Rootha's Riptide Prowess

A budget Izzet spellslinger deck led by Rootha, Mercurial Artist, using cheap interaction and cantrips to pump Prowess creatures, generate tokens, and copy spells for burst damage.

Rootha copies an instant or sorcery each turn, and cheap draw spells like Consider and Anticipate trigger Prowess creatures and token makers twice. Young Pyromancer, Third Path Iconoclast, and Goblin Wizardry create attackers whenever you cast spells, while Guttersnipe, Kessig Flamebreather, and Electrostatic Field turn casts into damage. Copy spells with Dual Strike and Doublecast, protect a large Enigma Drake or Crackling Drake with Dive Down, and use Lava Coil and Blazing Volley to clear blockers.

Keep two or three lands, one early Prowess threat or token maker, and at least two cheap spells. Mulligan slow hands with no turn-one/turn-two play, and avoid hands with only expensive spells or all one type of land.

Early: play a Prowess creature, pinger, or Rootha and chain cheap spells to grow your board. Mid: copy spells with Rootha and Dual Strike, holding up counters and removal to protect your attackers. Late: amass tokens and ping the opponent while using Enigma Drake or Crackling Drake as a flying finisher; finish with copied burn or a big Prowess swing.

This budget version has no rare or mythic payoffs, so it loses burst power to optimized decks. It is vulnerable to sweepers and cheap removal, and can run out of gas if Rootha is answered. Cards like Mystic Sanctuary and Thriving lands need careful sequencing to avoid color issues.