Lands of Shadow - How Insightful. (12/18)

[menace64]

I've been detached from the forums lately; the overwhelming majority of my creative energies focused on my book and little else. I owe EL a HUGE apology for not voting in the contest in a timely manner, but it just wasn't on my mind. Sorry, mate.

Anywho. I was in the middle of working on the new Wraith subculture when I got derailed. For now I'm going to let that simmer (since it needs some work) and we'll skip into another theme for the set.

We're going to venture into the realm of Mordor - the real Lands of Shadow.

And, to begin this segment of spoilers, we must obviously work on the Ring-bearer himself.

•Frodo, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 10
Ring-bearer. Ring-bound.
While in region 1, Frodo is resistance +2.
While in region 2, Frodo is strength +1 for each other Ring-bound companion (limit +4).
While in region 3, Frodo may not wear The One Ring.
"‘I don't like anything here at all,' said Frodo, ‘step or stone, breath or bone. Earth, air and water all seem accursed. But so our path is laid.'"
M1C99

Yup, yup. As you'll see in the next two cards, regions matter a lot for this cycle of cards. I wanted to create a Frodo that would be much stronger than other Frodos, but ultimately paid the price by becoming very weak. In this persona of Frodo, you sacrifice the ability to wear the Ring to make region 1 and 2 easier to get through.

Plus, it's really flavorful!

•Sam, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 9
Ring-bound.
While Sam bears The One Ring, he is resistance -4.
While in region 1 or region 2, if Frodo is the Ring-bearer, Sam is strength +1 for each burden.
Response: If in region 3 and the Ring-bearer dies, make Sam the Ring-bearer.
"…he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command."
M1C103

This Sam has his share of flavor as well. But he is also bound to region-specific abilities; as you can see, he can only become the Ring-bearer after you've passed into Mordor. But, until then, he shoulders the weight of Frodo's burden, becoming stronger to protect his master as the Ring grows more powerful.

And, of course, the third card tonight must be Smeagol.

•Sméagol, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 5
Ring-bound. To play, add a burden.
While in region 2, minions skirmishing Ring-bound companions are strength -1 for each Ring-bound companion (limit -4).
While in region 3, at the end of each fellowship phase, each Shadow player may take a Shadow card into hand from his or her discard pile.
"‘It's not good worrying about him now,' said Frodo. ‘We couldn't have got so far, not even within sight of the pass, without him, and so we'll have to put up with his ways. If he's false, he's false.'"
M1U16

Smeagol doesn't do anything in region 1 because he wasn't actually part of the fellowship at that point. But once he joins you, he instantly becomes a great gain and a great threat. His region 2 text is a boon to any Ring-bound fellowship. His mere presence will buy you a lot of won skirmishes in the right setup. But once you pass into the realm of Mordor, whatever oath Smeagol took before is lost to him and he seeks only to reclaim his Ring - at any cost. So if you can't kill him before then, the Shadow will gain an advantage.

[Elf_Lvr]

I've been detached from the forums lately; the overwhelming majority of my creative energies focused on my book and little else. I owe EL a HUGE apology for not voting in the contest in a timely manner, but it just wasn't on my mind. Sorry, mate.

No worries, man.

•Frodo, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 10
Ring-bearer. Ring-bound.
While in region 1, Frodo is resistance +2.
While in region 2, Frodo is strength +1 for each other Ring-bound companion.
While in region 3, Frodo may not wear The One Ring.
"‘I don't like anything here at all,' said Frodo, ‘step or stone, breath or bone. Earth, air and water all seem accursed. But so our path is laid.'"
M1C99

Yikes. It'd take a lot of playtesting to figure out, but it could work in certain decks. An interesting solution would be to kill off Frodo in region 3 and give the Ring to Sam...

•Sam, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 9
Ring-bound.
While Sam bears The One Ring, he is resistance -4.
If Frodo is the Ring-bearer, for each burden you spot, Sam is strength +1.
Response: If in region 3 and the Ring-bearer dies, make Sam the Ring-bearer.
"…he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command."
M1C103

Depending on the Frodo, this guy could get huge. Load up burdens in regions 1 and 2 (Birthday Present, perhaps?) then dump them all when Frodo dies in region 3 and take the Ring... It might get a bit OP.

•Sméagol, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 5
Ring-bound. To play, add a burden.
While in region 2, minions skirmishing Ring-bound companions are strength -1 for each Ring-bound companion.
While in region 3, at the end of each fellowship phase, each Shadow player may take a Shadow card into hand from his or her discard pile.
"‘It's not good worrying about him now,' said Frodo. ‘We couldn't have got so far, not even within sight of the pass, without him, and so we'll have to put up with his ways. If he's false, he's false.'"
M1U16

Seems like a progressive solo-Sam strategy. I think the region 2 ability might be OP, since this guy could be sued with Ring-Bound Rangers for some major path control, not to mention making every minion strength -9 or so. Some sort of limit is required.

[Gate Troll]

•Frodo, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 10
Ring-bearer. Ring-bound.
While in region 1, Frodo is resistance +2.
While in region 2, Frodo is strength +1 for each other Ring-bound companion.
While in region 3, Frodo may not wear The One Ring.
"‘I don't like anything here at all,' said Frodo, ‘step or stone, breath or bone. Earth, air and water all seem accursed. But so our path is laid.'"
M1C99

Neat, but he could still get too big at region 2. Perhaps you should give it a limit of +4.

•Sam, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 9
Ring-bound.
While Sam bears The One Ring, he is resistance -4.
If Frodo is the Ring-bearer, for each burden you spot, Sam is strength +1.
Response: If in region 3 and the Ring-bearer dies, make Sam the Ring-bearer.
"…he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command."
M1C103

Lol, I just realized this Sam is like some kind of burden parasite. Seems okay.

•Sméagol, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 5
Ring-bound. To play, add a burden.
While in region 2, minions skirmishing Ring-bound companions are strength -1 for each Ring-bound companion.
While in region 3, at the end of each fellowship phase, each Shadow player may take a Shadow card into hand from his or her discard pile.
"‘It's not good worrying about him now,' said Frodo. ‘We couldn't have got so far, not even within sight of the pass, without him, and so we'll have to put up with his ways. If he's false, he's false.'"
M1U16

It looks good, though the region two ability should probably have a limit, say strength -4.

[sickofpalantirs]

I've been detached from the forums lately; the overwhelming majority of my creative energies focused on my book and little else. I owe EL a HUGE apology for not voting in the contest in a timely manner, but it just wasn't on my mind. Sorry, mate.

Anywho. I was in the middle of working on the new Wraith subculture when I got derailed. For now I'm going to let that simmer (since it needs some work) and we'll skip into another theme for the set.

We're going to venture into the realm of Mordor - the real Lands of Shadow.

And, to begin this segment of spoilers, we must obviously work on the Ring-bearer himself.

•Frodo, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 10
Ring-bearer. Ring-bound.
While in region 1, Frodo is resistance +2.
While in region 2, Frodo is strength +1 for each other Ring-bound companion.
While in region 3, Frodo may not wear The One Ring.
"‘I don't like anything here at all,' said Frodo, ‘step or stone, breath or bone. Earth, air and water all seem accursed. But so our path is laid.'"
M1C99
fine.

•Sam, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 9
Ring-bound.
While Sam bears The One Ring, he is resistance -4.
If Frodo is the Ring-bearer, for each burden you spot, Sam is strength +1.
Response: If in region 3 and the Ring-bearer dies, make Sam the Ring-bearer.
"…he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command."
M1C103
lets see resolute hobbit, with the ring of rings, and salt from the shire...and 4 strange meeting, and a follower....good gravy!
kewl

•Sméagol, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 5
Ring-bound. To play, add a burden.
While in region 2, minions skirmishing Ring-bound companions are strength -1 for each Ring-bound companion.
While in region 3, at the end of each fellowship phase, each Shadow player may take a Shadow card into hand from his or her discard pile.
"‘It's not good worrying about him now,' said Frodo. ‘We couldn't have got so far, not even within sight of the pass, without him, and so we'll have to put up with his ways. If he's false, he's false.'"
M1U16

hmm...I think the benefits outway the risks. though he can only work for 2 turns...all the same, good card.

[menace64]

I planned on putting some caps on their abilities, but wanted to see how much limiting you guys thought they needed. That being said, they've all been tweaked, and I put an additional requirement on Sam's strength boosting (I didn't cap it, but it now only works in region 1 or 2).

Before I get into the really cool, flashy aspects of and , I'd like to show a little more of this region theme.

•Frodo's Test
Condition
Bearer must be Frodo (if he is the Ring-bearer).
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or 3, add a burden.
Each time the fellowship moves from a site in region 2 or 3, remove 2 burdens.
"And sometimes his right hand would creep to his breast, clutching, and then slowly, as the will recovered mastery, it would be withdrawn."
M1U100

I think this may need to be changed a little bit, but we'll see. Every turn you get another burden - which can certainly hurt you during that turn - but if you evade corruption and move ahead, you'll get 2 peeled off. My beef with this card right now is that it doesn't represent the 'increasing doom' feeling of moving closer to Mordor, so I'll give you an alternate block of text:

Bearer must be Frodo (if he is the Ring-bearer).
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or 3, add 2 burdens.
Each time the fellowship moves from a site in region 2 or 3, heal Frodo and remove a burden.

With this card, you'll end every turn with 1 more burden, but you get the heal. It better-represents the theme of the card, but I'll let you choose which one is 'better.'

NOW for some flashy cards! These two are just, well...

•Sting, Blade of the Chosen
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be Frodo.
At the start of each skirmish involving Frodo, you may exert Sam to make Frodo strength +2.
Maneuver: If Frodo has resistance 7 or more, exert him twice to discard a support area possession.
"‘Come! Let us see what Sting can do. It is an elven-blade. There were webs of horror in the dark ravines of Beleriand where it was forged. But you must be the guard and hold back the eyes… Do not be afraid.'"
M1R105

Just to clarify, the maneuver text is to represent Sting hacking away through Shelob's webs. Pretty straight-forward card, but I really, really like it!

And this last card is one of three cards in Lands of Shadow that can really change the outcome of a game.

A Part Yet to Play
Event • Maneuver
Spot Frodo as the Ring-bearer and add X burdens, where X is his resistance minus 1. Any player that can spot Gollum (or can play Gollum) must do so to suspend the current phase and assign Gollum to skirmish Frodo. If you can spot Sam, Frodo is strength +2 for this skirmish. Gollum is strength +1 for each burden. If Gollum wins the skirmish, Frodo is corrupted and Gollum reclaims The One Ring. If Frodo wins the skirmish, Gollum is killed and Gollum's owner reveals the top 10 cards of his or her draw deck. If more Free Peoples cards are revealed than Shadow cards, The One Ring is destroyed.
M1R102

Reread it. See the awesome.

[MR. Lurtzy]

What is the benefit for using that second card?

[menace64]

lol, uh... well, you see... it's highly technical.

You caught me. I don't think that version of Frodo's Test has a benefit. Does it?

[Thranduil]

•Frodo, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 10
Ring-bearer. Ring-bound.
While in region 1, Frodo is resistance +2.
While in region 2, Frodo is strength +1 for each other Ring-bound companion (limit +4).
While in region 3, Frodo may not wear The One Ring.
"‘I don't like anything here at all,' said Frodo, ‘step or stone, breath or bone. Earth, air and water all seem accursed. But so our path is laid.'"
M1C99

•Sam, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion • Hobbit
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 9
Ring-bound.
While Sam bears The One Ring, he is resistance -4.
While in region 1 or region 2, if Frodo is the Ring-bearer, Sam is strength +1 for each burden.
Response: If in region 3 and the Ring-bearer dies, make Sam the Ring-bearer.
"…he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command."
M1C103

•Sméagol, Traveler in a Dark Land
Companion
Strength 3
Vitality 4
Resistance 5
Ring-bound. To play, add a burden.
While in region 2, minions skirmishing Ring-bound companions are strength -1 for each Ring-bound companion (limit -4).
While in region 3, at the end of each fellowship phase, each Shadow player may take a Shadow card into hand from his or her discard pile.
"‘It's not good worrying about him now,' said Frodo. ‘We couldn't have got so far, not even within sight of the pass, without him, and so we'll have to put up with his ways. If he's false, he's false.'"
M1U16

I'm seeing a bizarre Saved From the Fire deck idea coming through here. You stop at site 6, kill Frodo to get cards to make sure Sam survives region 3, then kill Smeagol to get Shadow cards! Seens fun. I have no idea how they'd play, but the flavour is awesome.

•Frodo's Test
Condition
Bearer must be Frodo (if he is the Ring-bearer).
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or 3, add a burden.
Each time the fellowship moves from a site in region 2 or 3, remove 2 burdens.
"And sometimes his right hand would creep to his breast, clutching, and then slowly, as the will recovered mastery, it would be withdrawn."
M1U100

Bearer must be Frodo (if he is the Ring-bearer).
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or 3, add 2 burdens.
Each time the fellowship moves from a site in region 2 or 3, heal Frodo and remove a burden.

I prefer the second one - again great flavour. I could see this sort of concept as a cycle: things like "Galadriel's Test", "Boromir's Test" etc.

•Sting, Blade of the Chosen
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be Frodo.
At the start of each skirmish involving Frodo, you may exert Sam to make Frodo strength +2.
Maneuver: If Frodo has resistance 7 or more, exert him twice to discard a support area possession.
"‘Come! Let us see what Sting can do. It is an elven-blade. There were webs of horror in the dark ravines of Beleriand where it was forged. But you must be the guard and hold back the eyes… Do not be afraid.'"
M1R105

Fair enough. I want to see a Sting that ties in with the region stuff, though.

A Part Yet to Play
Event • Maneuver
Spot Frodo as the Ring-bearer and add X burdens, where X is his resistance minus 1. Any player that can spot Gollum (or can play Gollum) must do so to suspend the current phase and assign Gollum to skirmish Frodo. If you can spot Sam, Frodo is strength +2 for this skirmish. Gollum is strength +1 for each burden. If Gollum wins the skirmish, Frodo is corrupted and Gollum reclaims The One Ring. If Frodo wins the skirmish, Gollum is killed and Gollum's owner reveals the top 10 cards of his or her draw deck. If more Free Peoples cards are revealed than Shadow cards, The One Ring is destroyed.
M1R102

Entertaining, but is it actually a card you can play?

Thranduil

[Gate Troll]

•Frodo's Test
Condition
Bearer must be Frodo (if he is the Ring-bearer).
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or 3, add a burden.
Each time the fellowship moves from a site in region 2 or 3, remove 2 burdens.
"And sometimes his right hand would creep to his breast, clutching, and then slowly, as the will recovered mastery, it would be withdrawn."
M1U100

Cool. Gradual burden removal. 

Bearer must be Frodo (if he is the Ring-bearer).
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or 3, add 2 burdens.
Each time the fellowship moves from a site in region 2 or 3, heal Frodo and remove a burden.

I have no clue why anyone would want to use this. It adds two burdens every turn but only removes
one, bad juju and completely worthless. Healing RB Frodo is pointless since wounds are automatically replaced
by burdens. 

•Sting, Blade of the Chosen
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be Frodo.
At the start of each skirmish involving Frodo, you may exert Sam to make Frodo strength +2.
Maneuver: If Frodo has resistance 7 or more, exert him twice to discard a support area possession.
"‘Come! Let us see what Sting can do. It is an elven-blade. There were webs of horror in the dark ravines of Beleriand where it was forged. But you must be the guard and hold back the eyes… Do not be afraid.'"
M1R105

Nice. Good card. 

A Part Yet to Play
Event • Maneuver
Spot Frodo as the Ring-bearer and add X burdens, where X is his resistance minus 1. Any player that can spot Gollum (or can play Gollum) must do so to suspend the current phase and assign Gollum to skirmish Frodo. If you can spot Sam, Frodo is strength +2 for this skirmish. Gollum is strength +1 for each burden. If Gollum wins the skirmish, Frodo is corrupted and Gollum reclaims The One Ring. If Frodo wins the skirmish, Gollum is killed and Gollum's owner reveals the top 10 cards of his or her draw deck. If more Free Peoples cards are revealed than Shadow cards, The One Ring is destroyed.
M1R102

That is awesome. A bit wordy maybe, but amazing. for the cool card. 

The first one's original text is good. I give it three stars. *** 
The first one's alternate text sucks. I give it a single star. * 
The second one is also okay. I give it four stars. **** 
The third one is freaking awesome! Definitely five stars. ***** 

Oh, and btw Thranduil, what you said about using Saved from the Fire to kill Frodo, that's impossible as Frodo is the ringbearer. Read the card first man. 

[MR. Lurtzy]

No no no. I was talking about A Part Yet to Play. What would be the benefit for using it?

[menace64]

Outside of the fact that you can win the game by using it? Well, there's a lot of "fun" cards out there that aren't "great" cards - the easiest example I can think of being Bilbo, BoTB. A Part Yet to Play (and the other 2 "you win the game" cards in this set) are all rare, and would be available to people seeking to build not-so-cookie-cutter decks.

All right. Frodo's Test is staying in its original form. Thanks for hitting me hard on that second idea.

Today... well hm. I've been itching to spoil Gollum and his most dastardly of tricks. So here we go. Hold your breath!

•Gollum, Desperate for The Ring
Minion
Strength 5
Vitality 4
Site Number 3
Flanking (If this minion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this minion to replace that character in the skirmish).
At the start of Gollum's skirmish, if he is skirmishing the Ring-bearer, the Ring-bearer wears The One Ring.
"He was a leaned, starved, haggard thing, all bones and tight-drawn sallow skin. A wild light flamed in his eyes, but his malice was no longer matched by his old griping strength."
M1C15

In case you don't see the craziness in this card, just imagine it: Another minion (let's say, any lurker) is assigned to the RB and Gollum survives his skirmish. Gollum gets to bounce onto the RB, and then *wham* The One Ring goes on. In and of itself that's no big deal, but this next card is the Money Shot of the entire saga:

Crazed by Fell Longing
Event • Response
If the Ring-bearer wears The One Ring, spot Gollum and cancel all skirmishes (if any). Suspend the current phase and assign Gollum to skirmish the Ring-bearer. Gollum is strength +6 during this skirmish. Both Gollum and the Ring-bearer gain dominate. If the Ring-bearer wins the skirmish, Gollum is killed; Gollum's owner discards his or her hand and the suspended phase resumes. If Gollum wins the skirmish, the Ring-bearer is killed and Gollum reclaims The One Ring.
M1R14

One more time: Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert.)
This is the second of 3 "win the game" cards in Lands of Shadow. Crazed by Fell Longing is quite a bit simpler than A Part Yet to Play, but has just as much danger wrapped up into it.
But when this card is paired with my new Gollum, all sorts of trouble is unleashed. Suddenly you've got a Gollum that can get the Ring on the RB's finger without the Free Peoples player getting a say in the matter (outside of clever assignments and directed archery/pre-skirmish wounding). CbFL would be a card that a lot of Free Peoples players would fear, adding a few more cards into their decks to help protect an otherwise-unprotected Ring-bearer from game-ending assaults.

