Overview:

This Boros deck leverages Sephiroth, Fallen Hero to create modified creatures (via Equipment, Auras, and counters) that become 7/5 beaters during attacks. The primary strategy focuses on generating tokens (Knights, Soldiers, Heroes, Moogles), amplifying them with +1/+1 counters and anthem effects, and overwhelming opponents through combat. Secondary elements include Equipment synergies, lifegain payoffs, and graveyard recursion for Sephiroth. The commander acts as both a finisher enabler and resilient threat, though the deck can function without it due to token/go-wide redundancy.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4): Deploy mana rocks (Arcane Signet, Boros Signet), token generators (SOLDIER Military Program, Virtue of Loyalty adventure), or value creatures (Welcoming Vampire, Mentor of the Meek). Cast Sephiroth if possible, but prioritize establishing board presence.
2. Board Development (Turns 3-6): Generate tokens via sagas (Summon: Good King Mog XII, Summon: Knights of Round), enchantments (Assemble the Legion, Renewed Solidarity), or spells (The Crystal's Chosen). Equip key creatures (Cloud, Planet's Champion, Adelbert Steiner) or attach modifiers like Conformer Shuriken. Use Lae'zel, Vlaakith's Champion/Resourceful Defense to amplify counters.
3. Modification & Attack (Turns 5+): Attack with Sephiroth to place cell counters, turning modified creatures into 7/5s. Swing wide with tokens boosted by Shared Animosity, Cathars' Crusade, or Chocobo Knights (granting double strike). Finish with Thundering Raiju burn, Vincent, Vengeful Atoner multi-damage, or Blasphemous Act/Vanquish the Horde clears followed by alpha strikes. Recur Sephiroth via its Reunion ability if removed.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (including red/white sources) and early plays: ramp (Signets), token makers (SOLDIER Program, Virtue adventure), or card advantage (Welcoming Vampire).
• Prioritize hands containing key synergy pieces like Maskwood Nexus (enabling Shared Animosity/Chocobo Knights) or Resourceful Defense.
• Avoid hands lacking early board presence or reliant solely on high-cost spells.

Key Tips:

• Maximize Modifications: Use Patchwork Banner/Maskwood Nexus to ensure all tokens share types for Shared Animosity/Chocobo Knights. Prioritize attaching Equipment to Cloud for indestructible/double strike.
• Protect Your Board: Deploy indestructibility effects (Boros Charm, Rootborn Defenses, Ultimate Magic: Holy) before wrathing or when facing removal. Swiftfoot Boots protects Sephiroth or key engines.
• Leverage Recursion: Sacrifice modified creatures to recur Sephiroth from the graveyard. Use Aerith Gainsborough's death trigger to distribute +1/+1 counters.
• Exploit Lifegain: Excalibur II scales with lifegain triggers (Rosa, Resolute White Mage, Mog, Moogle Warrior). The Wind Crystal doubles life gain for explosive turns.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Board Wipe Vulnerability: Heavy reliance on creatures/tokens makes mass removal (Blasphemous Act, Vanquish the Horde) devastating. Recovery is slow without key draw engines.
• Counter-Hate Weakness: Torpor Orb/Hushbringer nullifies ETB token generators (Dion, Bahamut's Dominant, Cloudbound Moogle) and Aerith Gainsborough's death trigger.

Moderate

• Graveyard Disruption: Exiling Sephiroth stops recursion. Rest in Peace/Leyline of the Void also cripples Nibelheim Aflame flashback.
• Artifact/Enchantment Hate: Loses key Equipment (Sword of the Animist, Conformer Shuriken) and engines (Cathars' Crusade, Resourceful Defense) to targeted removal.

Minor

• Mana Base Fragility: Minimal land fixing (only Command Tower, Sejiri Shelter). Color screw risks stalling the game plan.
• Limited Stack Interaction: Few counterspells or instant-speed answers to non-creature threats beyond Restoration Magic.

Most Important Cards:

• Maskwood Nexus (Enables Shared Animosity/Chocobo Knights by unifying creature types)
• Shared Animosity (Primary combat damage amplifier)
• Cathars' Crusade (Massive token/counter scaling)
• Resourceful Defense (Counter preservation and redistribution)
• Summon: Knights of Round (Token generation and finisher)
• Cloud, Planet's Champion (Resilient Equipment carrier and finisher)
• Thundering Raiju (Burn win condition tied to modifications)
• Chocobo Knights (Double strike enabler for modified creatures)
• Assemble the Legion (Incremental token generation)
• Blasphemous Act (Primary board clear)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

• Can threaten lethal via combat around turns 8-10 with an established board and modifiers like Shared Animosity/Chocobo Knights, but lacks fast mana or early combos.

Resilience: 5/10

• Recursive commander and indestructible effects provide recovery options, but token/counter strategies are inherently vulnerable to wipes and targeted hate with limited protection depth.

Consistency: 6/10

• Multiple token generators and card draw engines (Welcoming Vampire, Mentor of the Meek) ensure board presence, but lacks tutors for key pieces like Maskwood Nexus or Cathars' Crusade.

Interaction: 4/10

• Efficient creature removal (Blasphemous Act, Judgment Bolt) and combat tricks (indestructibility), but minimal stack interaction, artifact/enchantment removal, or answers to flyers.

Rating Justification:

The deck demonstrates focused casual power with a clear go-wide/modification strategy and synergistic payoffs, capable of T9-11 wins through combat or Thundering Raiju burns. However, its vulnerability to board wipes, slow setup, and limited interaction prevent higher optimization.

Power level: 4.5 - 5.0