Morgul Archers//Gondor Wraiths

[Calam]

This deck is almost identical to a real deck I have and have played with.  I find it functions fairly well, although it sometimes clogs if I'm trying to set up a massive archery swarm and am reluctant to let go of cards.  As a note, I've gotten out well over 25 archery with this deck in the past.

STARTING FELLOWSHIP:

    Frodo, Resolute Hobbit
    The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
2x Dead Man of Dunharrow

SITES:

Steps of Edoras
Kings Tent
Beacon of Minas Tirith
Pelennor Plain
Crashed Gate
Minas Tirith Third Circle
Osgiliath Channel
Morgulduin
Dagorlad

FP:

2x King of the Dead, Oathbreaker
1x Shadow Host
1x Oathbreaker
1x Sleepless Dead
1x Cursed of Erech
4x Aragorn, Driven By Need
4x Spectral Sword
2x Sting, Bane of the Eight Legs
2x Anduril, Flame of the West
2x Elessar's Edict
1x Dagger Strike
3x Swept Away
3x Stronger and More Terrible
2x Hearts Raised


SHADOW:

3x Gothmog, Morgul Commander
2x Ulaire Attea, Wraith on Wings
1x Ulaire Enquea, Thrall of the One
3x Ulaire Nertea, Black-Mantled Wraith
2x Morgul Ambusher
4x Morgul Creeper
4x Morgul Lurker
3x Morgul Squealer
3x Morgul Brute
4x Streaming to the Field
3x Black Marshal

Basic strategy is pretty straight-forward for both sides.  Obviously have the maximum number of copies of the important conditions for both FP and Shadow (Streaming to the Field, Stronger and More Terrible, Swept Away) because they always get discarded one way or another and I usually have to play at least 2 copies on the game to keep initiative.  The Gondor Wraiths get a bit risky having all the threats around, (one companion dies and the whole fellowship dies) especially if SaMT or SA get discarded, but that's why Aragorn DBN and Anduril FotW are in there.  This deck sometimes has a problem with Frodo being overwhelmed even if my wraiths are invincible so I added 2 dagger strikes and try to keep them in my hand for emergencies.

The shadow side gets tricky.  I like to be ultra-conservative until about site 5-6, usually by then I have enough morcs in the discard pile to use Morgul Squealer and start an archery swarm, however this doesn't always work and sometimes I have to keep a constant flow of 2-3 minions and 2-3 archery in order to prevent the fellowship from getting to big and running all the way to site 9.  Keeping the burdens on the RB so I can use Morgul Creeper is frustrating because this isn't really a burden-adding deck, especially against a healing/burden-removal fellowship, but I almost always have initiative anyway so the Lurkers overcome that.  I have yet to face a deck that can overcome a blast of 20 archery AND survive the skirmish phase after.

I usually bid a max of 2 because the sites aren't vital for this deck to function; the shadow side works great with just about any site-path in the King Block.

Open to suggestions/thoughts/improvements.

[Cw0rk]

I think you should consider using a card like Hearts Raised with your fellowship (I would add 2 of them, then you can remove 1 Stronger and more terrible and maybe 1 End of the game). Also, when I look at your fellowship I see some potential troubles if you draw King of the Dead or Shadow Host before another Wraith. The spotting requirements of Shadow Host are quite high and I suggest you add a 9th companion (Sleepless Dead or Dead man of Dunharrow) and you remove 1 copy of the host.

I cannot comment on your shadow as I never played Morc Archery before.

[ket_the_jet]

The Dimholt is a wasted site three. When are you ever going to be playing Wraiths and have the room to add three threats at site three (not considering the additional threats to play any Wraith anyways). You'd be much better off playing Beacon of Minas Tirith for healing or Hall of the Kings.

I prefer to start two copies of Dead Man of Dunharrow and run four copies of Aragorn, Driven By Need. Frodo, Weary From the Journey is not King-Block legal...maybe Frodo, Resolute Hobbit? Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms is your best bet with Wraiths anyways.

Dagger Strike is nice if you are running Frodo, but I think it is a wasted card. Personally, I think Wraiths are better built for Movie Block because Banner of Westernesse is such a good card for Wraiths).

I have you at 33 cards right now. If I were playing this deck, I would:
Add:
Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms (Ring-Bearer)
Aragorn, Driven By Need x3
Dead Man of Dunharrow x1 (start two)
Elessar's Edict x1
Hearts Raised x2

Remove:
Frodo, whatever copy you end up with
Sting, Bane of the Eight Legs x2
Dagger Strike x2
End of the Game x4

That would put you at 32 cards...seems just about right! On the Shadow side, you could probably live without two Morgul Whelps and run another Morgul Brute instead. Also, Morgul Destroyer would be a better idea than Ulaire Nertea, Black-Mantled Wraith. In fact, four Morgul Destroyers and four Morgul Brutes would probably do you a lot better than the Nazgul in general (Attea seems the only one that would be a great fit).

