The Last Homely House

Middle-Earth => Bag End => Topic started by: ArtificerAlf on March 06, 2021, 04:24:55 AM

Title: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 06, 2021, 04:24:55 AM
I was able to get my hands on a Return of the King box. My FLGS discovered it while rearranging some inventory and diving into some archives. Not having much from this set (aside from starter cards and singles), I'm hoping that this will help give my collection the push it needs for this last block (I only play Movie stuff). That being said, I wanted to share the process and joys. I was also inspired by the other "Pack a Day" threads that I've seen here as well.

I'm still not entirely sure if I'm going to do a pack a day or try and take it slower.

Pack 1:
Slaked Thirsts
Raider Halberd
Morgul Predator
Stronghold of Minas Morgul
Ulaire Nertea, Black-Mantled Wraith
Elite Rider
Wind In His Face
Orc Brood
Some Secret Art of Flame
Merry, Rohirrim Squire
Rohirrim Camp

I also had a bonus pack of Two Towers:

Dunlending Warrior
Secret Folk
Lorien Swordsman
Mablung, Soldier of Gondor
Come Down
Grima, Son of Galmod
Weary
Southron Scout
Horse of Rohan
Warmed Up a Bit
Helm's Gate

So, the first ROTK pack seems to have quite a few commons I was able to get my playsets of from Starters, but we'll see how things continue to go! The biggest upset is probably the U Site, as this is my 5th one, but oh well. I am very happy about the Ringwraith cards, as I playing Ringwrath orcs makes me happy, just like playing Sauron Uruks.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 07, 2021, 04:06:50 AM
Pack 2!

The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
Gollum, Vile Creature
Hobbitses Are Dead
Knight's Spear
Harsh Tongues
Corrupt
Morgul Hound
Enraged Horseman
Army of Udun
Siegecraft
Minas Tirith Fourth Circle

It's still weird to me seeing how this meta has so many more Ringwraith cards. Love the comparison of opening Fellowship vs Towers vs King - you can see the shift of the stories by the distribution of the cards.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 08, 2021, 04:59:03 AM
Pack 3

Gimli's Armor
Legolas, Nimble Warrior
Dagger Strike - Foil
Easterling Assailant
Great Beasts
Ulaire Lemenya, Assailing Minion
Elfhelm, Marshal of Rohan
Rohirrim Javelin
Mordor Savage
Mordor Trooper
Noble Intentions

Going through my personal checklist, I was surprised I realize I didn't own the C Legolas from this set - I must have just continued to look at card lists and so just assumed I owned one.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 09, 2021, 04:09:30 AM
Pack 4

Peace of Mind
Captured By The Ring
Great Gate
New Strength Came Now
Morgul Whelp
Ulaire Attea, Wraith on Wings
War Long Planned
Gorgoroth Sapper
Mordor Soldier - FOIL
Orc Archer Troop
Dagorlad

Bonus Fellowship pack:

Lightfootedness
Support of the Last Homely House - FOIL
Barliman Butterbur, Prancing Pony Proprietor
Risk a Little Light
Boromir, Son of Denethor
Goblin Marksman
Orc Banner
Orc Chieftain
Sorry About Everything
Galadriel's Glade
Silverlode Banks
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 10, 2021, 03:58:16 AM
Pack 5

Gondorian Captain
I Will Go
Ghastly Host
More Unbearable
Fey He Seemed
Guthlaf, Herald
Swift Steed
Gorgoroth Axeman
Orc Fanatic
Orc Rager
Hall of the Kings

I realize I'm only 5 packs in, but wow, I am pulling a lot of Ringwraith rares. Not entirely a bad thing, since it's probably my favorite King Shadow culture. I love the fact that Ringwraiths got a bunch of Morgul orcs to play around with.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 11, 2021, 03:54:36 AM
Pack 6

Have Patience
Aragorn, Captain of Gondor
Ingold
Easterling Blademaster
Thrice Outnumbered
Morgul Answers
Morgul Mongrel
Long Spear
Morning Came
Stronghold of Cirith Ungol
Narchost
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 12, 2021, 03:57:20 AM
Pack 7

Gimli, Faithful Companion
Leaving Forever
Stout Resistance
War Towers
Foul Clutches
Ulaire Otsea, Black-Mantled Wraith
Gorgoroth Ransacker
Mordor Defender
Orc Chaser
Sam, Needer of Vittles
Morgulduin

