Recent Posts

21

Movie / Gondor Wraiths with Enquea swooping darkly

« Last post by ununtrium on April 14, 2025, 02:35:36 AM »

Another product of my stroll down memory lane :-) Feel free to comment, if you read this. Thanks!

Ringbearer and The One Ring:
7C317 Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples
1R1 The One Ring, Isildur’s Bane

Sitepath:
7U334 Steps of Edoras
7U337 West Road
8U117 The Dimholt
8U116 City of the Dead
7U344 City Gates
7U351 Minas Tirith Sixth Circle
7U353 Osgiliath Crossing
7U359 Northern Ithilien
7U363 Slag Mounds

Free Peoples (37):
2x 8C41 Oathbreaker (starting)
1x 10R11 Galadriel, Lady Redeemed (starting; I know, I know…; this deck is just for casual play)
 
3x 7P364 Aragorn, Driven by Need
2x 8R38 King of the Dead, Oathbreaker
2x 8U45 Sleepless Dead
 
1x 2R105 Mithril-coat
1x 8R113 Sting, Bane of the Eight Legs
1x 9R20 Nenya, Ring of Adamant
1x 7R79 Anduril, Flame of the West
 
2x 3R44 The Shards of Narsil
3x 3U46 Still Sharp
3x 3R39 Banner of the White Tree

3x 3C43 Might of Numenor
3x 3R13 Elrond, Herald to Gil-galad
2x 8C48 Swept Away

1x 7R103 Hearts Raised
4x 10C112 Nine-fingered Frodo and the Ring of Doom

2x 1U63 Stand Against Darkness

Shadow:
4x 10R68 Ulaire Enquea, Thrall of the One
1x 5R25 Gollum, Stinker
3x 7R188 Morgul Brute
4x 8R81 Ulaire Otsea, Thrall of the One
1x 10R71 Ulaire Toldea, Thrall of the One
1x 10R67 Ulaire Cantea, Thrall of the One

4x 1U258 Morgul Skulker
2x 8R77 Morgul Squealer

1x 9R44 Ring of Rancor
2x 8R67 Between Nazgul and Prey
4x 10R58 Dark Swooping Shadows
1x 2U81 They Will Find the Ring

1x 10U53 Black Marshal
1x 3U83 The Ring Draws Them
4x 1R217 Morgul Gates

2x 1R206 Bent on Discovery
1x 9R47 Ithil Stone

22

Lothlórien / Worlds 2006 Championship Decks

« Last post by TelTura on April 12, 2025, 12:48:11 PM »

Found an article on the wayback that includes the World Champion's deck: http://web.archive.org/web/20070318205911/http://lotrtcg.fanhq.com:80/Articles/Article.aspx?ID=1123

Unfortunately I think the companion article that includes the runner-up or any of the other top 16 were not archived. 

Based on context clues, Worlds 2006 appears to have been done in August 2006, two months after the delayed release of Hunters.  This would make the format a version of Standard that had sets 5-15 legal, which we have no counterpart to today.

If you have any information on this event, please let me know.

The deck is below for posterity:


Christian Kriesel
2006 World Champion


Frodo, Weary From the Journey
The One Ring, The Ring of Doom

Sites:
Anduin Banks
Woody-End
Buckland Homestead
City Gates
Cavern Entrance
Neekerbreekers' Bog
Stables
Caras Galadhon
Mount Doom

Free Peoples (34):
Aragorn, Thorongil x3
Aragorn's Bow, Ranger's Longbow
Gondorian Blade
Derufin
Well-Traveled
Erkenbrand, Master of Westfold
Eomer, Horsemaster x2
Rohirrim Mount
For the Mark x2
Eomer's Spear, Trusty Weapon
Riddermark Javelin
Spear of the Mark
Coif
Radagast, The Brown
Refuge x3
Seclusion x3
Celeborn, The Wise
Dinendal, Mirkwood Archer
Sam, Great Elf Warrior
The Tale of the Great Ring
Merry, Swordthain x2
Tolman Cotton, Farmer of Bywater
Sting, Weapon of Heritage
Legolas, Fearless Marksman
Eowyn, Lady of Ithilien


