The Land of Sorrow – April 2, 2022

Starting Hand

• Daeron’s Runes
• Timely Aid x2
• Wizard Pipe
• Narya
• Flame of Anor
• Top card is Timely Aid

Setup

• Lorgan under The Storehouse which guards Farin
• Borlach under Slave Quarters which guards Borlach
• Ulwarth under The Barracks which guards Edrahil
• Find and attach Strider to Gandalf for Grey Wanderer
• Top card is Narya 2
• Threat – 14

Turn 1

1.3 Draw

• Narya 2
• Top card is Daeron’s Runes 2

1.3 Action(s)

• Play Daeron’s Runes 2 from top of the deck drawing Yazan and Steward of Gondor.
• Discard Narya
• Top card is Unexpected Courage

2.2 Planning

• Timely Aid finds and puts Gildor Ingolrion into play.
• Timely Aid 3 is top card

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Total Quest Power = 8

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Rocky Outcrop
• Total Staging Area Threat = 6

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +2 quest progress (2 / 15)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Rocky Outcrop
• I need a couple turns to get set up. Three threat is just a little too high to leave in staging. Plus it negates one of the contract options.

4.2 Action(s)

• Use contract for +2 resources
• Timely Aid 3 from the top of my deck finds Beorn and puts him into play.
• Threat – 15
• Top card is A Test of Will

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 16
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• +3 Threat for 3 Camps in staging.
• Threat – 19

Turn 2

1.3 Draw

• A Test of Will
• Top card is Galadhrim’s Greeting

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Timely Aid finds Deorwine and puts him into play.
• Top card is Galadhrim’s Greeting.
• Wizard Pipe on Gandalf

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Total Quest Power = 8

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Nurn Slaver
• Total Staging Area Threat = 5

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +3 Rocky Outcrop progress (3 / 3) and explore it.

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• The Storehouse
• Lorgan added to the staging area with -30 engagement cost and +3 attack.

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• Lorgan

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Lorgan

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Deorwine
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Watch Tower)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 5
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Defender destroyed and +2 threat
• Threat – 21

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Lorgan

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Gandalf
  • Beorn
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • Use contract for +2 resources
  • Threat – 22
  • Wizard Pipe swaps Galadhrim’s Greeting and Yazan
  • Flame of Anor discards Yazan to ready Gandalf and +5 attack
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 11
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 8
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Lorgan destroyed and added to the victory display

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 23
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• +2 threat for 2 camps in the staging area.
• Threat – 25

Turn 3

1.3 Draw

• A Test of Will 2
• Steward of Gondor 2

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Steward of Gondor 2 played on Gandalf and exhausted for resources. I’ll just have Gandalf gain 3 resources per round from now on.
• Top card is Unexpected Courage.
• Narya on Gandalf

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Total Quest Power = 8

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Weary Lands reduces Gildor’s willpower by 1 (7 total)
• Threat – 26
• Total Staging Area Threat = 4

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +3 The Storehouse progress (3 / 4)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• none

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• Nurn Slaver

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Nurn Slaver

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beorn
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • Exhaust Gandalf and Narya to ready Beorn and Gildor with +1 attack and defense.
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Exhaust Gildor (Painful Fatigue)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Contract readies Gandalf and +2 resources.
  • Threat -27

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Nurn Slaver

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Gandalf
  • Beorn
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 7
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 5
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Wizard Pipe swaps Daeron’s Runes with Unexpected Courage on top of the deck.
  • Daeron’s Runes draws Firyal and Ranger of Cardolan
  • Discard Steward of Gondor.
  • Word of Command is top card.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 28
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• +2 threat for 2 camps. Threat – 30

Turn 4

1.3 Draw

• Word of Command
• Resourceful is top card

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Wizard Pipe swaps Firyal on top of the deck for Resourceful.
• Top card is Gandalf’s Staff
• Firyal

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Firyal and top encounter card is Warrior of Rhun and discard it.
• Total Quest Power = 11

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Recurve Bow attached to Nurn Slaver
• Easterling Raider
• Total Staging Area Threat = 4

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +1 The Storehouse progress (4 / 4), explore it, and add to the victory display.
• +6 quest progress (8 / 15)
• I gain control of Farin.

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• The Barracks
• Ulwarth in the staging are and can’t take damage this round.

