Overview:
A synergistic aristocrats-style deck that leverages treasure tokens and sacrifice outlets to generate value, build a powerful commander, and close games through direct damage or combat.
Primer:
The deck operates on multiple axes, primarily focusing on generating treasure tokens through various means while establishing sacrifice outlets and payoffs. The commander, Evereth, Viceroy of Plunder, serves as both a sacrifice outlet and a win condition, growing larger through sacrifices and potentially dealing massive damage when it dies. Key early plays include efficient value generators like Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer, Dark Confidant, and Professional Face-Breaker.
The deck's strength lies in its ability to transition between different phases of the game. Early turns focus on establishing mana acceleration through treasures and traditional sources, while mid-game involves setting up sacrifice engines with cards like Pitiless Plunderer and Marionette Master. The late game typically involves either commander damage through a buffed Evereth or massive damage through sacrifice loops and treasure generation. Multiple tutors ensure consistency in finding key pieces, while a robust interaction suite helps protect the strategy.
Weaknesses:
The deck is vulnerable to graveyard hate and artifact removal, which can disrupt both its value engines and win conditions. Rest in Peace effects are particularly problematic as they shut down many recursion elements. The relatively low land count (31) makes the deck somewhat dependent on artifact ramp, making it susceptible to mass artifact removal.
Most Important Cards:
- Phyrexian Altar
- Pitiless Plunderer
- Marionette Master
- Academy Manufactor
- Ancient Copper Dragon
- Grim Hireling
- The Meathook Massacre
- Necropotence
- Revel in Riches
- Professional Face-Breaker
Attribute Ratings:
- Speed: 7/10
- Resilience: 6/10
- Consistency: 7/10
- Interaction: 8/10
Rating Justification:
This deck sits comfortably in the 7.0-7.5 range due to its ability to threaten wins around turn 5-6 through various combinations of its pieces. While it lacks the explosive speed of higher-powered decks, it makes up for it with consistent value generation and strong interaction suite. The presence of multiple tutors, efficient interaction, and various win conditions puts it above focused decks but below truly competitive builds.
Final power level rating: 7.0 - 7.5
This rating reflects the deck's ability to consistently threaten wins or establish strong board control by turns 5-6, while maintaining flexibility in its game plan and having answers to various threats. The inclusion of powerful tutors, efficient interaction, and multiple win conditions justifies this placement, though it falls short of true cEDH territory due to its slightly slower speed and reliance on creature-based strategies.
Evereth, Viceroy of Plunder