Shadow (34):
Ulaire Cantea, Faster Than Winds
Out of Sight and Shot
Ulaire Nelya, Third of the Nine Riders x4
Ulaire Enquea, Sixth of the Nine Riders x2
Flung Into the Fray
The Witch-king, Captain of the Nine Riders x3
Ulaire Otsea, Seventh of the Nine Riders
Ulaire Cantea, Black Assassin
Ulaire Lemenya, Eternally Threatening x2
Morgul Destroyer x4
Morgul Brute x4
Morgul Spearman x4
Ulaire Nertea, Thrall of the One
Morgul Squealer
Captured by the Ring x3
Gollum, Dark as Darkness

23

Standard / BoO Cycling Ents / Ninja Ferny

« Last post by ununtrium on March 29, 2025, 03:13:57 AM »

In my attempts to tie up loose ends I finished putting together an Ent deck I had started building years ago, but never got around to finishing it. I always wanted to try and make Hunter Block Ents work. Ninja Ferny was one of the first deckbuilds I came across when I got into Hunters Block, so this is kind of a sentimental project.

Feel free to comment!

Ringbearer and The One Ring:

13R33 Gandalf, Bearer of Obligation
11R1 The One Ring, The Ring of Rings

Sitepath:

15U187 Anduin River
11S232 Cavern Entrance
12U192 Slopes of Orodruin
18U137 Morannon Plains
11S252 Osgiliath Reclaimed
13S191 Fords of Isen
18U136 Mithlond
11U244 Heights of Isengard
13S189 Crossroads of the Fallen Kings

Free Peoples (39):

1x 11R34 Gandalf’s Staff, Ash-staff
1x 11R35 Glamdring, Foe-hammer
1x 11U40 Shadowfax, Unequaled Steed
1x 18R26 Radagast’s Herb Bag

1x 15R34 Quickbeam, Hastiest of All Ents (starting)
1x 17U107 Merry, In the Bloom of Health (starting)
1x 17U109 Pippin, In the Bloom of Health (starting)

1x 15R30 Leaflock, Finglas
1x 15U37 Skinbark, Elder Ent
3x 15R34 Quickbeam, Hastiest of All Ents
4x 15R36 Shepherd of the Trees
1x 10R18 Treebeard, Keeper of the Watchwood

3x 13U31 The Flame of Anor
2x 13C32 For a While Less Dark
4x 13C41 Strange Meeting
1x 13U28 Alatar, Final Envoy
1x 13R37 Pallando, Far-travelling One
1x 13R38 Radagast, Tender of Beasts
1x 17R20 Gwaihir, The Windlord
1x 17U22 Meneldor, Misty Mountain Eagle

2x 12R35 Watch and Wait
1x 13R42 Traveler’s Homestead

1x 12C34 Traveled Leader
4x 15U32 Momentous Gathering

Shadow (39):

Mainly derived from TheJord’s version of this deck type!

2x 12U58 Countless Companies
2x 13C87 Driven From the Plains
2x 11C71 Bold and Cunning
4x 15R72 Bill Ferny, Agent of Saruman
3x 17S48 Saruman, Coldly Still
4x 12S73 The Mouth of Sauron, Messenger of Mordor
4x 15C75 Courageous Easterling
4x 17C63 Vengeful Wild Man
2x 17U40 Beast of War
3x 11C94 Pavise
2x 12C77 War Trident
3x 12U66 Gathering Strength
2x 11S92 Overrun
2x 14R10 Furious Hillman

24

Chamber of Mazarbul / Re: FotR Uruk Possessions

« Last post by Phallen Cassidy on March 26, 2025, 01:48:44 PM »

Uruk armory was definitely only intended to arm uruks, the orc interaction was an oversight on my part. However, it doesn't seem too bad? I could go either way on this. One other option for this card that you did not mention, but was top of my mind: you can basically include a few "splash" possessions that don't normally see much play but help against specific strategies, and be able to pull exactly the right possession consitantly to make a difference. Kind of opens up a toolkit for uruks that is otherwise a bit lacking

