The Way Into Mordor - Gandalf (8/28: "You still speak in riddles.")

[lem0nhead]

Hold on i think theres a confusion. I read your card like they play it, it takes effect AND they get it back, which is what im saying you need need to edit your card wording in order to change this. Are you saying you want it to have the effect presented and returned so they can try again?

Cos that was my original point, you still need to say cancel the effect but not discard it, instead return it to hand.

Or have in made it even more confusing? 

[Thranduil]

Break Into Splinters
Event • Skirmish
Toil 1.
Spot 3 Ents to discard an engine, machine, or possession.
"‘We are made of the bones of the earth. We can split stone like the roots of trees, only quicker, far quicker, if our minds are roused!'"

Fair enough.

A Wizard Should Know Better!
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Shadow spell is played, you may exert an Ent to remove and cancel all effects of that spell and return it to its owner's hand.
Skirmish: Discard this condition to wound a minion skirmishing an Ent (twice if that minion is an Orc, Uruk-hai, or Wizard).
"‘It is the orc-work, the wanton hewing – rárum – without even the bad excuse of feeding the fires, that has so angered us; and the treachery of a neighbour, who should have helped us.'"

I don't think it needs to be so extensively anti-spell - it just feels like a lot of text, and I wouldn't be willing to exert, even for more benfit. I would make it cost , spot a few Ents to play and just remove every time a Shadow spell is played, a bit more like Betrayal of Isengard, for example.

The Tree-killer!
Event • Response
If an Ent wins a skirmish, you may exert that Ent to capture a minion in that skirmish.
"‘There was a pale figure hurrying away in and out of the shadows of the pillars, and it had nearly reached the stairs to the tower-door. But it was a near thing. Quickbeam was so hot after him, that he was within a step or two of being caught and strangled....'"

Fair enough.

Thranduil

[DáinIronfoot]

A Wizard Should Know Better!
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Shadow spell is played, you may exert an Ent to remove and cancel all effects of that spell and return it to its owner's hand.
Skirmish: Discard this condition to wound a minion skirmishing an Ent (twice if that minion is an Orc, Uruk-hai, or Wizard).
"‘It is the orc-work, the wanton hewing – rárum – without even the bad excuse of feeding the fires, that has so angered us; and the treachery of a neighbour, who should have helped us.'"

I don't think it needs to be so extensively anti-spell - it just feels like a lot of text, and I wouldn't be willing to exert, even for more benfit. I would make it cost , spot a few Ents to play and just remove every time a Shadow spell is played, a bit more like Betrayal of Isengard, for example.

What about simply making the twilight cost of each Shadow spell +1? Then it could be stackable and REALLY make spells tough to use.

[Thranduil]

Yeah, that's great!

Thranduil

[Elf_Lvr]

Break Into Splinters
Event • Skirmish
Toil 1.
Spot 3 Ents to discard an engine, machine, or possession.
"‘We are made of the bones of the earth. We can split stone like the roots of trees, only quicker, far quicker, if our minds are roused!'"

Nice.

A Wizard Should Know Better!
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Shadow spell is played, you may exert an Ent to remove and cancel all effects of that spell and return it to its owner's hand.
Skirmish: Discard this condition to wound a minion skirmishing an Ent (twice if that minion is an Orc, Uruk-hai, or Wizard).
"‘It is the orc-work, the wanton hewing – rárum – without even the bad excuse of feeding the fires, that has so angered us; and the treachery of a neighbour, who should have helped us.'"

I'd make it unique. The wounding ability warrants that, probably. Also with 4 of these out, you could stack the each time ability to remove ... that's a bit much, really.

The Tree-killer!
Event • Response
If an Ent wins a skirmish, you may exert that Ent to capture a minion in that skirmish.
"‘There was a pale figure hurrying away in and out of the shadows of the pillars, and it had nearly reached the stairs to the tower-door. But it was a near thing. Quickbeam was so hot after him, that he was within a step or two of being caught and strangled....'"

It's okay.

