The Last Homely House
Middle-Earth => Lothlórien => Expanded => Topic started by: wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 05:11:21 PM
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As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game. I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each. There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching. It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting. The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance. These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks. I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, but some decks might also fit into other formats. This is one of those decks:
[Shire] [Gandalf] Shire Pippen Fighter/Pipeweed - Free Peoples (Expanded)
An incredibly fun mix of Hobbit Hospital, Pippen Fighter, and Pipeweed strategies.
Starting:
The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
Frodo, Old Bilbo's Heir
Pippin, Brave Decoy
Merry, Friend to Sam
Quickbeam, Bregalad
Allies:
Hobbit Party Guest
Farmer Maggot, Chaser of Rascals x2 (Pull with Green Dragon Inn)
Bounder x2
Possessions:
Horn of the Mark x2
Hobbit Sword x4
Old Toby x4
Golden Perch Ale
Conditions:
Halfling Leaf x4
Hornblower Leaf x4
Everyone Knows x4
Escape x2
Ent Draught x2
Little Golden Flower
Strategy:
There are three sides to this deck:
1. It is primarily a Pippin, Brave Decoy pump deck with Merry for strength bonuses (usually for Frodo). Everyone Knows combined with Escape, Ent Draught, and Little Golden Flower allows for high strength numbers.
2. It has a bit of Hobbit Hospital. Frodo and Hobbit Party Guest heal Farmer Maggot, Chaser of Rascals, who keeps Merry and Pippen healed up. It is essential to keep the wounds off them.
3. It's also a Pipeweed. Without it, running is difficult. Hornblower Leaf allows this deck to run. Halfling Leaf is insurance for certain minions.
I'm aware that The One Ring, The Great Ring would be better. I shy away from it for this set.
Prized Lagan might be needed.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.