Also, I always felt it silly that so little harm came to a fellowship for the Ring-bearer using The One Ring. There should have been lots of cards targeting an abusive Ring-bearer.

Well, as a matter of fact, those 2 cards are the only Shadow cards in Lands of Shadow (oddly enough), so I'll end this post with a random card.

I'm So Sorry
Event • Fellowship
If Frodo is the Ring-bearer, add 3 burdens to heal all wounds from another companion.
"‘What have I said? What have I done? Forgive me! After all you have done. It is the horrible power of the Ring. I wish it had never, never, been found. But don't mind me, Sam. I must carry the burden to the end. It can't be altered. You can't come between me and this doom.'"
M1R101

[Thranduil]

•Gollum, Desperate for The Ring
Minion
Strength 5
Vitality 4
Site Number 3
Flanking (If this minion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this minion to replace that character in the skirmish).
At the start of Gollum's skirmish, if he is skirmishing the Ring-bearer, the Ring-bearer wears The One Ring.
"He was a leaned, starved, haggard thing, all bones and tight-drawn sallow skin. A wild light flamed in his eyes, but his malice was no longer matched by his old griping strength."
M1C15

A common? If he's the only Gollum in a small set, I'd make him uncommon. If there is another Gollum (unless the other one is uber-crazy), then I think this one feels rare. I would also phrase it as "the Ring-bearer puts on The One Ring" which seems to make more sense to me.

Crazed by Fell Longing
Event • Response
If the Ring-bearer wears The One Ring, spot Gollum and cancel all skirmishes (if any). Suspend the current phase and assign Gollum to skirmish the Ring-bearer. Gollum is strength +6 during this skirmish. Both Gollum and the Ring-bearer gain dominate. If the Ring-bearer wins the skirmish, Gollum is killed; Gollum's owner discards his or her hand and the suspended phase resumes. If Gollum wins the skirmish, the Ring-bearer is killed and Gollum reclaims The One Ring.
M1R14

My problem with this stuff is that "reclaiming The One Ring" is an undefined action. I don't think this card needs to be game-winning (have 2 cards like this in a small set seems a bit much to me). I would definitely use this event in its simplest form: "If the Ring-bearer puts on The One Ring, spot Gollum and cancel all skirmishes (if any) to suspend the current phase and assign Gollum to skirmish in the Ring-bearer."

I'm So Sorry
Event • Fellowship
If Frodo is the Ring-bearer, add 3 burdens to heal all wounds from another companion.
"‘What have I said? What have I done? Forgive me! After all you have done. It is the horrible power of the Ring. I wish it had never, never, been found. But don't mind me, Sam. I must carry the burden to the end. It can't be altered. You can't come between me and this doom.'"
M1R101

I would have a defined number of wounds like 3 or 4, but otherwise this seems a good card.

Thranduil

[Elf_Lvr]

All the cards look fine to me. I like Thran's idea on Crazed by Fell Longing, but if want a card that's more... unique... you could keep it as is, I think.

[menace64]

Well, the point of the three "end the game" cards in this set is... that they can potentially end the game. As for the undefined term "reclaim" that's one of those times when flavor overrules mechanics. Sure, I could have written "the Ring-bearer is corrupted" or, more simply, "the Shadow wins" but it wouldn't be that big of a mental leap to figure what the card implies. Decipher has always been known for 'spicing up' important cards with new terminology; SWCCG is ridden with them.

As for Gollum's presence in Lands of Shadow, he's the only version. How does he seem to be a rare (and why would "feeling" like a rare prevent him from being common)?

•Beyond the Black Border
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot Sméagol.
Each time the fellowship moves, exert Sméagol or discard this condition.
At the start of each regroup phase, heal each Ring-bound companion that did not skirmish at this site.
Regroup: Spot Frodo, Sam, and Sméagol to play the fellowship's next site (if it is a mountain). Discard this condition.
"…and passing through found themselves on the very edge of the last fence of Mordor… Still far away, forty miles at least, they saw Mount Doom, its feet founded in ashen ruin…"
M1U13

This card has many things going for it. It hurts Smeagol and your Ring-bearer, but grants potential healing every site and gives an additional throw-away option of playing the next site. Let me know what you think.

•Sméagol's Promise
Condition
To play, spot Frodo as the Ring-bearer. Bearer must be Sméagol.
While Frodo has resistance 6 or more, Sméagol is resistance +2.
Regroup: Discard this condition to take 2 cards into hand from your discard pile.
"‘We're in sight of the pass, of a way in, and if we can find it now, then I suppose our agreement can be said to be over. You have done what you promised, and you're free: free to go back to food and rest, wherever you wish to go…'"
M1U17

I like this card because of its duality. On one side you build Smeagol's positive character, making him more trustworthy and loyal to Frodo. But during the regroup phase, you can 'break' the promise and take any 2 cards into your hand (even Shadow cards).

Uneasiness
Event •Response
If a Shadow card (except a minion) is played, exert Sméagol to cancel it (and draw a card if he has resistance 5 or more).
"‘It's tomorrow,' said Gollum, ‘or this was tomorrow when hobbits went to sleep. Very foolish, very dangerous – if poor Sméagol wasn't sneaking about to watch.'"
M1R18

This is a new skill for Smeagol, a skill that until now has only really shown up in Gondor through Strength of Kings. Due to the fact that this is not an ability easily used, Uneasiness is rare and costed on the expensive side of the curve. But the mere fact that this card is the only card in the culture that can directly cancel events, it would have its specific role in some decks, and more generalized purpose in others.

That is the last of the culture. I'll be finishing up in the next few days... and then we'll get to work on the inhabitants of the real Lands of Shadow.

[Elf_Lvr]

•Beyond the Black Border
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot Sméagol.
Each time the fellowship moves, wound Sméagol and add a burden.
At the start of each regroup phase, heal each Ring-bound companion that did not skirmish at this site.
Regroup: Spot Frodo, Sam, and Sméagol to play the fellowship's next site (if it is a mountain). Discard this condition.
"…and passing through found themselves on the very edge of the last fence of Mordor… Still far away, forty miles at least, they saw Mount Doom, its feet founded in ashen ruin…"
M1U13

Another card I'd have to see played. But... I think in a Ring-bound Ranger/Ithilien Blade deck it could get pretty OP.

•Sméagol's Promise
Condition
To play, spot Frodo as the Ring-bearer. Bearer must be Sméagol.
While Frodo has resistance 6 or more, Sméagol is resistance +2.
Regroup: Discard this condition to take 2 cards into hand from your discard pile.
"‘We're in sight of the pass, of a way in, and if we can find it now, then I suppose our agreement can be said to be over. You have done what you promised, and you're free: free to go back to food and rest, wherever you wish to go…'"
M1U17

It'd be great if you make a lot of cards that take advantage of high resistance for Smeagol. Right now there aren't many. The second ability is neat.

Frodo's Test, Smeagol's Promise... what else will there be? It'd be nifty if there were a cycle of cards for this. I can see a "Sam's Duty" or something coming.

Uneasiness
Event •Response
If an event is played, exert Sméagol to cancel it (and draw 2 cards if he has resistance 5 or more).
"‘It's tomorrow,' said Gollum, ‘or this was tomorrow when hobbits went to sleep. Very foolish, very dangerous – if poor Sméagol wasn't sneaking about to watch.'"
M1R18

I probably wouldn't use it since it requires an exertion. Maybe just have it spot Smeagol and reduce the card-drawing to 1.

[menace64]

I'll go ahead and make that change on Uneasiness. And yes, there is a "Sam's [Something]" card. 

[Thranduil]

As for Gollum's presence in Lands of Shadow, he's the only version. How does he seem to be a rare (and why would "feeling" like a rare prevent him from being common)?

He just seems to be a bit too flashy to be a common. Common Gollums tend to be simpler like Old Villain, Vile Creature, Nasty Treacherous Creature. On the other hand, as he's the only Gollum in the set, you'd want players to have reasonable access to him which is why I suggested uncommon instead.

•Beyond the Black Border
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot Sméagol.
Each time the fellowship moves, wound Sméagol and add a burden.
At the start of each regroup phase, heal each Ring-bound companion that did not skirmish at this site.
Regroup: Spot Frodo, Sam, and Sméagol to play the fellowship's next site (if it is a mountain). Discard this condition.
"…and passing through found themselves on the very edge of the last fence of Mordor… Still far away, forty miles at least, they saw Mount Doom, its feet founded in ashen ruin…"
M1U13

I'm not sure the advantage is enough to warrant the wound and burden for the disadvantage - I might have one or the other. As it is, I would be most tempted to move with it during the fellowship phase, get the bonus at the start of the regroup then immediately discard it without ever keeping it around.

•Sméagol's Promise
Condition
To play, spot Frodo as the Ring-bearer. Bearer must be Sméagol.
While Frodo has resistance 6 or more, Sméagol is resistance +2.
Regroup: Discard this condition to take 2 cards into hand from your discard pile.
"‘We're in sight of the pass, of a way in, and if we can find it now, then I suppose our agreement can be said to be over. You have done what you promised, and you're free: free to go back to food and rest, wherever you wish to go…'"
M1U17

I think the duality should hurt Frodo - I think the regroup ability should exert Frodo.

Uneasiness
Event •Response
If an event is played, spot Sméagol to cancel it (and draw a card if he has resistance 5 or more).
"‘It's tomorrow,' said Gollum, ‘or this was tomorrow when hobbits went to sleep. Very foolish, very dangerous – if poor Sméagol wasn't sneaking about to watch.'"
M1R18

There's another Sméagol cancelling card isn't there? Time for Food? As it is - this one seems outclassed by it. How about a way of recurring this event so that it becomes more useful (like the cycle with Banners Blowing, Kindreds Estranged from Bloodlines)?

Thranduil

[lem0nhead]

•Beyond the Black Border
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot Sméagol.
Each time the fellowship moves, wound Sméagol and add a burden.
At the start of each regroup phase, heal each Ring-bound companion that did not skirmish at this site.
Regroup: Spot Frodo, Sam, and Sméagol to play the fellowship's next site (if it is a mountain). Discard this condition.
"…and passing through found themselves on the very edge of the last fence of Mordor… Still far away, forty miles at least, they saw Mount Doom, its feet founded in ashen ruin…"
M1U13

Hmmm the penalty is probbaly not worth the pay off. At least two of your (probably) 3 rb companions need to be healed just to balance the wound on smeagol let alone the burden and thats unlikely they will not have fought.

•Sméagol's Promise
Condition
To play, spot Frodo as the Ring-bearer. Bearer must be Sméagol.
While Frodo has resistance 6 or more, Sméagol is resistance +2.
Regroup: Discard this condition to take 2 cards into hand from your discard pile.
"‘We're in sight of the pass, of a way in, and if we can find it now, then I suppose our agreement can be said to be over. You have done what you promised, and you're free: free to go back to food and rest, wherever you wish to go…'"
M1U17

I like it but id add a twist for even more flavour. If Frodo has less than 6 smeagol is resistance -1.

Uneasiness
Event •Response
If an event is played, spot Sméagol to cancel it (and draw a card if he has resistance 5 or more).
"‘It's tomorrow,' said Gollum, ‘or this was tomorrow when hobbits went to sleep. Very foolish, very dangerous – if poor Sméagol wasn't sneaking about to watch.'"
M1R18

Could cost 1 easily but also a bit of a hand clogger.

[Gate Troll]

•Gollum, Desperate for The Ring
Minion
Strength 5
Vitality 4
Site Number 3
Flanking (If this minion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this minion to replace that character in the skirmish).
At the start of Gollum's skirmish, if he is skirmishing the Ring-bearer, the Ring-bearer wears The One Ring.
"He was a leaned, starved, haggard thing, all bones and tight-drawn sallow skin. A wild light flamed in his eyes, but his malice was no longer matched by his old griping strength."
M1C15

Awesome. Definitely would be worth playing.

Crazed by Fell Longing
Event • Response
If the Ring-bearer wears The One Ring, spot Gollum and cancel all skirmishes (if any). Suspend the current phase and assign Gollum to skirmish the Ring-bearer. Gollum is strength +6 during this skirmish. Both Gollum and the Ring-bearer gain dominate. If the Ring-bearer wins the skirmish, Gollum is killed; Gollum's owner discards his or her hand and the suspended phase resumes. If Gollum wins the skirmish, the Ring-bearer is killed and Gollum reclaims The One Ring.
M1R14

Sweetness. I like it. Decipher should have played around with this aspect of the game more... 

I'm So Sorry
Event • Fellowship
If Frodo is the Ring-bearer, add 3 burdens to heal all wounds from another companion.
"‘What have I said? What have I done? Forgive me! After all you have done. It is the horrible power of the Ring. I wish it had never, never, been found. But don't mind me, Sam. I must carry the burden to the end. It can't be altered. You can't come between me and this doom.'"
M1R101

I don't have a problem with this one. Healing coolness.

I want to see more [gollum]. 

[Gate Troll]

•Beyond the Black Border
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot Sméagol.
Each time the fellowship moves, wound Sméagol and add a burden.
At the start of each regroup phase, heal each Ring-bound companion that did not skirmish at this site.
Regroup: Spot Frodo, Sam, and Sméagol to play the fellowship's next site (if it is a mountain). Discard this condition.
"…and passing through found themselves on the very edge of the last fence of Mordor… Still far away, forty miles at least, they saw Mount Doom, its feet founded in ashen ruin…"
M1U13

It could get a bit OP but it looks good for now.

•Sméagol's Promise
Condition
To play, spot Frodo as the Ring-bearer. Bearer must be Sméagol.
While Frodo has resistance 6 or more, Sméagol is resistance +2.
Regroup: Discard this condition to take 2 cards into hand from your discard pile.
"‘We're in sight of the pass, of a way in, and if we can find it now, then I suppose our agreement can be said to be over. You have done what you promised, and you're free: free to go back to food and rest, wherever you wish to go…'"
M1U17

I love this card. I think you are very good at capturing the 'spirit' of the book in DCs. 

Uneasiness
Event •Response
If an event is played, spot Sméagol to cancel it (and draw a card if he has resistance 5 or more).
"‘It's tomorrow,' said Gollum, ‘or this was tomorrow when hobbits went to sleep. Very foolish, very dangerous – if poor Sméagol wasn't sneaking about to watch.'"
M1R18

Meh. I'm not a huge fan of event canceling; every warg-rider card out there seems to have some variant of the ability. I suppose it fits Smeagol though.

I like the first one, I really like the second and the third one seems to be okay.

[menace64]

Thanks for all the reviews, fellas. I tinkered with Beyond the Black Border, making it exert Smeagol or discard itself each time you move. I'd completely forgotten about Time for Food... so I tweaked Uneasiness into doing something a little more, uh, extreme.

There's only 2 cards left, and they both revolve around Sam (it's almost like I planned it to happen like this!).

•Sam's Choice
Condition
Bearer must be Sam.
While Sam is the Ring-bearer, he is resistance +2, and each time he wins a skirmish, you may play the fellowship's next site.
Response: If the Ring is transferred to Sam, discard this condition to reconcile your hand.
"‘No chance to go back with It and get advice or permission. No, it's sit here till they come and kill me over master's body, and gets It; or take It and go.' He drew a deep breath. ‘Then take It, it is!'"
M1U104

This is one card in the 'reconcile your hand' cycle in Lands of Shadow, but it obviously does more than that. This card illustrates Sam's resolve as the Last Companion in the Fellowship to get the job done at any cost. His Master is dead; ultimately that won't even slow him down.

•Sword of Samwise, Blade of the Brave
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be Sam.
Assignment: Assign a minion of higher strength to skirmish Sam to heal him.
Response: If Sam is about to be overwhelmed, exert him twice to make him strength +6.
"No onslaught more fierce was ever seen in the savage world of beasts, where some desperate small creature armed with little teeth, alone, will spring upon a tower of horn and hide that stands above its fallen mate."
M1R106

Now I was surprised that Decipher never made a Sword of Samwise card. This weapon has two closely-interacting abilities. The first heals Sam under the condition that he's walking into a skirmish he "knows" he can't win; the second will keep him alive. Keep in mind that Sam can be a Ring-bearer and let me know if the response action is overdoing it.

For a third card... I think I should spoil a site.

Ashen Plains
Each minion is strength +1 for each race in the fellowship over 2.
M1U129

Oh golly. This site will seem a lot more potent once you see the new minions!
(By the way, this site is not a plains for the simple reason that no companion could possibly get a benefit from being here.)

[Thranduil]

•Sam's Choice
Condition
Bearer must be Sam.
While Sam is the Ring-bearer, he is resistance +2, and each time he wins a skirmish, you may play the fellowship's next site.
Response: If the Ring is transferred to Sam, discard this condition to reconcile your hand.
"‘No chance to go back with It and get advice or permission. No, it's sit here till they come and kill me over master's body, and gets It; or take It and go.' He drew a deep breath. ‘Then take It, it is!'"
M1U104

Very interesting. So you either set it up as a transfer or long-term bonus? I'm worried this might be too good in region 3 (though I understand region 3 is the point flavourwise).

•Sword of Samwise, Blade of the Brave
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be Sam.
Assignment: Assign a minion of higher strength to skirmish Sam to heal him.
Response: If Sam is about to be overwhelmed, exert him twice to make him strength +6.
"No onslaught more fierce was ever seen in the savage world of beasts, where some desperate small creature armed with little teeth, alone, will spring upon a tower of horn and hide that stands above its fallen mate."
M1R106

It seems to me like Sam's sword is such a nothing compared to Sting which is much more important and impressive. I understand you have already made a Sting, but if the strategy here is to kill Frodo and pass the Ring to Sam, I quite like the idea of a Sting which transfers with the Ring. As a card in itself, I would say that +4/+5 would be enough for the response ability, but otherwise looks very solid.

Ashen Plains
Each minion is strength +1 for each race in the fellowship over 2.
M1U129

Fair enough. I want to see now!

Thranduil

[menace64]

Oooh. I like that idea for transferring Sting. Let's try. This is the original Sting.

•Sting, Blade of the Chosen
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be Frodo.
At the start of each skirmish involving Frodo, you may exert Sam to make Frodo strength +2.
Maneuver: If Frodo has resistance 7 or more, exert him twice to discard a support area possession.
"‘Come! Let us see what Sting can do. It is an elven-blade. There were webs of horror in the dark ravines of Beleriand where it was forged. But you must be the guard and hold back the eyes… Do not be afraid.'"
M1R105

If we're going for a transfering Sting, then - obviously - that lore's gotta go. Along with it the maneuver ability.