Can you remind me why I would keep a captured minion in my support area instead of discarding it, since I'd have to add twilight for it when I move? Is there really any reason for that, besides some of your cards that get benefits from captured characters (which I don't believe I have seen much of yet)?

Personally, I'd like to see a LOT more of this capture/rescue idea. It's REALLY cool, but I'm not seeing much support for it. Is there a set of cards you've posted that includes a lot of this?

Hah, sorry for the big thing on capture/rescue, the cards look good!

[DáinIronfoot]

A Wizard Should Know Better!
Condition • Support Area
Each time a Shadow spell is played, you may exert an Ent to remove and cancel all effects of that spell and return it to its owner's hand.
Skirmish: Discard this condition to wound a minion skirmishing an Ent (twice if that minion is an Orc, Uruk-hai, or Wizard).
"‘It is the orc-work, the wanton hewing – rárum – without even the bad excuse of feeding the fires, that has so angered us; and the treachery of a neighbour, who should have helped us.'"

I'd make it unique. The wounding ability warrants that, probably. Also with 4 of these out, you could stack the each time ability to remove ... that's a bit much, really.

You can't stack them, I don't think...at least, not how you're thinking. Even with four out, you'd need four exertions to get the removed. Granted, it IS possible to get that , but I think four exertions makes it worth it.

That all being said, I plan to change it to "The twilight cost of each Shadow spell is +1, and probably make it cost . How's that?

Can you remind me why I would keep a captured minion in my support area instead of discarding it, since I'd have to add twilight for it when I move? Is there really any reason for that, besides some of your cards that get benefits from captured characters (which I don't believe I have seen much of yet)?

Personally, I'd like to see a LOT more of this capture/rescue idea. It's REALLY cool, but I'm not seeing much support for it. Is there a set of cards you've posted that includes a lot of this?

Well, you don't HAVE to hold onto them. If the fellowship stops moving the turn they capture a minion, that minion is discarded as any minion in play would be...and you don't have to worry about any nasty fierceness or regroup actions it might have, since it can't make use of them while captured.

There any many benefits to be gained from captured minions, though. You can finish them off with wounding, use them to pump up your own characters, and other fun stuff. Most of the capturing and rescuing stuff so far was in my first set, Lasting Alliances. Since the original idea seemed to be overpowered, I moved away from it a bit after that...but I'll get back into it more fully in my next set, The End Of All Things, making a nice bookend to Lasting Alliances.

[lem0nhead]

You can't stack them, I don't think...at least, not how you're thinking. Even with four out, you'd need four exertions to get the removed. Granted, it IS possible to get that , but I think four exertions makes it worth it.

Yes this is true.

That all being said, I plan to change it to "The twilight cost of each Shadow spell is +1, and probably make it cost . How's that?

Nah leave it its good as it is.

[DáinIronfoot]

I'm likely not QUITE done with Ents, as I imagine another idea or two will hit me before the culture is completely done. But for now, it's time for the Man Wizard himself.

•Gandalf, Stormcrow
Companion • Wizard
Strength: 7
Vitality: 4
Signet: Théoden
Valiant.
Each time Gandalf wins a skirmish, you may choose one: heal a companion with the Gandalf signet or bearing a condition; or discard a condition borne by a character.
"‘No counsel have I to give to those that despair. Yet counsel I could give, and words I could speak to you.'"

I know "Stormcrow" is technically already taken, but since it's only taken by a virtual card that never really existed, I figured it was alright to use it. If you disagree, how about "Herald of Strange Events"?

This Gandalf becomes one of a very small handful of non-[Rohan] characters (along with one version of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli in this set and possibly one or two characters in the next set) to be valiant, which makes a lot of sense to ME, at least. Other than that, pretty typical Gandalf-type text.

•Gandalf, Captain and Banner
Companion • Wizard
Strength: 7
Vitality: 4
Signet: Aragorn
While you can spot another hunter, Gandalf's twilight cost is -1 (or -2 if that hunter has the Aragorn or Gandalf signet).
While you can spot 3 other hunters, Gandalf gains hunter 1.
While you can spot 5 other hunters, Gandalf is damage +1.
"‘We will go where he leads.'"

