The Last Homely House
Middle-Earth => Lothlórien => Expanded => Topic started by: wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 08:23:38 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:
[Gandalf] [Shire] Gandalf Ent Horde - Free Peoples (Expanded)
The typical 8-companion start deck with Gandalf, Leader of the Company rounding it out.
Starting:
The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
Frodo, Weary From the Journey
Merry, In the Bloom of Health
Pippin, In the Bloom of Health
Farmer Maggot, Hobbit of the Marish
Quickbeam, Bregalad
Skinbark, Fladrif
Host of Fangorn
Ent Horde
Companions:
Gandalf, Leader of the Company x4
Huorn x3
Followers:
Meneldor, Misty Mountain Eagle
Alatar, Final Envoy
Pallando, Far-Travelling One
Radagast, Tender of Beasts
Possessions:
Sting, Weapon of Heritage
Gandalf's Staff, Walking Stick
Shadowfax
Events:
Warmed Up a Bit x4
Conditions:
G for Grand x4
Stern Words
Ent Draught x3
Watch and Wait x2
The Tale of the Great Ring
Strategy:
The obvious trick is starting 8 companions with spotting Ents and Hobbits.
Use Warmed Up a Bit to get rid of the unbound Hobbits and replace them with Huorn companions.
Without a doubt, Fredegar Bolger, Fatty is better than Farmer Maggot, Hobbit of the Marish, but I can't get my hands on him.
Narya, Moment of Respite might be good in this deck.
I'm aware that The One Ring, The Great Ring would be better. I shy away from it for this set.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.