Its hard to block, triggers all the partner commander abilities like Francisco, Fowl Marauder, and it brings its pet monkey just for fun
A popular trick is to use Invasion of Alara to play Bramble Familiar's 7-mana 'Fetch Quest' Adventure for free, and build up an impossible lead
For example, if a creature dies during combat on your turn and you cast Shortcut to Mushrooms during your second main phase, its last ability will trigger at the beginning of your end step
Unfortunately, the difference between and is huge, but sometimes youll be able to cheat two big goblins from your hand into play by hitting with the Instigator
Overlord of the Hauntwoods, Trumpeting Carnosaur, and Kogla and Yidaro all have alternate casting costs that make them quite flexible, able to answer threats more directly than with just another big creature