Despair (1R243)

The Dark Lord's Summons (1U242)

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Desperate Defense of the Ring (1R244)

	Set:		Fellowship of the Ring
	Kind:		Shadow
	Culture:		Sauron
	Twilight:		2
	Card Type:		Event
	Game Text:		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
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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