This, however, is probably the strangest Gandalf ever. Considering his close ties with the Three Hunters in the story, though, as well as his ties to Eomer/Erkenbrand and their riders (mostly hunters as well in this set), I figured a true hunter-supporting Gandalf made a lot of sense. Hopefully it makes at least a little bit to you as well.

[lem0nhead]

•Gandalf, Stormcrow
Companion • Wizard
Strength: 7
Vitality: 4
Signet: Théoden
Valiant.
Each time Gandalf wins a skirmish, you may choose one: heal a companion with the Gandalf signet or bearing a condition; or discard a condition borne by a character.
"‘No counsel have I to give to those that despair. Yet counsel I could give, and words I could speak to you.'"

Seems slightly overshadowed by other gandys but hes ok.

I know "Stormcrow" is technically already taken, but since it's only taken by a virtual card that never really existed, I figured it was alright to use it. If you disagree, how about "Herald of Strange Events"?

Nah lol.

•Gandalf, Captain and Banner
Companion • Wizard
Strength: 7
Vitality: 4
Signet: Aragorn
Hunter 1.
Each time another hunter companion is about to lose a skirmish, you may exert Gandalf to make that companion strength +2 (or +3 if that companion bears an artifact) until the end of that skirmish.
"‘The Dark Lord has Nine. But we have One, mightier than they: the White Rider. He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and they shall fear him.'"

Again ok, but overshadowed his gametext triggers when youre losing which isnt good to start with and then he has nothing else up his sleeve. I guess the hunter 1 makes it ok.

[Thranduil]

•Gandalf, Stormcrow
Companion • Wizard
Strength: 7
Vitality: 4
Signet: Théoden
Valiant.
Each time Gandalf wins a skirmish, you may choose one: heal a companion with the Gandalf signet or bearing a condition; or discard a condition borne by a character.
"‘No counsel have I to give to those that despair. Yet counsel I could give, and words I could speak to you.'"

Seems good, though I'd probably take out the condition bit.

•Gandalf, Captain and Banner
Companion • Wizard
Strength: 7
Vitality: 4
Signet: Aragorn
Hunter 1.
Each time another hunter companion is about to lose a skirmish, you may exert Gandalf to make that companion strength +2 (or +3 if that companion bears an artifact) until the end of that skirmish.
"‘The Dark Lord has Nine. But we have One, mightier than they: the White Rider. He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and they shall fear him.'"

You know that lore text was used for Mithrandir, right? Wouldn't it be so much easier (and basically the same thing) to say "Skirmish: Exert Gandalf to make another hunter companion strength +2...."? Why would you use it unless you were losing?

EDIT: Ah, I've just realised that you can only use his text once. Makes more sense then...

Thranduil

[DáinIronfoot]

•Gandalf, Captain and Banner
Companion • Wizard
Strength: 7
Vitality: 4
Signet: Aragorn
Hunter 1.
Each time another hunter companion is about to lose a skirmish, you may exert Gandalf to make that companion strength +2 (or +3 if that companion bears an artifact) until the end of that skirmish.
"‘The Dark Lord has Nine. But we have One, mightier than they: the White Rider. He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and they shall fear him.'"

You know that lore text was used for Mithrandir, right?

Blast! *mumble grumble* No, I missed that. I'll have to come up with something else, I guess.

Wouldn't it be so much easier (and basically the same thing) to say "Skirmish: Exert Gandalf to make another hunter companion strength +2...."? Why would you use it unless you were losing?

EDIT: Ah, I've just realised that you can only use his text once. Makes more sense then...

Right. Also, allowing it at any time would be a bit OP, I think. Only letting it trigger when the companion is already losing keeps it in check, methinks. Makes him an excellent way to keep those hunters from getting overwhelmed.

[FM]

I'm not sure I'd play either one of them, though.

[DáinIronfoot]

Why is that, FM? Just better options out there?

[sickofpalantirs]

I'd play stormcrow...but not captain and banner EXCEPT in block format.

[DáinIronfoot]

Upped Captain and Banner to hunter 2. Better, or should I just go with something else entirely?