That's true, I think if you've got this card then you want as many different possessions your deck can bear to get the most out of it. I didn't think about Lurtz's Sword, that'd be way more usable with this in Fellowship. From the cards here I think shield is the most splashable in that way. Armor's worth considering in any deck too, though I think it's got stiffer competition for deck space. In Towers, all 4 hand weapons it adds are worth using in this deck for different reasons, so plus your 4 and Lurtz's Sword that's 9 possessions to decide between. Well, really 5 hand weapons vying for space and then 4 others. Anyway, good point. It appeals to me because my playstyle already tilts towards having more utility cards than most. That flexibility allows the "same" deck to be tailored for different metas, which is what you hope to see in a card game: an endlessly evolving meta as players are trying to counteract one another.

Now I'm curious what your thoughts are in context of TTT and TS, and even movie block

It was a fun thought experiment, there's a lot that could be said in Movie and Towers for the new strategies introduced (archery, berserkers, trackers, battlegrounds, and site control). I'll try to spare everyone an in-depth analysis on all of them haha. My general opinion is that these push Uruk-hai too far in Towers but are welcome additions for Movie. I will say it's hard for me to guess how difficult it would be to find room for, say, 7 cards out of here (2x armory, 1x of the rest, and an extra 1x of whichever possession is best for your deck), and how much impact those 7 would have. Obviously you're not going to have everything you want all the time, maybe some of the benefit is curbed by instability.

The biggest issue is Uruk Spear, every Uruk deck already has a few of these. Being able to replay it whenever you need it might be too much for Rohan to handle. That's certainly unintended though, so I'll ignore that interaction going forward Beyond that, Broad-bladed Sword is leagues better than Uruk-hai Sword and many minions can take advantage of Uruk Armor's vitality, which in turn makes Uruk Helm more attractive. Uruk Shield has a much better partner in the Berserkers both removing FP strength and gaining their own strength, and it also has more targets in Towers since the average deck doesn't have to plan for things like Cantea and Troop of Uruk-hai (in Fellowship block, you just pump a Hobbit). Ranger's Sword, Blade of Aragorn in particular is a big hit. That said, I've never been particularly tempted to use Parry in Towers. Maybe it's all fine.

Uruk Armor was an odd card for Fellowship but by far the most interesting card in Towers. It basically doubles the value of archer minions, keeps support cards like Uruk Stormer alive, and of course serves Berserkers immensely. Berserks are best positioned to take advantage of these cards overall I think, they seem to get huge boosts against Rohan and DH and a mild bump against Ents and RBR. Any deck can take advantage of the option to get some more strength on the board, of course, I think there's still room for decks that don't use these cards but they're in the minority. Trackers using Weary is the main one that I think doesn't really have room.

Movie is different, of course, since Isengard is no longer top dog. Even Uruk Spear is less problematic because the mounts can be replayed by Swordthain, and permanent Broad-bladed Sword isn't too noteworthy since wounding decks all have good options outside of the archery phase. I guess Uruks don't move a ton against Elves, but they're already great against knights thanks to Saruman's Power. The text of Uruk Armor shines against Dwarves and a bunch of expendable possessions puts a huge damper on Blood Runs Chill. Eowyn, LoI is likewise clipped by Uruk Armor, though it may backfire for the Shadow player if one minion has it and another doesn't. Same mild boost from Towers against Ents.

Uruk Bow is still weird to me. I think at the cost is good, the stats line up in my opinion (good deal if you play it from hand, average if you play it from discard) and every deck could consider it. Maybe except archery, ironically enough. It kinda expands the minions you can use in archery, but it always being a combo with a minority of your minions holds it back. Making it better for archery definitely means increasing the cost, which is probably going to make it worse for non-archery. That's just how it goes: Raider Bow isn't a very attractive card for archery, and Southron Bow isn't a very attractive card for anything else.