•Sting, Blade of the Chosen
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be Frodo.
At the start of each skirmish involving Frodo, you may exert Sam to make Frodo strength +2.
Response: If Frodo dies, transfer Sting to Sam. He is strength +3 until the start of the regroup phase.
"Sam did not wait to wonder what was to be done, or whether he was brave, or loyal, or filled with rage. He sprang forward with a yell, and seized his master's sword in his left hand. Then he charged."
M1R105

to Thranduil for the inspiration of a flavorful card. Make sure to tell me which Sting y'all like better.

[Thranduil]

I obviously love the second one!



Thranduil

[sickofpalantirs]

•Sam's Choice
Condition
Bearer must be Sam.
While Sam is the Ring-bearer, he is resistance +2, and each time he wins a skirmish, you may play the fellowship's next site.
Response: If the Ring is transferred to Sam, discard this condition to reconcile your hand.
"‘No chance to go back with It and get advice or permission. No, it's sit here till they come and kill me over master's body, and gets It; or take It and go.' He drew a deep breath. ‘Then take It, it is!'"
M1U104
should cost something methinks...



•Sword of Samwise, Blade of the Brave
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be Sam.
Assignment: Assign a minion of higher strength to skirmish Sam to heal him.
Response: If Sam is about to be overwhelmed, exert him twice to make him strength +6.
"No onslaught more fierce was ever seen in the savage world of beasts, where some desperate small creature armed with little teeth, alone, will spring upon a tower of horn and hide that stands above its fallen mate."
M1R106
thats a nice quote...I like the card though.


Ashen Plains
Each minion is strength +1 for each race in the fellowship over 2.
M1U129

it shoudl still be a plains
jk , maybe a battleground though?
2nd sting better.

[menace64]

It seems the new Sting is the one that'll make it into the set.

But is not the topic for today! In fact, we're as far away from the Shire as could be imagined. Now we walk into the realm of Mordor, the real Lands of Shadow.

The culture returns in a big way, featuring a new subculture I've dubbed the "native Mordor" subculture. These guys live, breathe, and die on the ashen wastelands of Gorgoroth, toiling away as servants to the Eye. They are the armies of Orcs left behind while The Witch-king went to war with the West.

And they absolutely loathe all things good.

Descent
Event • Regroup
Spot a companion of resistance X and spot X minions to exhaust that companion.
"With a last struggling effort Frodo raised himself on his hands, and struggled on for maybe twenty yards. Then he pitched down into a shallow pit that opened unexpectedly before them, and there he lay like a dead thing."
M1R73

Not much need be said about this card. It's nasty, and works better on companions who are on the verge of giving up.

The Footsteps of Doom
Event • Response
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 2, exert a minion to add .
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 3, exert a minion to add and add a burden.
"All this last day Frodo had not spoken, but had walked half-bowed, often stumbling, as if his eyes no longer saw the way before his feet. Sam guessed that among all their pains he bore the worst, the growing weight of the Ring, a burden on the body and a torment to his mind."
M1U79

One of the few events that can be triggered from two different actions, this card is not something to be trifled with. Moving during the regroup phase becomes perilous.
I'm considering making this into a non-unique condition that does the same thing.

Gorgoroth Mutilator
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert).
Each time this minion wins a skirmish, spot another Orc to make the Free Peoples player exert a companion.
"He sprang on the fallen body, and stamped and trampled it in his fury, stooping now and again to stab and slash it with his knife. Satisfied at last, he threw back his head and let out a horrible gurgling yell of triumph. Then he licked his knife, and put it between his teeth…"
M1C83

This is one of the basic grunts of the new native Orc strategy. Dominate is big in this culture, as you'll see in posts to come.

[Elf_Lvr]

Descent
Event • Regroup
Spot a companion of resistance X and spot X minions to exhaust that companion.
"With a last struggling effort Frodo raised himself on his hands, and struggled on for maybe twenty yards. Then he pitched down into a shallow pit that opened unexpectedly before them, and there he lay like a dead thing."
M1R73

I think it should be "with resistance X." I like the card.

The Footsteps of Doom
Event • Response
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 2, exert a minion to add .
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 3, exert a minion to add and add a burden.
"All this last day Frodo had not spoken, but had walked half-bowed, often stumbling, as if his eyes no longer saw the way before his feet. Sam guessed that among all their pains he bore the worst, the growing weight of the Ring, a burden on the body and a torment to his mind."
M1U79

Interesting. Since it requires some living, unwounded minions when the Free Peoples player moves, I'd say it's alright.

Gorgoroth Mutilator
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert).
Each time this minion wins a skirmish, spot another Orc to make the Free Peoples player exert a companion.
"He sprang on the fallen body, and stamped and trampled it in his fury, stooping now and again to stab and slash it with his knife. Satisfied at last, he threw back his head and let out a horrible gurgling yell of triumph. Then he licked his knife, and put it between his teeth…"
M1C83

Fair enough, but he'll need something to boost his strength a bit before he can win. I'm sure you'll manage something, though.

A reprint of Enduring Evil would fit well in this set, I think. Or something quite similar. I see... in the mists of the future... burdens, many burdens...

[Thranduil]

Descent
Event • Regroup
Spot a companion of resistance X and spot X minions to exhaust that companion.
"With a last struggling effort Frodo raised himself on his hands, and struggled on for maybe twenty yards. Then he pitched down into a shallow pit that opened unexpectedly before them, and there he lay like a dead thing."
M1R73

I would follow EL's wording and swap the minions with the resistance, but otherwise the card seems to be good.

The Footsteps of Doom
Event • Response
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 2, exert a minion to add .
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 3, exert a minion to add and add a burden.
"All this last day Frodo had not spoken, but had walked half-bowed, often stumbling, as if his eyes no longer saw the way before his feet. Sam guessed that among all their pains he bore the worst, the growing weight of the Ring, a burden on the body and a torment to his mind."
M1U79

You should make it into a non-unique condition and not a response event. If you draw this in region 2, it's just a wasted card. For this reason I probably wouldn't put it in a deck.

Gorgoroth Mutilator
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert).
Each time this minion wins a skirmish, spot another Orc to make the Free Peoples player exert a companion.
"He sprang on the fallen body, and stamped and trampled it in his fury, stooping now and again to stab and slash it with his knife. Satisfied at last, he threw back his head and let out a horrible gurgling yell of triumph. Then he licked his knife, and put it between his teeth…"
M1C83

Yeah, he seems sensible. Given his site number I'm not sure that he needs to cost . Maybe he could have vitality 3 for the same cost?

Thranduil

[Elf_Lvr]

The Footsteps of Doom
Event • Response
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 2, exert a minion to add .
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 3, exert a minion to add and add a burden.
"All this last day Frodo had not spoken, but had walked half-bowed, often stumbling, as if his eyes no longer saw the way before his feet. Sam guessed that among all their pains he bore the worst, the growing weight of the Ring, a burden on the body and a torment to his mind."
M1U79

You should make it into a non-unique condition and not a response event. If you draw this in region 2, it's just a wasted card. For this reason I probably wouldn't put it in a deck.

Then make it a unique condition! With four of these, it'd be 4 burdens and every time you moved twice into region 3... which would be very few sites, but certainly enough to be a game-winner all by itself.

If it was a condition, give it unique, drop the twilight adding to , perhaps, and give it some kind of "discard this condition to..." ability?

[lem0nhead]

Descent
Event • Regroup
Spot a companion of resistance X and spot X minions to exhaust that companion.
"With a last struggling effort Frodo raised himself on his hands, and struggled on for maybe twenty yards. Then he pitched down into a shallow pit that opened unexpectedly before them, and there he lay like a dead thing."
M1R73

Niiiiice, REALLY like this cardm very clever.

The Footsteps of Doom
Event • Response
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 2, exert a minion to add .
If the fellowship just moved to a site in region 3, exert a minion to add and add a burden.
"All this last day Frodo had not spoken, but had walked half-bowed, often stumbling, as if his eyes no longer saw the way before his feet. Sam guessed that among all their pains he bore the worst, the growing weight of the Ring, a burden on the body and a torment to his mind."
M1U79

Coolio, maybe should cost a bit more though like 2.

Gorgoroth Mutilator
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert).
Each time this minion wins a skirmish, spot another Orc to make the Free Peoples player exert a companion.
"He sprang on the fallen body, and stamped and trampled it in his fury, stooping now and again to stab and slash it with his knife. Satisfied at last, he threw back his head and let out a horrible gurgling yell of triumph. Then he licked his knife, and put it between his teeth…"
M1C83

Nice.

[sickofpalantirs]

I think footsteps could easily be a condition...and could probably stay non unique. the fellowship has to be moving in the regroup phase, and you have to have minions you can exert...with all the cards that wound/discard minions in the regroup phase, I don't think you get much brokenness out of it.

[menace64]

Since it's a condition, it's also very prone to removal.

Hmm. I actually don't think Descent would work properly if it's worded as seen. I'll flip the spotting requirement to X minions. And, now that I think about it, the Mutilator could work fine at 10 strength, yes?

Speaking of him... today we're going deeper into 's love of the dominate keyword.

Gorgoroth Battalion
Minion • Orc
Strength 12
Vitality 4
Site Number 6
Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert). To play, spot a minion.
"‘…great forces arrayed against him in Mordor, and more still being gathered…'"
M1C82

Nice and simple. This reminds me... did someone suggest a while back to change dominate to something like "characters skirmishing this companion/minion may not be exerted by its owner's cards"? I'm starting to like that more, since it leaves an opponent open to exerting that character if he can. If you think this sounds better, let me know and we'll make the change official.

•Durthang Lieutenant
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
Dominate.
Each time you play a Orc, you may spot a Man or Elf companion to make Durthang Lieutenant is strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
Skirmish: Exert Durthang Lieutenant to make it strength +1.
"Beside them, running up and down the line, went two of the large fierce uruks, cracking lashes and shouting."
M1R75

Pretty simple, mechanically. His first ability is a taste of the race-hating (dare I call it racism?) that this new native Mordor strategy is capable of, and that second ability is just a "meh, why not" kind of deal. All together, the Lieutenant *can* reach some zany levels of strength. On top of that, he's got dominate, which shuts down the opponent's ability to use some (or all) of a companion's skills.

•Gorgoroth Warlord
Minion • Orc
Strength 13
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
Dominate.
Gorgoroth Warlord may not take wounds during a skirmish.
Response: If a companion loses a skirmish involving Gorgoroth Warlord, exert Gorgoroth Warlord to make the Free Peoples player wound a companion of another race.
"In the red glare Sam, cowering behind the stair-door, caught a glimpse of his evil face as it passed: it was scored as if by rending claws and smeared with blood; slaver dripped from its protruding fangs; the mouth snarled like an animal."
M1R84

"wound/exert a companion of another race" shows up quite a bit on cards in Lands of Shadow, representing Sauron's ability to turn brother against brother. The Warlord is a beast. That's his job. To be a beast.

You know... since that first card was super-simple, I think we'll do one more...

Great Garrison
Minion • Orc
Strength 20
Vitality 4
Site Number 6
Dominate. To play, spot 3 cards.
Free Peoples cards with flanking lose flanking and may not gain flanking.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to this minion, the Free Peoples player must exert a companion.
"‘Hardly had our strength sufficed to beat off the first great assault. The next will be greater. This war then is without final hope, as Denethor perceived. Victory cannot be achieved by arms…'"
M1R85

Haha! Destruction! Mayhem! Slaughter!
This sucker is non-unique and has about the highest strength/vitality you can sanely throw onto a minion. The only requirement to play him is that you spot 3 cards, and then it's nothing but benefits. You shut down flanking and get additional wounds for winning skirmishing.

So what's the trade-off? How is this not hands-down the best minion ever? Well, remember. This (in my eyes) is a new block that doesn't mingle with older cards, and this new subculture has absolutely no access to fierce or damage. Naturally the strength will go up, and the Free Peoples player had better not lose skirmishes, because wounds can pile up just as quickly as before.

[lem0nhead]

Gorgoroth Battalion
Minion • Orc
Strength 12
Vitality 4
Site Number 6
Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert). To play, spot a minion.
"‘…great forces arrayed against him in Mordor, and more still being gathered…'"
M1C82

Okay.

•Durthang Lieutenant
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
Dominate.
Each time you play a Orc, if you can spot a Man or Elf, Durthang Lieutenant is strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
Skirmish: Exert Durthang Lieutenant to make it strength +1.
"Beside them, running up and down the line, went two of the large fierce uruks, cracking lashes and shouting."
M1R75

You should make it to play spot a sauron orc so it cant get its immense bonus so easily.

•Gorgoroth Warlord
Minion • Orc
Strength 13
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
Dominate.
While skirmishing, Gorgoroth Warlord may not take wounds.
Response: If a companion loses a skirmish to Gorgoroth Warlord, exert Gorgoroth Warlord to make the Free Peoples player wound a companion of another race.
"In the red glare Sam, cowering behind the stair-door, caught a glimpse of his evil face as it passed: it was scored as if by rending claws and smeared with blood; slaver dripped from its protruding fangs; the mouth snarled like an animal."
M1R84

Why not just say he cant take wounds during a skirmish? Nice ability though.

Great Garrison
Minion • Orc
Strength 20
Vitality 5
Site Number 6
Dominate. To play, spot 3 cards.
Free Peoples cards with flanking lose flanking and may not gain flanking.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to this minion, the Free Peoples player must exert a companion.
"‘Hardly had our strength sufficed to beat off the first great assault. The next will be greater. This war then is without final hope, as Denethor perceived. Victory cannot be achieved by arms…'"
M1R85

Id phrase it all freeps cards lose flanking and cant gain it. and id drop the vitality to 4 and lower cost to 8.

[Thranduil]

Gorgoroth Battalion
Minion • Orc
Strength 12
Vitality 4
Site Number 6
Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert). To play, spot a minion.
"‘…great forces arrayed against him in Mordor, and more still being gathered…'"
M1C82

Nice and simple. This reminds me... did someone suggest a while back to change dominate to something like "characters skirmishing this companion/minion may not be exerted by its owner's cards"? I'm starting to like that more, since it leaves an opponent open to exerting that character if he can. If you think this sounds better, let me know and we'll make the change official.

Yes, I suggested that. And I still think it's a good idea!

•Durthang Lieutenant
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
Dominate.
Each time you play a Orc, if you can spot a Man or Elf, Durthang Lieutenant is strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
Skirmish: Exert Durthang Lieutenant to make it strength +1.
"Beside them, running up and down the line, went two of the large fierce uruks, cracking lashes and shouting."
M1R75

This guy seems alright.

•Gorgoroth Warlord
Minion • Orc
Strength 13
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
Dominate.
While skirmishing, Gorgoroth Warlord may not take wounds.
Response: If a companion loses a skirmish to Gorgoroth Warlord, exert Gorgoroth Warlord to make the Free Peoples player wound a companion of another race.
"In the red glare Sam, cowering behind the stair-door, caught a glimpse of his evil face as it passed: it was scored as if by rending claws and smeared with blood; slaver dripped from its protruding fangs; the mouth snarled like an animal."
M1R84

A more usual phrasing is: "If a companion loses a skirmish involving..." but otherwise this seems fine.

Great Garrison
Minion • Orc
Strength 20
Vitality 5
Site Number 6
Dominate. To play, spot 3 cards.
Free Peoples cards with flanking lose flanking and may not gain flanking.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to this minion, the Free Peoples player must exert a companion.
"‘Hardly had our strength sufficed to beat off the first great assault. The next will be greater. This war then is without final hope, as Denethor perceived. Victory cannot be achieved by arms…'"
M1R85

He yeah doesn't need vitality 5, but other than that looks like a fun card!

Thranduil

[sickofpalantirs]

Gorgoroth Battalion
Minion • Orc
Strength 12
Vitality 4
Site Number 6
Dominate (A character skirmishing this character may not exert). To play, spot a minion.
"‘…great forces arrayed against him in Mordor, and more still being gathered…'"
M1C82
make the change. and gp for the helpful italics text. 

•Durthang Lieutenant
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
Dominate.
Each time you play a Orc, if you can spot a Man or Elf, Durthang Lieutenant is strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
Skirmish: Exert Durthang Lieutenant to make it strength +1.
"Beside them, running up and down the line, went two of the large fierce uruks, cracking lashes and shouting."
M1R75
shouldn't it be each time you play a sauron orc you may spot a man or elf to make strength +2 until...
I think the second ability is unnecessary, and a tad cluttery.

•Gorgoroth Warlord
Minion • Orc
Strength 13
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
Dominate.
While skirmishing, Gorgoroth Warlord may not take wounds.
Response: If a companion loses a skirmish to Gorgoroth Warlord, exert Gorgoroth Warlord to make the Free Peoples player wound a companion of another race.
"In the red glare Sam, cowering behind the stair-door, caught a glimpse of his evil face as it passed: it was scored as if by rending claws and smeared with blood; slaver dripped from its protruding fangs; the mouth snarled like an animal."
M1R84
fine

Great Garrison
Minion • Orc
Strength 20
Vitality 5
Site Number 6
Dominate. To play, spot 3 cards.
Free Peoples cards with flanking lose flanking and may not gain flanking.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to this minion, the Free Peoples player must exert a companion.
"‘Hardly had our strength sufficed to beat off the first great assault. The next will be greater. This war then is without final hope, as Denethor perceived. Victory cannot be achieved by arms…'"
M1R85

way to put damage on, without putting damage on
works, though again vitality seems excessive.

[menace64]

Ok. I thought about it (but not really since this is obviously better) and dominate has changed:

Dominate (A character skirmishing this companion/minion may not be exerted by that character's owner).

So now you're free to exert an opposing character, which actually makes dominate a *good* keyword to have. to Thranduil!

Today we're going to begin exploring the 'racist' side of the Native Mordor subculture.

•Durthang
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc wins a skirmish, add a token here.
While you can spot more tokens here than races in the fellowship, your other conditions may not be discarded by Free Peoples cards.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a Orc gain dominate until the start of the regroup phase.
"A few miles north, high up in the angle where the western spur branched away from the main range, stood the old castle of Durthang, now one of the many orc-holds that clustered about the dale of Udûn."
M1R74

In other words, Durthang protects your other conditions, making the FP player get rid of it before he can kill your other cards. And then, of course, you can turn around and use excess tokens to give dominate to whichever Orc needs it.

But most of this racist strategy is the reverse of Durthang. While Durthang punishes the FP player for having *few* races in the fellowship, just about every other card hurts the FP player for having too many. This - as you'll see - will be the bane of the new Grey Company subculture I've still got to spoil down the road!

Durthang Long-sword
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +1
Bearer must be a minion.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish involving bearer, the Free Peoples player must wound a companion of another race.
"‘Ho la! You up there, you dunghill rat! Stop your squeaking, or I'll come and deal with you. D'you hear?'"
M1C76

A sword designed to bring torment and agony to just about anybody. This card helps pile on wounds for minions with no access to damage bonuses or fierce.