My first versions of the common Gimli and Sam!
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 13, 2021, 04:24:36 AM
Pack 8

Gimli's Battle Axe Trusted Weapon
Still Needed
Intimidate
It's Mine
Nasty
City of Men
Desert Soldier
Morgul Spawn
Eowyn, Restless Maiden - FOIL
Mordor Guard
Dunharrow Plateau
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 14, 2021, 05:07:57 AM
Pack 9

King's Advisor
Very Nice Friends
Dagger Strike
Denethor, Wizened Steward
Faramir, Wizard's Pupil
Southron Brigand
Morgul Destroyer
Rohirrim Herdsman
Orc Butcher
Hall of the Kings - FOIL
Minas Tirith Third Circle

It's interesting to me that I've only had a handful of King packs before (and 3 starters total), and yet so far, I've opened 3 rares that I now have a second copy of. Nothing wrong with that, since my overall goal is to get playsets of them all, but it's just one of those things I find interesting.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 15, 2021, 03:52:29 AM
Pack 10

Careful Study
Clever Hobbits
Raider Halberd
Morgul Predator
Out of Sight and Shot
Elite Rider
Wind In His Face
Orc Brood
Some Secret Art Of Flame
Merry, Rohirrim Squire
Minas Tirith Sixth Circle
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 16, 2021, 04:12:49 AM
Pack 11

Into the West
First Level
Ranger of Osgiliath
Desert Nomad
Desert Runner
Desert Scout
Morgul Axe
There Came A Cry
With Strength To Fight
Great Peril Of Fire
Ruined Capitol

Strange coincidence (at least to me) - Desert Nomad, Runner, and Scout all go one after the other in set numerical order. Interesting to pull all three from the same pack.
Still have 25 packs to go (which is really interesting to think about). Really hoping to pull some Gondor Bows and less uncommons of things I have playsets of.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 17, 2021, 03:56:24 AM
Pack 12

Anduril, King's Blade
Dervorin
Iorlas
Second Level
Easterling Ransacker
Morgul Lackey
Above The Battlement
Anguish
Besieging Pike
Pippin, Sworn to Service
Sleeping Quarters

A very Gondor-themed booster!
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 18, 2021, 03:53:17 AM
Pack 13

Gimli, Faithful Companion
So Polite
Stout Resistance
War Towers
Ulaire Nelya, Black-Mantled Wraith
Gorgoroth Ransacker
Host of Udun
Mordor Defender
Orc Chaser
Sam, Needer of Vittles
Minas Tirith Second Circle
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 19, 2021, 03:51:18 AM
Pack 14

Gondorian Captain
Greatest Stronghold
I Will Go
Long Prepared
Easterling Sergeant
More Unbearable
Guthlaf, Herald
Swift Steed
Orc Fanatic
Orc Rager
Pelennor Grassland
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 20, 2021, 05:15:45 PM
Pack 15

Arwen, Fair Elf Maiden
Have Patience
Heavy Burden
Aragorn, Captain of Gondor
Ingold
Easterling Blademaster
Morgul Mongrel
Long Spear
Morning Came
Orc Marauder
Pelennor Flat
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 21, 2021, 04:10:15 AM
Pack 16

Defiance
All Save One
Fool's Hope
Wizard Staff
Where Shall We Go
Easterling Aggressor
Troop of Haradrim
Mind and Body
Rohirrim Guard
Gorgoroth Pillager
Tower of Ecthelion
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: MuadDib85 on March 21, 2021, 10:42:13 AM
Pack 9

King's Advisor
Very Nice Friends
Dagger Strike
Denethor, Wizened Steward
Faramir, Wizard's Pupil
Southron Brigand
Morgul Destroyer
Rohirrim Herdsman
Orc Butcher
Hall of the Kings - FOIL
Minas Tirith Third Circle

It's interesting to me that I've only had a handful of King packs before (and 3 starters total), and yet so far, I've opened 3 rares that I now have a second copy of. Nothing wrong with that, since my overall goal is to get playsets of them all, but it's just one of those things I find interesting.
Faramir and a foil site :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 22, 2021, 03:52:43 AM
Faramir and a foil site :mrgreen:

