Overview:

This Mardu (R/W/B) deck helmed by Zurgo Stormrender focuses on aggressive token generation and attrition-based value. The strategy revolves around creating Warrior tokens through Zurgo's mobilize ability and supplemental token producers like Adeline, Resplendent Cathar and Hero of Bladehold, then leveraging token deaths for card draw (via Zurgo) and incremental life loss (Bastion of Remembrance, Within Range). Key enhancements like Divine Visitation and Legion Loyalty amplify token quality, while Myriad effects from Blade of Selves and Ironwill Forger create exponential combat pressure. The deck aims to win through overwhelming board states, combat damage amplifiers like Ogre Battledriver, and passive life drain from token attrition.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4): Deploy mana rocks (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet), token generators (Loyal Apprentice, Legion Warboss), and value engines (Idol of Oblivion, Morbid Opportunist). Use Skullclamp or Deadly Dispute to sacrifice tokens for card advantage.
2. Midgame Pressure (Turns 5-7): Cast Zurgo with protection (Lightning Greaves), then attack to generate Warrior tokens. Deploy key enhancers: Divine Visitation upgrades tokens to 4/4 Angels, Goldnight Commander buffs the board, or Kaya, Geist Hunter doubles token output.
3. Win Conditions (Turns 6-8+):
   • Combat Overload: Use Myriad (Blade of Selves, Legion Loyalty) and token doublers to create overwhelming numbers. Castle Embereth and Ogre Battledriver boost damage.
   • Attrition Victory: Combine token deaths with Bastion of Remembrance, Nadier's Nightblade, and Within Range for passive life drain.
   • Burst Turns: Tempt with Vengeance + Divine Visitation creates an army of 4/4 Angels. Hour of Reckoning clears opponents' boards while preserving tokens.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands including at least one colored source.
• Prioritize early token generators (Loyal Apprentice, Ophiomancer) or ramp (Sol Ring, Wayfarer's Bauble).
• Look for synergy pairs: Zurgo Stormrender + protection (Lightning Greaves), or Divine Visitation + token producer.
• Avoid hands lacking early plays or color fixing.

Key Tips:

• Use Viscera Seer to sacrifice tokens before they exile at end of combat, triggering Zurgo's draw and death triggers.
• Grand Crescendo protects your board while creating blockers/life drain fodder.
• Thalisse, Reverent Medium converts temporary Myriad tokens into permanent Spirits.
• Sun Titan can recur key pieces like Skullclamp or Bastion of Remembrance.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Heavy reliance on board presence makes it vulnerable to sweepers like Blasphemous Act or Cyclonic Rift.
• Divine Visitation is irreplaceable for high-impact tokens; losing it cripples the deck's scaling.

Moderate

• Limited card draw outside token deaths; can stall if Zurgo is repeatedly removed.
• Weak to Cursed Totem/Torpor Orb shutting off key activated abilities and ETBs.

Minor

• Mediocre mana fixing with multiple tapped lands slows early development.
• Lacks instant-speed interaction for stack-based combos.

Most Important Cards:

• Divine Visitation (Token quality upgrade)
• Blade of Selves (Myriad enabler for exponential tokens)
• Bastion of Remembrance (Life drain engine)
• Legion Loyalty (Global Myriad effect)
• Skullclamp (Sacrifice outlet and card draw)
• Zurgo Stormrender (Commander: token generation and draw)
• Adeline, Resplendent Cathar (Scaling token producer)
• Kaya, Geist Hunter (Token doubling and deathtouch)
• Hero of Bladehold (Token generation and battle cry)
• Hour of Reckoning (Board wipe that spares tokens)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10
Can establish threatening boards by turn 6-7 but lacks fast combo finishers. Relies on incremental damage and attrition.

Resilience: 5/10
Has some protection (Grand Crescendo, Selfless Spirit) and recursion (Sun Titan), but core strategy folds to repeated board wipes.

Consistency: 6/10
Numerous token generators provide redundancy, but limited tutors make key enchantments like Divine Visitation inconsistent.

Interaction: 4/10
Spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, Infernal Grasp) handles threats, but lacks counterspells and struggles against non-creature strategies.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates as a focused token strategy with moderate speed (T6-8 wins) and fair resilience through redundancy, placing it in the optimized casual tier. Its reliance on combat and vulnerability to common board wipes prevent higher rankings.

Power level: 4.5 - 5.0