Elven Deck of Death

by Chuck Kallenbach II
TCG Studio Designer

Starting companions are Arwen (she gets an Elven Bow and she's a ranger) and Legolas. Obviously, this deck is about archery fire. You'll find that the special abilities of Legolas, Greenleaf and Aragorn's Bow will kill off the deadliest minions you face. A volley of arrows from supporting Elven Bows often finish the rest.

The same goes for the Goblin archers. In fact, many times just playing them for an archery shot is all they're good for. However, enough archery wounds and your opponent will have to stop at a sanctuary, slowing him down.

There's also a trap at site 8, which prevents your opponent from moving again if you can play 5 Orcs. Put cheap Runners beneath your deck with Sneaks, and then play them at Nen Hithoel with your Underdeeps. If you're at site 7 at this point, you can move two sites for the win.

The deck has a lot of rares, but here's some suggested substitutions. Remember, you don't have to build a deck exactly like this one. You should tailor the deck to fight the decks you face in local games.

For characters like Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas, there are uncommon versions of each. Arwen is a special case, and she's hard to replace. Another strong companion like Gimli or Gandalf is pretty good. Maybe we'll get some new Elf companions in the Realms of the Elf-lords expansion.

The rare possessions (Blade of Gondor, Gwemegil, Aragorn's Bow) can be replaced with Elven Cloaks, if minion archers are a problem. The White Arrows of Lorien can sub for Double Shots. Another possibility is working in some Swan-ship of the Galadhrim events to let your allies fight more often.

Elrond, Celeborn, and Galadriel are valuable allies indeed, and it's difficult to replace their healing and card-drawing abilities. Possibilities include a few Athelas cards to be used by Aragorn and Boromir, or maybe some Mallorn-trees.

On the Shadow side, you can replace the Moria Axes with Goblin Scimitars (helps you draw cards too). Replace the Underdeeps with Pinned Down or They Are Coming. The Goblin Archers will be sorely missed, but you can sub in some Goblin Wallcrawlers or Scavengers.

Ring-bearer
    Frodo, Son of Drogo
    The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

Adventure Deck
    [1] The Prancing Pony
    [2] Ettenmoors
    [3] Rivendell Valley
    [4] Moria Lake
    [5] The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
    [6] Lothlórien Woods
    [7] Silverlode Banks
    [8] Shores of Nen Hithoel
    [9] Emyn Muil

Free Peoples
    Aragorn, Ranger of the North
    Aragorn's Bow
    Arwen, Daughter of Elrond
    Blade of Gondor
    Boromir, Lord of Gondor
    Celeborn, Lord of Lórien
    Elrond, Lord of Rivendell
    Elven Bow x4
    Double Shot x4
    Galadriel, Lady of Light
    Gwemegil
    Haldir, Elf of the Golden Wood
    Legolas, Greenleaf
    Lórien Elf x4
    Orophin, Lórien Bowman
    Ranger's Sword
    Rúmil, Elven Protector
    Silinde, Elf of Mirkwood
    Uruviel, Maid of Lórien
    What Are They? x2

Shadow
    Goblin Archer x4
    Goblin Marksman x4
    Goblin Patrol Troop x4
    Goblin Runner x4
    Goblin Sneak x4
    Moria Axe x4
    Moria Scout x4
    The Underdeeps of Moria x2