It's actually my second Faramir! So one step closer in my collection to a playset.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 22, 2021, 03:55:03 AM
Pack 17

Peace of Mind
Captured By The Ring
Denethor, Wizened Steward
Great Gate
Stand to Arms
New Strength Came Now
Nazgul Scimitar
War Long Planned
Gorgoroth Sapper
Orc Seeker
Isengard Ruined

I had to laugh when I opened Nazgul Scimitar - I got my playset last year when I thought I wasn't going to find any. All I want is to open some Gondor Bows, yet they still elude me. 19 packs to go, so I'm still not halfway (that's tomorrow).
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 23, 2021, 03:55:19 AM
Pack 18 - Halfway Point

Into the West
First Level
Ranger of Osgiliath
Desert Nomad
Desert Runner
Morgul Axe
There Came A Cry
Seeking New Foes
Gorgoroth Engineer
Mordor Veteran
Beacon of Minas Tirith
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 24, 2021, 03:57:06 AM
Pack 19

Gandalf, Defender of the West
Serving the Precious
Sweeter Meats
Reckless Counter
Support of the City
Morgul Cur
They Sang As They Slew
Gorgoroth Garrison
Sauron's Hatred
Hobbit Sword
Minas Tirith Fifth Circle

Finally happy to see some Gorgoroth orcs showing up - lots of common ones and they've been hiding out! It's also nice that I've been able to go half a box and just pulled my first Hobbit Sword.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 25, 2021, 03:46:13 AM
Pack 20

Undaunted
Never
Noble Leaders
Easterling Veteran
Morgul Ruffian
Deor
Eowyn, Restless Maiden
Guarded Fastness
His Golden Shield
Strong Arms
Mordor Soldier

Lots of Rohan cards in this one! I'm very happy to have Noble Leaders #2.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: Air Power on March 25, 2021, 11:59:57 AM
Nice!

I wish Noble Leaders included Imrahil (I know he wasn't released yet, but it wouldn't have been their first prophetic card), and I don't think that would hurt the card's balance meaningfully.  Elendil and Isildur should probably be on there too, but being an age apart I'm okay with their omission.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 26, 2021, 03:49:27 AM
Nice!

I wish Noble Leaders included Imrahil (I know he wasn't released yet, but it wouldn't have been their first prophetic card), and I don't think that would hurt the card's balance meaningfully.  Elendil and Isildur should probably be on there too, but being an age apart I'm okay with their omission.

That's a really good idea, and something I had never considered, despite really liking Imrahil. Anything to give more incentive to run Companions that aren't the major characters from the books.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 26, 2021, 03:51:36 AM
Pack 21

Calculated Risk
Steadfast Champion
Cirion
Duty of Two
Unexpected Visitor
Desert Sneak
Red Wrath
Morgul Regiment
Too Late
Rohirrim Javelin
Mordor Trooper

I'm still trying to figure out how to get the most of Steadfast Champion and Unexpected Visitor. I feel like the characters could easily get swarmed unless you have a way to cancel a skirmish or something....
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: JamesCB on March 26, 2021, 04:26:50 AM
Just so you know, cards like Slow-kindled Courage and Steadfast Champion only allow 1 minion to be assigned to them using that action.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 27, 2021, 04:16:20 AM
Pack 22

Anduril, Flame of the West
Footman's Armor
Second Level
Easterling Ransacker
Morgul Lackey
Ulaire Lemenya, Wraith on Wings
Above the Battlement
Anguish
Besieging Pike
Pippin, Sworn to Service
Minas Tirith Seventh Circle

Woo! Other Anduril!
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 28, 2021, 04:00:06 AM
Pack 23

Defiance
All Save One
Numenor's Pride
Wizard Staff
Easterling Aggressor
Troop of Haradrim
Morgul Brute
Rohirrim Guard
Gorgoroth Pillager
Gorgoroth Soldier
Minas Tirith First Circle

I'm pretty sure I've opened more Ringwraith rares than other cultures at this point...I should take a look and see.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 28, 2021, 04:00:51 AM
Just so you know, cards like Slow-kindled Courage and Steadfast Champion only allow 1 minion to be assigned to them using that action.

