Gandalf Ent Horde - Free Peoples (Expanded)

[wrigh516]

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/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Gandalf Ent Horde - Free Peoples (Expanded)

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:
Hobbit Sword
Gandalf's Staff, Ash-Staff
Glamdring, Elven Blade
Shadowfax, Greatheart

Events:
Warmed Up a Bit x4

Conditions:
G for Grand x4
Stern Words
Ent Draught x2
Moment of Respite
Watch and Wait


Notes:
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.  You can let Ents die off, but keep Gandalf alive until the end, where he becomes a beast.

Without a doubt, Fredegar Bolger, Fatty is better than Farmer Maggot, Hobbit of the Marish, but I can't get my hands on him.
I toy around with Ent Draught vs Salve.  I find that Salve is better, but Ent Draught doesn't need to spot Gandalf to play early.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.