Slings and Arrows

byJames Kight

This is another non-rare deck, and is also meant for beginners, but instead of complete combat, this deck tries to help beginners get the feel for archers and archery actions. I'll go into what the deck is intended to do, and some possible tradeouts at the end.

The sites are pretty simple. Westfarthing can help you get your allies out quickly, Trollshaw Forest can give you card draws when you play your Bows and Cloaks, and the Rivendell Valley was made for your elves. The Mithril Mine should benefit your orcs, The Bridge goes in every deck, and Galadriel's Glade was also made for your elves. The Anduin Confluence can be dangerous for your allies, but honestly, the other two site 7 options aren't much better either. Your choice. The Shores of Nen Hithoel work great with Orcs in addition to having a huge shadow number, and finally, Emun Muil can help your swarming orcs, although sometimes, the Summit of Amon Hen can help you draw even more orcs.

The whole purpose of the Fellowship portion of this deck is archery, and card draw. Start with Legolas and Haldir, and play a bow on Haldir as soon as you can. When you draw them, play your Lórien Elves at site 3 if possible. Get Bows on them too. Get your allies out when you can, and begin your march to site 9. There is a decent mix of site 3 and site 6 allies, and each can fight on their home soil. On all other sites, use Orophin's and Rumil's special ability to wound orcs and Uruk-hai directly. Silinde should allow you to continue to draw cards when you can spot the Rivendell Valley, and Uruviel can let you peek at your opponent's hand (then again, you might even have some luck with Lothlórien Woods). Everything else should be self-explanatory.

The minion side of this deck plays itself. Really. Play 'em as you get 'em. Keep the swarm going with Scavengers/Scimitars, and shoot your opponents with Marksmen. The rest of this side of the deck is straightfoward.

Once you understand elves and archery, seriously consider Elrond, Galadriel, Arwen, Gwemegil, Asfaloth, The Mirror of Galadriel, Double Shot, Celeborn, Swan-ship of the Galadhrim, and The Tale of Gil-Galad. All of these in some fashion or another will enhance this deck tremendously. As for your minions, try a nice Cave Troll, Cave Troll's Hammer, Ancient Chieftan, Goblin Archer, Goblin Armory, Troll's Keyward, Pinned Down, and even Bitter Hatred. You can go a number of directions with the minions.

Good luck!

Ring-bearer
    Frodo, Son of Drogo
    The One Ring, The Ruling Ring

Adventure Deck
    [1] Westfarthing
    [2]Trollshaw Forest
    [3] Rivendell Valley
    [4] Mithril Mine
    [5] The Bridge of Khazad-Dum
    [6] Galadriel's Glade
    [7] Anduin Confluence
    [8] Shores of Nen Hithoel
    [9] Emyn Muil

Free Peoples
    Border Defenses x 4
    Defiance x 4
    Elven Bow x 4
    Elven Cloak x 2
    Far-Seeing Eyes x 2
    Haldir, Elf of the Golden Wood
    Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood
    Lorien Elf x 4
    Mallorn-Trees
    Orophin, Lorien Bowman
    Rumil, Elven Protector
    The Seen and the Unseen x 2
    Silinde, Elf of Mirkwood
    Swan-Ship of the Galadhrim x 2
    Uriviel, Maid of Lorien
    The White Arrows of Lorien x 3

Shadow
    Drums in the Deep x 4
    Goblin Marksman x 3
    Goblin Patrol Group x 2
    Goblin Runner x 4
    Goblin Scavengers x 3
    Goblin Scimitar x 3
    Goblin Spear x 2
    Goblin Wallcrawler x 2
    Goblin Warrior x 2
    Host of Thousands x 4
    They Are Coming x 2
    Unfamiliar Territory x 3