Hope this helps. If you do decide on Movie Block, Banner of Westernesse x4 instead of 4 Spectral Swords.
-wtk

[Cw0rk]

Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms is not RotK Block legal. If I'm not wrong, Reflections cards aren't allowed in RotK block.

[Calam]

Oops, Having Frodo WFtJ in there was a mistake; I meant to have Frodo, Resolute Hobbit.  Fixed it.  Also switched out The Dimholt for Beacon of Minas Tirith.

I don't want to use Isildur as my RB for two reasons; one, it's not movie-block legal, and two, in my experience, Isildur is too easily corrupted.

It might behoove me to add another Dead Man of Dunharrow and have them both start in my fellowship like you suggested, but I want to test this deck with just Aragorn in my fellowship first.  It's less stress on me if I have him right away to deal with that mountain of threats that inevitably piles up as soon as my wraiths come out.

Also, took out the two whelps and added in two more brutes.  I don't want to take away my Nazgul until I've play-tested this deck a bit and see which combo works best.

Updated the decklist.

EDIT:

Changed my mind.  Re-organized the fellowship based on the suggestions.

[ket_the_jet]

I don't want to use Isildur as my RB for two reasons; one, it's not movie-block legal, and two, in my experience, Isildur is too easily corrupted.

Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms and The Scroll of Isildur is 9 resistance. Move over to movie block and that necessary copy of Sam, Son of Hamfast makes it (in effect) 12 resistance. Sorry, when I recommended Isildur, it was under the stipulation that you moved to Movie Block...

The problem with Aragorn as your starting companion (with Frodo, that is) is the likelihood of a swarm wiping you out in turn two or three if you get no companions (or get King of the Dead or Shadow Host instead of the little guys).

In my opinion (already stated), two more copies of Morgul Ambusher and four copies of Morgul Destroyer would be a better call than the Nazgul. But playtest and let us know how it turns out!
-wtk

[ket_the_jet]

Plus, Dead Man of Dunharrow begins the game as a strength 10 companion. Two of those are hard to beat in the first turn, and Frodo can handle the two threats if one does die.
-wtk

[Calam]

Yep, I totally forgot about that before I made my last post, so I updated it.

I'm still keeping the Nazgul until I've tested them in-game.  Black Marshal is so handy for getting those last 1-2 minions out that I don't want to give it up.  Then again, those Nazgul are taking up spots in the deck that could be occupied by morcs...  Kinda glass half-full/glass half-empty.  I have to try them both and see what I like most.

I also removed an Enquea and added an Nertea because A) Nertea is cheaper and therefore easier to get out with Morgul Brute, and B) I always seem to have more luck adding burdens with Nertea than I do Enquea since Enquea can't be exerted during my shadow.

Two Morgul Brutes with Nertea, BMW means up to 3 burdens in one turn as long as Nertea survives the skirmish phase and I have initiative.

[ket_the_jet]

Enduring Nazgul are sweet in Movie Block with four copies of Bent on Discovery. But they are mostly made for Between Nazgul and Prey and are difficult to exert otherwise with Shadow cards do to the stipulations on Mount Doom enduring beasts.

I would still dump the three End of the Game for two Hearts Raised and one more Aragorn, Driven By Need.

And as long as you are sticking with Frodo as your Ring-Bearer, dump Dagger Strike and one Spectral Sword for two copies of The Tale of the Great Ring.
-wtk

[Cw0rk]

If you add Heart Raised, you can remove at least 1 Stronger and More Terrible as you will have enough threat removal. I think Frodo, Hope of the free peoples would be a before ring-bearer.    Nine-fingered Frodo and the Ring of Doom could also be another very effective threat removal... and even burden removal if you face corruption. If you only have 3 Aragorn, Driven by Need, remove 1 Anduril, Flame of the West or it could stay in your hand for many turns.

[ket_the_jet]

I don't think threat removal is a very serious issue with Wraiths anyways. Between Aragorn, Driven By Need and Stronger and More Terrible, you can generally keep threats to a minimum. But a copy of Hearts Raised never hurt.

Nine-Fingered Frodo and the Ring of Doom is a nice card for the burden-removal and emergency threat removal. Good call, c10ckw0rk.

It may just be a preference thing, but I don't like keeping my Wraiths exhausted in case big fierce minions come out, so I think that End of the Game is not really a very helpful card. But again, it is just a preference thing--what if someone you are playing has the same shadow as you? Or a Harsh Tongues or Mordor Fighter, etc? Swept Away doesn't help you if you don't have the initiative, so it is better to have a little leeway anyways!
-wtk

[Calam]

Updated.  Took out all but 1 Dagger Strike, added 1 more Aragorn and 2 Hearts Raised.  Shadow side is still the same.  Took out End of the Game as well.  That event has been a lifesaver in the past, so I hope removing them doesn't come back to haunt me.

