Overview:

This Alela, Cunning Conqueror deck operates as a Dimir Faerie/Rogue tribal deck focused on instant-speed interaction, token generation, and combat manipulation. The strategy leverages flash-enabled creatures and instant spells to trigger Alela's Faerie token production during opponents' turns while using goad effects to disrupt enemy boards. Key win conditions include overwhelming with flying tokens, Notorious Throng extra turns, and incremental value from Faerie synergies.

Primer:

Core Strategy: This deck aims to control the early game with counterspells and removal while building a board of evasive Faeries/Rogues. Once established, it uses combat triggers to goad threats and generate Treasure/Value. The primary path to victory involves:

1. Tempo Control: Use low-CMC counters (Arcane Denial, Counterspell) and removal (Infernal Grasp, Reality Shift) to delay opponents while deploying flash creatures.
2. Token Swarm: Trigger Alela and Faerie generators (Shadow Puppeteers, Obyra) to create flying tokens, amplified by lords like Scion of Oona and Tegwyll.
3. Combat Manipulation: Goad opposing creatures via Alela/Nettling Nuisance while stealing wins with Notorious Throng (extra turn + token army) or Anowon mill/draw synergies.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3 lands (preferably untapped) and 1-2 early interaction spells (Opt, Consider, Deadly Dispute).
• Prioritize flash enablers (Wavebreak Hippocamp, Spellstutter Sprite) over sorcery-speed plays.
• Avoid hands lacking blue mana for counterspells or Faerie payoffs.

Key Tips:

• Sequence instants to maximize Alela triggers: Cast 1 spell per opponent's turn to generate 3+ tokens per cycle.
• Use Skullclamp on expendable Faeries to refuel counterspell/removal resources.
• Save Cyclonic Rift/Fierce Guardianship for critical threats or to enable alpha strikes.

Avoid Traps:

• Overextending into board wipes without Scion of Oona protection.
• Wasting goad triggers on already-attacking creatures.
• Holding up mana for non-critical counters when Faerie generation is needed.

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• No graveyard recursion for key pieces (Alela removal cripples token engine)
• Relies heavily on commander for token generation (3+ removals = non-functional)

Moderate:

• Weak to flying hosers (e.g., Sandwurm Convergence) and board wipes
• Limited card advantage without Faerie board presence

Minor:

• Slow vs. go-wide strategies (needs Perplexing Test to reset)

Most Important Cards:

• Notorious Throng
• Cyclonic Rift
• Skullclamp
• Scion of Oona
• Fierce Guardianship
• Anowon, the Ruin Thief
• Tegwyll, Duke of Splendor
• Spellstutter Sprite
• Nymris, Oona's Trickster
• Wavebreak Hippocamp

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

• Goldfish win ~T9-10 via token swarm/Notorious Throng
• Limited fast mana (Sol Ring only) and no infinite combos

Resilience: 6/10

• 8 counterspells + 6 targeted removal protect key pieces
• Weak to commander-focused removal and mass artifact hate

Consistency: 6/10

• 12 cantrips/filter effects (Consider, Brainstorm) but only 3 tutors
• Faerie tribal redundancy (20+ Faerie/Rogue creatures)

Interaction: 7/10

• S/A-tier interaction: Fierce Guardianship, Counterspell, Cyclonic Rift
• Lacks stack control vs. noncreature combo decks

Rating Justification:

This deck sits between "Optimized Casual" (5.0) and "Focused" (6.0) on the rubric. It has tuned synergies and efficient interaction but lacks:

• cEDH-level speed (no T3-4 wins)
• Robust stax/combos
• Commander-independent wincons

It consistently threatens T9-10 wins through combat while disrupting faster decks, aligning with 5.5 ("High-Power Casual") but nearing 6.0 with pilot skill.

Power level: 5.5 - 6.0