Overview:

This Selesnya deck helmed by Selvala, Explorer Returned combines explosive mana generation with untap synergies to fuel both infinite combos and overwhelming board states. The strategy revolves around leveraging Selvala's parley ability for ramp and card advantage while using a dense package of untappers and mana multipliers to generate game-ending resources. Key win conditions include infinite mana loops with Staff of Domination/Umbral Mantle + Selvala (enabling Walking Ballista kills) and combat overruns via Akroma's Will or Blossoming Bogbeast. Selvala serves as both a mana engine and card advantage source, though the deck can function through alternative mana dorks like Priest of Titania and Gaea's Cradle.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3): Deploy mana accelerants like Llanowar Elves, Avacyn's Pilgrim, or Utopia Sprawl. Use Enlightened Tutor/Worldly Tutor to find key pieces.
2. Engine Activation (Turns 3-5): Cast Selvala and untap her repeatedly via Quirion Ranger, Vitalize, or Wirewood Symbiote to generate massive mana and draw.
3. Combo Execution (Turns 4-6):
   • Infinite Mana: Pair Selvala with Staff of Domination (untap for {3}, generate 3+ mana per activation) or Umbral Mantle (equip for free, pay {3} to untap and gain +2/+2).
   • Payoffs: Walking Ballista (direct damage), Finale of Devastation (lethal alpha strike), or Akroma's Will (indestructible, double-strike board).
4. Alternative Lines: Use Concordant Crossroads for haste-enabled kills or Seedborn Muse for round-the-clock activations.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (including green/white sources).
• Prioritize early ramp (1-2 CMC dorks/enchantments) or a tutor + payoff.
• Avoid hands without mana acceleration or excessive high-CMC cards.

Key Tips:

• Use Grand Abolisher/Silence to protect combo turns.
• Wirewood Symbiote can both untap Selvala and protect key elves from removal.
• Ashaya, Soul of the Wild turns creatures into Forests, enabling Quirion Ranger/Arbor Elf shenanigans.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Board wipes cripple mana production and combo setups (only Heroic Intervention/Flawless Maneuver as protection).
• Cursed Totem/Linvala, Keeper of Silence nullifies Selvala, mana dorks, and combo pieces.

Moderate

• Graveyard hate disrupts Eternal Witness/Regrowth recursion.
• Rule of Law effects hinder untap loops and combo assembly.

Minor

• Limited stack interaction outside Veil of Summer and Autumn's Veil.
• Relies heavily on Selvala for card advantage.

Most Important Cards:

• Selvala, Explorer Returned (Mana engine/draw)
• Staff of Domination (Infinite mana combo piece)
• Walking Ballista (Primary combo payoff)
• Priest of Titania (Explosive mana generation)
• Gaea's Cradle (Unrestricted mana scaling)
• Akroma's Will (Combat finisher/protection)
• Seedborn Muse (Untap synergy enabler)
• Finale of Devastation (Tutor + finisher)
• Concordant Crossroads (Haste enabler)
• Enlightened Tutor (Key artifact/enchantment fetch)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10

• Capable of T4-5 wins via optimized untap loops but requires specific pieces.

Resilience: 5/10

• Limited protection beyond combat-phase indestructible effects; heavily punished by early interaction.

Consistency: 8/10

• 12 tutors and Selvala's parley draw ensure reliable access to combo pieces.

Interaction: 5/10

• Efficient spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, Beast Within) but minimal stack interaction outside protection spells.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at high-power casual levels, threatening T4-5 wins through redundant combos and tutors but remaining vulnerable to early disruption. Its resilience shortcomings prevent it from reaching cEDH tiers, while its speed and consistency surpass typical optimized casual builds.

Power level: 6.5 - 7.0