•Durthang Seeker
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
When you play Durthang Seeker, name a race you can spot in the fellowship. Each time the Free Peoples player assigns a companion of another race to skirmish a minion, make a minion strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
"..it was of a small breed, black-skinned, with wide and snuffling nostrils: evidently a tracker of some kind."
M1R77

A nasty little guy. Since the majority of fellowships run Frodo as the sole Hobbit, Durthang Seeker will almost always throw out some bonuses. But by that fact alone he'll immediately become a target for pre-skirmish wounding. I'm thinking of adjusting his stats to /8/2 to make him easier to bring into play but also easier to kill.

[Thranduil]

•Durthang
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc wins a skirmish, add a token here.
While you can spot more tokens here than races in the fellowship, your other conditions may not be discarded by Free Peoples cards.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a Orc gain dominate until the start of the regroup phase.
"A few miles north, high up in the angle where the western spur branched away from the main range, stood the old castle of Durthang, now one of the many orc-holds that clustered about the dale of Udûn."
M1R74

Seems fair enough. Though it does appear decent even without the mono-race hate.

Durthang Long-sword
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a minion.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to bearer, the Free Peoples player must wound a companion of another race.
"‘Ho la! You up there, you dunghill rat! Stop your squeaking, or I'll come and deal with you. D'you hear?'"
M1C76

This is entertaining, though quite often this will say "wound the Ring-bearer' and in other places it will do nothing. Not sure whether it should cost , though.

Durthang Seeker
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, name a race you can spot in the fellowship. Each time the Free Peoples player assigns a companion of another race to skirmish a minion, make a minion strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
"..it was of a small breed, black-skinned, with wide and snuffling nostrils: evidently a tracker of some kind."
M1R77

Rather, I think you should make this minion strength +2. This seems simpler and perhaps more balanced. I think I also prefer him as /8/3.

Thranduil

[lem0nhead]

•Durthang
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc wins a skirmish, add a token here.
While you can spot more tokens here than races in the fellowship, your other conditions may not be discarded by Free Peoples cards.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a Orc gain dominate until the start of the regroup phase.
"A few miles north, high up in the angle where the western spur branched away from the main range, stood the old castle of Durthang, now one of the many orc-holds that clustered about the dale of Udûn."
M1R74

Reckon it should cost at least 2 its very powerful.

Durthang Long-sword
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a minion.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to bearer, the Free Peoples player must wound a companion of another race.
"‘Ho la! You up there, you dunghill rat! Stop your squeaking, or I'll come and deal with you. D'you hear?'"
M1C76

Involving bearer not 'to'. The ability is so good id lower strength bonus to 1.

Durthang Seeker
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, name a race you can spot in the fellowship. Each time the Free Peoples player assigns a companion of another race to skirmish a minion, make a minion strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
"..it was of a small breed, black-skinned, with wide and snuffling nostrils: evidently a tracker of some kind."
M1R77

Nasty as heck i would make him cost 4 or lower to 7.

[sickofpalantirs]

•Durthang
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc wins a skirmish, add a token here.
While you can spot more tokens here than races in the fellowship, your other conditions may not be discarded by Free Peoples cards.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a Orc gain dominate until the start of the regroup phase.
"A few miles north, high up in the angle where the western spur branched away from the main range, stood the old castle of Durthang, now one of the many orc-holds that clustered about the dale of Udûn."
M1R74
nice simple way to gain dominate...good card

Durthang Long-sword
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a minion.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to bearer, the Free Peoples player must wound a companion of another race.
"‘Ho la! You up there, you dunghill rat! Stop your squeaking, or I'll come and deal with you. D'you hear?'"
M1C76
i can see a 2 race Freeps with frodo die quickly to this with a little recursion

Durthang Seeker
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, name a race you can spot in the fellowship. Each time the Free Peoples player assigns a companion of another race to skirmish a minion, make a minion strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
"..it was of a small breed, black-skinned, with wide and snuffling nostrils: evidently a tracker of some kind."
M1R77

hmm...2/8/2 is tempting...I say go for it.

[DáinIronfoot]

•Durthang
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc wins a skirmish, add a token here.
While you can spot more tokens here than races in the fellowship, your other conditions may not be discarded by Free Peoples cards.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a Orc gain dominate until the start of the regroup phase.
"A few miles north, high up in the angle where the western spur branched away from the main range, stood the old castle of Durthang, now one of the many orc-holds that clustered about the dale of Udûn."
M1R74

Nifty! A cost of or might be better, though.

Durthang Long-sword
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a minion.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to bearer, the Free Peoples player must wound a companion of another race.
"‘Ho la! You up there, you dunghill rat! Stop your squeaking, or I'll come and deal with you. D'you hear?'"
M1C76

I love it with Sauron. Lem0n's got a good point on wording, though.

Durthang Seeker
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, name a race you can spot in the fellowship. Each time the Free Peoples player assigns a companion of another race to skirmish a minion, make a minion strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
"..it was of a small breed, black-skinned, with wide and snuffling nostrils: evidently a tracker of some kind."
M1R77

A nasty little guy. Since the majority of fellowships run Frodo as the sole Hobbit, Durthang Seeker will almost always throw out some bonuses. But by that fact alone he'll immediately become a target for pre-skirmish wounding. I'm thinking of adjusting his stats to /8/2 to make him easier to bring into play but also easier to kill.

I'd go the /8/2 route, and/or go with Thran's idea about limiting that strength boost to this guy.

[Elf_Lvr]

•Durthang
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc wins a skirmish, add a token here.
While you can spot more tokens here than races in the fellowship, your other conditions may not be discarded by Free Peoples cards.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a Orc gain dominate until the start of the regroup phase.
"A few miles north, high up in the angle where the western spur branched away from the main range, stood the old castle of Durthang, now one of the many orc-holds that clustered about the dale of Udûn."
M1R74

I really like it. is a culture that really relies on conditions, and it needs some way to protect 'em. Besides Dead Marshes. Which, combined with this card, is pretty evil.

Durthang Long-sword
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a minion.
Each time a companion loses a skirmish to bearer, the Free Peoples player must wound a companion of another race.
"‘Ho la! You up there, you dunghill rat! Stop your squeaking, or I'll come and deal with you. D'you hear?'"
M1C76

Fair enough. Although I might make it exert instead of wound - this would be a really cheap way to kill a deck that's forced to use Frodo as its Ring-bearer.

Durthang Seeker
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, name a race you can spot in the fellowship. Each time the Free Peoples player assigns a companion of another race to skirmish a minion, make a minion strength +2 until the start of the regroup phase.
"..it was of a small breed, black-skinned, with wide and snuffling nostrils: evidently a tracker of some kind."
M1R77

Well, in a swarm this guy is nasty. Dropping the cost to would be okay, but then either make him unique (four of this guy at once would just be sick) or change it so he's the one who gets the bonus.

[DáinIronfoot]

•Durthang
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc wins a skirmish, add a token here.
While you can spot more tokens here than races in the fellowship, your other conditions may not be discarded by Free Peoples cards.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a Orc gain dominate until the start of the regroup phase.
"A few miles north, high up in the angle where the western spur branched away from the main range, stood the old castle of Durthang, now one of the many orc-holds that clustered about the dale of Udûn."
M1R74

I really like it. is a culture that really relies on conditions, and it needs some way to protect 'em. Besides Dead Marshes. Which, combined with this card, is pretty evil.

A possible solution would be to add "When this condition is discarded, remove it from the game." I think that might be good if you keep it at anyway, come to think of it.

[menace64]

Duthang now costs and the sword costs nothing but only gives +1 strength. I made Durthang Seeker unique and made the stat change to /8/2.

Good reviews, fellas!

Today are three otherwise-unrelated cards. Enjoy.

All Powers Assembled
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to reveal the top card of your draw deck. If that card is a minion, you may play it; it is twilight cost -1.
"…but Gothmog the lieutenant of Morgul had flung them into the fray; Easterlings with axes, and Variags of Khand, Southrons in scarlet…"
M1C72

The first of two alliance cards in the culture, this is (I think) the only alliance in Lands of Shadow to have three cultures involved. I'm not too excited about the lore I chose so that'll probably change before the set is really finished; the text itself is about as simple as it gets. Once you can spot 3 Orcs (which could theoretically be of any of the three featured cultures - good luck finding Orcs though), bring this card into play and you can start bringing out minion after minion.

It costs because all alliance cards are expensive to bring into play but it's non-unique so it won't clog up your hand too badly.

Durthang Sentry
Minion • Orc
Strength 6
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While skirmishing a Man, this minion is strength +6.
"But as they went his soldiers blew their horns in signal long arranged; and even before they came to the gate Sauron sprang his trap.'"
M1C78

Simple, simple, simple. More racism. It was costed at up until a second ago; I figure its limited ability might support the change. It could be too powerful as a -cost toady though.

•Grond, Wrought of Malice
Artifact • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the end of each of your shadow phases, you may exert 2 Orcs (or exert a Troll twice) to reveal 3 cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand. Discard any revealed Free Peoples cards.
Each unbound companion is resistance -1 for each race you spot in the fellowship.
"Grond crawled on."
M1R86

Yup. Ouch!

[DáinIronfoot]

All Powers Assembled
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to reveal the top card of your draw deck. If that card is a minion, you may play it; it is twilight cost -2.
"…but Gothmog the lieutenant of Morgul had flung them into the fray; Easterlings with axes, and Variags of Khand, Southrons in scarlet…"
M1C72

Looks fine to me.

Durthang Sentry
Minion • Orc
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While skirmishing a Man, this minion is strength +6.
"But as they went his soldiers blew their horns in signal long arranged; and even before they came to the gate Sauron sprang his trap.'"
M1C78

Yeah, too good at . Reduce his vitality to 1, and THEN we're talking.

•Grond, Wrought of Malice
Artifact • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the end of each of your shadow phases, you may exert 2 Orcs (or exert a Troll twice) to reveal 3 cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand. Discard any revealed Free Peoples cards.
Each unbound companion is resistance -1 for each race you spot in the fellowship.
"Grond crawled on."
M1R86

Ouch, indeed! But it IS Grond, so probably okay. Barely.

[lem0nhead]

All Powers Assembled
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to reveal the top card of your draw deck. If that card is a minion, you may play it; it is twilight cost -2.
"…but Gothmog the lieutenant of Morgul had flung them into the fray; Easterlings with axes, and Variags of Khand, Southrons in scarlet…"
M1C72

Yeesh, -1 perhaps, seems way too useful.

Durthang Sentry
Minion • Orc
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While skirmishing a Man, this minion is strength +6.
"But as they went his soldiers blew their horns in signal long arranged; and even before they came to the gate Sauron sprang his trap.'"
M1C78

For 1 cost i dont think any minion should really have 3 vitality.

•Grond, Wrought of Malice
Artifact • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the end of each of your shadow phases, you may exert 2 Orcs (or exert a Troll twice) to reveal 3 cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand. Discard any revealed Free Peoples cards.
Each unbound companion is resistance -1 for each race you spot in the fellowship.
"Grond crawled on."
M1R86

Yeesh again. Im not sure about this one, i wanna say only 2 cards but grond has always been insanely hard. See what others say.

[Thranduil]

All Powers Assembled
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to reveal the top card of your draw deck. If that card is a minion, you may play it; it is twilight cost -2.
"…but Gothmog the lieutenant of Morgul had flung them into the fray; Easterlings with axes, and Variags of Khand, Southrons in scarlet…"
M1C72

Hmmm.... Hefty cost, hefty spotting requirement, but a very good ability. I'm not sure if the cost should come down a little for making minions -1 instead of -2. Or, perhaps it could reduce minion's site numbers instead?

Durthang Sentry
Minion • Orc
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While skirmishing a Man, this minion is strength +6.
"But as they went his soldiers blew their horns in signal long arranged; and even before they came to the gate Sauron sprang his trap.'"
M1C78

Agree with DI and lem0n, this guy needs to have vitality 2 or 1. Other than that, he's pretty reasonable (very ) - not great, but certainly more useful at .

•Grond, Wrought of Malice
Artifact • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the end of each of your shadow phases, you may exert 2 Orcs (or exert a Troll twice) to reveal 3 cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand. Discard any revealed Free Peoples cards.
Each unbound companion is resistance -1 for each race you spot in the fellowship.
"Grond crawled on."
M1R86

Perhaps it should discard 1 revealed Free Peoples card. Otherwise seems good.

Thranduil

[sickofpalantirs]

Duthang now costs and the sword costs nothing but only gives +1 strength. I made Durthang Seeker unique and made the stat change to /8/2.

Good reviews, fellas!

Today are three otherwise-unrelated cards. Enjoy.

All Powers Assembled
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to reveal the top card of your draw deck. If that card is a minion, you may play it; it is twilight cost -2.
"…but Gothmog the lieutenant of Morgul had flung them into the fray; Easterlings with axes, and Variags of Khand, Southrons in scarlet…"
M1C72
I dislike the lore too   but gollum? it seems like that should be a different alliance altogether.  that shadow ability is powerful. I'd prefer a remove 1 to do it...that gives a gambling element too it

Durthang Sentry
Minion • Orc
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While skirmishing a Man, this minion is strength +6.
"But as they went his soldiers blew their horns in signal long arranged; and even before they came to the gate Sauron sprang his trap.'"
M1C78
I'd say safer as 2...

•Grond, Wrought of Malice
Artifact • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the end of each of your shadow phases, you may exert 2 Orcs (or exert a Troll twice) to reveal 3 cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand. Discard any revealed Free Peoples cards.
Each unbound companion is resistance -1 for each race you spot in the fellowship.
"Grond crawled on."
M1R86

fine by me.

[menace64]

All Powers Assembled will make more sense as a / alliance once I find that original lore I wanted to use. Its shadow ability now only reduces the twilight cost of minions by 1. The Sentry now has 2 vitality.

Grond stays powerful. 

Today, three random cards.

In Deepest Dark
Event • Skirmish
Make a companion skirmishing a Orc strength -1 (-2 if you can spot 5 burdens or cannot spot a Free Peoples alliances; -3 if both).
"But far worse than all such perils was the ever-approaching threat that beat upon them as they went: the dreadful menace of the Power that waited, brooding in deep thought and sleepless malice behind the dark veil about its Throne. Nearer and nearer it drew, looming blacker, like the oncoming of a wall of night at the last end of the world."
M1C87

I was very conscious of the fact that one of the culture's natural handicaps is its general lack of skirmish pumps (I think it has 2). Also on my mind was the culture's tendency to hurt companions rather than help its own minions. Thus, In Deepest Dark. It can get very nasty.

Quakes of New War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the start of the assignment phase, add for each of your unwounded minions.
Regroup: Discard each of your non-exhausted Orcs to draw a card for each Orc discarded in this way.
"Along all the roads troops were moving; for the Captains of the West were advancing and the Dark Lord was speeding his forces north."
M1U92

I admit now that the incipience behind this card was my desire to write a title starting with the letter Q. It's a good letter that doesn't get enough attention.
Beyond that, this card is nothing but pure flavor. What forces Sauron lost on the Pelennor he quickly mustered - and then some - for the battle at the Black Gate.

But this next card really is the Mother of Flavor for the entire set:

•Land is Emptied
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc is discarded from your hand, you may stack it here.
Shadow: Spot no minions and at least 5 cards here to play all minions stacked here; each is twilight cost -2. Discard this condition and end your shadow phase.
"Down from the hills on either side of the Morannon poured Orcs innumerable… forces ten times and more than ten times their match would ring them in a sea of enemies. Sauron had taken the proffered bait in jaws of steel."
M1R89

This card is my baby and I've been waiting for months to show it off.

[lem0nhead]

In Deepest Dark
Event • Skirmish
Make a companion skirmishing a Orc strength -1 (-2 if you can spot 5 burdens or no Free Peoples alliances; -3 if both).
"But far worse than all such perils was the ever-approaching threat that beat upon them as they went: the dreadful menace of the Power that waited, brooding in deep thought and sleepless malice behind the dark veil about its Throne. Nearer and nearer it drew, looming blacker, like the oncoming of a wall of night at the last end of the world."
M1C87

Mucky wording at the end but i get the idea. Nice.

Quakes of New War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the start of the assignment phase, add for each of your unwounded minions.
Regroup: Discard each of your Orcs that isn't exhausted to draw a card for each Orc discarded in this way.
"Along all the roads troops were moving; for the Captains of the West were advancing and the Dark Lord was speeding his forces north."
M1U92

Wow no way dude. This card says unless freeps have archery, have crap loads of pool for the skirmish. Nice regroup ability but the first bit is sick.

•Land is Emptied
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc is discarded from your hand, you may stack it here.
Shadow: Spot no minions and at least 5 cards here to play all minions stacked here; each is twilight cost -3. Discard this condition and end your shadow phase.
"Down from the hills on either side of the Morannon poured Orcs innumerable… forces ten times and more than ten times their match would ring them in a sea of enemies. Sauron had taken the proffered bait in jaws of steel."
M1R89

So you can stack them by discarding them from your hand in regroup or by other cards that require you to discard them? Mental. Id tone it down to -2 otherwise its insane. Nice idea though.

[DáinIronfoot]

In Deepest Dark
Event • Skirmish
Make a companion skirmishing a Orc strength -1 (-2 if you can spot 5 burdens or no Free Peoples alliances; -3 if both).
"But far worse than all such perils was the ever-approaching threat that beat upon them as they went: the dreadful menace of the Power that waited, brooding in deep thought and sleepless malice behind the dark veil about its Throne. Nearer and nearer it drew, looming blacker, like the oncoming of a wall of night at the last end of the world."
M1C87

Not 100% sure on that wording, but it's a lovely card. Unless you're the FP player, in which case it is a HIDEOUS card.

Quakes of New War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the start of the assignment phase, add for each of your unwounded minions.
Regroup: Discard each of your Orcs that isn't exhausted to draw a card for each Orc discarded in this way.
"Along all the roads troops were moving; for the Captains of the West were advancing and the Dark Lord was speeding his forces north."
M1U92

Today's DCs are brought to you by the letter Q.

Limit it to (and perhaps any of their alliances) minions, and change "isn't" to "is not". You could actually simply that regroup ability by saying "Discard X non-exhausted Orcs to draw X cards." I know "non-exhausted" doesn't exist in game text yet, but non-fillintheblank is, so it makes enough sense.

•Land is Emptied
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc is discarded from your hand, you may stack it here.
Shadow: Spot no minions and at least 5 cards here to play all minions stacked here; each is twilight cost -3. Discard this condition and end your shadow phase.
"Down from the hills on either side of the Morannon poured Orcs innumerable… forces ten times and more than ten times their match would ring them in a sea of enemies. Sauron had taken the proffered bait in jaws of steel."
M1R89

"play each minion" rather than "play all minions". Also make sure to always capitalize "Shadow". Hey, you point out useful nitpicks on my DCs; turnabout is fair play. I think it might be BARELY okay as is, since only Orcs discarded from hand qualify.