The improvement to this card from Fellowship or Towers is that threats make a random archer from the bow matter more. A few wounds over the course of the whole game doesn't mean much, but with 3 threat wounds you're starting to hit characters other than the Ring-bearer. It all sounds about right. And yet... I dunno if I'd use it for much. I'm still only looking at it for +1 from Helm. Not a bad thing though, given the nature of the set? I guess what I mean to say is: it's an okay card, and that's okay

If Armory is kept to any possession then other than IsenOrc strategies getting the free strength, the main benefit would be to Wargs. I enjoy Wargs yet hate the skirmish-blocking ability so I'm going to be hopelessly conflicted for any buffs they'd get. I don't think it's a big deal in the end, I think Wargs are weaker in Towers than Movie anyway so the buff in both formats isn't as lopsided. Still don't wanna see IsenOrc swarms get a boost, but what can you do.

25

Towers Standard / Re: Mithrandir

« Last post by ununtrium on March 20, 2025, 10:54:28 AM »

Well, after just a couple of years I have managed to come up with an updated version of the Mithrandir deck idea

Here goes the Free Peoples side only:

Free Peoples (37)      
n/a   2C102   Frodo, Reluctant Adventurer
n/a   1R1   The One Ring, Isildur's Bane
      
1x   1P365   Aragorn, King in Exile (starting)
1x   6C45   Smeagol, Poor Creature (starting)
      
1x   6R30   Gandalf, Mithrandir
1x   1R96   Boromir, Lord of Gondor
1x   1R307   Pippin, Hobbit of some Intelligence
      
2x   2R22   Gandalf’s staff
1x   3R34   Narya
1x   4R100   Shadowfax
3x   1R83   Servant of the Secret Fire
2x   6U36   Threw down my Enemy
1x   4R92   Grown suddenly tall
      
2x   4U123   Hard Choice
1x   4U132   Ranger’s Sword, Blade of Aragorn (maybe Aragorn's Bow, instead?)
3x   3R41   Gondor Bowmen
      
2x   1U91   Aragorn’s Pipe
2x   1U74   Gandalf’s Pipe
3x   1C300   Longbottom Leaf
3x   1C305   Old Toby
2x   3C32   Fireworks
      
1x   5R116   Sting, Baggins Heirloom
1x   2R105   Mithril Coat
2x   3C31   Depart Silently
      
Sitepath      
1x   6U116   Westfold
1x   4U333   Plains of Rohan Camp
1x   4U337   Barrows of Edoras
1x   4U344   Westemnet Hills
1x   4U351   Hornburg Parapet
1x   4U354   Hornburg Armory
1x   4U356   Hornburg Causeway
1x   6U119   Valley of Saruman
1x   4U363   Palantir Chamber

I have taken onboard pretty much all the advice given above (I think) and I added a pipes package for healing and burden removal. Otherwise, I am trying to make the most of Aragorn Signet Healing and kitting out Gandalf. Smeagol and the Pipeweeds are supposed to help me cycle through the rather large deck. Boromir and Pippin are splash companion support, especially if things get rough(er).

Since I hardly ever play online (which is a shame!), I have NOT tested the deck yet. Any ideas and suggestions on how to improve the deck would be most appreciated.

Cheers, everyone!

26

Chamber of Mazarbul / Re: FotR Uruk Possessions

« Last post by Not a Zombie on March 18, 2025, 09:57:02 AM »

Thanks for the feedback PC! Just a few clarifications: this is definitely intended to help the uruk beat down strategy and give some variety to FotR uruk decks. I don't expect anyone to ever have all of these possessions in a single deck, more pick a few to shore up weaknesses or support some different strategies.  Uruk-hai Sword was never a great possession unless you plan on doing a discard deck, otherwise there are better event options generally, so I wasn't particularly worried if a few of these were stronger that it.

Now on to some specifics:
Uruk shield: Agreed, this is my favorite. It would have a place in many decks without breaking anything.

Uruk Bow: I was thinking this could open up a uruk archer strat in FotR block. I debated on the cost, and I think you are right, (2) is too much. It becomes super powerful then in TTT (maybe) with uruk archers, but also takes up valuable deck space, so maybe its still fine at (1). I couldn't think of another interesting ability to add.

Uruk Armor: Agreed, not much use for extra vitality in FotR block on uruks. However, extra vitality can help vs archers. Basically anything that can keep uruks alive can help stop a double.

