mtg cards like phyrexian arena What are better than in mono-black decks? Mint / near mint condition trading card Phyrexian Arena - Cube Card

However, for a midrange deck like this, it actually fits the game-plan better than Courser of Kruphix would

A copy from the Unlimited set sells for several hundred dollars

If theres a solid two drop, like a 1/3 that Scries when you flash in your Gull, then getting extra value off of Vexing Gull is easy

Enchantment - Aura Meren of Clan Nel Toth Whenever another creature you control dies, you get an experience counter

Based around scrying and casting high value instants and sorceries, Elminster's static ability reduces the mana cost of the next instant or sorcery you would cast by the number of cards you looked at the last time you scried