[Thranduil]

In Deepest Dark
Event • Skirmish
Make a companion skirmishing a Orc strength -1 (-2 if you can spot 5 burdens or no Free Peoples alliances; -3 if both).
"But far worse than all such perils was the ever-approaching threat that beat upon them as they went: the dreadful menace of the Power that waited, brooding in deep thought and sleepless malice behind the dark veil about its Throne. Nearer and nearer it drew, looming blacker, like the oncoming of a wall of night at the last end of the world."
M1C87

Yeah it's fun.

Quakes of New War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the start of the assignment phase, add for each of your unwounded minions.
Regroup: Discard each of your Orcs that isn't exhausted to draw a card for each Orc discarded in this way.
"Along all the roads troops were moving; for the Captains of the West were advancing and the Dark Lord was speeding his forces north."
M1U92

I think because of the first ability it should be unique. If so, it could probably cost . Fun card though.

•Land is Emptied
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc is discarded from your hand, you may stack it here.
Shadow: Spot no minions and at least 5 cards here to play all minions stacked here; each is twilight cost -3. Discard this condition and end your shadow phase.
"Down from the hills on either side of the Morannon poured Orcs innumerable… forces ten times and more than ten times their match would ring them in a sea of enemies. Sauron had taken the proffered bait in jaws of steel."
M1R89

Funky. Also, you can make it work by cycling Orcs as part of your reconciling! I love how you build up a massive force throughout the course of the game!

Thranduil

[sickofpalantirs]

All Powers Assembled will make more sense as a / alliance once I find that original lore I wanted to use. Its shadow ability now only reduces the twilight cost of minions by 1. The Sentry now has 2 vitality.

Grond stays powerful. 

Today, three random cards.

In Deepest Dark
Event • Skirmish
Make a companion skirmishing a Orc strength -1 (-2 if you can spot 5 burdens or no Free Peoples alliances; -3 if both).
"But far worse than all such perils was the ever-approaching threat that beat upon them as they went: the dreadful menace of the Power that waited, brooding in deep thought and sleepless malice behind the dark veil about its Throne. Nearer and nearer it drew, looming blacker, like the oncoming of a wall of night at the last end of the world."
M1C87
its rather confusing wording...
Quakes of New War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
At the start of the assignment phase, add for each of your unwounded minions.
Regroup: Discard each of your Orcs that isn't exhausted to draw a card for each Orc discarded in this way.
"Along all the roads troops were moving; for the Captains of the West were advancing and the Dark Lord was speeding his forces north."
M1U92
fine.

•Land is Emptied
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Orc is discarded from your hand, you may stack it here.
Shadow: Spot no minions and at least 5 cards here to play all minions stacked here; each is twilight cost -3. Discard this condition and end your shadow phase.
"Down from the hills on either side of the Morannon poured Orcs innumerable… forces ten times and more than ten times their match would ring them in a sea of enemies. Sauron had taken the proffered bait in jaws of steel."
M1R89

hmm...I guess...I think -2 would be better though

[menace64]

I went back and polished the wording on In Deepest Dark, added more cultural enforcement on Quakes, and changed Land is Emptied from -3 to -2. Quakes also got some wording attention but I didn't change change it to a unique condition. My reasoning is that these new Orcs need some powerful cards to help fight against double-moving; right now they've got high strength and dominate. Adding tokens to the pool really isn't that extreme, really.

*Actually* Dain, a phase name isn't capitalized unless it's succeeded by a colon. Duh.

Four cards today since the first three are basically the same.

•Udûn Prowler
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
For each race you spot in the fellowship over 1, Udûn Prowler's twilight cost is -1.
Skirmish: Exert Udûn Prowler to wound a companion it is skirmishing.
"They passed the hours of night in wakefulness and they were aware of many things half-seen that walked and prowled all about them…"
M1R94

Originally I had him as a /10/2 but decided that he was lousy with those stats, since the skirmish ability is nothing new and the twilight discount is completely dependent on match-up. As he is like this, he's worth his weight normally and can turn into something even scarier.

Udûn Sentinel
Minion • Orc
Strength 10
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
For each race you spot in the fellowship over 1, this minion's twilight cost is -1.
"‘…and he has not built up his power by waiting until his enemies are secure, as we have done.'"
M1C95

Udûn Servitor
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
For each race you spot in the fellowship over 1, this minion's twilight cost is -1.
"In that dale behind the Morannon were the tunnels and deep armouries that the servants of Mordor had made for the defense of the Black Gate of their land…"
M1C96

After I raised the Prowler's stats these two had to go up as well. I think they're fine like this though.

Mordor Battleaxe
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a Orc.
For each race you spot in the fellowship over 1, bearer is strength +1.
By darkest power is designed darkest tool.
M1C91

Yup. Strait-forward racism. Three Hunters decks and Grey Company decks will fear this subculture.

[sickofpalantirs]

I went back and polished the wording on In Deepest Dark, added more cultural enforcement on Quakes, and changed Land is Emptied from -3 to -2. Quakes also got some wording attention but I didn't change change it to a unique condition. My reasoning is that these new Orcs need some powerful cards to help fight against double-moving; right now they've got high strength and dominate. Adding tokens to the pool really isn't that extreme, really.

*Actually* Dain, a phase name isn't capitalized unless it's succeeded by a colon. Duh.

Four cards today since the first three are basically the same.

Udûn Prowler
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -3.
Skirmish: Exert this minion to wound a companion it is skirmishing.
"They passed the hours of night in wakefulness and they were aware of many things half-seen that walked and prowled all about them…"
M1R94
keep it at -2.IMHO

Udûn Servitor
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"In that dale behind the Morannon were the tunnels and deep armouries that the servants of Mordor had made for the defense of the Black Gate of their land…"
M1C96
that shtings...

Mordor Battleaxe
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a Orc.
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, bearer is strength +2.
By darkest power is designed darkest tool.
M1C91

nice and simple

[Thranduil]

*Actually* Dain, a phase name isn't capitalized unless it's succeeded by a colon. Duh.

*Actually*, Dain is entirely right - "Shadow" is always capitalised regardless of context. Take a look at a few cards! (He called me on this a while back - trust me it's true!).

Udûn Prowler
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -3.
Skirmish: Exert this minion to wound a companion it is skirmishing.
"They passed the hours of night in wakefulness and they were aware of many things half-seen that walked and prowled all about them…"
M1R94

I don't like the grinding guys, especially those with 3 vitality or ways to gain more vitality, but it's what does so fair enough. I might make his cost .

Udûn Sentinel
Minion • Orc
Strength 10
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"‘…and he has not built up his power by waiting until his enemies are secure, as we have done.'"
M1C95

This guy isn't great: I don't think I'd ever use him in a deck. I don't think it would be too good for him to have the exert to wound ability.

Udûn Servitor
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"In that dale behind the Morannon were the tunnels and deep armouries that the servants of Mordor had made for the defense of the Black Gate of their land…"
M1C96

Ditto on this one. Lower stats in favour of grind.

Mordor Battleaxe
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a Orc.
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, bearer is strength +2.
By darkest power is designed darkest tool.
M1C91

Yeah, it's alright. Could be .

Thranduil

[lem0nhead]

Udûn Prowler
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -3.
Skirmish: Exert this minion to wound a companion it is skirmishing.
"They passed the hours of night in wakefulness and they were aware of many things half-seen that walked and prowled all about them…"
M1R94

With his wounding ability id say -2 is more than enough.

Udûn Sentinel
Minion • Orc
Strength 10
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"‘…and he has not built up his power by waiting until his enemies are secure, as we have done.'"
M1C95

Fine.

Udûn Servitor
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"In that dale behind the Morannon were the tunnels and deep armouries that the servants of Mordor had made for the defense of the Black Gate of their land…"
M1C96

Fine.

Mordor Battleaxe
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a Orc.
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, bearer is strength +2.
By darkest power is designed darkest tool.
M1C91

In contrast to what i said earlier i think this could be +3.

[Elf_Lvr]

Udûn Prowler
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -3.
Skirmish: Exert this minion to wound a companion it is skirmishing.
"They passed the hours of night in wakefulness and they were aware of many things half-seen that walked and prowled all about them…"
M1R94

There's an guy that does the same thing without the twilight reduction. Who's unique. Admittedly, this guy will be roaming longer, but... Okay, looking at this culture, I really think that unless you made something that adds to the number of races you can spot (which you probably have or will), this kills hunters and not much else. Like, if you can spot 3 races, you can dumb 4 of these guys for . Insta-kill, especially against a deck type that normally only runs 4-5 companions anyway.

My point is basically - I'd love to see some way for this strategy to hurt more fellowships without slaughtering one every time.

And this guy needs unique.

Udûn Sentinel
Minion • Orc
Strength 10
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"‘…and he has not built up his power by waiting until his enemies are secure, as we have done.'"
M1C95

More uber-swarm potential, but this guy's better. I like it.

Udûn Servitor
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"In that dale behind the Morannon were the tunnels and deep armouries that the servants of Mordor had made for the defense of the Black Gate of their land…"
M1C96

Ditto.

Mordor Battleaxe
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a Orc.
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, bearer is strength +2.
By darkest power is designed darkest tool.
M1C91

This is cool.

[DáinIronfoot]

*Actually* Dain, a phase name isn't capitalized unless it's succeeded by a colon. Duh.

And as Thran said, Shadow actually IS, every time. Just scroll through some cards and you'll see what I mean.

Udûn Prowler
Minion • Orc
Strength 11
Vitality 3
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -3.
Skirmish: Exert this minion to wound a companion it is skirmishing.
"They passed the hours of night in wakefulness and they were aware of many things half-seen that walked and prowled all about them…"
M1R94

I agree with others that said -2 is fine on the first part...or to REALLY be interesting, perhaps make his cost (which I might argue is a good idea anyway) and change it to "This minion's twilight cost is -1 for each race in the fellowship over 1", or something like that. Mwaha.

Udûn Sentinel
Minion • Orc
Strength 10
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"‘…and he has not built up his power by waiting until his enemies are secure, as we have done.'"
M1C95

This one's probably okay, but if you change the wording of the other, change this guy to be similiar.

Udûn Servitor
Minion • Orc
Strength 9
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, this minion is twilight cost -2.
"In that dale behind the Morannon were the tunnels and deep armouries that the servants of Mordor had made for the defense of the Black Gate of their land…"
M1C96

Ditto.

Mordor Battleaxe
Possession • Hand Weapon
Strength +2
Bearer must be a Orc.
While you can spot 3 or more races in the fellowship, bearer is strength +2.
By darkest power is designed darkest tool.
M1C91

Fun!

[menace64]

I think for now I'm going to take Dain's advice and change how these fellas get their discount.

Sorry for the delay here... life caught up with me and my creative energy was drained. I'm still pretty mentally racked. So today I'm just throwing out some easy cards that don't require a lot of explanation.

Monumental Works
Event • Shadow
Exert a Orc to play a condition from your discard pile.
"North amid their noisome pits lay the first of the great heaps and hills of slag and broken rock and blasted earth, the vomit of the maggot-folk of Mordor; but south and now near loomed the great rampart of Cirith Gorgor, and the Black Gate amidmost, and the two Towers of the Teeth tall and dark upon either side… The two vast iron doors of the Black Gate under its frowning arch were fast closed."
M1C90

Slaves of Núrn
Event • Shadow
Spot a minion and exert a minion of another culture to make that minion strength +3 and gain dominate until the regroup phase (A companion skirmishing this minion may not be exerted by that companion's owner).
"Neither he nor Frodo knew anything of the great slave-worked fields away south in this wide realm, beyond the fumes of the Mountain by the dark sad waters of Lake Núrnen; nor of the great roads that ran away east and south to tributary lands, from which the soldiers of the Tower brought long waggon-trains of goods and booty and fresh slaves."
M1C93

Udûn Watchman
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, reveal X cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship.
"Upon the battlement nothing could be seen. All was silent but watchful."
M1U97

And I've already posted this card, but now that you've got a good look at the culture I think you should see it again:

Ashen Plains
Plains. Each Orc is strength +1 for each race in the fellowship over 2.
M1U129

I'm pretty sure there are only 3 or 4 cards left to reveal.

[lem0nhead]

Monumental Works
Event • Shadow
Exert a Orc to play a condition from your discard pile.
"North amid their noisome pits lay the first of the great heaps and hills of slag and broken rock and blasted earth, the vomit of the maggot-folk of Mordor; but south and now near loomed the great rampart of Cirith Gorgor, and the Black Gate amidmost, and the two Towers of the Teeth tall and dark upon either side… The two vast iron doors of the Black Gate under its frowning arch were fast closed."
M1C90

Eeek condition recursion. Icky. I can see some DDotR popping back again and stuff. Not sure i like it. Currently only Dead Marshes gets conditions back and id keep it that way.

Slaves of Núrn
Event • Shadow
Spot a minion and exert a minion of another culture to make that minion strength +3 and gain dominate until the regroup phase (A companion skirmishing this minion may not be exerted by that companion's owner).
"Neither he nor Frodo knew anything of the great slave-worked fields away south in this wide realm, beyond the fumes of the Mountain by the dark sad waters of Lake Núrnen; nor of the great roads that ran away east and south to tributary lands, from which the soldiers of the Tower brought long waggon-trains of goods and booty and fresh slaves."
M1C93

Fine.

Udûn Watchman
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, reveal X cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship.
"Upon the battlement nothing could be seen. All was silent but watchful."
M1U97

Ok.

Ashen Plains
Each minion is strength +1 for each race in the fellowship over 2.
M1U129

Fine although it probably should be 1.

[Thranduil]

Monumental Works
Event • Shadow
Exert a Orc to play a condition from your discard pile.
"North amid their noisome pits lay the first of the great heaps and hills of slag and broken rock and blasted earth, the vomit of the maggot-folk of Mordor; but south and now near loomed the great rampart of Cirith Gorgor, and the Black Gate amidmost, and the two Towers of the Teeth tall and dark upon either side… The two vast iron doors of the Black Gate under its frowning arch were fast closed."
M1C90

I think this card is alright. There's certainly no event recursion in the culture, and using up a card from your deck to play 1 condition again seems fine to be.

Ashen Plains
Each minion is strength +1 for each race in the fellowship over 2.
M1U129

This doesn't quite feel like a site's text. More like a site would be "While there are 3 races in the fellowship, each minion is strength +2." I also think that it should apply to all minions, not just - it happens to work especially well with these cards and that's fair enough, but sites are normally (and particularly recently) more universal than that.

Thranduil

[DáinIronfoot]

Monumental Works
Event • Shadow
Exert a Orc to play a condition from your discard pile.
"North amid their noisome pits lay the first of the great heaps and hills of slag and broken rock and blasted earth, the vomit of the maggot-folk of Mordor; but south and now near loomed the great rampart of Cirith Gorgor, and the Black Gate amidmost, and the two Towers of the Teeth tall and dark upon either side… The two vast iron doors of the Black Gate under its frowning arch were fast closed."
M1C90

Probably better if it costed .

Slaves of Núrn
Event • Shadow
Spot a minion and exert a minion of another culture to make that minion strength +3 and gain dominate until the regroup phase (A companion skirmishing this minion may not be exerted by that companion's owner).
"Neither he nor Frodo knew anything of the great slave-worked fields away south in this wide realm, beyond the fumes of the Mountain by the dark sad waters of Lake Núrnen; nor of the great roads that ran away east and south to tributary lands, from which the soldiers of the Tower brought long waggon-trains of goods and booty and fresh slaves."
M1C93

Seems fair enough to me.

Udûn Watchman
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, reveal X cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship.
"Upon the battlement nothing could be seen. All was silent but watchful."
M1U97

I'm assuming there's some combo I'm forgetting about....

Ashen Plains
Each minion is strength +1 for each race in the fellowship over 2.
M1U129

would be better as the Shadow number. And perhaps allow it to work with any Orc.

Also, shouldn't it be a plains or battleground or something?

[Elf_Lvr]

Monumental Works
Event • Shadow
Exert a Orc to play a condition from your discard pile.
"North amid their noisome pits lay the first of the great heaps and hills of slag and broken rock and blasted earth, the vomit of the maggot-folk of Mordor; but south and now near loomed the great rampart of Cirith Gorgor, and the Black Gate amidmost, and the two Towers of the Teeth tall and dark upon either side… The two vast iron doors of the Black Gate under its frowning arch were fast closed."
M1C90

Fair enough.

Slaves of Núrn
Event • Shadow
Spot a minion and exert a minion of another culture to make that minion strength +3 and gain dominate until the regroup phase (A companion skirmishing this minion may not be exerted by that companion's owner).
"Neither he nor Frodo knew anything of the great slave-worked fields away south in this wide realm, beyond the fumes of the Mountain by the dark sad waters of Lake Núrnen; nor of the great roads that ran away east and south to tributary lands, from which the soldiers of the Tower brought long waggon-trains of goods and booty and fresh slaves."
M1C93

Cool.

Udûn Watchman
Minion • Orc
Strength 8
Vitality 2
Site Number 6
When you play this minion, reveal X cards at random from the Free Peoples player's hand, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship.
"Upon the battlement nothing could be seen. All was silent but watchful."
M1U97

Maybe have some way to discard a revealed card. It'd be more -y.

Ashen Plains
Each minion is strength +1 for each race in the fellowship over 2.
M1U129

Nifty.

[menace64]

I wasn't sure how many cards were left to spoil for Lands of Shadow, so I decided I'd just show them all in one final bonanza. But as it turns out there are only four left... so it's not quite so epic. 

Forges of War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each minion with dominate is strength +1.
Response: If a minion is wounded, exert a minion of another culture to prevent that wound.
"Here in the northward regions were the mines and forges, and the musterings of long-planned war; and here the Dark Power, moving its armies like pieces on the board, was gathering them together."
M1U80

This condition rounds out the dominate theme that carries through part of the culture in this set. Also, rather obviously, it fits nicely into the alliance theme, allowing minions to work better with the , , and cultures.

•From Lands of the Stricken
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time a minion is killed during a skirmish, you may add a token here.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a minion gain flanking until the start of the regroup phase.
"Eastward Sam could see the plain of Mordor vast and dark below, and the burning mountain far away. A fresh turmoil was surging in its deep wells, and the rivers of fire blazed so fiercely that even at this distance of many miles the light of them lit the tower-top with a red glare."
M1U81

Flanking isn't a core element of the culture, which is why if you want to have it, you've got to work harder... to lose! Huzzah! The flavor of this card is that the land of Mordor is not a habitable place to live, full of death and general lifelessness. Many die under the gloom of Mount Doom; those that survive are the smartest and deadliest of the Orcs.

Join With Him
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to play an Orc; that Orc is twilight cost -2.
Man, monster, and Wizard responded to the Dark Lord's call.
M1U88

And here is the second of two alliances.
Now, in practice you could play this card with just Orcs, but oh well. Beyond that, Join With Him has the potential to set up a swarm. Play a Southron, get an Orc at -2. Play Lurtz, get an Orc at -2. You get the idea.

