Elves (Elladan and Elronhir) Question

[rujudan]

but in the starting fellowship you aren't playing them, you're putting them on the table...does that meant that I don't have to add burden for smeagol if he is in my starting fellowship?

[Thranduil]

but in the starting fellowship you aren't playing them, you're putting them on the table...does that meant that I don't have to add burden for smeagol if he is in my starting fellowship?

All companions in your starting fellowship are played except your Ring-bearer who is "placed on the table". Therefore you always get "When you play" effects from starting companions except your ring-bearer, and twilight reductions etc.

Note that in the case of Sméagol, BoGS, you have to add the burden if he is not your Ring-bearer, but you do NOT have to if he is your Ring-bearer.

Thranduil

[ket_the_jet]

Some people run Pippin, Hobbit of Some Intelligence* to offset the cost of a burden that they bid.

I.e., if you start Smeagol and that Pippin, you add and remove one burden (presuming you play Smeagol then Pippin...)
-wtk