C – core set M – Shadows of Mirkwood cycle M1 – Hunt for Gollum M2 – Conflict at the Carrock M3 – Journey to Rhosgobel M4 – Hills of Emyn Muil M5 – Dead Marshes M6 – Return to Mirkwood K – Khazad-dûm deluxe D – Dwarrodelf cycle D1 – Redhorn Gate D2 – Road to Rivendell D3 – Watcher in the Water D4 – Long Dark D5 – Foundations of Stone D6 – Shadow and Flame H – The Hobbit saga H1 – Over Hill and Under Hill H2 – On the Doorstep N – Heirs of Númenor deluxe S – Against the Shadow cycle S1 – Steward’s Fear S2 – Drúadan Forest S3 – Encounter
at Amon Dîn S4 – Assault on Osgiliath S5 – Blood of Gondor S6 – Morgul Vale L - The Lord of the Rings saga L1 - Black Riders L2 - The Road Darkens I - Voice of Isengard deluxe R - Ring-maker cycle
Leadership
Heroes: Boromir (N), Prince Imrahil (M3), Théodred (C) Deck: Squire of the Citadel (S5) x3 Errand-rider (N) x3 Pelargir Ship Captain (S6) x3 Envoy of Pelargir (N) x3 White Tower Watchman (S2) x3 Dúnedain Watcher (M5) x3 Faramir (C) x1 Citadel Custodian (N) x3 Gandalf (C) x3 Steward of Gondor (C) x3 Visionary Leadership (S6) x3 Tome of Atanatar (S5) x3 Wealth of Gondor (N) x3 A Very Good Tale (H1) x3 Sneak Attack (C) x3 Valiant Sacrifice (C) x3 For Gondor! (C) x2 Strength of Arms (S2) x2
This is probably as close to the pure Gondor mono-sphere deck as it is currently possible. Since Gondor hasn't received a third Leadership hero, Théodred of Rohan comes to her aid. The strength of the deck lies in allies, and their number. With such a great resource acceleration, and the overall low cost, and cards like A Very Good Tale, it is not rare to have between six to eight allies in play by round two. However, many of them might not stay long as they are often meant as fragile blockers, in their sacrifice allowing Prince Imrahil to strike back. He and Théodred quest just about every time, whilst Boromir plays a more versatile role. He may be questing if he needs Théodred's resource, attacking when necessary, but he is also the best hero defender of the three. Steward of Gondor, if not attached to a hero across the table, should go to Théodred so that he can gain the Gondor trait (and the willpower bonus thanks to Visionary Leadership). The attacking prowess are achieved via lord Boromir's ability or the additional For Gondor! event which can also boost Gondor's defences a little. Dúnedain Watcher and White Tower Watchman are there as safety, protecting from shadow effects or undefended attacks. Card draw is managed by the combination of Valiant Sacrifice (easily applicable, if not very efficient) and Gandalf's response. Choosing between the three Gandalf's abilities, card draw is often preferable since keeping the threat low is not as important for the deck and should only be elected in dire situations; just as the direct damage: Gondorians should be able to take care of enemies without it. Also, the more cards this deck has, the stronger it gets - it does apply for about every deck but here it is more pronounced by the wealth of resources.
1 Threat Management ** 2 Willpower Strength **** 3 Attack Strength**** 4 Defence Strength*** 5 Longevity, Healing and Safety ** 6 Resource Acceleration and Management ***** 7 Card Draw and Player Deck Management ** 8 Retrieval and Recycling ** 9 Scouting and Encounter Deck Management - 10 When Revealed Cancellation - 11 Shadow Cancellation ** 12 Location Control - 13 Staging Area Attack - 14 Enemy Attack Prevention - 15 Direct Damage ** 16 Action Advantage *** #17 Theme *****