Where the Shadows Lie
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or region 3, add a token here.
At the start of your shadow phase, you may remove X tokens here to reinforce X culture tokens on another condition.
Regroup: Remove 2 culture tokens (each of a different culture) to add a burden. Discard this condition.
"…the red light in the sky seemed stronger; though they could not tell whether a dreadful morning were indeed coming to this place of shadow, or whether they saw only the flame of some great violence of Sauron in the torment of Gorgoroth beyond."
M1R98

I think this is the most lackluster rare in the culture, but not every rare must be flashy. I wrote it specifically to help boost Durthang, a condition that prevents your other conditions from being discarded while it has more tokens on it than there are races in the fellowship.
I don't think I wrote it to work this way, but the regroup ability can remove 2 Free Peoples tokens to get that burden. Hmm. It's a pretty cool idea, regardless of whether or not I intended it to behave like that! Let me know if it's too much.

I have no idea what culture is next...                                                                                                                                                                    but this sure is cool!

[Thranduil]

Forges of War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each minion with dominate is strength +1.
Response: If a minion is wounded, exert a minion of another culture to prevent that wound.
"Here in the northward regions were the mines and forges, and the musterings of long-planned war; and here the Dark Power, moving its armies like pieces on the board, was gathering them together."
M1U80

You presumably mean: "If a minion is about to take a wound..." Also, "minion with dominate" is a bit of a boring way to describe them, though I can see it's hard to come up with something else that doesn't have completely the wrong connotations ("dominator" is alright, but there is a similar word which means something entirely different... :hey:)

•From Lands of the Stricken
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time a minion is killed during a skirmish, you may add a token here.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a minion gain flanking until the start of the regroup phase.
"Eastward Sam could see the plain of Mordor vast and dark below, and the burning mountain far away. A fresh turmoil was surging in its deep wells, and the rivers of fire blazed so fiercely that even at this distance of many miles the light of them lit the tower-top with a red glare."
M1U81

I reckon is should spot 1 or 2 Orcs to play, but its fine.

Join With Him
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to play an Orc; that Orc is twilight cost -2.
Man, monster, and Wizard responded to the Dark Lord's call.
M1U88

This is fun. I like. Might be very good, but that's okay.

EDIT: In fact, lem0n's right - it's far too good!

Where the Shadows Lie
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or region 3, add a token here.
At the start of your shadow phase, you may remove X tokens here to reinforce X culture tokens on another condition.
Regroup: Remove 2 culture tokens (each of a different culture) to add a burden. Discard this condition.
"…the red light in the sky seemed stronger; though they could not tell whether a dreadful morning were indeed coming to this place of shadow, or whether they saw only the flame of some great violence of Sauron in the torment of Gorgoroth beyond."
M1R98

Again, perhaps 1 or 2 Orcs to play would be fine. Also I think the regroup action should require at least 1 Orc being in play and I would phrase it as "Remove 2 tokens of different cultures to..." I'm undecided on the FP thing. On one hand, it does seem pretty darn good. On the other hand, you will have to remove at least one of your own tokens most likely to pull it off. Not sure.

Thranduil

[lem0nhead]

Forges of War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each minion with dominate is strength +1.
Response: If a minion is wounded, exert a minion of another culture to prevent that wound.
"Here in the northward regions were the mines and forges, and the musterings of long-planned war; and here the Dark Power, moving its armies like pieces on the board, was gathering them together."
M1U80

Needs a rephrase "Is about to take a wound". Also on balance id say its tipping towards too good, do something to taper it a bit.

•From Lands of the Stricken
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time a minion is killed during a skirmish, you may add a token here.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a minion gain flanking until the start of the regroup phase.
"Eastward Sam could see the plain of Mordor vast and dark below, and the burning mountain far away. A fresh turmoil was surging in its deep wells, and the rivers of fire blazed so fiercely that even at this distance of many miles the light of them lit the tower-top with a red glare."
M1U81

Like it.

Join With Him
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to play an Orc; that Orc is twilight cost -2.
Man, monster, and Wizard responded to the Dark Lord's call.
M1U88

EH!??? What the heck? Every other orc is -2 cost? You crazy?

Where the Shadows Lie
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or region 3, add a token here.
At the start of your shadow phase, you may remove X tokens here to reinforce X culture tokens on another condition.
Regroup: Remove 2 culture tokens (each of a different culture) to add a burden. Discard this condition.
"…the red light in the sky seemed stronger; though they could not tell whether a dreadful morning were indeed coming to this place of shadow, or whether they saw only the flame of some great violence of Sauron in the torment of Gorgoroth beyond."
M1R98

Nice.

[DáinIronfoot]

I'd love to add something new and insightful, but Thran and lem0n have it all covered. Grrr.

[sickofpalantirs]

Forges of War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each minion with dominate is strength +1.
Response: If a minion is wounded, exert a minion of another culture to prevent that wound.
"Here in the northward regions were the mines and forges, and the musterings of long-planned war; and here the Dark Power, moving its armies like pieces on the board, was gathering them together."
M1U80
+4 to all dominate minions? seems like unique would be better

•From Lands of the Stricken
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time a minion is killed during a skirmish, you may add a token here.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a minion gain flanking until the start of the regroup phase.
"Eastward Sam could see the plain of Mordor vast and dark below, and the burning mountain far away. A fresh turmoil was surging in its deep wells, and the rivers of fire blazed so fiercely that even at this distance of many miles the light of them lit the tower-top with a red glare."
M1U81
fine.

Join With Him
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to play an Orc; that Orc is twilight cost -2.
Man, monster, and Wizard responded to the Dark Lord's call.
M1U88
I'd say minus 1 is much better I mean I get what your going at...but -2 is just a tad excessive.   

Where the Shadows Lie
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or region 3, add a token here.
At the start of your shadow phase, you may remove X tokens here to reinforce X culture tokens on another condition.
Regroup: Remove 2 culture tokens (each of a different culture) to add a burden. Discard this condition.
"…the red light in the sky seemed stronger; though they could not tell whether a dreadful morning were indeed coming to this place of shadow, or whether they saw only the flame of some great violence of Sauron in the torment of Gorgoroth beyond."
M1R98

hmm...fine by me.

[Elf_Lvr]

]quote author=menace64 link=topic=1167.msg19736#msg19736 date=1228369840]
I wasn't sure how many cards were left to spoil for Lands of Shadow, so I decided I'd just show them all in one final bonanza. But as it turns out there are only four left... so it's not quite so epic.  [/quote]

Epic is as epic does.

The relevance or meaning of that statement, I don't know.

Forges of War
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each minion with dominate is strength +1.
Response: If a minion is wounded, exert a minion of another culture to prevent that wound.
"Here in the northward regions were the mines and forges, and the musterings of long-planned war; and here the Dark Power, moving its armies like pieces on the board, was gathering them together."
M1U80

"About to take a wound" instead of "wounded." I think I'd make it unique, because strength +4 on almost every guy is a little excessive. Either that, or drop the spotting requirement and change it to, "While you can spot 3 Orcs, each Orc with dominate...."

It keeps the "bomb" effect but might not be OP that way.

•From Lands of the Stricken
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time a minion is killed during a skirmish, you may add a token here.
Assignment: Remove 3 tokens here to make a minion gain flanking until the start of the regroup phase.
"Eastward Sam could see the plain of Mordor vast and dark below, and the burning mountain far away. A fresh turmoil was surging in its deep wells, and the rivers of fire blazed so fiercely that even at this distance of many miles the light of them lit the tower-top with a red glare."
M1U81

Nifty.

Join With Him
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: or (You may replace with or anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Shadow: Play a minion to play an Orc; that Orc is twilight cost -2.
Man, monster, and Wizard responded to the Dark Lord's call.
M1U88

This card can spot ORCS! 

EPIC!

I might unique it, even though the ability doesn't stack, it'd still make it easier to remove and a little more balanced. I'd go with SoP's idea, although maybe add a condition to the reduction being at -2.

Where the Shadows Lie
Condition • Support Area
To play, spot 3 Orcs.
Each time the fellowship moves to a site in region 2 or region 3, add a token here.
At the start of your shadow phase, you may remove X tokens here to reinforce X culture tokens on another condition.
Regroup: Remove 2 culture tokens (each of a different culture) to add a burden. Discard this condition.
"…the red light in the sky seemed stronger; though they could not tell whether a dreadful morning were indeed coming to this place of shadow, or whether they saw only the flame of some great violence of Sauron in the torment of Gorgoroth beyond."
M1R98

Cool.

[menace64]

Creating the Complete Spoiler thread gave me a good idea of what I need to work on. I haven't spoiled a single or card and I've only done 1 site... not to mention my desire to redo the FP culture. I'm pretty sure that's it!

Today I'm spoiling the Gimli/Legolas duo cards. After this we're going straight into Grey Company cards!

•Gimli, Champion of Many Battles
Companion • Dwarf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Damage +1. While in your starting fellowship (or while you spot Aragorn or Legolas), Gimli is twilight cost -1.
While Aragorn or Legolas is assigned to a skirmish, Gimli is damage +1 and gains dominate (A character skirmishing this companion may not be exerted by that character's owner).
"‘…I wish that with our victory the war was now over. Yet whatever is still to do, I hope to have a part in it, for the honour of the folk of the Lonely Mountain.'"
M1U1

It's frustrated me for years how Gimli and Legolas are stuck in the 6/3/6 group. They're stronger than that. So this Gimli gets +1 twilight cost but gains the bonus in stats that he should have had from the start. And, like most of the main characters, he's got a way to come in for . Other than that, he can be damage +3 on his own and has the power to shut down some skirmish abilities through dominate.

•Legolas, Champion of Many Battles
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Archer. While in your starting fellowship (or while you spot Aragorn or Gimli), Legolas is twilight cost -1.
While Aragorn or Gimli is assigned to a skirmish, Legolas is strength +1 and gains flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘I will also come,' said Legolas, ‘for I do not fear the Dead.'"
M1U6

This Legolas runs in the same vein as Gimli. Instead of the extra damage bonus and dominate, Legolas gets flanking and the possibility of +2 strength, which demonstrates his agile prowess on the battlefield.

•The Compassion of Legolas
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot an Elf. While you can spot Gimli and Legolas, this card is twilight cost -2.
Assignment: Assign a minion to skirmish an companion and exert that companion to make that minion strength -1 for each Free Peoples alliance you spot (limit -3) until the end of that skirmish.
"‘"Up with your beard, Durin's son!" he said. "For thus is it spoken: Oft hope is born, when all is forlorn." But what hope he saw from afar he would not tell.'"
M1C3

Comes out for free in the right deck, and then reduces the strength of high-power minions while you've got alliances on the table.

This next card I've already spoiled, but it can't hurt to show it again... can it?

•The Honor of Gimli
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot a Dwarf. While you can spot Gimli and Legolas, this card is twilight cost -2.
Each time a companion is assigned to a skirmish, you may exert a Dwarf to make that companion strength +1 for each Free Peoples alliance you spot (limit +3) until the end of that skirmish.
"‘I will go with you even on the Paths of the Dead, and to whatever end they may lead,' said Gimli."
M1C2

As you can see, these two alliances can be *very* deadly when put together. But they're unique, relatively expensive, and are subject to condition removal.

[Thranduil]

•Gimli, Champion of Many Battles
Companion • Dwarf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Damage +1. While in your starting fellowship (or while you spot Aragorn or Legolas), Gimli is twilight cost -1.
While Aragorn or Legolas is assigned to a skirmish, Gimli is damage +1 and gains dominate (A character skirmishing this companion may not be exerted by that character's owner).
"‘…I wish that with our victory the war was now over. Yet whatever is still to do, I hope to have a part in it, for the honour of the folk of the Lonely Mountain.'"
M1U1

How can he be damage +3? I only see options for damage +2. I would be tempted to make the twilight reduction here "While you can spot Legolas or Aragorn, Gimli's twilight cost is -2."  and I would do the same for Legolas below. This allows for some interesting design space starting either these 2 cost Legolas and Gimli or Strider, one of these 2 and another cost companion (likely another copy of Gimli or Legolas).

•Legolas, Champion of Many Battles
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Archer. While in your starting fellowship (or while you spot Aragorn or Gimli), Legolas is twilight cost -1.
While Aragorn or Gimli is assigned to a skirmish, Legolas is strength +1 and gains flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘I will also come,' said Legolas, ‘for I do not fear the Dead.'"
M1U6

Fine, but I like my reduction again here.

•The Compassion of Legolas
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot an Elf. While you can spot Gimli and Legolas, this card is twilight cost -2.
Assignment: Assign a minion of higher strength to skirmish an companion to make that minion strength -1 for each Free Peoples alliance you spot (limit -3).
"‘"Up with your beard, Durin's son!" he said. "For thus is it spoken: Oft hope is born, when all is forlorn." But what hope he saw from afar he would not tell.'"
M1C3

I don't think it needs to be a minion of higher strength - it's fine without that restriction. Though, maybe you ought to then have it exert someone to more closely mirror the Honor of Gimli.

•The Honor of Gimli
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot a Dwarf. While you can spot Gimli and Legolas, this card is twilight cost -2.
Each time a companion is assigned to a skirmish, you may exert a Dwarf to make that companion strength +1 for each Free Peoples alliance you spot (limit +3).
"‘I will go with you even on the Paths of the Dead, and to whatever end they may lead,' said Gimli."
M1C2

Yeah it's fine.

Thranduil

[Elf_Lvr]

•Gimli, Champion of Many Battles
Companion • Dwarf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Damage +1. While in your starting fellowship (or while you spot Aragorn or Legolas), Gimli is twilight cost -1.
While Aragorn or Legolas is assigned to a skirmish, Gimli is damage +1 and gains dominate (A character skirmishing this companion may not be exerted by that character's owner).
"‘…I wish that with our victory the war was now over. Yet whatever is still to do, I hope to have a part in it, for the honour of the folk of the Lonely Mountain.'"
M1U1

I'm sort of siding with Thran. You could keep the starting fellowship reduction and lose the other part, or make the other part -2 and drop the SF reduction. Having both seems a little weird to me.

Actually, that might be OP because you could start strider, Gimli, and Legolas. So, unless you have any good ideas for starting with all three together, I'd just keep Gimli and Legolas -1 in the SF.

•Legolas, Champion of Many Battles
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Archer. While in your starting fellowship (or while you spot Aragorn or Gimli), Legolas is twilight cost -1.
While Aragorn or Gimli is assigned to a skirmish, Legolas is strength +1 and gains flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘I will also come,' said Legolas, ‘for I do not fear the Dead.'"
M1U6

Ditto above. This could be really neat with old-school Bow of the Galadhrim.

•The Compassion of Legolas
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot an Elf. While you can spot Gimli and Legolas, this card is twilight cost -2.
Assignment: Assign a minion of higher strength to skirmish an companion to make that minion strength -1 for each Free Peoples alliance you spot (limit -3).
"‘"Up with your beard, Durin's son!" he said. "For thus is it spoken: Oft hope is born, when all is forlorn." But what hope he saw from afar he would not tell.'"
M1C3

Ditto Thran.

•The Honor of Gimli
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot a Dwarf. While you can spot Gimli and Legolas, this card is twilight cost -2.
Each time a companion is assigned to a skirmish, you may exert a Dwarf to make that companion strength +1 for each Free Peoples alliance you spot (limit +3).
"‘I will go with you even on the Paths of the Dead, and to whatever end they may lead,' said Gimli."

Fine.

[menace64]

I did consider that kind of twilight reduction at first, Thran, but decided that a line did need to be drawn. While it'd be cool to start all three of them, it would just be too powerful. As for how Gimli can achieve damage +3... if both Aragorn and Legolas are assigned to a skirmish during Gimli's skirmish, he'd get damage +1 for each.

Good call on Compassion. Change is made.

[Thranduil]

I did consider that kind of twilight reduction at first, Thran, but decided that a line did need to be drawn. While it'd be cool to start all three of them, it would just be too powerful.

I don't think it would be too powerful, no more powerful than a lot of other starting fellowships (like all 4 Noble Leaders), and you've got to remember the coolness factor!

As for how Gimli can achieve damage +3... if both Aragorn and Legolas are assigned to a skirmish during Gimli's skirmish, he'd get damage +1 for each.

I don't think he can. The ability seems to me that if either Legolas or Aragorn are assigned he gets damage +1 - he doesn't get it for both. I don't think that's a bad thing however and I wouldn't change it.

Thranduil

[lem0nhead]

•Gimli, Champion of Many Battles
Companion • Dwarf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Damage +1. While in your starting fellowship (or while you spot Aragorn or Legolas), Gimli is twilight cost -1.
While Aragorn or Legolas is assigned to a skirmish, Gimli is damage +1 and gains dominate (A character skirmishing this companion may not be exerted by that character's owner).
"‘…I wish that with our victory the war was now over. Yet whatever is still to do, I hope to have a part in it, for the honour of the folk of the Lonely Mountain.'"
M1U1

Hmmm think he's just ok. He needs to be rare though.

•Legolas, Champion of Many Battles
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Archer. While in your starting fellowship (or while you spot Aragorn or Gimli), Legolas is twilight cost -1.
While Aragorn or Gimli is assigned to a skirmish, Legolas is strength +1 and gains flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘I will also come,' said Legolas, ‘for I do not fear the Dead.'"
M1U6

Ditto.

•The Compassion of Legolas
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot an Elf. While you can spot Gimli and Legolas, this card is twilight cost -2.
Assignment: Assign a minion to skirmish an companion and exert that companion to make that minion strength -1 for each Free Peoples alliance you spot (limit -3).
"‘"Up with your beard, Durin's son!" he said. "For thus is it spoken: Oft hope is born, when all is forlorn." But what hope he saw from afar he would not tell.'"
M1C3

Rephrase "Exert an elven companion to assign a minion to him. That minion is...." and you need to add to the regroup or it does nothing.

•The Honor of Gimli
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext). To play, spot a Dwarf. While you can spot Gimli and Legolas, this card is twilight cost -2.
Each time a companion is assigned to a skirmish, you may exert a Dwarf to make that companion strength +1 for each Free Peoples alliance you spot (limit +3).
"‘I will go with you even on the Paths of the Dead, and to whatever end they may lead,' said Gimli."
M1C2

Ditto.

[menace64]

I'm surprised that none of us caught that 'until the regroup phase' bit. Still, I made the bonuses last until the end of the skirmish to help keep control over the power levels.

I wanted to hold off spoiling this next duo for a few more days but whatever. Here they come!

