Overview:

This Alela, Cunning Conqueror deck is a flash-focused Faerie tribal control build that leverages instant-speed interaction and goad mechanics to disrupt opponents while building an evasive board. The commander enables token generation during opponents' turns, creating a defensive swarm while forcing enemy creatures to attack elsewhere. The deck wins through incremental combat damage from flying Faeries amplified by tribal synergies, life-drain effects like Obyra, Dreaming Duelist, and late-game value engines like Oona, Queen of the Fae. Control elements and goad mechanics create political pressure while protecting its fragile board state.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Game Setup (Turns 1-3):
   • Deploy mana rocks (Dimir Signet, Talisman of Dominance) and flash creatures like Faerie Seer or Hypnotic Sprite.
   • Hold up interaction (Counterspell, Spellstutter Sprite) while triggering Alela's token generation during opponents' turns.

2. Mid-Game Control (Turns 4-6):

   • Activate value engines: Bitterblossom, Kindred Discovery, and Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor for card draw.
   • Use goad triggers from Alela and Nettling Nuisance to redirect threats.
   • Deploy key lords: Scion of Oona (shroud + buffs), Glen Elendra Liege (color-based buffs).

3. Late-Game Dominance (Turns 7+):

   • Overwhelm with Oona, Queen of the Fae exiling libraries and creating tokens.
   • Clear boards with Kindred Dominance (Faerie-safe wrath).
   • Finish with Faerie Bladecrafter death triggers or Archmage of Echoes copied threats.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (including UB sources) and at least one early interaction piece (counterspell/removal).
• Prioritize flash enablers (Faerie Mastermind, Brazen Borrower) or token generators (Bitterblossom).
• Avoid hands without instant-speed plays or excessive high-CMC cards.

Key Tips:

• Stack Triggers Wisely: Cast your first spell during each opponent's turn even if bluffing - prioritize Alela token generation over optimal timing.
• Protect Critical Mass: Use Scion of Oona shroud and Shore Up to preserve key Faeries.
• Leverage Goad: Force opponents to overcommit attackers against each other using Alela's trigger and Nettling Nuisance Pirate tokens.
• Graveyard Recycling: Back for Seconds and Halo Forager provide recursion for spent interaction.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Extreme vulnerability to board wipes (only Kindred Dominance protects Faeries)
• Commander-dependent strategy falters against repeated Alela removal
• Struggles against fast combo decks due to lack of early stax

Moderate

• Limited ramp (only 5 artifacts) slows multi-spell turns
• Weak to Torpor Orb effects shutting down ETB triggers (Spellstutter Sprite, Sower of Temptation)
• Life loss from Bitterblossom/Tegwyll adds up in long games

Minor

• Low creature toughness makes blocking difficult
• Few ways to handle resolved enchantments/artifacts

Most Important Cards:

• Bitterblossom (Continuous token generation)
• Kindred Discovery (Tribal card draw engine)
• Oona, Queen of the Fae (Late-game finisher/grind tool)
• Scion of Oona (Tribal protection + anthem)
• Spellstutter Sprite (Counterspell + Alela synergy)
• Glen Elendra Archmage (Recursive counters)
• Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor (Card advantage engine)
• Brazen Borrower (Flexible interaction)
• Archmage of Echoes (Value multiplier)
• Kindred Dominance (One-sided board wipe)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 4/10

• Wins typically occur T8+ through incremental damage; lacks explosive combos or fast mana.

Resilience: 6/10

• Flash threats and counterspells provide some protection, but board wipes cripple the strategy.

Consistency: 7/10

• Strong tribal synergy and card draw (12+ sources) compensate for limited tutors.

Interaction: 8/10

• 15+ targeted removal/counterspells with political goad effects create robust disruption.

Rating Justification:

The deck demonstrates focused tribal synergy and strong interaction but lacks the speed and resilience of higher-tier strategies. Its T8-10 win clock through combat/go-wide strategies and moderate protection align with Optimized Casual tiers, though its commander dependence prevents higher rankings.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5