Uruk Helm I agree is very strong, but somewhat forces you to go the possession strategy.

Uruk armory was definitely only intended to arm uruks, the orc interaction was an oversight on my part. However, it doesn't seem too bad? I could go either way on this. One other option for this card that you did not mention, but was top of my mind: you can basically include a few "splash" possessions that don't normally see much play but help against specific strategies, and be able to pull exactly the right possession consitantly to make a difference. Kind of opens up a toolkit for uruks that is otherwise a bit lacking


Now I'm curious what your thoughts are in context of TTT and TS, and even movie block

27

Valinor / Re: Sealed Masters Tournament Decklists

« Last post by Cw0rk on March 09, 2025, 08:46:08 AM »

Thank you for organizing this!

28

Valinor / Sealed Masters Tournament Decklists

« Last post by bign19 on March 06, 2025, 09:53:16 PM »

The first gala in the Sealed Masters Tournament will be Big Baddies. The King Block site path will be used for this league. Players will be given the following:

-One starter deck (see 4 options below)
-One booster pack from each of the first 10 sets (excluding Reflections)

Decklists:

Gorbag's Command Starter
Ring-bearer: Frodo, Courteous Halfling
Ring: The One Ring, The Ruling Ring

Adventure deck:
Edoras Hall
West Road
Hall of the Kings
Pelennor Prairie
Steward's Tomb
Minas Tirith Fourth Circle
Osgiliath Crossing
Watchers of Cirith Ungol
Haunted Pass

Free Peoples Draw Deck:
1x Enraged Horseman
1x Grimbold, Marshal of Rohan
1x Rohirrim Guard
1x Théoden, Leader of Spears
1x Éomer, Keeper of Oaths
1x Éowyn, Dernhelm
1x Merry, Noble Warrior
1x Herugrim
1x Horn of the Mark
1x King's Mail
2x Long Spear
1x Merry's Armor
3x Rider's Mount
2x Rohirrim Javelin
1x Éowyn's Sword, Dernhelm's Blade
2x Hobbit Sword
1x Mithril-coat
2x An Honorable Charge
1x Fey He Seemed
1x Morning Came
2x No Living Man
1x Noble Intentions
1x With Strength to Fight

Shadow Draw Deck:
4x Gorbag, Covetous Captain
2x Morgul Brawler
3x Morgul Destroyer
2x Morgul Hound
1x Morgul Mongrel
2x Morgul Spearman
1x Morgul Whelp
1x Úlairë Enquëa, Faster Than Winds
1x Úlairë Nelya, Black-Mantled Wraith
2x Úlairë Nertëa, Winged Hunter
1x Úlairë Otsëa, Black-Mantled Wraith
2x Gorbag's Sword
1x Morgul Axe
2x Ten Times Outnumbered
2x War Long Planned
1x Flung Into the Fray
2x Stronghold of Minas Morgul


Gothmog's Conquering Starter
Ring-bearer: Frodo, Courteous Halfling
Ring: The One Ring, The Ruling Ring

Adventure deck:
Steps of Edoras
West Road
Base of Mindolluin
Osgiliath Fallen
Crashed Gate
Minas Tirith Sixth Circle
Pelennor Grassland
Morgul Vale
Dagorlad

Free Peoples Draw Deck:
1x Denethor, Steward of the City
1x Faramir, Defender of Osgiliath
1x Ingold
1x Iorlas
1x Knight of Dol Amroth
1x Turgon, Man of Belfalas
1x Pippin, Guard of Minas Tirith
1x Armor
1x Gondor Bow
1x Gondorian Sword
1x Knight's Mount
2x Knight's Spear
1x Pippin's Armor
2x Hobbit Sword
1x Dagger Strike
1x Great Gate
1x Greatest Stronghold
2x War Must Be
1x Noble Intentions
1x Citadel of the Stars
1x City Wall
1x Fifth Level
2x First Level
1x Garrison of Osgiliath
1x Guarded
1x Seventh Level