I've yet to fully playtest this deck but I've made some tests in regards to drawing cards (i.e. the types of hands I get) and they're coming out very good almost every time.

[ket_the_jet]

You took out one End of the Game. If that is the reason you lose, I will send you 100000 copies of End of the Game so it will never happen again.
-wtk

[Calam]

That was a mistake.  I forgot to delete it from the list.  It's gone now.

[Kralik]

It may just be a preference thing, but I don't like keeping my Wraiths exhausted in case big fierce minions come out, so I think that End of the Game is not really a very helpful card.

Works pretty well with Sleepless Dead... str. 13 and you can discard the minion if you win.

[ket_the_jet]

Works pretty well with Sleepless Dead... str. 13 and you can discard the minion if you win.

Fair enough. I know it isn't King-Block, but Banner of Westernesse does the same thing in a different way.
-wtk

[Kralik]

Fair enough. I know it isn't King-Block, but Banner of Westernesse does the same thing in a different way.
-wtk

Actually, not really. You may heal another companion... and you don't get the strength boost.

[ket_the_jet]

Fair enough. I know it isn't King-Block, but Banner of Westernesse does the same thing in a different way.
-wtk

Actually, not really. You may heal another companion... and you don't get the strength boost.

Sorry, I meant it like, "Give King of the Dead" a Banner of Westernesse and he can heal another companion. I should have explained it better...I don't know. End of the Game has its nice points, but I wouldn't pack so many because I wouldn't count on exhausted wraiths surviving. Add a bunch of threats, gain the initiative (as the Shadow player), discard Swept Away...there are many ways to beat Wraiths.
-wtk

[Kralik]

But you're still missing the point that Sleepless Dead is str 13 with End of the Game and discards the minion. King of the Dead + Banner gives you a 9 Sleepless Dead.

Anyway -- I'm not purporting that wraiths MUST be completely exhausted. It's your choice with them as much as it is with other companions. Just comes in handy at times if you know you can swing it.

[daisukeman]

Since it's all about wraiths, someone tell me what's the fuss about shadow host.
...
IMHO, that's not a really good companion.
I prefer 1000 times Cursed of Erech, and in my wraith deck I ended up fitting Elrond, Elven Lord so he can heal Aragorn (anduril) or Frodo (phlial of galadriel). Frodo is exerted by nfFatRoD
Also, I'd rather use Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples.

[Alazzar]

Since it's all about wraiths, someone tell me what's the fuss about shadow host.
...
IMHO, that's not a really good companion.
I prefer 1000 times Cursed of Erech, and in my wraith deck I ended up fitting Elrond, Elven Lord so he can heal Aragorn (anduril) or Frodo (phlial of galadriel). Frodo is exerted by nfFatRoD
Also, I'd rather use Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples.

Shadow Host is great in a Wraith Deck -- Strength 13, Defender +1!  In my experience with wraiths (which is admittedly limited), you have to devote so many cards to the Wraith portion of your deck that you don't have a whole lot of room to support your Ring-bearer.  That Defender +1 ends up being clutch against swarm, especially since Wraiths aren't really known for their condition removal (and some swarms are very condition-dependent).

And it's not like you have to choose between Cursed of Erech and Shadow Host... they're both unique, so just play both of 'em.  =P

As far as the deck itself goes, I play kind of a weird version of Wraiths.  The way I figure it, as long as you can keep initiative and keep a Swept Away on the table, your Wraiths are virtually unkillable (outside of a wounding deck... more on that later).  However, durable though they may be, they're not necessarily all that great at killing things themselves (outside of a possible Sleepless Dead exertion).  They lack damage bonuses for the most part.

So I start a Cursed of Erech and Pippin, Wearer of Black and Silver.  I play something like 2-3 copies of Shadowplay.  This way, I can exert Pippin to exert minions as they come into play, then pop him back into my hand for a full heal and let my Wraiths finish off the exhausted minions for a double-move.  It's also nice having Pippin just as an option to absorb archery fire if you go against a wounding deck.

*****

NOTE:  I just realized that this was the King Block forum, not movie block.  Sooo... everything below this point doesn't really apply here, but I figured I'd leave it anyway, just in case anyone's lookin' into a Movie Block version of a Wraith deck.  =P

*****

Another idea (which I haven't actually tried out yet, but have always considered) is playing 2-3 Shards of Narsil and 4 copies of Still Sharp.  Still Sharp not only gives you a hefty +3 strength boost, but the much-needed damage boost as well.  Shards of Narsil allows you to stack extra copies of conditions that you aren't using, like every Swept Away beyond the first.  That way, you don't have to let it sit there and take up a spot in your hand, knowing that you've got to hold onto it in case the one you have in play gets discarded.  You can just throw it on your Shards and keep on cyclin', then bring it back when you need it.

