This deck uses Vypper unironically, as a carryover play that baits opponent's removal, so that heavy-hitting threats Rience and Damien manage to stick.

I created this deck and climbed from 2400 to 2460 on pro ladder with it, getting a nice win streak. Top 64 player Crozyr played it on his stream, and won the majority of his matches. He remarked that it was fun and interesting to play.

The opportunity cost of running Vypper is that you need to run banish cards, to minimise the opponent's graveyard. Fortunately, Northern Wind (+ Madoc), Coated Weapons and Heatwave are all good cards. And even Xavier isn't a bad tech choice, given many powerful cards in the meta rely on the graveyard. Gorthur Gvaed also thins the graveyard by 1, while clogging.

The deck runs Alzur's Double Cross and Royal Decree to consistently play Vypper in round 1. Viper Adept is crucial proactivity for this deck (don't underestimate the little guy), and sometimes you even want to play him from Gorthur.

I find it strange that Rience got so much flak from the community, the card is incredibly powerful. He represents the deck's firepower, along with Snowdrop and Damien double leader. The deck thins naturally so that Rience can consistently thin out Rico.

In an earlier draft of this deck I ran Imperial Diviner with the hopes of double Vypper carryover. I found she was playing as a 4 or 5 point play in one too many matches, but she definitely is a consideration if you want to spruce up the deck.

This deck is high-skill level, especially knowing when to commit leader and whether to keep/mulligan Affan and Assassins round 1. If you want some tips for playing it, you can watch the vod of Crozyr playing it here: https://www.twitch.tv/crozyr/v/1119224497?sr=a

If you enjoy this deck please give it an upvote!