Thanks for the advice! It must have been early and this part slipped my mind about the one minion to one companion rule.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 29, 2021, 03:50:31 AM
Pack 24

Very Nice Friends
Dagger Strike
Gondor Bow
Southron Brigand
Feel His Blade
Eowyn, Restless Maiden
Rohirrim Herdsman
Great Siege-Towers
Mordor Soldier
Orc Butcher
Northern Ithilien

Finally got a Gondor Bow! Here's hoping there's some other copies in the other packs too. Northern Ithilien is the only site I was missing as well. Quite happy.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 30, 2021, 03:50:12 AM
Pack 25

Legolas, Nimble Warrior
While We Yet Live
Easterling Assailant
Great Beasts
Hosts Still Unfought
Ulaire Toldea, Wraith on Wings
Elite Rider
Fey He Seemed - foil
Orc Brood
Noble Intentions
Osgiliath Fallen

With all these Ringwraith rares, one would expect to see the Witch-King at some point, hopefully!
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on March 31, 2021, 04:11:09 AM
Pack 26

Mirkwood Bowman
Undaunted
Never
We Hates Them
Faramir, Stout Captain
Desert Spearman
Morgul Ruffian
Deor
His Golden Shield
White Hot Fury
West Road
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 01, 2021, 03:49:51 AM
Pack 27

Out of Darkness
Denethor, Steward of the City
Gondorian Sword
Ranger of Minas Tirith
Easterling Attacker
Raider Bow
Morgul Spearman
Knights Of His House
Mordor Regular
Frodo, Hope of the Free Peoples
Slow-Kindled Courage

Nothing like R Denethor on April Fools!
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 02, 2021, 03:45:57 AM
Pack 28

Calculated Risk
Cirion
Derufin
Duty of Two
Madril, Faramir's Aide
Desert Sneak
Too Late
Rohirrim Javelin
Mordor Trooper
Rope And Winch
Steps of Edoras
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 04, 2021, 03:59:31 AM
Opened, but didn't post yesterday. Never went online. Sorry!

Pack 29

Gollum, Plotting Deceiver
Man The Walls
Targon
Third Level
Desert Fighter
Ulaire Enquea, Faster Than Winds
Veteran Horseman
Orc Destroyer
Orc Pursuer
Tower Walkway
Osgiliath Crossing

Pack 30

Gandalf, Defender of the West
No Safe Places
Sweeter Meats
Reckless Counter
Desert Villain
Morgul Cur
Theoden, Leader of Spears
They Sang As They Slew
Gorgoroth Garrison
Hobbit Sword
Morgul Vale

Happy Easter!
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 05, 2021, 03:59:45 AM
Pack 31

Aragorn, Captain of Gondor
Raider Halberd
Southron Thief
Morgul Mongrel
Morgul Predator
Firefoot, Eomer's Steed
Wind In His Face
Orc Stalker
Some Secret Art of Flame
Merry, Rohirrim Squire
Rohirrim Road
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 06, 2021, 04:05:10 AM
Pack 32

Battle Tested
Reckless Pride
Uncertain Paths
Echoes Of Valinor
Dark Tidings
Mumakil Of The Harad
Morgul Soldier
Eowyn, Dernhelm
Veteran Horseman
Orc Destroyer
Haunted Pass
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 07, 2021, 03:53:00 AM
Pack 33

The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
Days Growing Dark
Gollum, Vile Creature
Gondorian Merchant
Knight's Spear
Harsh Tongues
Morgul Hound
Enraged Horseman
Riding Armor
Siegecraft
Cross Road

Is the home site of Gondorian Merchant a misprint? I figured he should be 3K, not 3T. Anybody know any history on this?
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: JamesCB on April 07, 2021, 04:10:45 AM
Huh. I've never noticed that. I'll have to look into it.
[Goes into other room and comes back]
Okay I looked into it and as far as I can tell it was on purpose and to prevent him from skirmishing.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 07, 2021, 06:34:36 AM
Huh. I've never noticed that. I'll have to look into it.
[Goes into other room and comes back]
Okay I looked into it and as far as I can tell it was on purpose and to prevent him from skirmishing.

