View source for Despair (1R243)

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{{NavBar|Lotr01243|Fellowship of the Ring Index|The Dark Lord's Summons (1U242)|Desperate Defense of the Ring (1R244)}}


{{LegacyCardInfoBox
| TLHHImage=LOTR01243
| WikiImage=LOTR01243
| SetNum=01
| CardNum=243
| SetName=Fellowship of the Ring
| Side=Shadow
| Culture=Sauron
| Twilight=2
| FullCardType=Event
| Stat1Name=
| Stat1=
| Stat2Name=
| Stat2=
| Stat3Name=
| Stat3=
| Stat4Name=
| Stat4=
| GameText=Maneuver: If the total number of burdens and companions in the dead pile is at least 12, spot a [SAURON] Orc to corrupt the Ring-bearer.
| Lore=“‘The Nameless Enemy has arisen again. Smoke rises once more from Orodruin that we call Mount Doom.'”
| Rarity=R
| Notes=
}}


= General Strategy =

A "winner takes all" event, Despair creates an instant win when certain conditions are met by the Shadow player. Despair requires [2] twilight in the Maneuver phase, a [Sauron] Orc in play, and a combination of twelve burdens or companions in the dead pile. In theory, the event sounds reasonable enough--such a complete attack should have the opponent against the ropes. In practice, the card is not very playable. While the [2] twilight and Orc are easy enough spotting requirements, the combination of burdens and dead companions is remarkably high at 12. At even numbers, 6 burdens and 6 companions in the dead pile suggests the Shadow player is already incredibly close to winning the game in most cases. In fact, many decks--particularly in Fellowship Block format--do not contain more than 5 companions in total, meaning the Shadow player would need eight burdens and the four companions killed.

= Strengths and Weaknesses =

=== Strong Versus... ===

* Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul can spot burdens to weaken or kill companions
* Desperate Defense of the Ring, Thin and Stretched, and The Ring Is Mine are solid [Sauron] burden cards

=== Weak Versus... ===

* Hand clog early in the game
* Incredibly situational
* Alternate Ring-Bearers are often corrupted long before the card can be played