•Elladan, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger. Elrohir is twilight cost -2.
Each time you play an unbound companion of another race, you may heal another unbound companion.
Skirmish: Exert Elladan to make an unbound companion strength +1 for each race in the fellowship.
"‘And have you marked the brethren Elladan and Elrohir? Less sombre is their gear than the others', and they are fair and gallant as Elf-lords; and that is not to be wondered at in the sons of Elrond of Rivendell.'"
M1R4

Doing what Elves do best under the flag of race relations! Elladan has a bit of his father's skill at healing, and a whole heap-load of his kin's natural ability to kick butt.

•Elrohir, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger. Elladan is twilight cost -2.
While you can spot 3 races in the fellowship, unbound companions are resistance +2.
While you can spot 5 races in the fellowship, unbound companions gain flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘From the North we came with this purpose, and from Elrond our father we brought this very counsel. We will not turn back.'"
M1R5

Elrohir is a bit lackluster but his power should not be overlooked. Flanking is no trifle, seeing as it gives you more-or-less a second assignment phase to rearrange troubling minions.

I really like this next guy...

Ranger of the Grey Company
Companion • Man
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger. To play, spot a companion.
While you can spot a Dwarf, this companion is strength +1.
While you can spot an Elf, this companion may not be overwhelmed unless his strength is tripled.
"The Lady Éowyn greeted them and was glad of their coming; for no mightier men had she seen than the Dúnedain and the fair sons of Elrond."
M1U30

In the right deck, he's nothing to sneeze at. Not much needs to be explained with him.

[lem0nhead]

•Elladan, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger.
Each time you play an unbound companion of another race, you may heal another unbound companion.
Skirmish: Exert Elladan to make an unbound companion strength +1 for each race in the fellowship.
"‘And have you marked the brethren Elladan and Elrohir? Less sombre is their gear than the others', and they are fair and gallant as Elf-lords; and that is not to be wondered at in the sons of Elrond of Rivendell.'"
M1R4

Nowhere near as good as the other one, id need to seem some real rainbow love to justify this guy.

•Elrohir, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger.
While you can spot 3 races in the fellowship, unbound companions are resistance +2.
While you can spot 4 races in the fellowship, unbound companions gain flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘From the North we came with this purpose, and from Elrond our father we brought this very counsel. We will not turn back.'"
M1R5

See above.

Ranger of the Grey Company
Companion • Man
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger. To play, spot a companion.
While you can spot a Dwarf, this companion is strength +1.
While you can spot an Elf, this companion may not be overwhelmed unless his strength is tripled.
"The Lady Éowyn greeted them and was glad of their coming; for no mightier men had she seen than the Dúnedain and the fair sons of Elrond."
M1U30

Sweet.

[sickofpalantirs]

I'm surprised that none of us caught that 'until the regroup phase' bit. Still, I made the bonuses last until the end of the skirmish to help keep control over the power levels.

I wanted to hold off spoiling this next duo for a few more days but whatever. Here they come!

•Elladan, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger.
Each time you play an unbound companion of another race, you may heal another unbound companion.
Skirmish: Exert Elladan to make an unbound companion strength +1 for each race in the fellowship.
"‘And have you marked the brethren Elladan and Elrohir? Less sombre is their gear than the others', and they are fair and gallant as Elf-lords; and that is not to be wondered at in the sons of Elrond of Rivendell.'"
M1R4
ooh...lets see you can possible have wraith, man, hobbit, dwarf, elf, wizard, ent, tree.  thats 8...am I missing anything...would no race be a race?
I can see an entire deck built around this guy

•Elrohir, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger.
While you can spot 3 races in the fellowship, unbound companions are resistance +2.
While you can spot 4 races in the fellowship, unbound companions gain flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘From the North we came with this purpose, and from Elrond our father we brought this very counsel. We will not turn back.'"
M1R5
I would put a twilight reduction for elladan on this guy, to make him better,

Ranger of the Grey Company
Companion • Man
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger. To play, spot a companion.
While you can spot a Dwarf, this companion is strength +1.
While you can spot an Elf, this companion may not be overwhelmed unless his strength is tripled.
"The Lady Éowyn greeted them and was glad of their coming; for no mightier men had she seen than the Dúnedain and the fair sons of Elrond."
M1U30

fine.

[lem0nhead]

ooh...lets see you can possible have wraith, man, hobbit, dwarf, elf, wizard, ent, tree.  thats 8...am I missing anything...would no race be a race?
I can see an entire deck built around this guy

You cant have elf hes already an elf! But besides that little point, if you are seriously considering making a deck with one companion from every race you need your head examining. It would be rubbish, and just to justify this guy? Cant see the point.

[Thranduil]

•Elladan, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger.
Each time you play an unbound companion of another race, you may heal another unbound companion.
Skirmish: Exert Elladan to make an unbound companion strength +1 for each race in the fellowship.
"‘And have you marked the brethren Elladan and Elrohir? Less sombre is their gear than the others', and they are fair and gallant as Elf-lords; and that is not to be wondered at in the sons of Elrond of Rivendell.'"
M1R4

He is certainly very interesting. But I need a strong starting fellowship for the Grey Company and this guy without a reduction doesn't provide that, though I would definitely want to start him. What do you expect to be the solid starting fellowships for this strategy?

•Elrohir, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger.
While you can spot 3 races in the fellowship, unbound companions are resistance +2.
While you can spot 4 races in the fellowship, unbound companions gain flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘From the North we came with this purpose, and from Elrond our father we brought this very counsel. We will not turn back.'"
M1R5

I would not complain if these guys had their usual cost reduction (they are not inherently as good as their old versions), but it does give them too much text. I would want to lose some before giving them more.

Ranger of the Grey Company
Companion • Man
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger. To play, spot a companion.
While you can spot a Dwarf, this companion is strength +1.
While you can spot an Elf, this companion may not be overwhelmed unless his strength is tripled.
"The Lady Éowyn greeted them and was glad of their coming; for no mightier men had she seen than the Dúnedain and the fair sons of Elrond."
M1U30

Certainly interesting. How about another line about companions?

Thranduil

[DáinIronfoot]

•Elladan, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger.
Each time you play an unbound companion of another race, you may heal another unbound companion.
Skirmish: Exert Elladan to make an unbound companion strength +1 for each race in the fellowship.
"‘And have you marked the brethren Elladan and Elrohir? Less sombre is their gear than the others', and they are fair and gallant as Elf-lords; and that is not to be wondered at in the sons of Elrond of Rivendell.'"
M1R4

Agree with the others: you need a way to get him and/or Elohir starting more easily for him to really take off. But he's pretty darn cool.

•Elrohir, Of the Grey Company
Companion • Elf
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger.
While you can spot 3 races in the fellowship, unbound companions are resistance +2.
While you can spot 4 races in the fellowship, unbound companions gain flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).
"‘From the North we came with this purpose, and from Elrond our father we brought this very counsel. We will not turn back.'"
M1R5

Back to cost reduction for a moment, perhaps just put it on one of them, or give each of them -1 while you can spot another Elf/ranger or something.

As for the text here, I've got no complaints, though giving flanking to just anyone might be a touch overpowered. Perhaps limit it to companions with a certain resistance, like 5?

Ranger of the Grey Company
Companion • Man
Strength 6
Vitality 3
Resistance 6
Ranger. To play, spot a companion.
While you can spot a Dwarf, this companion is strength +1.
While you can spot an Elf, this companion may not be overwhelmed unless his strength is tripled.
"The Lady Éowyn greeted them and was glad of their coming; for no mightier men had she seen than the Dúnedain and the fair sons of Elrond."
M1U30

Yeah, the spotting requirement is probably necessary to keep him from being tossed in with just anyone. But he's pretty darn cool. I'd like hunter 1 instead of strength +1 personally, but that's a very minor thing.

[menace64]

All right, I added their old twilight reduction, allowing both of the to start together.

As for the flanking ability, how easy would it be to have a decent fellowship sporting 4 races? Frodo as the Ring-bearer, Elrohir, Aragorn and... Gimli?

Hmm. I made it take 5 races.

[menace64]

A few more along the same theme.

News from Rivendell
Event • Fellowship
Play an Elf companion and spot Aragorn to reveal the top X cards of your draw deck, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship. Take 2 revealed Free Peoples cards into hand and place the other cards beneath your draw deck in any order.
"…and when they had spoken of tidings in the North and in the South, Elrohir said to him: ‘I bring word to you from my father: The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.'"
M1U7

Too good? Too bad? Too complex? Should I drop the Aragorn bit?

Sure-sight of the Elves
Event • Maneuver
Exert an Elf companion and name a Shadow culture. Reveal 2 cards at random from a Shadow player's hand. If either of those cards is of the named culture, discard both cards or heal 2 non-Elf companions.
"Legolas stood before the gate and turned his bright eyes away north and east, and his fair face was troubled. ‘I do not think that any would come,' he answered. ‘They have no need to ride to war; war already marches on their own lands.'"
M1U8

Yes?

•Halbarad, Northern Kinsman
Companion • Man
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Ranger. While you can spot an unbound companion of another race, Halbarad is twilight cost -1.
Each time Halbarad wins a skirmish, you may heal a companion of another race.
"‘I have thirty with me… That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste; but the brethren Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us, desiring to go to the war. We rode as swiftly as we might when your summons came.'"
M1U24

Not great but not terrible either. This Halbarad, I think, comes into play cheaper than the original version and, like that version, deals entirely with healing. But this Halbard can heal more companions, pending you get him to fight.

[lem0nhead]

News from Rivendell
Event • Response
If you just played an Elf companion, spot Aragorn to reveal the top X cards of your draw deck, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship. Take 2 revealed Free Peoples cards into hand and place the other cards beneath your draw deck in any order.
"…and when they had spoken of tidings in the North and in the South, Elrohir said to him: ‘I bring word to you from my father: The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.'"
M1U7

Too good? Too bad? Too complex? Should I drop the Aragorn bit?

No, no, no and no. Well maybe yes, the Gorn bit limits it a tad much so maybe that bit could be cut.

Sure-sight of the Elves
Event • Maneuver
Exert an Elf companion and name a Shadow culture. Reveal 2 cards at random from a Shadow player's hand. If either of those cards is of the named culture, discard both cards or heal 2 non-Elf companions.
"Legolas stood before the gate and turned his bright eyes away north and east, and his fair face was troubled. ‘I do not think that any would come,' he answered. ‘They have no need to ride to war; war already marches on their own lands.'"
M1U8

Yes?

Yes.

•Halbarad, Northern Kinsman
Companion • Man
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Ranger. While you can spot an unbound companion of another race, Halbarad is twilight cost -1.
Each time Halbarad wins a skirmish, you may heal a companion of another race.
"‘I have thirty with me… That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste; but the brethren Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us, desiring to go to the war. We rode as swiftly as we might when your summons came.'"
M1U24

Meh ok.

[Thranduil]

News from Rivendell
Event • Response
If you just played an Elf companion, spot Aragorn to reveal the top X cards of your draw deck, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship. Take 2 revealed Free Peoples cards into hand and place the other cards beneath your draw deck in any order.
"…and when they had spoken of tidings in the North and in the South, Elrohir said to him: ‘I bring word to you from my father: The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.'"
M1U7

I feel like this card would be cleaner as a fellowship event that said: "Spot Aragorn and play an Elf companion to reveal the top X cards of your draw deck..." But it's fine.

Sure-sight of the Elves
Event • Maneuver
Exert an Elf companion and name a Shadow culture. Reveal 2 cards at random from a Shadow player's hand. If either of those cards is of the named culture, discard both cards or heal 2 non-Elf companions.
"Legolas stood before the gate and turned his bright eyes away north and east, and his fair face was troubled. ‘I do not think that any would come,' he answered. ‘They have no need to ride to war; war already marches on their own lands.'"
M1U8

Rather expensive. Not sure it needs the exertion.

•Halbarad, Northern Kinsman
Companion • Man
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Ranger. While you can spot an unbound companion of another race, Halbarad is twilight cost -1.
Each time Halbarad wins a skirmish, you may heal a companion of another race.
"‘I have thirty with me… That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste; but the brethren Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us, desiring to go to the war. We rode as swiftly as we might when your summons came.'"
M1U24

Yeah, seems fine.

Thranduil

[DáinIronfoot]

News from Rivendell
Event • Response
If you just played an Elf companion, spot Aragorn to reveal the top X cards of your draw deck, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship. Take 2 revealed Free Peoples cards into hand and place the other cards beneath your draw deck in any order.
"…and when they had spoken of tidings in the North and in the South, Elrohir said to him: ‘I bring word to you from my father: The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.'"
M1U7

I agree with Thran. I love the flavor of this working when the Elf hits the table, but it creates a potential for serious hand clog while you wait to get this event and that Elf together. I'd like it better as a fellowship event as Thran suggested (albeit one with a slight cost, like or ) or perhaps as a condition that triggers when the Elf is played, then discards itself.

Sure-sight of the Elves
Event • Maneuver
Exert an Elf companion and name a Shadow culture. Reveal 2 cards at random from a Shadow player's hand. If either of those cards is of the named culture, discard both cards or heal 2 non-Elf companions.
"Legolas stood before the gate and turned his bright eyes away north and east, and his fair face was troubled. ‘I do not think that any would come,' he answered. ‘They have no need to ride to war; war already marches on their own lands.'"
M1U8

Definately.

•Halbarad, Northern Kinsman
Companion • Man
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Ranger. While you can spot an unbound companion of another race, Halbarad is twilight cost -1.
Each time Halbarad wins a skirmish, you may heal a companion of another race.
"‘I have thirty with me… That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste; but the brethren Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us, desiring to go to the war. We rode as swiftly as we might when your summons came.'"
M1U24

He's SO splashable.... I like splashable companions, yes, but this guy just begs to be in an otherwise -free deck. Granted, that's not a bad thing necessarily, but I think there should be SOME incentive to pair him with fellow Gondorians. Hmmm. Perhaps drop the first line, drop his cost to , and require spotting a card or two to play him. Not sure if that would be better, but it sits little better with me, at least.

[sickofpalantirs]

News from Rivendell
Event • Response
If you just played an Elf companion, spot Aragorn to reveal the top X cards of your draw deck, where X is the number of races you spot in the fellowship. Take 2 revealed Free Peoples cards into hand and place the other cards beneath your draw deck in any order.
"…and when they had spoken of tidings in the North and in the South, Elrohir said to him: ‘I bring word to you from my father: The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.'"
M1U7
fine

Sure-sight of the Elves
Event • Maneuver
Exert an Elf companion and name a Shadow culture. Reveal 2 cards at random from a Shadow player's hand. If either of those cards is of the named culture, discard both cards or heal 2 non-Elf companions.
"Legolas stood before the gate and turned his bright eyes away north and east, and his fair face was troubled. ‘I do not think that any would come,' he answered. ‘They have no need to ride to war; war already marches on their own lands.'"
M1U8
I think it shold be or heal 1 non elf...


•Halbarad, Northern Kinsman
Companion • Man
Strength 7
Vitality 3
Resistance 7
Ranger. While you can spot an unbound companion of another race, Halbarad is twilight cost -1.
Each time Halbarad wins a skirmish, you may heal a companion of another race.
"‘I have thirty with me… That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste; but the brethren Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us, desiring to go to the war. We rode as swiftly as we might when your summons came.'"
M1U24

fine by me

[menace64]

Reworded News from Rivendell as suggested (what was I thinking?). As for Halbarad, I was about to add that spotting requirement when it occurred to me that - both as flavor and mechanic - he *should* be highly-splashable. The entirety of his text is about other races, which naturally means other cultures. To add a requirement seems to make him mostly useless (not that he's very useful to begin with).

Since we're talking about Gondor, I think I'll stop working on Elves for now.

(Actually I've spoiling everything in the culture. Ha.)

What better way to start ...

•Aragorn, The King Returned
Companion • Man
Strength 8
Vitality 4
Resistance 9
Aragorn is twilight cost -1 for each race you spot in the fellowship.
Unbound companions of a different culture are strength +1 for each alliance you spot.
"Aragorn stood beneath his banner, silent and stern, as one lost in thought of things long past or far away; but his eyes gleamed like stars that shine the brighter as the night deepens."
M1R20

The rare version of Aragorn in Lands of Shadow, Aragorn gives up his ranger ways to become King. However, I never really liked Elessar Telcontar's boost in stats (and cost) since it wrongfully portrays Aragorn's new ascension to power. He doesn't spend more time at the gym; in fact he stops fighting altogether. What Aragorn does as king is bring the races together, banding them into one force against whatever darkness threatens any one of them.

Thus, this Aragorn loves other cultures. As Gondor grows in power once again, so do the other countries.

Great Need of Aid
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 3 Man companions.
At the start of the maneuver phase, if you can spot more minions than companions, you may spot a companion to reveal the top 5 cards of your draw deck. You may play a revealed companion and take a card of that companion's culture into hand. Reshuffle your draw deck.
"‘A week!' said Hirgon. ‘If it must be so, it must. But you are like to find only ruined walls in seven days from now, unless other help unlooked-for comes. Still, you may at the least disturb the Orcs and Swarthy Men from their feasting in the White Tower.'"
M1C23

Reminder - Alliance: (You may replace with anywhere in this card's gametext).

When I first wrote this card - months ago - it triggered at the end of each shadow phase and you got to draw a card no matter what. I realized as soon as I saw this card again how mindblowingly horrendous all of that was and tweaked it a bit. Hopefully this is more balanced. If you find yourself being swarmed, you can potentially play a new companion - maybe more if you've got copies of this card in play and suddenly become super-lucky. If you do play a companion, you get to keep an extra card for the fight to come.

The Hour of Men
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 2 Man companions, each of a different culture.
At the start of the regroup phase, you may exert a Man to heal a Man of another culture.
Skirmish: Exert a Man companion to make another Man companion strength +1 (limit +2) and damage +1 (limit +2).
"…and there fair and desperate was raised the banner of the White Tree and Stars. Upon the other hill hard by stood the banners of Rohan and Dol Amroth, White Horse and Silver Swan. And about each hill a ring was made facing all ways, bristling with spear and sword."
M1R26

And here's the other alliance. This card does away with all pretenses of separation between and , and is aggressively costed for an alliance (nearly all other alliances cost ). I didn't initially have a limit on the skirmish ability; obviously there is one now.

[Thranduil]

•Aragorn, The King Returned
Companion • Man
Strength 8
Vitality 4
Resistance 8
Unbound companions of a different culture are strength +1 for each alliance you spot.
Fellowship: Exert Aragorn to play a companion. That companion is twilight cost -1.
"Aragorn stood beneath his banner, silent and stern, as one lost in thought of things long past or far away; but his eyes gleamed like stars that shine the brighter as the night deepens."
M1R20

I think I would word it like: "Non- unbound companions are strength +1 for each alliance you can spot." The fellowship ability isn't so useful. I might change it to: "Exert Aragorn to play a non- companion; that companion is twilight cost -2", or take it out altogether.

