Overview:

This Malcolm/Kediss deck combines Pirate tribal synergies with artifact token generation to create a potent damage-spreading and treasure-fueled value engine. The strategy leverages Malcolm's treasure generation when Pirates deal combat damage, amplified by Kediss's ability to spread that damage to all opponents. Key themes include:

• Treasure Synergy: Using Reckless Fireweaver, Ingenious Artillerist, and Hedron Detonator to convert artifact tokens into damage
• Type Manipulation: Arcane Adaptation, Maskwood Nexus, and changelings to maximize Pirate triggers
• Draw-Engine Combos: Curiosity/Ophidian Eye on Malcolm or Glint-Horn Buccaneer for card advantage
• Big Payoffs: Niv-Mizzet, Parun as a draw/damage engine and Flare of Duplication copying key spells

Malcolm serves as the linchpin - his treasure generation enables both mana acceleration and damage triggers. Kediss amplifies Malcolm's damage output while providing red's aggressive elements. The deck can win through incremental damage, combo kills, or overwhelming treasure-fueled value.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3):
   • Play mana rocks (Sol Ring, Izzet Signet)
   • Deploy Pirates/changelings (Spectral Sailor, Amoeboid Changeling)
   • Cast type-enablers like Runed Stalactite or Arcane Adaptation

2. Treasure Engine Activation (Turns 3-5):

   • Connect with Malcolm using evasion (Wings of Velis Vel, Departed Deckhand's unblockability)
   • Use Kediss to triple treasure output from a single hit
   • Activate Professional Face-Breaker and Guild Artisan for additional treasure

3. Win Conditions (Turns 5-8):

   • Combo:
     • Glint-Horn Buccaneer + Curiosity effects for infinite damage
     • Niv-Mizzet, Parun + Ophidian Eye for draw/damage loop
   • Aggro:
     • Captain Storm, Cosmium Raider buffs with treasure-powered Finale of Devastation
   • Burn:
     • Reckless Fireweaver/Ingenious Artillerist with mass treasure generation

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with Malcolm + 1 evasion enabler (Trickery Charm, Wings of Velis Vel)
• Prioritize early Pirate creatures over reactive spells
• Ensure at least 2 mana sources including color fixing
• Mulligan away high-CMC hands without ramp

Key Tips:

• Use Emergence Zone to flash in type-enchantments before combat
• Phantasmal Image copies Malcolm for double treasure triggers
• Flare of Duplication can copy critical draw spells or removal
• Muddle the Mixture transmutes for Curiosity or Reckless Fireweaver

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Commander-dependent strategy - Malcolm removal cripples treasure engine
• Minimal board wipe protection beyond Heroic Intervention absence
• Struggles against Cursed Totem/Null Rod shutting off artifact synergies

Moderate

• Vulnerable to flyer-heavy decks blocking Pirates
• Limited graveyard recursion for combo pieces
• Torpor Orb nullifies ETB damage triggers

Minor

• Some clunky mana requirements for UU/RR spells
• Treasure destruction via Vandalblast/Bane of Progress

Most Important Cards:

• Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator (Treasure engine core)
• Arcane Adaptation (Type unification enabler)
• Glint-Horn Buccaneer (Primary combo piece)
• Reckless Fireweaver (Damage converter)
• Curiosity (Draw engine/combo component)
• Flare of Duplication (Spell multiplier)
• Professional Face-Breaker (Treasure/draw hybrid)
• Niv-Mizzet, Parun (Alternate win condition)
• Imperial Recruiter (Tutor for key Pirates)
• Emergence Zone (Critical timing flexibility)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can threaten T5-7 wins through combos but requires specific setup. Aggro plan is slower.

Resilience: 5/10

• Light protection suite (Spellskite, Siren Stormtamer) but heavily commander-reliant.

Consistency: 7/10

• Strong card selection (Brainstorm, Impulse) and transmute tutors enhance combo access.

Interaction: 6/10

• Efficient counters (Spell Pierce, Miscast) and bounce but lacks board wipes.

Rating Justification:

This deck has focused combo potential with T6-8 wins through optimized draws but suffers from commander dependency and limited protection. Its strong tutoring and card selection elevate it above casual builds, while the lack of free interaction holds back higher optimization.

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5