Overview:

This Mardu (RWB) Assassin tribal deck helmed by Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad focuses on recurring Assassins from the graveyard to generate aggressive token swarms and leverage enter/attack triggers. Altaïr acts as the linchpin, enabling token copies of exiled Assassins during combat. The deck combines creature-based value engines, extra combat steps, and damage amplifiers like Warstorm Surge to pressure opponents. Key synergies include Isshin, Two Heavens as One to double attack triggers and Roaming Throne to duplicate Assassin abilities. While the commander is critical for token generation, the deck includes "hidden commanders" like Olivia, Opulent Outlaw and Queen Marchesa to sustain momentum.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Setup Phase (Turns 1-4): Deploy mana rocks (Sol Ring, signets), discard outlets (Thrilling Discovery, Faithless Looting), and key Assassins like Mari, the Killing Quill to stock the graveyard.
2. Commander Activation (Turns 4-6): Cast Altaïr, attack to exile Assassins from the graveyard, and create token copies. Use Reconnaissance to protect attackers while triggering Altaïr.
3. Value Amplification: Double triggers with Roaming Throne (naming Assassin) and Isshin, Two Heavens as One. Cover of Darkness ensures unblockable attacks.
4. Win Conditions:
   • Combat Overkill: Generate exponential tokens via extra combats (Aurelia, the Warleader, Overpowering Attack).
   • ETB Burn: Warstorm Surge, Impact Tremors, and Warleader's Call convert token generation into direct damage.
   • Sacrifice Outlets: Goblin Bombardment and Undercity Eliminator turn tokens into removal/damage.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Ensure 3 lands with RWB access (prioritize Command Tower, tri-lands).
• Keep hands with early ramp (signets, Wayfarer's Bauble) or discard/draw (Thrill of Possibility).
• Look for at least one Assassin with an impactful ETB/attack trigger (e.g., Serpent Assassin, Nekrataal).

Key Tips:

• Use Sundial of the Infinite to keep Altaïr's exiled tokens by ending the turn before the exile trigger resolves.
• Lithoform Engine and Strionic Resonator can copy Altaïr's token-generation trigger for double the attackers.
• The Animus provides graveyard recursion for key Assassins and clones Altaïr's exiled targets.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Commander Reliance: Altaïr’s repeated removal (3+ times) cripples token generation. Limited protection beyond Lightning Greaves.
• Graveyard Vulnerability: Exile effects (Bojuka Bog, Rest in Peace) erase fuel for Altaïr and The Animus.

Moderate

• Temporary Tokens: Tokens vanish after combat, requiring immediate payoff via damage or sacrifice outlets.
• Slow Board Development: Minimal fast mana beyond Sol Ring delays critical turns against faster decks.

Minor

• Artifact/Enchantment Reliance: Key pieces like Roaming Throne and Cover of Darkness are soft to removal.
• Limited Stack Interaction: Few counterspells; relies on reactive removal (Crackling Doom, Path to Exile).

Most Important Cards:

• Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (Token generator and graveyard recursion enabler)
• Roaming Throne (Doubles Assassin triggers)
• Isshin, Two Heavens as One (Doubles attack triggers)
• Warstorm Surge (Primary non-combat damage source)
• Olivia, Opulent Outlaw (Treasure generation and late-game buff)
• The Animus (Graveyard recursion and cloning)
• Queen Marchesa (Card advantage via monarch and token generation)
• Aurelia, the Warleader (Extra combats for token snowballing)
• Cover of Darkness (Ensures unblockable Assassins)
• Goblin Bombardment (Sac outlet for tokens)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

• Can threaten wins via token swarms + damage amplifiers by T7-9, but lacks fast mana to accelerate earlier.

Resilience: 4/10

• Vulnerable to commander removal and graveyard hate, but has some recursion (The Animus) and protection artifacts.

Consistency: 6/10

• Strong card draw/discard package (Thrilling Discovery, Faithless Looting) and tribal synergy ensure Assassin access.

Interaction: 5/10

• Spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, Crackling Doom) and combat tricks (Galadriel's Dismissal), but minimal stack control.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates optimally in the T7-9 range, leveraging combat and ETB damage with moderate resilience against disruption. Its reliance on Altaïr and vulnerability to graveyard hate cap its ceiling, aligning it with Focused Casual tiers that win via combat or slow combos.

Power level: 4.5 - 5.0