Overview:

This Boros (R/W) deck helmed by Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon focuses on aggressive token generation and +1/+1 counter synergy. The strategy revolves around deploying small-to-mid-sized creatures (primarily Soldiers, Gnomes, and artifact tokens) to trigger Anim Pakal's ability, creating an exponential swarm of Gnome tokens. Key themes include artifact synergy, combat triggers, and incremental value from +1/+1 counters. Anim Pakal serves as both a token engine and scaling threat, though the deck can function without her through backup token generators like Threefold Thunderhulk and Tinker's Tote. Secondary win conditions include combat buffs from Shared Animosity and Aurelia, the Law Above, with Sunshot Militia providing reach.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3): Deploy mana rocks (Mind Stone, Wayfarer's Bauble), utility creatures (Thraben Inspector, Attentive Sunscribe), and early token generators. Use Kick in the Door or Ironpaw Aspirant to start counter accumulation.
2. Midgame Board Development (Turns 4-6): Cast Anim Pakal and attack with non-Gnome creatures to generate Gnome tokens. Use Caparocti Sunborn and Bonehoard Dracosaur for Discover value. Activate Dowsing Device to buff attackers.
3. Late-Game Closers (Turns 7+): Overwhelm opponents with mass buffs (Now for Wrath, Now for Ruin!, Shared Animosity), recurring threats via Samwise the Stouthearted, or direct damage from Sunshot Militia.

Mulligan Priorities:

• 2-3 lands with at least one red and white source
• Early artifact/creature ramp (Wayfarer's Bauble, Thraben Inspector)
• Token generators or counter enablers (Flaming Fist Officer, Haazda Vigilante)
• Avoid hands with only high-CMC cards like Ancient Gold Dragon

Key Tips:

• Prioritize attacking with 1-2 non-Gnome creatures early to grow Anim Pakal’s counters before committing to a full swing.
• Use Guardian of Faith to phase out key creatures before board wipes.
• Tarrian's Soulcleaver gains counters from any permanent death, including opponents’ boards.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Board wipes (Blasphemous Act, Austere Command) cripple the deck’s momentum with minimal recovery tools.
• Artifact hate (Vandalblast, Farewell) disrupts key token generators and mana sources.

Moderate

• Single-target removal on Anim Pakal slows token generation significantly.
• Stax effects (Cursed Totem, Authority of the Consuls) hinder counter synergies and combat tempo.

Minor

• Limited card draw outside Discover/impulse effects.
• Struggles against flying/reach-heavy boards.

Most Important Cards:

• Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon (Token engine + scaling threat)
• Shared Animosity (Combat damage multiplier)
• Aurelia, the Law Above (Card draw + burn)
• Threefold Thunderhulk (Mass token generator)
• Caparocti Sunborn (Value engine via Discover)
• Sunshot Militia (Direct damage finisher)
• Tinker's Tote (Token generation + lifegain)
• Samwise the Stouthearted (Recursion for key permanents)
• Chimil, the Inner Sun (Late-game Discover engine)
• Guardian of Faith (Anti-wipe protection)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10
Threatens lethal via combat around T7-9 with ideal draws, but lacks fast mana or combo finishes.

Resilience: 4/10
Limited protection/recursion; heavily reliant on maintaining a board presence.

Consistency: 6/10
Redundant token generators and Discover effects provide multiple paths to value.

Interaction: 5/10
Moderate removal (Abrade, Stroke of Midnight), but minimal stack interaction or stax.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates as a Casual/Precon-level build (Rubric 4.0) with Focused Casual elements (4.5), leveraging combat and incremental value but lacking the speed, resilience, or combo density of higher tiers. Its reliance on combat and vulnerability to common disruption anchor it in this range.

Power level: 4.0 - 4.5