He likes to +1 and basically Impulse for two cards instead of four
If you gain an amount of life "for each" of something or "equal to the number" of something, that life is gained as one event and Leyline of Hope's second ability applies only once
You get a ton of value up front and then they still absolutely have to answer the Archon
Old Gnawbone and Tiamat lead the brood, but Circle of Dreams Druid is an explosive mana dork, The Book of Exalted Deeds pumps out angels and can save you from imminent death, Teleportation Circle is a blink staple and then I get into other great cards like Lolth, Spider Queen, Xorn, Delina, Wild Mage, and Fighter Class, cards I run in a few decks each
Mardu also makes a great color identity for a number of creature types
COMMITMENT ISSUES Even with the set spoilers now available, its difficult to tell how important committing crimes will be outside of Thunder Junction Limited