(Common - Weatherlight. , 1/1 flying creature with protection from black.)

One of the most refreshing things about Magic is that even the common cards from the various sets and expansions are generally good. A particular common from Weatherlight that I like is the Duskrider Falcon. I try to include the Duskrider Falcon in all of my white decks.

The Duskrider Falcon has several things going for it. It is inexpensive to cast (just one white and one colorless), it flies, and it has a wonderfully useful special ability—it has protection from black. In a game where speed is (almost) everything, cheap casting cost creatures with special abilities are always the first to be considered for my decks.

Lest you think I just like some creatures because they're cheap to cast, let me tell you that I am not playing one single Mesa Pegasus; nor am I playing those ugly Osai Vultures. To me, the special ability of "Protection From" is much more useful than Banding (which is good, don't get me wrong) or waiting for creatures to go to the graveyard for counters. I also play Sea Sprites in my blue decks for their protection from red ability.

The thing that makes Duskrider Falcon stand out, even from its fellow "Protection From" creatures, is that you can usually get it into play before that nasty Hypnotic Specter is cast. As a blue and white player I can't tell you how much I despise Hypnotic Specter. I need to be able to hold onto my counterspells and Reverse Damages for the appropriate time to use them to my best advantage. I don't want to discard my Divine Offering without getting rid of one of my opponent's artifacts, and cards like Exile are best saved until you really need them.

Well, now with my Duskrider Falcon you can send that Hypnotic Specter if you want, but it will not get through and I'll keep my cards. Also, the Duskrider Falcon can't be Terrored or Dark Banished.

Duskrider Falcon may not be the greatest Magic card Wizards has released, but it is very useful. As a common, it's not expensive to purchase either. I highly recommend it for those who play white, especially those who are having trouble against black decks.
—Helva