Overview:

This Orzhov Phyrexian deck helmed by Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos combines toxic/infect aggression with proliferate synergies and token generation. The strategy revolves around deploying Phyrexian creatures to generate Incubator tokens via Brimaz, then using proliferate triggers (from Brimaz's death-triggered ability and cards like Throne of Geth) to amplify poison counters and +1/+1 counters on transformed Incubators. Key win conditions include poison proliferation, commander-enhanced combat with pumped tokens, and explosive turns with Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon. Brimaz acts as the engine, enabling both token generation and counter manipulation, but the deck can function temporarily without him using its robust Phyrexian tribal synergies.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3):
   • Deploy toxic 1-drops (Bilious Skulldweller, Crawling Chorus) or mana rocks (Sol Ring, Mind Stone).
   • Cast Skrelv's Hive or Metastatic Evangel to establish poison/proliferate engines.
   • Prioritize casting Brimaz on turn 3 to start generating Incubators.

2. Midgame Pressure (Turns 4-6):

   • Cast high-impact Phyrexians like Ichor Rats (global poison) or Kinzu of the Bleak Coven (token cloning).
   • Transform Incubators using proliferate from Karn's Bastion or Throne of Geth.
   • Use Skullclamp/Ashnod's Altar to sacrifice Mites/Incubators for card advantage or mana.

3. Win Conditions (Turns 5-8+):

   • Poison: Proliferate opponents to 10 counters using Brimaz triggers, Blightbelly Rat, or Staff of Compleation.
   • Combat: Overrun with pumped Incubators (boosted by Metallic Mimic, Grafted Butcher, or Elesh Norn's saga).
   • Skithiryx Finish: Tutor Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon with Demonic Tutor/Diabolic Intent for lethal infect damage.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with Brimaz + 2-3 lands (including WB sources).
• Prioritize early toxic creatures, Skrelv's Hive, or ramp artifacts.
• Avoid hands lacking Phyrexian synergy pieces or interaction.

Key Tips:

• Time proliferate effects after combat to maximize poison triggers.
• Use Skrelv, Defector Mite to grant hexproof/keyword evasion to toxic attackers.
• Sacrifice Incubator tokens to Ashnod's Altar for mana to transform others.
• White Sun's Twilight doubles as a board wipe and token generator when X≥5.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Struggles against mass artifact removal (Vandalblast, Farewell) wiping Incubators/Mites.
• Melira, Sylvok Outcast/Solemnity nullifies poison and +1/+1 counters.

Moderate

• Slow against decks with lifegain to offset poison (Oloro, Ageless Ascetic).
• Limited card draw without engine pieces like Skrelv's Hive or Phyrexian Arena.

Minor

• Mediocre recovery from repeated board wipes.
• Mana base has 8 taplands, potentially slowing early plays.

Most Important Cards:

• Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos (Token generation + proliferate engine)
• Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon (Infect finisher)
• Ichor Rats (Global poison enabler)
• Ashnod's Altar (Token sac outlet for mana/combo)
• Skrelv's Hive (Mite generation + lifelink enabler)
• Demonic Tutor (Tutor critical pieces)
• Elesh Norn (Board control + token buff)
• Toxic Deluge (Mass removal)
• Staff of Compleation (Proliferate on demand)
• Metallic Mimic (Tribal anthem for Phyrexians)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can threaten poison kills by T7-8 via proliferate chains, but lacks T4-5 combos.

Resilience: 5/10

• Moderate protection (Loran's Escape, recursion via Kinzu), but folds to repeated wraths.

Consistency: 7/10

• Strong tutors (Demonic Tutor, Enlightened Tutor) and redundant Phyrexian payoffs.

Interaction: 6/10

• Efficient spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, Deadly Rollick) but minimal stack control.

Rating Justification:

This deck demonstrates focused poison aggression with strong synergy and tutoring, capable of T7-8 wins through proliferate or combat. While faster than casual decks, its reliance on board presence and vulnerability to hate keeps it below high-power tiers.

Power level: 5.5 - 6.0