Additionally, if you don't want to go above 5 companions (for fear of someone dropping some condition removal and an Enquea in the same turn), you could place every Wraith beyond 5 on the Shards and just pull them into hand when you need 'em.

Once again, I haven't actually tested the Shard thing, so I don't know if it works or not.  Just an idea.  =P

[ket_the_jet]

Shards of Narsil...great idea!
Some other notes on Wraiths:
-because they are , they don't have condition removal. Maybe running them with Gandalf (and Citadel to Gate as opposed to Aragorn, Driven By Need).
-Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms is a really easy way to pump your Wraiths.
-Banner of Westernesse will keep you healed up!

That's all.
-wtk

[Imrahil]

I like the minion side, although I don't see how adding 4 Morgul Destroyer in the place of Nazgul will help you.  I believe they require a nazgul to spot for their effect, and if you eliminate the nazgul... well, it seems counterproductive.

As for the freeps, The Old Took once tried using Foes of Morder in a wraith deck to quickly exhaust all his wraiths.  While I'm not sure if it was technically legal considering there weren't any Sauron minions to exert, it couples with Might of Numenor to allow the freep player total wound management control.

[ket_the_jet]

As for the freeps, The Old Took once tried using Foes of Morder in a wraith deck to quickly exhaust all his wraiths.  While I'm not sure if it was technically legal considering there weren't any Sauron minions to exert, it couples with Might of Numenor to allow the freep player total wound management control.

My brother uses Foes of Mordor in his Wraith deck. It is legal. Pay the cost for no effect.
-wtk

[Imrahil]

ooh, I think you just opened Pandora's Box my friend.  There is too much abuse possible.

[ket_the_jet]

ooh, I think you just opened Pandora's Box my friend.  There is too much abuse possible.

Not in King Block! And Pandora's Box was opened long ago on that. It's a neat little trick.
-wtk

[Sam, Great Elf Warrior]

As for the freeps, The Old Took once tried using Foes of Morder in a wraith deck to quickly exhaust all his wraiths.  While I'm not sure if it was technically legal considering there weren't any Sauron minions to exert, it couples with Might of Numenor to allow the freep player total wound management control.

My brother uses Foes of Mordor in his Wraith deck. It is legal. Pay the cost for no effect.
-wtk

Yeah, I do the same thing, so I can ditch the Dead Man of Dunharrow and Cursed of Erech for Oathbreaker and Sleepless Dead. The key to playing wraiths is knowing when to exhaust your wraiths and win the skirmish, and when to just lose the skirmish and take the wound, and the easiest way to lose the game is by trying to get your wraiths exhausted too quickly.

Also, if you do movie block, you might want to throw in The Shards of Narsil to save backup copies of Swept Away/SaMT, a premature King of the Dead, or save Elessar's Edict for when you're weak or think a big attack is coming.

[Mythdracon]

How would having Bearer of Heirlooms boost the Wraiths? They aren't knights. O_o

Also, how would you ensure Wraiths win skirmishes? It seems that if they lose, without End of the Game helping, they'll die and kill everyone. Wraiths seem fun, but incredibly risky, even in Movie block or King block alone. :S

[legolas3333]

as long as you have swept away, you don't need to worry about losing,
BoH exerts three companions to skirmish, you can exert three wraiths

[MR. Lurtzy]

BoH isn't King Block legal.

[Sam, Great Elf Warrior]

as long as you have swept away, you don't need to worry about losing,

Yeah, the whole point of wraiths is threat management so you can keep Swept Away in play. Condition discard is indeed a problem, and I try to avoid having all of my wraiths exhausted for that reason (it's a balance how many wounds you want to have).

[CrdTrd]

Wouldn't it be better to start with two of Oathbreaker rather then the two Dead Man of Dunharrow ?  Since you want your Wraiths to be exhausted (atleast once you get out Swept Away) having the two Dead Man of Dunharrow ‘s come in later will benefit you much more.  Plus Oathbreaker ‘s skirmish text can be used right away if necessary

I believe daisukeman said he would start with Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples and I agree.  Getting those threats down to help Aragorn out really helps.  Since all the Wraiths you play add a threat having another way to get rid of them is nice.

i would remove one of the Dead Man of Dunharrow (remove the other from starting fellow), add one Oathbreaker (make this starter with other Oathbreaker), and swap Frodos.

Fun deck.  I always enjoy playing with the enduring dead peeps (wow, that didn't sound right !).