Overview:

This Bant (GWU) deck helmed by Galadriel, Light of Valinor focuses on creature swarm strategies, leveraging token generation, +1/+1 counters, and flicker synergies. The commander amplifies board development by offering three modes per creature ETB: explosive green mana generation, team-wide buffing, or card advantage. The deck aims to overwhelm opponents through incremental value from cards like Cathars' Crusade, Torens, Fist of the Angels, and Hornet Queen, supported by flicker tools like Conjurer's Closet and Lilysplash Mentor. While combat damage is the primary win condition, the deck lacks fast combos or robust interaction, relying on mid-game board dominance.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4): Deploy mana dorks (Llanowar Elves, Sakura-Tribe Elder) and token generators (Gather the Townsfolk, Hop to It). Prioritize casting Galadriel by turn 4 using ramp like Somberwald Sage or Burnished Hart.
2. Value Engine Activation (Turns 4-6): Use Galadriel’s triggers to either:
   • Generate {G}{G}{G} for high-impact plays like Titania, Nature's Force
   • Spread +1/+1 counters via Gavony Silversmith or Cathars' Crusade
   • Scry/Draw to maintain momentum with Think Twice or Faramir, Field Commander
3. Board Domination (Turns 6+): Deploy finishers like Giant Adephage or Hornet Queen, using flicker effects to double ETB triggers. Activate Rogue's Passage for unblockable threats.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3 lands (including green/white sources) and at least 1 ramp or token generator.
• Prioritize early plays like Torens, Fist of the Angels or Ambitious Farmhand.
• Avoid hands with only high-CMC cards (e.g., Grappling Kraken, Titania, Nature's Force) without ramp.

Key Tips:

• Use Lilysplash Mentor to reset ETB creatures like Mist Raven or Solemn Simulacrum while growing your board.
• Time Cathars' Crusade after establishing multiple token generators for exponential growth.
• Protect Galadriel with Bound by Moonsilver or Barrow-Blade to maintain value generation.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Board wipes cripple momentum: Limited recovery outside Rise from the Tides and no mass recursion.
• Inefficient interaction: Removal like Banish from Edoras is overcosted; lacks counterspells for critical threats.

Moderate

• Mana inconsistency: Heavy reliance on basics with slow fixing (Evolving Wilds, no fetchlands).
• Vulnerable to flyers: Despite Treetop Snarespinner, lacks consistent aerial defense.

Minor

• Artifact/Enchantment reliance: Key pieces like Conjurer's Closet have no redundancy or protection.

Most Important Cards:

• Cathars' Crusade (Win condition via exponential counters)
• Torens, Fist of the Angels (Token generation engine)
• Galadriel, Light of Valinor (Value generator/ramp)
• Hornet Queen (Defensive/offensive flying threat)
• Conjurer's Closet (ETB/flicker synergy)
• Titania, Nature's Force (Late-game token flood)
• Terminus (Board wipe with miracle potential)
• Somberwald Sage (Critical ramp for high-CMC plays)
• Giant Adephage (Snowballing combat threat)
• Lilysplash Mentor (Counter distribution/flicker)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 4/10

• Wins typically around T8-10 through gradual board buildup; lacks early explosive combos.

Resilience: 5/10

• Moderate recursion (Solemn Simulacrum, Ash Barrens cycling) but folds to repeated wipes.

Consistency: 5/10

• Limited tutors and draw engines; relies on Galadriel’s scry/draw for filtering.

Interaction: 3/10

• Spot removal exists (Imprisoned in the Moon, Banishing Light) but is slow and easily disrupted.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at a precon-level speed with upgraded synergies, leveraging incremental value but lacking fast win conditions or robust protection. Its T8-10 combat-focused wins and vulnerability to disruption align it with Casual/Precon tiers, slightly elevated by flicker synergies.

Power level: 4.0 - 4.5