{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Disclaimer!"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"There could be obvious \"improvements\" with Thassas Orcale, Demonic consultation, Force of will, Opo Agent, Dauthi Voidwalker, Mox Diamond, etc... But, this is a zombie deck. This is NOT A CEDH DECK. \nThis a Bracket 4 ZOMBIE deck. The focus is ordered as: Zombies 1st, Flavor 2nd, Efficiency 3th.\nWith that being said, I present to you:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver – Zombie Tribal Bracket 4 Guide."},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is a highly optimized Dimir Zombie tribal deck led by Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver, blending aristocrat value, combo, and reanimation strategies. The primary game plan uses Wilhelt's token generation and card draw to fuel sacrifice outlets like Ashnod's Altar and Phyrexian Altar for infinite mana, death triggers, and mill combos. Key combos involve Gravecrawler, Rooftop Storm, and persist/undying loops with Mikaeus, the Unhallowed and Putrid Goblin to generate infinite death/ETB triggers, enabling wins via Altar of Dementia, Diregraf Captain, or Gray Merchant of Asphodel.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true,"bold":true},"insert":"Primer:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Core Strategy:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Establish Board & Value:"},{"insert":" Deploy cheap Zombies (Gravecrawler, Cryptbreaker) and Wilhelt to generate tokens and draw cards via sacrifice."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Assemble Combo Lines: Gravecrawler + Altar + Payoff:"},{"insert":" With a Zombie on board, cast Gravecrawler from graveyard infinitely with Phyrexian Altar (sac for B, replay for B) or Ashnod's Altar (sac for CC, replay for B with Rooftop Storm). Pair with Diregraf Captain for infinite damage, Altar of Dementia for infinite mill, or Undead Augur for infinite draw."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Persist/Undying Loops:"},{"insert":" Use Mikaeus, the Unhallowed + Putrid Goblin + a free sacrifice outlet (e.g., Carrion Feeder) to generate infinite death/ETB triggers (sacrifice Putrid Goblin, it returns with persist -1/-1 counter, Mikaeus gives it undying, removing the -1/-1 counter, repeat). Add Altar of Dementia for mill or Diregraf Captain for damage."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rooftop Storm + Gravecrawler + Phyrexian Altar:"},{"insert":" With Rooftop Storm, Gravecrawler costs 0. Sacrifice it to Phyrexian Altar for B, use that B to cast it from graveyard (since it's free), netting infinite B mana and infinite death/ETB triggers."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Reanimation & Tutors:"},{"insert":" Use Entomb, Buried Alive, and Demonic Tutor to find combo pieces, then reanimate with Reanimate, Animate Dead, or Necromancy. Sidisi, Undead Vizier and Diabolic Intent provide additional tutoring."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Win:"},{"insert":" Execute infinite combo, or grind value with Gray Merchant of Asphodel until opponents are drained."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mulligan Priorities:"},{"insert":"\nKeep hands with 2-3 lands, including at least one black source."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Prioritize hands with a cheap Zombie, a sacrifice outlet (Carrion Feeder, Ashnod's Altar), or a tutor (Demonic Tutor, Entomb)."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Avoid hands with only high-CMC cards (e.g., Rooftop Storm, Mikaeus) without ramp or early plays."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Weaknesses:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Critical"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Graveyard Hate:"},{"insert":" Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void, and Dauthi Voidwalker shut down Gravecrawler loops and reanimation."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Artifact/Enchantment Removal:"},{"insert":" Nature's Claim and Disenchant on Rooftop Storm or Phyrexian Altar disrupt combos."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rule of Law Effects:"},{"insert":" Eidolon of Rhetoric and Archon of Emeria prevent casting multiple spells per turn, stopping Gravecrawler loops."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Moderate"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Board Wipes:"},{"insert":" While Wilhelt generates value from deaths, repeated wipes (especially exile-based like Farewell) can deplete resources."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Commander Reliance:"},{"insert":" Wilhelt is key for card draw and token generation; repeated removal slows the engine."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Minor"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Life Loss:"},{"insert":" Necropotence, Warren Soultrader, Undead Augur, etc... cost life; aggressive decks can pressure life total."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Key Cards:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gravecrawler:"},{"insert":" Core combo piece; infinitely recastable with a Zombie on board."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Phyrexian Altar:"},{"insert":" Primary infinite mana engine with Gravecrawler and Rooftop Storm."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ashnod's Altar:"},{"insert":" Alternative infinite mana/sacrifice outlet."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rooftop Storm:"},{"insert":" Enables free Zombie casting, crucial for Gravecrawler loops."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mikaeus, the Unhallowed:"},{"insert":" Enables persist/undying loops with Putrid Goblin."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Diregraf Captain:"},{"insert":" Primary aristocrat payoff for infinite damage."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Altar of Dementia:"},{"insert":" Infinite mill win condition with death loops."