Overview:

This Gruul deck helmed by Halana and Alena, Partners focuses on aggressive +1/+1 counter synergy and combat tricks. The commander amplifies creature threats by distributing power-based counters at each combat, enabling explosive swings with hasty beaters. The deck employs mid-sized creatures with innate counter synergies (e.g., Contortionist Troupe, Magma Pummeler), werewolf tribal elements, and equipment support. While lacking infinite combos, it aims to overwhelm through incremental value from counters and tribal synergies, backed by modest interaction and recursion.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4): Deploy mana dorks (Three Tree Rootweaver, Poison Dart Frog), utility creatures (Cemetery Prowler), and value engines (Stocking the Pantry). Cast Halana as soon as possible (ideally T3-4 with ramp).
2. Counter Distribution (Turns 3-6): Use Halana's trigger to boost key attackers like Candlelit Cavalry or Rust-Shield Rampager, enabling immediate combat pressure. Stack equipment (Bramble Armor, Spiked Ripsaw) on the commander to increase counter output.
3. Midgame Overrun (Turns 5-8): Deploy finishers like Bramble Wurm or Howlpack Piper to cheat threats. Use combat tricks (Staggering Size, Massive Might) and haste enablers (Unnatural Moonrise) for surprise lethal.
4. Recovery/Alternate Lines: Recur key pieces with Dryad's Revival or Shifting Woodland. Leverage flashback spells (Shadowbeast Sighting, Abandon the Post) for late-game value.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands including RG sources
• Prioritize early ramp (Sol Ring, Dawnhart Rejuvenator) or 1-2 creatures with 3+ power
• Avoid hands without creatures to leverage Halana's ability

Key Tips:

• Time Halana's triggers to maximize "haste" grants on high-impact creatures
• Use Magma Pummeler as both a damage sponge and removal tool via its counter-redirection ability
• Activate Weaver of Blossoms's night side for explosive mana generation
• Glorious Sunrise provides critical flexibility - use trample mode to push damage through chump blockers

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Extreme vulnerability to commander removal - Halana's absence cripples the core strategy
• No meaningful protection against board wipes beyond limited recursion

Moderate

• Struggles against flying/swarm strategies due to limited reach/trample enablers
• Slow recovery from graveyard hate disrupting Dryad's Revival/flashback plans

Minor

• Inconsistent card draw outside combat-dependent triggers
• Equipment-heavy strategy susceptible to artifact removal

Most Important Cards:

• Halana and Alena, Partners (Core engine for counter distribution)
• Cemetery Prowler (Mana discount and graveyard hate)
• Glorious Sunrise (Flexible combat booster/ramp)
• Magma Pummeler (Scaling threat & removal)
• Howlpack Piper (Creature cheating engine)
• Dire-Strain Rampage (Versatile removal with land disruption)
• Stocking the Pantry (Primary card draw engine)
• Bramble Armor (Commander protection + power boost)
• Unnatural Moonrise (Haste/trample enabler with flashback)
• Abrade (Critical artifact removal)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10
Can threaten lethal via commander-boosted creatures by T6-7, but lacks explosive mana or combo finishes.

Resilience: 3/10
Heavily commander-dependent with minimal protection/recursion. Board wipes often reset progress entirely.

Consistency: 4/10
Limited tutors and situational card draw make key pieces hard to find despite tribal synergies.

Interaction: 5/10
Moderate spot removal (Abrade, Clear Shot) but lacks stack interaction and wide answers.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates as a casual midrange combat deck with moderate speed (T6-8 wins) and low resilience to disruption. While it has some synergistic elements, its heavy reliance on the commander and lack of robust win conditions place it solidly in upgraded precon territory.

Power level: 4.0 - 4.5