Great Need of Aid
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 3 Men companions.
At the start of the maneuver phase, if you can spot more minions than companions, you may spot a companion to reveal the top 3 cards of your draw deck. You may play a revealed companion to draw one of those cards and discard the other.
"‘A week!' said Hirgon. ‘If it must be so, it must. But you are like to find only ruined walls in seven days from now, unless other help unlooked-for comes. Still, you may at the least disturb the Orcs and Swarthy Men from their feasting in the White Tower.'"
M1C23

I think I would prefer it as something like: "... reveal the top 5 cards of your draw deck. You may play a revealed companion." I don't think think it needs anything else - it's a bit too complicated.

The Hour of Men
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 2 Man companions, each of a different culture.
At the start of the regroup phase, you may exert a Man to heal a Man of another culture.
Skirmish: Exert a Man companion to make another Man companion strength +1 (limit +2) and damage +1 (limit +2).
"…and there fair and desperate was raised the banner of the White Tree and Stars. Upon the other hill hard by stood the banners of Rohan and Dol Amroth, White Horse and Silver Swan. And about each hill a ring was made facing all ways, bristling with spear and sword."
M1R26

This one is darn cool!

Thranduil

[lem0nhead]

•Aragorn, The King Returned
Companion • Man
Strength 8
Vitality 4
Resistance 8
Unbound companions of a different culture are strength +1 for each alliance you spot.
Fellowship: Exert Aragorn to play a companion. That companion is twilight cost -1.
"Aragorn stood beneath his banner, silent and stern, as one lost in thought of things long past or far away; but his eyes gleamed like stars that shine the brighter as the night deepens."
M1R20

Each unbound companion.... is the correct phrasing. his fellowship ability isnt worth using. Its companions toil 1 effectively and thats lame, i would never exert to save 1 pool.

Great Need of Aid
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 3 Men companions.
At the start of the maneuver phase, if you can spot more minions than companions, you may spot a companion to reveal the top 3 cards of your draw deck. You may play a revealed companion to draw one of those cards and discard the other.
"‘A week!' said Hirgon. ‘If it must be so, it must. But you are like to find only ruined walls in seven days from now, unless other help unlooked-for comes. Still, you may at the least disturb the Orcs and Swarthy Men from their feasting in the White Tower.'"
M1C23


Erm ok i guess. Maybe costed a bit much.

The Hour of Men
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 2 Man companions, each of a different culture.
At the start of the regroup phase, you may exert a Man to heal a Man of another culture.
Skirmish: Exert a Man companion to make another Man companion strength +1 (limit +2) and damage +1 (limit +2).
"…and there fair and desperate was raised the banner of the White Tree and Stars. Upon the other hill hard by stood the banners of Rohan and Dol Amroth, White Horse and Silver Swan. And about each hill a ring was made facing all ways, bristling with spear and sword."
M1R26

The skirmish ability is too good, needs tapering.

[DáinIronfoot]

•Aragorn, The King Returned
Companion • Man
Strength 8
Vitality 4
Resistance 8
Unbound companions of a different culture are strength +1 for each alliance you spot.
Fellowship: Exert Aragorn to play a companion. That companion is twilight cost -1.
"Aragorn stood beneath his banner, silent and stern, as one lost in thought of things long past or far away; but his eyes gleamed like stars that shine the brighter as the night deepens."
M1R20

Thran and lem0n are all over this already, as usual. For the fellowship ability, perhaps instead make Aragorn's cost -1 for each FP culture you can spot. 'Twould help encourage some really blended starting fellowships...and if you did things right, you might even be able to squeeze Aragorn himself in there, too! (Say, a RB, a -cost Hobbit, and...uh...Aldred?) Perhaps you could tweak his stats a LITTLE bit by giving him a Hobbit-like 9 resistance. THAT would be fun.

Great Need of Aid
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 3 Men companions.
At the start of the maneuver phase, if you can spot more minions than companions, you may spot a companion to reveal the top 3 cards of your draw deck. You may play a revealed companion to draw one of those cards and discard the other.
"‘A week!' said Hirgon. ‘If it must be so, it must. But you are like to find only ruined walls in seven days from now, unless other help unlooked-for comes. Still, you may at the least disturb the Orcs and Swarthy Men from their feasting in the White Tower.'"
M1C23

I like Thran's suggestion, but I ALSO like the possibility of getting another card. Hmmmm. How about this?

"At the start of the maneuver phase, if you can spot more minions than companions, you may spot a companion to reveal the top 5 cards of your draw deck. You may play a revealed companion and take a card of that companion's culture into hand. Reshuffle your draw deck."

Also, I think it should be "3 Man companions" on the "to play" line.

The Hour of Men
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 2 Man companions, each of a different culture.
At the start of the regroup phase, you may exert a Man to heal a Man of another culture.
Skirmish: Exert a Man companion to make another Man companion strength +1 (limit +2) and damage +1 (limit +2).
"…and there fair and desperate was raised the banner of the White Tree and Stars. Upon the other hill hard by stood the banners of Rohan and Dol Amroth, White Horse and Silver Swan. And about each hill a ring was made facing all ways, bristling with spear and sword."
M1R26

The only "problem" is that this supports Men as well. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you didn't intend that, I'd change each reference of "Man" in the skirmish ability to " Man", which thanks to the alliance will actually allow OR Men to use it, but not others. Not that it matters too much, but I'd also make this unique so the Shadow player has a better chance of getting it off the table. Then raise the cost slightly, and I think it's good.

[sickofpalantirs]

•Aragorn, The King Returned
Companion • Man
Strength 8
Vitality 4
Resistance 8
Unbound companions of a different culture are strength +1 for each alliance you spot.
Fellowship: Exert Aragorn to play a companion. That companion is twilight cost -1.
"Aragorn stood beneath his banner, silent and stern, as one lost in thought of things long past or far away; but his eyes gleamed like stars that shine the brighter as the night deepens."
M1R20
maybe companion of different culture? and make it -2 than. or maybe make it a same culture minus 2...


Great Need of Aid
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 3 Men companions.
At the start of the maneuver phase, if you can spot more minions than companions, you may spot a companion to reveal the top 3 cards of your draw deck. You may play a revealed companion to draw one of those cards and discard the other.
"‘A week!' said Hirgon. ‘If it must be so, it must. But you are like to find only ruined walls in seven days from now, unless other help unlooked-for comes. Still, you may at the least disturb the Orcs and Swarthy Men from their feasting in the White Tower.'"
M1C23
fine.

The Hour of Men
Condition • Support Area
Alliance: . To play, spot 2 Man companions, each of a different culture.
At the start of the regroup phase, you may exert a Man to heal a Man of another culture.
Skirmish: Exert a Man companion to make another Man companion strength +1 (limit +2) and damage +1 (limit +2).
"…and there fair and desperate was raised the banner of the White Tree and Stars. Upon the other hill hard by stood the banners of Rohan and Dol Amroth, White Horse and Silver Swan. And about each hill a ring was made facing all ways, bristling with spear and sword."
M1R26

I really think the film didn't give the battle of the black gate justice.  it wasn't a suicidal charge, it was a tactically sound (somewhat) plan.

[menace64]

Sorry, SoP, but there was nothing 'tactically sound' about storming the Black Gate beyond the mere possibility of giving Frodo more time to accomplish his task. In the book everybody knew that there would never be a real chance to win such a battle.

Aragorn is now infinitely 'cooler' in my opinion, having taken on Dain's suggestion. He now enters play more easily with more races in the fellowship... which is sooooo flavorful that I didn't even consider *not* making the change. He's also got that 9 resistance. Great Need of Aid has also been changed in accordance with the reviews.

As for The Hour of Men, I did see Men taking advantage of it when I wrote it but at the time I thought that was just an added 'cool' bonus of the card. Now (as I slowly tinker with a follow-up set) I realize there's plenty of design space for alliances so they don't need this one.

Three Gorn-specific cards today:

Black Banners
Event • Skirmish
Exert Aragorn to make an unbound companion strength +3 (and gain flanking until the regroup phase if you can spot a Shadow alliance).
"And looking hither they cried in dismay; for black against the glittering stream they beheld a fleet borne up on the wind: dromunds, and ships of great draught with many oars, and with black sails bellying in the breeze."
M1C22

Flanking (If this companion is not assigned to a skirmish, at the start of another of your character's skirmishes, you may exert this companion to replace that character in the skirmish).

Pretty spot-on with the flavor of the moment - Aragorn arrives unexpectedly and cuts into Sauron's forces from the rear, routing them and helping win the day.

The Path of Prophecy
Condition
Resistance +1
Bearer must be a unique companion. Limit 1 per bearer.
Each time the fellowship moves, if bearer is not exhausted, you may play the fellowship's next site.
Regroup: If bearer is Aragorn, discard this condition to reconcile your hand.
"He stood up. ‘Come!' he cried, and drew his sword, and it flashed in the twilit hall of the Burg. ‘To the Stone of Erech! I seek the Paths of the Dead. Come with me who will!'"
M1U28

It's been a while since one of these cards came up, but in Lands of Shadow there is a cycle of conditions that reconciles your hand. This is one of them.
You might be inclined to immediately jump on this card as too good; don't forget though that is naturally very good at site manipulation, just like and . Since, in my opinion, got shafted with so many other things (no condition removal, no real archery, no double-moving, and more I can't think of), I say this should be one area where they have domain. Which explains this card.

The Tide is Broken
Event • Skirmish
Spot Aragorn. For each alliance of a different culture you can spot, make an unbound companion strength +2.
"And in that hour the great Battle of the field of Gondor was over; and not one living foe was left within the circuit of the Rammas. All were slain save those who fled to die, or to drown in the red foam of the River. Few ever came eastward to Morgul or Mordor; and to the land of the Haradrim came only a tale from far off: a rumour of the wrath and terror of Gondor."
M1U32

...another strength pump. In Lands of Shadow there are alliances in the , , , and cultures. Expect more in the next set. But in a normal game you'd have to build a deck around this kind of event, netting you in such a deck anywhere from +2 to +6 or +8 strength. Hmm. It's a very risky kind of event since you might lose Aragorn or just have no alliances to spot... but it still might be too good. Let me know what you think!

[Thranduil]

Aragorn is now infinitely 'cooler' in my opinion, having taken on Dain's suggestion. He now enters play more easily with more races in the fellowship... which is sooooo flavorful that I didn't even consider *not* making the change. He's also got that 9 resistance. Great Need of Aid has also been changed in accordance with the reviews.

He is cooler, but the 9 resistance is pushing the limit of balance - Aragorn's 8/4/8 is generally overpowered as it is.

Black Banners
Event • Skirmish
Exert Aragorn to make an unbound companion strength +3 (and gain flanking until the regroup phase if you can spot a Shadow alliance).
"And looking hither they cried in dismay; for black against the glittering stream they beheld a fleet borne up on the wind: dromunds, and ships of great draught with many oars, and with black sails bellying in the breeze."
M1C22

It has to spot Aragorn or it wouldn't really see play (you can't depend on Shadow alliances). Or perhaps it could spot alliances and then it might be played with the exertion.

The Path of Prophecy
Condition
Resistance +1
Bearer must be a unique companion. Limit 1 per bearer.
Each time the fellowship moves, if bearer is not exhausted, you may play the fellowship's next site.
Regroup: If bearer is Aragorn, discard this condition to reconcile your hand.
"He stood up. ‘Come!' he cried, and drew his sword, and it flashed in the twilit hall of the Burg. ‘To the Stone of Erech! I seek the Paths of the Dead. Come with me who will!'"
M1U28

No, I'm afraid this just seems vastly too good to me. This is not like Pathfinder or Ranger of Wesernesse because it sticks around and plays every site. And, it gives you reconciling which is certainly not a strength of the culture. Make it follow the model of Follow Sméagol and probably make it unique or only bearable by Aragorn and it might just be okay.

The Tide is Broken
Event • Skirmish
Spot Aragorn. For each alliance of a different culture you can spot, make an unbound companion strength +2.
"And in that hour the great Battle of the field of Gondor was over; and not one living foe was left within the circuit of the Rammas. All were slain save those who fled to die, or to drown in the red foam of the River. Few ever came eastward to Morgul or Mordor; and to the land of the Haradrim came only a tale from far off: a rumour of the wrath and terror of Gondor."
M1U32

Do you mean "each alliance of a different culture from Aragorn" or "each alliance which has a different culture from the other alliances you're spotting"? It's not entirely clear. If you mean the latter, you should probably change the first sentence to "To play, spot Aragorn." and put the ability on a separate line. If you mean the former, you should specify.

Thranduil

[lem0nhead]

Black Banners
Event • Skirmish
Exert Aragorn to make an unbound companion strength +3 (and gain flanking until the regroup phase if you can spot a Shadow alliance).
"And looking hither they cried in dismay; for black against the glittering stream they beheld a fleet borne up on the wind: dromunds, and ships of great draught with many oars, and with black sails bellying in the breeze."
M1C22

Fair enough.

The Path of Prophecy
Condition
Resistance +1
Bearer must be a unique companion. Limit 1 per bearer.
Each time the fellowship moves, if bearer is not exhausted, you may play the fellowship's next site.
Regroup: If bearer is Aragorn, discard this condition to reconcile your hand.
"He stood up. ‘Come!' he cried, and drew his sword, and it flashed in the twilit hall of the Burg. ‘To the Stone of Erech! I seek the Paths of the Dead. Come with me who will!'"
M1U28

Hmmm as its non unique you could have 4 copies of this and youre practically guaranteed the next site. Unique it or change that line, its gives the shadow little chance to prevent it.

The Tide is Broken
Event • Skirmish
Spot Aragorn. For each alliance of a different culture you can spot, make an unbound companion strength +2.
"And in that hour the great Battle of the field of Gondor was over; and not one living foe was left within the circuit of the Rammas. All were slain save those who fled to die, or to drown in the red foam of the River. Few ever came eastward to Morgul or Mordor; and to the land of the Haradrim came only a tale from far off: a rumour of the wrath and terror of Gondor."
M1U32

To play spot Aragorn surely? Its ok.

[FM]

I'd limit the condition to playing on Aragorn. Also, as they said, it should then be unique, otherwise it's +4 Resistance to ARBs, for one, with TWO good abilities, one of them which helps neuter corruption even more! However, as an incentive to playing more copies in your deck, I'd probably change the text a little, either allowing it to be played during the maneuver/skirmish/regroup phase (probably maneuver) but costing 1 or 2 exertions to do so, aside from the twilight, and cram both existing abilities in one line, giving a choice. When the fellowship moves, if bearer is not exhausted, you can either play the next site or discard it to reconcile (which would then make it worth it to play another one in the "middle" of a turn,
possibly going for a triple move?).
The alliance pump is fine, but I don't like the first pump very much. Exerting a SPECIFIC companion, not to mention one you might be building your deck around (so the Shadow player will be trying to get him) and need not to be exhausted, is not that appealing to me. Perhaps spotting him would be fine, with a cost, and maybe a line that only allows you to play one of these per turn.

[DáinIronfoot]

I agree with the others, and FM in particular. I highly recommend cost and no exertion for Black Banners, keeping No Mere Ranger in mind.

[sickofpalantirs]

Sorry, SoP, but there was nothing 'tactically sound' about storming the Black Gate beyond the mere possibility of giving Frodo more time to accomplish his task. In the book everybody knew that there would never be a real chance to win such a battle.

I highly disagree.  just for the pure heck of it mostly
lets review their battle plan in the movie.  march up, attract saurons attention and die spectacularly.  and also really fast.  a defensive circle is ok, but than you charge a superior force? stupid stupid stupid.  add to that the fact that they are lacking archers and horseman...
in the book they do damage before they reach the gate...making sure sauron's eye is watching them, take the high ground and DON'T leave it, and leave some force behind in case they lose.  And they aren't stupid enough to behead his messenger.

plus they were surprised and surrounded...they had planned to have an avenue of retreat.  in the movie they are just like oh cwap. and charge the wrong way.

anyway the cards have been beaten to death already.

[menace64]

Black Banners is changed. I'll make some kind of edit on Path of Prophecy in accordance with the reviews; I'm just too tired to think right now.

I wanted to go ahead and put up more cards... not quite what you'll be expecting though.

Bitter-fought Field
Battleground. Plains. Each time a character wins a skirmish, that character's owner must exert another of his or her characters or discard 2 cards from hand.
M1U130

I wanted a generic site that hurt a player for doing good. This is what came out of that desire.

Linhir
Dwelling. River. Fellowship: Spot Aragorn and play an unbound companion to draw a card.
M1U133

Probably doesn't need to cost . In fact, it's probably fine as . But this card ties in the Aragorn/Grey Company theme and plays nicely off of the moment in the story (Linhir is the port where Aragorn pulls takes command of the corsair fleet).

Far Harad
When the fellowship moves from Far Harad, each Shadow player may take a mount into hand from his or her draw deck.
M1C132

Maybe it should cost 2?

[lem0nhead]

Bitter-fought Field
Battleground. Plains. Each time a character wins a skirmish, that character's owner must exert another of his or her characters or discard 2 cards from hand.
M1U130

Urgh wtf? Why would you want a card that hurt everyone? Theres hurting everyone then theres royally shafting everyone up the bottom. This is the latter.

Linhir
Dwelling. River. Fellowship: Spot Aragorn and play an unbound companion to draw a card.
M1U133

The ability isnt amazing for a cost 3.

Far Harad
When the fellowship moves from Far Harad, each Shadow player may take a mount into hand from his or her draw deck.
M1C132

No cost is fine.

Maybe it should cost 2?

[DáinIronfoot]

I'd make them cost , , and personally.

[Thranduil]

Bitter-fought Field
Battleground. Plains. Each time a character wins a skirmish, that character's owner must exert another of his or her characters or discard 2 cards from hand.
M1U130

I would not have the discarding 2 cards from hand option and make it cost . This would be rocking for all enduring strategies!

Linhir
Dwelling. River. Fellowship: Spot Aragorn and play an unbound companion to draw a card.
M1U133

Well, the fact that this site is for the FP player makes it cost at least in my eyes.

Far Harad
When the fellowship moves from Far Harad, each Shadow player may take a mount into hand from his or her draw deck.
M1C132[/quote]
Again, this one only helps the Shadow players and therefore should cost .

Thranduil

[sickofpalantirs]

Black Banners is changed. I'll make some kind of edit on Path of Prophecy in accordance with the reviews; I'm just too tired to think right now.

I wanted to go ahead and put up more cards... not quite what you'll be expecting though.

Bitter-fought Field
Battleground. Plains. Each time a character wins a skirmish, that character's owner must exert another of his or her characters or discard 2 cards from hand.
M1U130
I would put it at 1 personally.

Linhir
Dwelling. River. Fellowship: Spot Aragorn and play an unbound companion to draw a card.
M1U133
nah. 3's fine.

Far Harad
When the fellowship moves from Far Harad, each Shadow player may take a mount into hand from his or her draw deck.
M1C132

fine