Vendilion Clique (Original Sketch)

Featured here is the OG version of Vendilion Clique, as sketched in stunning detail by the artist, Michael Sutfin. Vendilion Clique is a 3-mana blue 3/1 Legendary Faerie Wizard creature with flash and flying, originally printed in Morningtide (2008). Its ETB trigger functions as instant-speed hand disruption which is quite rare for blue cards. This unique ability lets you take away a key combo piece or problematic spell, all at flash speed. Vendilion Clique is often played in the opponent’s draw step or at the end of their turn, creating a surprise attacker or blocker without committing to the board too early. Seeing your opponent’s hand is very valuable information, especially in control
mirrors or against combo decks. An important thing to note is that you can also target yourself to cycle away a bad card, which can be useful in control matchups where you can have dead cards in hand. Clique serves as disruption, information and a fast clock all in one efficient card. During Lorwyn-Alara Standard (2008-2010), Faerie decks featuring Vendilion Clique, Bitterblossom and Mistbind Clique dominated many Pro Tours and Grand Prix circuits (e.g. Guillaume Wafo-Tapa’s and Gabriel Nassif’s top 8 runs). Vendilion Clique has been a long-time Legacy staple in various blue tempo/control shells (e.g. Miracles, Stoneblade, Delver,..). It often functioned as a flexible threat and interactive tool against combo decks. In Modern it sees play in UW Control, Jeskai Control, Blue Moon and Faeries decks. It also appeared in Splinter Twin and Temur Control before the banning of Splinter Twin. The combination of flash and fast pressure made it perfect in those decks. Vendilion Clique is not on the Reserved List and has been reprinted multiple times (Modern Masters, Ultimate Masters, Double Masters,..).