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rot Hulk:"},{"insert":" Reanimates 3 zombies enabling bonkers entomb --> reanimate plays. "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Demonic Tutor:"},{"insert":" Finds any missing piece."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Necropotence:"},{"insert":" Draws massive cards to assemble combos."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver:"},{"insert":" Engine for token generation and card draw; enables sacrifice loops."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gray Merchant of Asphodel:"},{"insert":" Large life swing/reanimation target; can be looped for infinite life drain with reanimation."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Roaming Throne:"},{"insert":" Doubles death triggers from Zombies, amplifying combo payoffs."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Buried Alive:"},{"insert":" Tutors three combo pieces directly to graveyard. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Intuition"},{"insert":" type card. This could easily be called a 4 mana win the game combo enabler."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The main targets for "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Buried Alive"},{"insert":" are: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rot Hulk"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mikaeus, the Unhallowed "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sidisi, Undead Vizier"},{"insert":". \nOnce you get all three zombies on the graveyard the combo looks like this:\nReanimate Rot Hulk, bringing back 3 zombies, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sidisi"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mikaeus"},{"insert":", whatever else you have, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sidisi"},{"insert":" etbs, she exploit herself and comes back due to "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"undying"},{"insert":" and does it one more time, leaving her in the graveyard. you search your library for "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Lotus Petal"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sacrifice"},{"insert":", cast "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Lotus Petal"},{"insert":", sac it for a black mana and cast "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sacrifice"},{"insert":" on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rot Hulk "},{"insert":"for 7 black mana, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rot Hulk"},{"insert":" comes back due to undying, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rot Hulk"},{"insert":" etb, You bring back "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sidisi, "},{"insert":"she etb to exploit herself and she can tutor 2 more times due to "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"undying"},{"insert":". You find"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" Phyrexian Altar"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gravecrawler"},{"insert":", you cast the altar, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gravecrawler"},{"insert":" and you prob win the game at that point.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Key Combos:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Infinite Mana/Death Triggers/Damage:"},{"insert":" Gravecrawler + Phyrexian Altar + Another Zombie + Diregraf Captain | With another Zombie on board, sacrifice Gravecrawler to Phyrexian Altar for B, use that B to cast Gravecrawler from graveyard (costs B). Repeat for infinite B mana, infinite death triggers, and infinite damage via Diregraf Captain. | Requires a Zombie on board (not a token). "},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"Tutorable via Entomb/Demonic Tutor. | Impact: High"},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Infinite Mana/Death Triggers/Mill:"},{"insert":" Gravecrawler + Ashnod's Altar + Rooftop Storm + Altar of Dementia (or other payoff) | With Rooftop Storm, Gravecrawler costs 0. Sacrifice it to Ashnod's Altar for CC. Use CC to pay for Altar of Dementia's activation, milling equal to Gravecrawler's power (2). Recast Gravecrawler for 0. Repeat for infinite mill. | Requires Rooftop Storm (6 mana). Tutorable via Demonic Tutor. | Impact: High"},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Infinite Death/ETB Triggers:"},{"insert":" Mikaeus, the Unhallowed + Putrid Goblin + Free Sacrifice Outlet (e.g., Carrion Feeder) | Putrid Goblin enters, gets +1/+1 from Mikaeus. Sacrifice it, it returns with persist (-1/-1 counter). Mikaeus's undying triggers, returning it with a +1/+1 counter, removing the -1/-1 counter. Repeat for infinite death/ETB triggers. Add Diregraf Captain for damage or Altar of Dementia for mill. | Requires Mikaeus and a free sac outlet. Tutorable via Buried Alive. | Impact: High"},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Infinite Mana/Draw:"},{"insert":" Gravecrawler + Phyrexian Altar + Undead Augur + Another Zombie | Loop Gravecrawler as above, each death draws a card and loses 1 life via Undead Augur. Draws deck, can find win condition. | Requires Undead Augur on board. | Impact: High"},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Infinite Mill:"},{"insert":" Altar of Dementia + Mikaeus, the Unhallowed + Putrid Goblin| Use the Mikaeus/Putrid Goblin loop, sacrificing to Altar of Dementia each iteration, milling opponents equal to Putrid Goblin's power (2+). | Requires all four pieces. | Impact: High"},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Acererak, the Archlich + Rooftop Storm backup combo for heavy graveyard hate matches. Acererak, the Archlich is pretty much a dead card unless you already got Rooftop Storm or infinite mana, do not play around nor keep a hand with him unless you have to. "},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Backup secret combos with Relentless dead, Ashnod's Altar and Rothulk."},{"attributes":{"indent":1},"insert":"\n"}]}