Balrog deck please! (minions only)

[LoveMeAndDespair]

I really want to make a minion set that is focused on the Balrog! I heard someone mention a "Balrog Launch Deck" but I haven't seen any card lists! Please advise me on a good list! I want to use it with my elven telepathy deck, because I play with friends that use Sauron so I need something else that's got a high printed twilight, but hopefully there are ways to actually get to play those cards too!

[LoveMeAndDespair]

OK so I found NappyKorn's Balrog Launch Deck here: http://lotrtcgwiki.com/forums/index.php/topic,921.0.html

This is his deck. Any suggested improvements for expanded/open?

•   The Balrog, Demon of Might x4 (foil)
•   Goblin Runner x4
•   Moria Scout x4
•   Goblin Sneak x3
•   Goblin Scrabbler x2
•   The Balrog's Sword x3
•   Whip of Many Thongs x3
•   Relics of Moria
•   Fill With Fear x2
•   Power and Terror x4
•   Foul Things x3

[Elrohir]

I like Led Astray: It provides you either Bridge of Khazad-Dûm or Cavern Entrance, which are both evil sites with Demon of might.

Further more, you get some more pool (alternative to Power and terror). You should be able to push Balrogs strength (like Cunnigly hidden, skulker,  Goblin Spear - to be sure he wins a skirmish) and you should be able to discard Dwarven Bracers and Armors, who prevent all damage boni (whip is nice, as you mentioned above).

[LoveMeAndDespair]

Thanks! I made my Balrog deck yesterday and this is what I came up with:

Demon of Might x2 (that's all I have)
Terror of flame and shadow x1 (that's all I have)
Terror of Khazad-dum x1 (I have four of this one)
Foul things x1 (that's all I have)
Power and Terror x2 (that's all I have)
Whip of many thongs x1 (that's all I have)
Balrog's sword x1 (that's all I have)
15 orcs that all cost 1 twilight:
Backstabber x3
Runner x4
Sneak x4
Scabbler x4
And then some extra cards to make the total 30:
goblin schimtar x4
such a little thing x1 (my husband ALWAYS plays boromir...)
host of thousands x1

what do you think? Do i need to buy more Power and Terror and whip and sword for it to work well?

[Gil-Estel]

I think you need to get more cards :-). Some are easy to come by, others will be harder. Power and Terror is a keycard when it comes to 'launching' the balrog. It is an extremely powerful card. For a bigger hand, try to make a fellowship that includes Isildur from Bloodlines. Makes you start you shadow with 9 cards, which is nice.

[LoveMeAndDespair]

Elrohir: I don't understand why Cavern Entrance is good?

[LoveMeAndDespair]

Thanks Ket! I have another question. How is Elrohir proposing I might accomplish this: "you should be able to discard Dwarven Bracers and Armors, who prevent all damage boni"

[LoveMeAndDespair]

Thanks! I played my Balrog deck the other day combined with Glorfindel, Revealed in Wrath and it was awesome! I was lucky, I got to play the Balrog three times (although I never drew Power and Terror...because I only had one...). And Glorfindel saved me many times using the Balrog on top of the deck (I used Galadriel with Nenya, Ring of Adamant to place the Balrog on top).

[sharkey]

My bro plays a balrog/troll/beat-down deck as his main... I credit it for helping me become a tougher player I can now beat him 75% of the time.


And agreed, nice deck!