Overview:

A life-manipulation strategy deck that uses life payment as a resource to generate value through the commander Rowan, Scion of War, aiming to either win through large X-spells or life total manipulation effects.

Primer:

The deck operates on a risk-reward principle, actively using life as a resource to power various effects and reduce spell costs through Rowan's ability. Early game focuses on establishing card advantage through painful draw effects like Dark Confidant, Phyrexian Arena, and Necropotence. The deck can transition into explosive turns by using life payment to reduce costs of big spells or setting up life total manipulation wins through cards like Repay in Kind and Soul Conduit.

The deck features multiple paths to victory, including direct damage through X-spells like Exsanguinate, life total manipulation through Magus of the Mirror effects, or creating massive board presence with cards like Empty the Pits. The inclusion of Aetherflux Reservoir provides an additional win condition after gaining large amounts of life through Whip of Erebos or similar effects.

Weaknesses:

The deck is vulnerable to graveyard hate and life gain prevention effects. It can struggle against aggressive strategies that put pressure on life totals before the deck can properly set up its engine. The reliance on life as a resource means the deck can sometimes put itself in dangerous positions, especially against burn or commander damage strategies. The deck has limited answers to enchantments and can be disrupted by cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of Sanctity.

Most Important Cards:

1. Necropotence
2. K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth
3. Aetherflux Reservoir
4. Exquisite Blood
5. Soul Conduit
6. Whip of Erebos
7. Repay in Kind
8. The One Ring
9. Black Market Connections
10. Peer into the Abyss

Attribute Ratings:

• Speed: 7/10
• Resilience: 6/10
• Consistency: 7/10
• Interaction: 6/10

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at a focused competitive level, capable of explosive turns and potentially winning around turns 5-6 through life manipulation or big mana plays. While it includes powerful effects and synergies, it lacks the consistency and protection of higher-powered decks. The deck's reliance on life as a resource makes it vulnerable to disruption and requires careful piloting. The inclusion of multiple tutors and card draw effects helps with consistency, but the deck still falls short of true cEDH territory.

Final power level rating: 7.0 - 7.5

The deck's ability to generate explosive turns and potentially win through sudden life total manipulation places it in the focused competitive range. While it can establish strong board positions and threaten wins relatively early, it lacks the consistent turn 3-4 wins needed for higher power levels. The deck's strategy is powerful but requires setup time and can be disrupted by well-timed interaction.