I'm trying to build a fun, casual Reanimator deck using Kess, Dissident Mage, but I'm having a little trouble: Moxfield Decklist
Basically the deck is pretty inconsistent and susceptible and also not very interactive. Meaning I might be lucky and reanimate a big threat turn 3-4, but it's a single threat that can be easily dealt with. And because it is a big threat, it usually is the immediate focus. While others build their board, I filter cards until I can reanimate another big threat, leaving my board pretty empty. This could be compensated with interactions, but because the deck needs enough big threats, filter/loot cards and reanimate spells, there is little space.
I run a couple of tutors to help with the consistency, but they are kind of inappropriate for the power level of the deck. So sometimes I replace them with less good draws/threats/reanimates.
I feel like my only course is to play even more impactful threats, which are expensive to get, but also increase the power level inconsistency, while making me the target, because there could be something very bad incoming at any time.
So, is there a way to keep this a casual deck, but also make it more consistent and interactive? Maybe focusing a little more on spellslinging?
Edit: In the end I came to turns with the fact that a reanimator strategy alone does not work in a 4-player game (except maybe with much stronger targets). So I build the deck a little more into the spellslinger direction, cut the Demonic Tutor and accepted that it will be a power level 6 like my other decks.
I think your problem is 2 fold. Kess is not the best reanimator commander, and all the creatures you are reanimating don't seem to have any built in protection or immediately make an impact on the board. When you cheat creatures out you need to expect they will be targeted immediately. So you either need to get value then, have a way to protect them, or they have built in protection. If you're reanimating and expecting your creature to be there after 3 other plays take their turn you're doing it wrong.
I like Kess for her colors and the ability to recast the reanimator spells from the graveyard, but you're right she has no builtin reanimation and she has the same weakness as the reanimator strategy, which is graveyard hate. Still I think I want to keep her as the commander.
Among my creatures I have some with immediate impact: Sphinx of Uthuun,Kederekt Leviathan, Sphinx of the Second Sun and arguably Brainstealer Dragon.
I could add Diluvian Primordial and Sepulchral Primordial though they're only impactful later in the game. I was also thinking about Triplicate Titan and Ancient Stone Idol, because they are harder to remove. Also on the list is Nezahal, Primal Tide or Inkwell Leviathan.
Any other suggestions?
The primordials arent bad. Take a look at these lists. I am not saying copy the deck, but it should give a better idea of the kind of creatures I am talking about.
https://edhrec.com/average-decks/sauron-lord-of-the-rings/reanimate
https://edhrec.com/commanders/sedris-the-traitor-king/reanimate