Overview:

This WB exile-focused deck leverages Ketramose's card draw engine through targeted exile effects and equipment synergies. While lacking infinite combos, it aims to generate value through recursive threats, equipment-based beaters, and life drain payoffs. The deck operates at a midrange pace, requiring setup turns to enable its commander while maintaining moderate interaction.

Primer:

Core Strategy:
The deck utilizes Ketramose's exile-triggered card draw to fuel incremental advantage, pairing this with equipment voltron (Kaldra Compleat, Worldslayer) and ETB/reanimation value engines (Gray Merchant of Asphodel, Restoration Angel). Key phases:

1. Setup (Turns 1-4):

   • Deploy mana rocks (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet)
   • Activate early exile effects (Cremate, Soul-Guide Lantern)
   • Establish value creatures (Elas il-Kor, Panharmonicon)

2. Engine Activation (Turns 5+):

   • Cast Ketramose with protection (Swiftfoot Boots, Guardian of Faith)
   • Chain exile triggers via Mesmeric Orb, Withered Wretch, and flicker effects
   • Deploy equipment threats or life-drain finishers

3. Closing:

   • Equip indestructible commander with Worldslayer for board reset
   • Leverage Gray Merchant/Massacre Wurm with devotion enhancers
   • Use Inkshield as combat trick into lethal counterattack

Mulligan Priorities:

• 3 lands including WB sources
• 1-2 ramp pieces (Wayfarer's Bauble, Darksteel Ingot)
• At least 1 early exile effect OR protection

Key Tips:

• Time Urza's Ruinous Blast after establishing indestructible pieces
• Use Conjurer's Closet with Skyclave Apparition for repeated exile
• Pair Eldrazi Displacer with ETB exile creatures for card draw triggers

Avoid Traps:

• Don't overcommit to board before Divine Reckoning/Austere Command
• Hold equipment until protection is available
• Prioritize exiling your own tokens for Ketramose triggers

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Heavy commander dependency (card draw engine disabled by repeated removal)
• Limited protection for key artifacts/enchantments

Moderate:

• Slow recovery from board wipes
• Mediocre graveyard hate redundancy

Minor:

• Some enters-tapped lands in mana base

Most Important Cards:

• Worldslayer
• Gray Merchant of Asphodel
• Urza's Ruinous Blast
• Mesmeric Orb
• Panharmonicon
• Kaldra Compleat
• Elas il-Kor, Sadistic Pilgrim
• Massacre Wurm
• Inkshield
• Steelshaper's Gift

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

• Earliest meaningful threat (T4-5 equipment setup)
• Requires 2-3 turns after Ketramose to enable lethal

Resilience: 4/10

• Limited protection for key pieces
• Moderate recursion (Sevinne's Reclamation, Can't Stay Away)
• Vulnerable to commander-focused removal

Consistency: 5/10

• 4 tutors for equipment/artifacts
• Redundant exile effects but no combo redundancy
• Draw engine requires active commander

Interaction: 6/10

• 7 targeted removal (Swords/Path/Anguished)
• 4 board wipes with exile synergy
• Lacks stack interaction beyond combat tricks

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at upgraded precon level (4.0-4.5) with clear combat/volton win paths and moderate synergy. It lacks the speed (T8-10 win window) and redundancy of optimized casual decks (5.0+), while exceeding basic precons through focused exile synergies. The commander dependency and average interaction suite prevent higher ratings despite strong individual cards.

Power level: 4.0-4.5