, your turns might take a few minutes. But once you're familiar with your particular list, I don't think that'll be an issue.</p>
<p>Alrighty nerds, I'll see you in the next one!</p>


nurturing pixie

Nurturing Pixie: The Best One Drop You Aren't Playing