Thanks! Makes sense to me. Allies were heavy in Fellowship block, Rohan got villagers in Towers, and then by King the mechanic kind of fizzled. Just had to ask, though now that I think about it, Ents of Fangorn Elrond is still Home 3, meaning he will never skirmish without a Support of the Last Homely House or something in Tower onward.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: Phallen Cassidy on April 07, 2021, 09:07:17 AM
Yeah, they just gave up and decided Allies were more trouble than they're worth haha. It's thematic for Keeper of Nenya, Keeper of Vilya, and for the Rohan allies in King Block to have their home site represented by the previous block. I wonder if there's a particular reason they made Gondorian Merchant instead of a condition. I think the departure from allies on the whole was a real shame for both sides. Dunlending Warrior + War Club will always be one of my favorite combinations, but then Corsair Looter discarding allies so trivially shows Decipher got tired of them pretty quick... and then decided Followers were a suitable replacement :lol:

These posts are fun -- I thought I was pretty familiar with set 7 but haven't done well trying to guess the rarity of the cards every day :P I keep forgetting that Decipher often made the interesting cards rare instead of just the best or most popular ones.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 08, 2021, 03:51:00 AM
Yeah, they just gave up and decided Allies were more trouble than they're worth haha. It's thematic for Keeper of Nenya, Keeper of Vilya, and for the Rohan allies in King Block to have their home site represented by the previous block. I wonder if there's a particular reason they made Gondorian Merchant instead of a condition. I think the departure from allies on the whole was a real shame for both sides. Dunlending Warrior + War Club will always be one of my favorite combinations, but then Corsair Looter discarding allies so trivially shows Decipher got tired of them pretty quick... and then decided Followers were a suitable replacement :lol:

These posts are fun -- I thought I was pretty familiar with set 7 but haven't done well trying to guess the rarity of the cards every day :P I keep forgetting that Decipher often made the interesting cards rare instead of just the best or most popular ones.

I appreciate that you've been following along! It's been a real joy to be able to fill out my collection this way, especially since King Block stuff is way more scarce. It's taken some real willpower on my end not to just crack the entire box, but I think this way has allowed me more time to reflect and enjoy the journey, so to speak.

It's also a process. Open the pack, look at the cards, post it here, snag a pic to send to friends (who don't always know how to play, but appreciate me taking this journey as well), update my collecting file, then sort the cards into my collection box.

With three packs left (about to open one and just have two), it's kind of sad. I remember when I was like "Oh, I still have half a box left!".
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 08, 2021, 03:57:01 AM
Pack 34

Smeagol, Hurried Guide
Man The Walls
Targon
Desert Fighter
Morgul Brawler
Mustering For Battle
Gorgoroth Troop
Orc Officer
Orc Pursuer
Tower Walkway
Sam, Resolute Halfling - foil

With 2 left to go, this was quite a pack. I've only opened maybe 3 foils for the entire box, which seems light to me, but getting a second R in a pack feels like a win, especially when it's a companion. This is also the first C Smeagol I own.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 09, 2021, 03:39:26 AM
Pack 35

Still Needed
Intimidate
Sharpen Your Swords
It's Mine
Smeagol, Hurried Guide
City Of Men
Gondor Still Stands
Morgul Spawn
Mordor Guard
Mordor Warrior
King's Tent
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: ArtificerAlf on April 10, 2021, 05:28:55 AM
Pack 36

Out Of Darkness
Hasty Repairs
Ranger of Minas Tirith
Easterling Attacker
Raider Bow
Morgul Spearman
Their Power Is In Terror
Ulaire Nelya, Assailing Minion
Mordor Regular
Frodo, Hope Of Free Peoples
Pelennor Plain

And with that, the box is opened. I feel like there were a lot of Ringwraith culture rares. I was cool with that, since they are probably my favorite King block culture (unless you count Sauron uruks).

Per my usual history with "core" boxes, I opened one major Fellowship companion - Samwise, and foil no less. Technically one can count Denethor and Eowyn, but I still was hoping for R Frodo at least.

I opened one Gondor Bow, which means I still need 3. I didn't think it was too much to hope for. I also didn't manage to pull a R One Ring. I've got two, but it never hurts to have a few more of those lying around!

Overall, I was thankful to have stumbled upon this treasure. I hope those checking things out enjoyed the journey as well.
Title: Re: Return of the King Box Opening
Post by: FingolfinFinwe on May 05, 2021, 07:25:05 PM
2x Captured by the Ring is a big win in my book!  Also Noble Leaders, Anduril FotW, and Morgul Brute are all huge.  Thanks for sharing this with us!