Overview:

This Kykar, Zephyr Awakener deck combines stax control with token-based value engines and combo potential. The strategy revolves around casting noncreature spells to generate Spirit tokens, leveraging these tokens for mana acceleration (via Phyrexian Altar), card draw (Skullclamp), and lockdown effects (Opposition, Junk Winder). Kykar enables explosive turns by converting spells into resources and provides flicker utility for value creatures like Skyclave Apparition. The deck aims to win through stax-backed combat, infinite mana combos, or locking opponents out of the game.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3): Deploy stax pieces (Deafening Silence, Archon of Emeria) to slow opponents. Use mana rocks (Sol Ring, Mox Amber) and token generators (Kykar triggers) to build resources.
2. Midgame Value (Turns 4-6): Cast high-impact planeswalkers (Teferi, Time Raveler, Narset, Parter of Veils) and enchantments (Rhystic Study, Anointed Procession). Use Displacer Kitten to flicker utility creatures (Spellseeker, Aether Channeler) for repeated value.
3. Win Conditions:
   • Combo: Phyrexian Altar + Kykar + 1-mana noncreature spell generates infinite Spirits/mana. Pair with Junk Winder for a permanent lock or Walking Ballista (tutorable via Spellseeker).
   • Control Lock: Opposition/Junk Winder + token swarm to paralyze opponents.
   • Combat Overkill: Anointed Procession amplifies Spirit tokens, with Kindred Discovery ensuring card advantage.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Prioritize hands with early stax (e.g., Eidolon of Rhetoric), mana acceleration, or Kykar enablers.
• Keep at least one interaction piece (Force of Will, Swords to Plowshares) against early threats.
• Avoid hands lacking colored mana sources or proactive plays.

Key Tips:

• Use Displacer Kitten to reset planeswalkers or dodge removal on key creatures.
• Teferi, Time Raveler enables instant-speed sorceries to bypass stax restrictions.
• Phyrexian Altar turns excess Spirits into mana for game-ending Cyclonic Rift overloads.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Commander Dependency: Kykar is essential for token generation; repeated removal cripples the engine.
• Artifact/Enchantment Hate: Phyrexian Altar, Anointed Procession, and stax pieces are vulnerable to Force of Vigor-like effects.
• Anti-Token Tech: Cursed Totem/Torpor Orb disrupts token utility and flicker synergies.

Moderate

• Graveyard Recursion: Limited recursion outside Eternal Witness makes rebuilding after wipes challenging.
• Mana-Intensive Combos: Key lines require 4+ mana investments with minimal redundancy for Phyrexian Altar.

Minor

• Flyer Weakness: Relies on Spirits for air defense; struggles against wide flying armies.

Most Important Cards:

• Phyrexian Altar (Combo engine, mana acceleration)
• Displacer Kitten (Value generator, combo enabler)
• Teferi, Time Raveler (Stax bypass, interaction shield)
• Rhystic Study (Card advantage engine)
• Force of Will (Free interaction)
• Anointed Procession (Token multiplier)
• Opposition (Lockdown tool)
• Cyclonic Rift (Board reset)
• Smothering Tithe (Mana advantage)
• Junk Winder (Stax finisher)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10

• Can assemble infinite mana or stax locks by turns 5-6 with optimal draws, supported by tutors and fast mana.

Resilience: 6/10

• Multiple free counterspells protect key plays, but heavy reliance on Kykar and artifacts leaves critical vulnerabilities.

Consistency: 8/10

• Extensive tutors (Enlightened Tutor, Mystical Tutor), card draw engines, and redundant stax effects ensure reliable strategy execution.

Interaction: 9/10

• Exceptional stack interaction (Force of Will, Mana Drain, Fierce Guardianship) and targeted removal (Swords to Plowshares, Skyclave Apparition).

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at cusp of high-power casual and focused competitive tiers, leveraging efficient combos and premium interaction to threaten T5-6 wins/locks consistently. While its stax elements and protection suite provide resilience, reliance on key noncreature permanents and commander-centric strategies prevent it from reaching cEDH viability.

Power level: 7.0 - 7.5