Overview:

This 5-color Reaper King deck focuses on leveraging Scarecrow tribal synergies and clone effects to trigger Reaper King's permanent destruction ability repeatedly. The commander acts as both an enabler and a payoff, with the deck using changelings, type-changing effects (Arcane Adaptation, Maskwood Nexus), and cloning tools (Spark Double, Helm of the Host) to turn every creature into a Scarecrow, enabling mass removal. Secondary win conditions include combat damage from buffed Scarecrows, token swarms via Rhys the Redeemed or Blade of Selves, and infinite loops with Phyrexian Altar/Ashnod's Altar + token generators.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Ramp & Setup (Turns 1-4): Prioritize fixing mana with shocks/pain lands (Misty Rainforest, Stomping Ground) and ramp (Sol Ring, Nature's Lore). Cast type-enablers like Arcane Adaptation or Maskwood Nexus to turn all creatures into Scarecrows.
2. Deploy Reaper King (Turns 5-6): Use cost reducers (Urza's Incubator, Herald's Horn) to cast Reaper King earlier. Protect it with Swiftfoot Boots or flicker effects (Eerie Interlude).
3. Trigger Mass Destruction: Clone Reaper King (Spark Double, Irenicus's Vile Duplication) or generate Scarecrow tokens (Blade of Selves, Rite of Replication) to destroy multiple permanents per turn.
4. Win via Combat/Combo: Overwhelm with tokens or use infinite loops:
   • Phyrexian Altar + Rite of Replication (kicked on a Scarecrow) generates infinite ETB triggers.
   • Helm of the Host on Reaper King creates exponential destruction triggers.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Ensure 3+ lands with color fixing.
• Prioritize hands with ramp, type-enablers (Maskwood Nexus), or clone effects.
• Avoid hands lacking early plays or color sources.

Key Tips:

• Use Panharmonicon to double Reaper King triggers.
• Conjurer's Closet/Ghostly Flicker reset clones and trigger destruction.
• Sacrifice Scarecrow tokens to altars for mana to fuel more clones.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Commander Dependency: Reaper King’s high mana cost (10) makes recasting prohibitive after repeated removal.
• Torpor Orb Effects: Shut down ETB destruction triggers, crippling the primary strategy.
• Graveyard Reliance: Limited recursion makes the deck vulnerable to graveyard hate.

Moderate

• Board Wipes: Resets Scarecrow/clone boards; recovery relies on flicker effects.
• Anti-Token Tech: Cursed Totem/Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines disrupt token generation.

Minor

• Slow Mana Base: Many lands enter tapped, delaying early setup.
• Limited Stack Interaction: Minimal counterspells to protect combos.

Most Important Cards:

• Maskwood Nexus (Enables all creatures to trigger Reaper King)
• Phyrexian Altar (Sac outlet for infinite loops)
• Rite of Replication (Mass token generation + triggers)
• Helm of the Host (Exponential Reaper King clones)
• Arcane Adaptation (Type manipulation for triggers)
• Panharmonicon (Doubles destruction triggers)
• Urza's Incubator (Reduces Scarecrow costs)
• Ashnod's Altar (Mana generation for combos)
• Realmwalker (Consistent creature access)
• Blade of Selves (Triggers Reaper King on attack)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10
Threatens board control by T5-7 but lacks fast combo lines. Infinite loops require specific setups (T7+).

Resilience: 4/10
Heavily reliant on Reaper King staying on-field; limited protection beyond flicker effects and hexproof equipment.

Consistency: 6/10
Tutors (Diabolic Tutor, Ringsight) and type-enablers ensure reliable access to key pieces, but 5-color mana can stall early plays.

Interaction: 5/10
Moderate spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, Damnation), but minimal stack interaction or stax.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates as a mid-powered casual build, leveraging synergies to control the board and win via attrition or late-game combos. While it has tutors and explosive potential, its reliance on a high-cost commander and vulnerability to common disruption cap its ceiling.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5