Whenever Totentanz or another nontoken creature you control dies, create a 1/1 black Rat creature token with "This token can't block."
: Target attacking Rat you control gains deathtouch until end of turn.
Totentanz turns every nontoken creature death into a Rat token, then weaponizes the swarm by handing out deathtouch so attackers trade up or force chump blocks. You build a wide board through sacrifice, aristocrats payoffs, and the rat tribal package, then close with mass damage or a single overwhelming alpha strike. Each turn you sacrifice fodder for value, refill with Rats, and grind opponents out.
Free, repeatable token generation that fuels sacrifice and go-wide strategies
Built-in deathtouch makes even a 1/1 Rat a credible threat and removal magnet
Deep BR aristocrats and rat tribal synergies are cheap and accessible
Resilient board state that punishes board wipes by replacing dead creatures
Tokens (and the Rats it makes) don't trigger the death ability, capping explosiveness
Slow without a sacrifice outlet or anthem; raw Rats are fragile 1/1s that can't block
Repeatable free sac outlet that pings opponents while churning out Rats.
Add a sacrifice loop like Ashnod's Altar plus Pitiless Plunderer and a recurring creature (Gravecrawler, Reassembling Skeleton) for engine consistency, and lean into aristocrats drains so you don't rely solely on combat. Tighten the mana base with fast rocks (Arcane Signet, talismans) and tutors like Diabolic Intent that double as sac fodder, then add free outlets such as Viscera Seer and Carrion Feeder. For top-end, Pitiless/Mahadi Treasure generation enables explosive deathtouch-fueled finishes and protects against board wipes.
Legendary Creature — Human Warlock Bard