Shadow Draw Deck:
3x Gorgoroth Axeman
2x Gorgoroth Keeper
2x Gorgoroth Swarm
4x Gothmog, Lieutenant of Morgul
2x Mordor Pillager
2x Orc Captain
2x Orc Fighter
2x Orc Infantry
1x Siege Troop
2x Banner of the Eye
2x Gothmog's Warg
2x Beaten Back
1x Din of Arms
1x Morgai
1x Tower Walkway
1x Troop Tower


Sauron's Corruption Starter
Ring-bearer: Frodo, Tired Traveller
Ring: The One Ring, The Ruling Ring

Adventure deck:
Rohirrim Road
Rohirrim Camp
Hall of the Kings
City of the Dead
City Gates
Minas Tirith Seventh Circle
Ruined Capitol
Cross Roads
Slag Mounds

Free Peoples Draw Deck:
1x Elrond, Witness to History
2x Lórien Swordsman
1x Elendil, High-king of Gondor
1x Gondorian Knight
1x Isildur, Heir of Elendil
1x Knight of Gondor
2x Elven Bow
1x Elven Sword
1x Footman's Armor
2x Knight's Spear
2x Hobbit Sword
1x Aiglos
1x Vilya, Ring of Air
1x Narsil, Blade of the Faithful
2x Ancient Enmity
1x Flee in Terror
1x Might of Númenor
2x Stout Resistance
1x Halfling Deftness
1x Ancient Blade
1x Hosts of the Last Alliance
1x The Last Alliance of Elves and Men
1x Foes of Mordor
1x Garrison of Osgiliath

Shadow Draw Deck:
3x Desert Fighter
3x Desert Villain
3x Easterling Guard
3x Easterling Lieutenant
2x Easterling Pillager
2x Easterling Regiment
1x Easterling Sergeant
4x Sauron, The Lord of the Rings
4x War Towers
1x Rallying Call
2x Surging Up
2x Window of the Eye


Shelob's Web Starter
Ring-bearer: Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples
Ring: The One Ring, The Ruling Ring

Adventure deck:
Sleeping Quarters
King's Tent
Hall of the Kings
Anduin Banks
Pelennor Flat
Minas Tirith Third Circle
Ruined Capitol
Northern Ithilien
Haunted Pass

Free Peoples Draw Deck:
1x Sméagol, Slippery Sneak
1x Sam, Great Elf Warrior
2x Hobbit Sword
2x Orc Armor
1x Sting, Bane of the Eight Legs
1x Phial of Galadriel, Star-glass
2x Sneaking!
1x Where Shall We Go
1x A Marvel
2x Chance Observation
1x Hobbit Intuition
1x It Burns Us
1x Narrow Escape
2x Nine-fingered Frodo and the Ring of Doom
1x Orc-bane
2x Severed His Bonds
2x You Must Help Us
1x A Light in his Mind
2x A Promise
1x Morgai Foothills
1x Rare Good Ballast
1x There and Back Again

Shadow Draw Deck:
3x Gollum, Old Villain
4x Shelob, Eater of Light
3x Goblin Man
3x Isengard Shaman
1x Isengard Smith
1x Gate Veteran
1x Morgul Skirmisher
2x Orc Assassin
2x Orc Savage
3x Cirith Ungol Watchman
2x Larder
1x Spider Poison
2x Web
1x Let Her Deal With Them
1x Unabated in Malice

29

Council of Cobra / Re: Custom Lotr cards

« Last post by TelTura on March 06, 2025, 06:39:10 PM »

Blank templates may be found here: https://lotrtcgpc.net/templates.html

And a fully-fledged card generator is here: https://lotrtcgpc.net/cardgen.html

30

Movie / Re: Dwarves - Initiative Corruption

« Last post by Ruhster on March 03, 2025, 08:02:29 PM »

I like this deck.  I was able to go 5-5 with it.  It has been the best so far.  If the shadow can get set up, it is mean, especially against the alternate ring bearers.  I found that the Dwarf have is mostly there to survive, and allow the shadow to go for the win.  If I had to change anything, I would add Barrak Khazad for the dwarves and Great and Terrible as the dawn, or maybe thin and streched and desperate defense of the ring for the shadow.