[Rohan] Archery (expanded) Free Peoples Only

[Micah247]

Wanted to try something new. Thought mabe Archery was a good idea.  (Please keep in mind I do not have access to cards after set 13 bloodlines)

Free Peoples (35)

and Bearer
Frodo, Protected by Many
The One Ring, Answer to All Riddles

Companions ( 8 )
Eowyn, Lady of Ithilien (starting)
Merry, Swordthain (starting)
Aldred Eored Soldier (starting)
Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark
Theoden, The Renowned
Theodred, Second Marshal of the Mark
Riddermark Tactician
Gamling, Defender of the Hornburg

Possessions (17)
4 x Riddermark Javelin
3 x Rohirrim Javelin
Rohirrim Bow
2 x Rohirrim Helm
Firefoot, Eomers Steed
Brego
Snowmane
Herugrim
Riders Spear
Eowyns Sword Dernhelms Blade
Rohirrim Shield

Conditions (6)
3 x Sword Rack
Fortress Never Fallen
2 x Thundering Host

Events (4)
4 x Simbelmyne

sites
As many plains as possible.

Shadow
  Archery or 2 site 

Strategy
Use the Javelins to add archery.  Use Merry and the Sword Racks to get them back.  If anything gets through, Eowyn can exert to wound, and Eomer can get huge.  Kinda worried about having no pumps, a lack of healing, and I may need more condition/possession removal.  Let me know what you think.

***Updated with suggestions from Dain and Leokula***

[DáinIronfoot]

Thundering Host might not be a bad addition, since it can be a flexible pump and/or healing with all the plains sites you plan on running with. I'd recommend tossing in a couple copies, perhaps replacing a Simbelmyne and a Rohirrim Javelin or two. With Strength To Fight is a less desirable healing option, and probably not necessary with the Rohirrim Shields (which would have been my first choice), but hey...it IS an option if you're just not getting enough healing otherwise. Using Firefoot, Eomer's Steed instead of the version you have would give you a LITTLE more condition removal (and is cheaper, which is always nice for the expensive Rohirrim).

Not sure if you can fit them in, but a copy or two of Rohirrim Helm might be nice for canceling skirmishes with any BIG minions that survive archery. Chances are pretty good they won't be able to exert to cancel. *shrug* Just a thought.

Eomer's Spear, Trusty Weapon would be a very nice addition for finishing minions off...either with the damage bonus (should he win) or with the option to discard for a free wound...and possibly pull back with Merry and use again that same skirmish! Lethal. 8)

Also consider:

Dispatched With Haste - gives you possession removal if you need it but more importantly gives all your mounted guys a nice boost
Rohirrim Diadem - can turn extra possessions into a strength boost if you desperately need it
Cast From The Hall - not very useful if you don't pull it early enough, but considering you have at least 16 possessions you'll be playing from hand at SOME point, it certainly can't hurt to toss a copy in, right?
Precise Attack - could add a little extra and/or targetted archery if you can somehow squeeze a couple in
Rohirrim Doorwarden - kind of costly, but with certain companions possibly bearing three (or more!) possessions, having one of these guys around certainly couldn't hurt!

Just a few suggestions. I would most strongly recommend Eomer's Spear, Trusty Weapon (almost a must in this deck) and Thundering Host, which would solve a couple small weaknesses at once.

LOVE the deck, though. I have a very similiar one that revolves around Eowyn, Restless Maiden and Dernhelm's Blade. THAT is one lethal combo there.

[Micah247]

Thanks for the info Dain.  Unfortunately I do not have access to cards after set 13 (so eomers spear, trusty weapon is out), but thanks for pointing out Firefoot, Eomers Steed I missed that somehow.  I have looked into using the rohirrim helm, and Thundering host, and I will need to find something to remove.  I'll update the deck when I think of how to work them in.

[leokula]

I'd say at least one Rohirrim Helm is a must have... you'll find it to be very useful and with Sword Rack you'll be able to reuse it a lot.

I don't think you need 4x Sword Rack at all... I'd go for 3, specially because Merry, Swordthain will be doing his dirty job bringing back possessions too, so you get room for a helm or something else.

Another overlooked card is Rohirrim Bow... I think you could drop a Rohirrim Javelin for a Rohirrim Bow. The direct wound will come in handy when you need to take that wikkie out of the way at all costs.

BTW I'd drop one of those shields for a Thundering Host... and maybe arrows slits for another one, that would give you a bit more strength support for when you need it.

[DáinIronfoot]

Thanks for the info Dain.  Unfortunately I do not have access to cards after set 13 (so eomers spear, trusty weapon is out), but thanks for pointing out Firefoot, Eomers Steed I missed that somehow.

Right, forgot about the set 13 thing. A lot of people seem to miss Eomer's Steed. It's far from ideal "condition removal", since it's pretty easy for the Shadow player to get out of it, but at the right time it can be a lifesaver, especially if you don't really need the bonuses other Firefoots provide.

I have looked into using the rohirrim helm, and Thundering host, and I will need to find something to remove.  I'll update the deck when I think of how to work them in.

Like LeoKula, I'd recommend finding a way to fit at least one Helm in, as it can prove a horrible nuisance to your opponent if used at the right time. Thundering Host isn't quite ideal, since it would be limited to your mounted companions, but since your key guys will eventually be mounted and they're the ones you'll want to keep alive, it certainly helps protect them, at least.

[Micah247]

Ok looked at your suggestions and made changes above (added a card to my absolute deck max of 35!)
Thanks guys.

[leokula]

niiiiice I like it!

Anytime

[GarrisonofGondor]

Personally I would start Eowyn, Restless Warrior And drop two Sword Racks. Put in two freely across our lands.

[Elendil!Urukfear]

First of all if this is archery, i would replace Eowyn, Ladie of Ithilien with Eowyn, Restless Maiden, put in Eomer's Spear, Trusty Weapon, and you might want some pumps in case your guys get in trouble with overwhelming Or Heavy Chain.
Also for your minion side, I would go with Evil Men archery and add a lot of fletchers (I forgot what they are really called). But I don't know much about these really good decks so you probably shouldn't listen to me.

[Micah247]

Personally I would start Eowyn, Restless Warrior And drop two Sword Racks. Put in two freely across our lands.

Thanks for the tip, I will check that out, when I get a chance to playtest this against someone other than myself

[GarrisonofGondor]

 You welcome.