Overview:

This Mardu (R/W/B) deck led by Zurgo Stormrender focuses on generating Warrior tokens through attack triggers and token generators, then leveraging their deaths for card draw and life drain via aristocrats effects. The strategy combines aggressive token swarms with incremental value from sacrifice outlets and death triggers.

Primer:

Core Strategy:

1. Token Generation: Deploy Zurgo and other token producers (Adeline, Resplendent Cathar, Hero of Bladehold) to create attacking tokens. Use Mobilize and Myriad effects (Blade of Selves, Legion Loyalty) for exponential token growth.
2. Sacrifice Payoffs: Convert token deaths into damage via Blood Artist, Nadier's Nightblade, and Mirkwood Bats. Cards like Viscera Seer and Skullclamp sacrifice tokens for value.
3. Overwhelm/Fly Over: Upgrade tokens with Divine Visitation (4/4 Angels) or Goldnight Commander buffs. Use evasion from Emeria Angel or Selfless Spirit protection to push damage.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3 lands and early token generators (Loyal Apprentice, Legion Warboss).
• Prioritize cards that scale with tokens (Within Range, Goldnight Commander).
• Avoid slow hands lacking token engines or sacrifice outlets.

Key Tips:

• Sacrifice Timing: Use token deaths post-combat to maximize Zurgo’s draw triggers and aristocrats pings.
• Protect Engines: Equip Lightning Greaves to Zurgo or key pieces like Divine Visitation.
• Leverage Myriad: Blade of Selves on Zurgo creates 3+ tokens per attack, triggering his draw/drain effects twice (original + copies).

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Board Wipes: Lacks mass recursion; Hour of Reckoning is the only wipe protection.
• Graveyard Hate: Sun Titan/Lingering Souls become dead cards vs. Rest in Peace.

Moderate

• Flying Threats: Limited reach outside Selfless Spirit/Emeria Angel.
• Slow Setup: Heavy reliance on 4+ mana enablers (Zurgo, Divine Visitation).

Minor

• Mana Speed: 10+ enters-tapped lands (e.g., Temple of Triumph, Bojuka Bog).

Most Important Cards:

• Divine Visitation
• Blade of Selves
• Skullclamp
• Pitiless Plunderer
• Blood Artist
• Zulaport Cutthroat
• Adeline, Resplendent Cathar
• Legion Loyalty
• Hero of Bladehold
• Within Range

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10
Midrange deck; requires turns 4–6 to establish token engines and aristocrats payoffs.

Resilience: 5/10
Moderate recursion (Sun Titan) and protection (Grand Crescendo), but folds to repeated wipes.

Consistency: 6/10
Redundant token generators and card draw (Mentor of the Meek, Idol of Oblivion), but only 3 tutors (e.g., Demolition Field for land hate).

Interaction: 4/10
Limited to spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, Abrade) and no free counterspells.

Rating Justification:

The deck operates as a focused casual build with strong token synergies but lacks the speed, redundancy, and interaction density of optimized lists. Its win turns (T9–11 via combat/swarm) and vulnerability to common disruption place it squarely in mid-power casual.

Power level: 4.0 - 4.5