Clarify something for my friend and I please....

[The Dewk]

Okay. I was trying to figure out how to explain this question, but I realized it'll be simpler if I just use an example:

Quickbeam (6C33) text says that for every ent/unbound hobbit one spots, he is that much cheaper. Do hobbit/ent allies count towards this? Or just companions?

That's it. Clarification would be great, o ye wise ones.

[Tbiesty]

Any Ent counts (including Ent allies), but only unbound Hobbit companions (since allies are not unbound) count.

[The Dewk]

Thanks! Yet that's strange... what indicates that hobbit allies are unbound, but ent allies are not..?

[hrcho]

Only companions can be ring-bound or unbound. Note that that also means you can't use Gorgoroth Assassin or Over the Isen to assign your minions to allies if they are allowed to skirmish.

For example:

You as the shadow player are controlling a site and the fellowship is currently on Ring of Isengard. Treebeard, Earthborn is allowed to be assigned to skirmish at this site, but you can't use Over the Isen to assign your Man to Treebeard, Earthborn because he is not unbound (or a companion for that matter).

[The Dewk]

Gotcha. Only companions are bound/unbound. Allies don't apply. Cool. Thanks!

[hrcho]

Thanks! Yet that's strange... what indicates that hobbit allies are unbound, but ent allies are not..?

Quicbeam's text doesn't say to spot an unbound ent, just ent. It does, however, say to spot an unbound hobbit.

[The Dewk]

Oh, but wait- the examples you used (Gorgoroth Assassin or Over the Isen) specifically speak about companions. Is there a rule/official statement that says that the bound/unbound status doesn't apply to allies?  

[Tbiesty]

From the rulebook:

Ring-bound
Only companions can be Ring-bound (not allies or
minions).

unbound
Only companions can be unbound (not allies or
minions).

[The Dewk]

Beautiful! Thanks so much.