Overview:

This Jeskai spellslinger deck leverages Shiko and Narset, Unified to copy targeted spells or generate card advantage while fueling token armies and direct damage through instant/sorcery payoffs. While lacking infinite combos, it employs value engines like Archmage Emeritus and Storm-Kiln Artist to out-resource opponents, with Velomachus Lorehold and Magma Opus as late-game closers.

Primer:

Core Strategy: Cast 2+ spells per turn to trigger Shiko's copy/draw effect while deploying token producers (Young Pyromancer, Monastery Mentor) and damage amplifiers (Guttersnipe, Caldera Pyremaw). Key phases:

1. Early Setup: Ramp via signets/treasures while cycling cheap cantrips (Opt, Consider) to dig for payoffs.
2. Midgame Value: Cast Shiko on-curve (T4) to begin copying removal/draw spells. Use Frantic Search and Expressive Iteration to maintain gas.
3. Closing Plays: Overwhelm with token swarms augmented by Veyran, Voice of Duality or burn opponents out via Electrodominance copying high-damage spells.

Mulligan Priorities:

• 3 lands (at least two produce colored mana)
• 1 ramp piece (e.g., Sol Ring, Izzet Signet)
• 1 cantrip or early interaction (Pongify, Swords to Plowshares)

Key Tips:

• Sequence spells to ensure the second cast each turn targets permanents (maximizing Shiko's copy effect).
• Use Lier, Disciple of the Drowned to flashback board wipes/removal during opponents' turns.
• Rite of Replication on Storm-Kiln Artist generates 10 treasures for explosive turns.

Avoid Traps:

• Overextending tokens before establishing Ghostly Prison/protection.
• Holding high-cost spells like Sublime Epiphany without sufficient ramp.

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Foldsto Rule of Law/Archon of Emeria (prevents multi-spell turns)
• Relies on unprotected engines (Guttersnipe, Archmage Emeritus)

Moderate:

• Slow recovery from board wipes (limited recursion)
• Minimal free interaction (counters rely on Sublime Epiphany/Narset's Reversal)

Minor:

• Mana base vulnerable to Blood Moon (5 basics in 3 colors)

Most Important Cards:

• Archmage Emeritus
• Storm-Kiln Artist
• Young Pyromancer
• Monastery Mentor
• Veyran, Voice of Duality
• Guttersnipe
• Electrodominance
• Frantic Search
• Velomachus Lorehold
• Lier, Disciple of the Drowned

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

• Goldfish win ~T8-9 via token swarm or copied burn. High-cost finishers (Magma Opus, 6CMC commanders) delay faster kills.

Resilience: 4/10

• Dies to early stax but recovers via draw engines. Key pieces lack protection beyond limited counterspells.

Consistency: 6/10

• Strong cantrip/draw package (10+ effects) but minimal tutors. Shiko's trigger provides inherent value redundancy.

Interaction: 5/10

• 8 targeted removals (Swords, Abrade) and 3 board wipes, but instant-speed answers are sparse. Relies on reactive copies via Shiko.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at power level 4.5-5.0 (Focused Casual to Optimized Casual). It surpasses precons with synergistic payoffs and multi-spell turns but lacks:

• Fast mana/combos to threaten T6 wins
• Tutor density for key pieces
• Free interaction to protect engines
  It aligns with the rubric's "T8-10 via combat or slow combos" benchmark, slightly outperforming typical precons through card quality but not reaching optimized levels.

Power level: 4.5 - 5.0