Savefishfromdro {"ops":[{"insert":"I’ve recently finished a "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/6096650/democracy_is_nonnegotiable"},"insert":"Kenrith, the Returned King deck"},{"insert":" built around a very specific theme: \"The Bored King.\" The goal is flavor over function—Kenrith sits on his throne (the command zone) and oversees a court of bickering nobles, using voting mechanics, bribes, and \"Council’s Dilemma\" cards to keep the table busy while he watches from the sidelines.\n\nThe Dilemma:\nWhile the deck has no infinite combos and relies on opponents' cooperation to win, the \"bones\" of the deck are quite strong. I’m running a good mana base because 5 colors and I want to play cards. I am also running high-tier utility like Land Tax and Tithe, and \"flavor-accurate\" but high-salt finishers like Expropriate and Tivit, Seller of Secrets.\n\nI designed this deck with flavor first (Bracket 1), but I know that seeing Kenrith + Tivit + Expropriate usually screams bracket 3+\n\nMy Question:\nHow do I have an honest Rule 0 conversation that reassures the table I’m playing a \"theme deck\" without downplaying the fact that the individual card quality is high?\n\nCurrently, I’m thinking of saying some version of: \n\n\"I’m playing a Kenrith Politics deck. It’s flavor-focused on voting and court drama. It has no infinite combos, but it does run some high-value staples to make the 5-color engine work. My win-cons are slow and usually involve the table making decisions. Is everyone okay with a few 'saltier' cards like Expropriate if they fit the political theme?\"\n\nI recognize most people will say no to this nonsense, but how would you react to this deck? Would \"No Infinites\" be enough to let the deck be played at a table with you?\n"}]}
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{"ops":[{"insert":"I don't know your decklist, but high value staples would bring you out of bracket 1 in my understanding. \nI recognize that you did heavily weigh in flavour in your decklist so it is definitely no bracket 4, but bracket 1 is described as flavour first and staple high value cards if abindant are the result of power level optimization.\nFrom what I heard, your deck falls in bracket 2 or 3, depending how optimized the list, but probably rather 2.\n\nAnyway, your description of the rule 0 plan you have sounds good, that will probably cover it well.\n"}]}
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{"ops":[{"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/6096650/democracy_is_nonnegotiable\n\nI don't know if they are high-value cards or high-salt cards. Sometimes those are very different categories. \n"}]}
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{"ops":[{"insert":"Politics and voting mechanics aren't explicitly covered by the bracket system. \nI would just tell people up front that it's a politics deck and you built it for maximum social engagement. You're looking for other players to participate in a game of schemes and deals. \nIf you want to take it a step further and solidify it in B1, I would try proposing some house rules for this deck. For example, passing control of Kenrith with The Monarch. \n"}]}
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{"ops":[{"insert":"I like the idea of tying Kenrith to the monarch. Would I still have to play him first and pay the command tax as he is removed? Or would he come out when I play a card that introduces the monarch mechanic? Should the first player to deal combat damage automatically become the monarch, and Kenrith shows up on their board? \n"}]}
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