You use your artifacts to build advantages, create flying creatures, and pressure your opponents with a growing Thopter army
Cemetary Reaper makes his own zombies, Risen Executioner is a resilient threat, and Diregraf Captain has deathtouch, which at least makes it a good blocker, unlike other lords
Its easy to see why a colorless equipment cycle that showcases the contrasts and synergies between different colors while affording any color to access unique and powerful abilities is so beloved by players of all stripes
Poison is a specific mechanic that only comes up once in a while, so dont worry about memorizing the 10 poison rule right now
The clearest analogs are Shock and Sudden Shock, which are both red instants that deal two damage to any target, but Sudden Shock has a mana cost one generic higher and the second split ability