Deck of the Day #1:
"You mean youĂre actually using the Gandalf Signet???"

by Matthew Clemans (mattclemans@insightbb.com)

Typically, when people think of Elf ally decks, they think of the site six allies and their tricks such as directed archery and the Mirror of Galadriel. In Realms of the Elf-lords, several new site three elf allies open up some new strategic options for players. Since many of these allies are not rare, and a few even reside in the Legolas Starter Deck, a good ally-based deck can be built by almost any player!

The fellowship in this deck takes advantage of the new home site 3 allies in Realms of the Elf-lords to weaken your opponentĂs minions and otherwise disrupt their game in order to get ahead on the Adventure Path. With all the site 3 Elves, Arwen, Lady Undomiel is a natural choice. With a Defiance and armed with Asfaloth, she can take on any minion in the game! Legolas gives you some strategic options as well, defending against Nazg&uirc;l and providing that one point of archery which can be crucial sometimes. Gandalf is also a central companion in the deck. Since every other companion has the Gandalf Signet, you can use Trust Me As You Once Did to pump up your companions. When he has Narya and GandalfĂs Staff, Gandalf can lend a great deal of strength to another companion. He also makes use of the powerful spells – Intimidate and Strength of Spirit to keep wound tokens off of your companions. When you run into a lot of minions, another spell – Wielder of the Flame can get you out of a tight spot.

The Shadow half of this deck uses Burdens and big minions to beat on the fellowship. Gleaming in the Snow adds burdens if you have orcs able to exert in the Regroup phase and your opponent has a Gondor Companion. With the high vitality of the orcs in the deck, you shouldnĂt have a problem. Desperate Defense of the Ring and Thin and Stretched both add burdens as well. One trick is to put one of each on Frodo, then if he skirmishes he usually adds a burden and if he doesnĂt skirmish he must add a burden! When combined with Enduring Evil, this leads to easily overwhelmed companions. The Vile Blades and the Orc Swordsmen will ensure that you have the extra strength you need and the Orc Pillagers will ensure that your opponentĂs companions donĂt have the strength that they need.

Here is a beginner's version of the deck:

Ring-bearer
    Frodo, Old BilboĂs Heir
    The One Ring, The Ruling Ring

Adventure Deck
    [1] Westfarthing
    [2] Breeland Forest
    [3] Rivendell Valley
    [4] Eregion Hills
    [5] The Bridge of Khazad-dum
    [6] Caras Galadhon
    [7] Anduin Wilderland
    [8] Shores of Nen Hithoel
    [9] Summit of Amon Hen

Free Peoples (31)
    Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood (Starting)
    Arwen, Lady Undomiel (Starting)
    Gandalf, The Grey Pilgrim x3
    Silinde, Elf of Mirkwood
    Elrond, Lord of Rivendell
    Galdor, Councilor From the West
    Golradir, Councilor of Imladris
    Saelbeth, Elven Councilor
    Asfaloth
    GandalfĂs Staff
    Narya
    Trust Me as You Once Did x2
    Border Defenses x3
    Defiance x3
    Mysterious Wizard x2
    Hobbit Stealth x2
    Strength of Spirit x2
    Intimidate x2
    Wielder of the Flame x2

Shadow (31)
    Orc Swordsman x3
    Orc Pillager x4
    Orc Inquisitor x4
    Orc Veteran x2
    Orc Scout x4
    Vile Blade x3
    Desperate Defense of the Ring x3
    Thin and Stretched x2
    Gleaming in the Snow x4
    Enduring Evil x2

Stop back on Monday when we expand on this deck to a truly competitive level!

June 21, 2002