Overview:

This Esper Zombie tribal deck helmed by Varina, Lich Queen leverages aggressive token generation, discard synergies, and graveyard recursion to overwhelm opponents. Varina serves as the linchpin, enabling card selection/life gain through her attack trigger while fueling zombie production via her activated ability. The deck employs multiple zombie lords (Undead Warchief, Death Baron) for combat pressure, Gray Merchant of Asphodel for life swings, and explosive token engines like Tombstone Stairwell/Necroduality. Secondary win conditions include Diregraf Captain pings, Archfiend of Ifnir board control, and Living Death reanimation blowouts.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (T1-3): Deploy mana rocks (Sol Ring, signets), zombie tokens via Cryptbreaker/Varina's ability, and key value pieces like Undead Augur.
2. Midgame Engine (T4-6): Activate Varina's attack triggers to filter draws while building a zombie army. Use Rooftop Storm to cast zombies freely and Ashnod's Altar to fuel recursion/combo lines.
3. Endgame (T6+): Overwhelm with boosted zombie hordes, drain via Gray Merchant/Corpse Knight, or reset the board with Living Death/Zombie Apocalypse.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (at least one blue source) and early plays (mana rocks, 1-2 CMC zombies).
• Prioritize Rooftop Storm, Necroduality, or Kindred Discovery in slower metas.
• Avoid hands lacking early board presence or Varina enablers.

Key Tips:

• Use Varina's discard to fuel Bone Miser triggers and Archfiend of Ifnir board control.
• Gravecrawler + Ashnod's Altar + Diregraf Captain creates infinite death triggers.
• Reconnaissance lets you attack with zombies for Varina triggers without risking combat damage.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Heavy reliance on Varina for card velocity makes the deck vulnerable to commander removal.
• Board wipes (especially exiling) cripple the token-centric strategy with limited recovery outside Living Death.

Moderate

• Graveyard hate disrupts Gravecrawler, Living Death, and Varina's token generation.
• Slow mana base with 10+ tapped lands delays critical turns.

Minor

• Limited stack interaction beyond Counterspell/Arcane Denial.
• Weak to flying threats without Cover of Darkness activation.

Most Important Cards:

• Varina, Lich Queen (Engine: card filter, token generation)
• Rooftop Storm (Free zombie casting enables explosive turns)
• Necroduality (Doubles zombie token output)
• Ashnod's Altar (Sac outlet for combos/ramp)
• Gray Merchant of Asphodel (Life-swing finisher)
• Tombstone Stairwell (Mass token generation)
• Kindred Discovery (Card draw engine)
• Bone Miser (Discard synergy powerhouse)
• Living Death (Board reset + reanimation)
• Gravecrawler (Recursive combo piece)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can establish threatening boards by T5-6 but lacks turbo combo potential.

Resilience: 5/10

• Moderate recursion/recursive threats but folds to repeated wipes or commander lockdown.

Consistency: 7/10

• Strong card draw from Varina/Kindred Discovery offsets limited tutors.

Interaction: 5/10

• Targeted removal and 2 counterspells provide basic answers but lack breadth.

Rating Justification:

This deck demonstrates focused synergy with T6-8 win potential through combat or drain effects but lacks the speed/protection of higher tiers. Its reliance on board presence and vulnerability to common disruption place it in optimized casual ranges.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5