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• Easterling Raider

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

• 3 archery damage deal to Gandalf

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Nurn Slaver

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beorn
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – +1 attack for 1 camp in the victory display (Nurn Slaver)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • Exhaust Gandalf and Narya to ready Beorn and Gildor with +1 attack and defense
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.4b Enemy – Easterling Raider

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Gidlor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Raider +2 defense (Cruelty of Mordor)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Nurn Slaver

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Farin dealing 1 damage to Nurn Slaver (6 / 6) and destory it.
  • Beorn
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 7
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 3 (3 / 3)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Use contract to heal 3 damage on Gandalf and +2 resources
  • Threat – 31

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 32
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• +1 threat for 1 camp in the staging area. Threat – 32

Turn 5

1.3 Draw

• Gandalf’s Staff
• Top card is Bilbo Baggins 1.3 Action(s)
• none

2.2 Planning

• Unexpected Courage on Gandalf
• Gandalf’s Staff
• Wizard Pipel swaps top card to A Test of Will.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Firyal
• Total Quest Power = 9

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Warrior of Rhun
• Total Staging Area Threat = 7

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +2 The Barracks progress (2 / 5)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• none

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• Warrior of Rhun

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• none

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Warrior of Rhun

• Recurve Bow attached to Warrior of Rhun
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beorn
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • Narya to ready Beorn and Gildor with +1 attack and defense
• 6.4.2 Shadow – whiffs because not a Warden (Broken Captives)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Warrior of Rhun

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Beorn
  • Farin and deal 1 damage to Warrior (1 / 4).
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 7
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 4 (5 / 4)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Gildor scrys top 3 cards are A Test of Will, Saruman, and Warden of Healing.
• Put Warden of Healing into hand.
• Top 3 cards are Word of Command, Saruman, and A Test of Will.
• Ready Gandalf with Unexpected Courage.
• Play Word of Command to find Arwen and put it into hand.
• +1 resource from Gandalf’s Staff.
• Top card is Shadowfax.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 33
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• +1 threat for 1 camp. Threat – 34

Turn 6

1.3 Draw

• Shadowfax
• Top card is Ranger of Cardolan

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Warden of Healing
• Wizard Pipe to swap Arwen to the top of the deck.
• Arwen
• Resourceful is top card.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Arwen and +1 defense to Gandalf
• Firyal and top encounter card is Weary Lands
• Total Quest Power = 11

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Weary Lands reduces willpower to 8
• Threat – 35
• Total Staging Area Threat = 4

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +3 The Barracks progress (5 / 5)
• +1 quest progress (9 / 15)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Slave Quarters
• Borlach engages and attacks
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Gandalf
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – +2 attack (Nurn Slaver)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 4 (4 / 5)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none 4.2 Action(s)
• Ready and heal 3 damage on Gandalf with contract (1 / 5).
• Threat – 36

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• Ulwarth

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Ulwarth

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Gandalf
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Rocky Outcrop)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.4b Enemy – Borlach

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beorn
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • Ready Gandalf with Unexpected Courage.
  • Narya to ready Beorn and Gildor with +1 attack and defense.
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Rolling Plains)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 2
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Borlach

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Beorn
  • Gildor
  • Farin
  • Edrahil
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 11
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 9 (9 / 9)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Warden heals 1 damage on Beorn (1 / 6) and Gandalf (0 / 5)
• Borlach destroyed and added to the victory display.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 37
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none

Turn 7

1.3 Draw

• Resourceful
• Elfhelm is the top card.

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Wizard Pipe swaps Elfhelm and A Test of Will.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Arwen and +1 defense to Gandalf
• Edrahil
• Firyal and top encounter card is Working Fields.
• Total Quest Power = 14

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Working Fields
• Total Staging Area Threat = 3

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +3 Slave Quarter progress (3 / 3), explore it, added to the victory display, and rescue Arador.
• +8 quest progress (17/ 15)
• Advance to Stage 2
• Lorgan and Borlach added to the staging area.
• A Test of Will drawn for Edrahil.
• Flame of Anor is the top card.

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Working Fields
• 1 damage deal to Firyal

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• Borlach
• Lorgan

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Ulwarth

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Gandalf
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Rolling Plains)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Ready Gandalf with Unexpected Courage.

6.4b Enemy – Borlach

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beorn
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • Narya readies Beorn and Gildor with +1 attack and defense.
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Rolling Plains)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 2
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.4b Enemy – Lorgan

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beorn
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Watch Tower)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 1 (4 / 6)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Contract readies Gandalf and +2 resources
• Threat – 38

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Borlach

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Gandalf
  • Gildor
  • Arador
  • Farin and deal 1 damage to Ulwarth (1 / 6)
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 10
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 8 (9 / 9)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Warden heal 1 damage on Beorn (3 / 6) and Firyal (0 / 3).
  • +1 resource with Gandalf’s Staff
• Borlach destroyed and added to the victory display.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 39
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none

Turn 8

1.3 Draw

• Flame of Anor.
• Top card is A Burning Brand.

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• A Burning Brand on Gandalf.
• Top card is A Test of Will.
• Shadowfax on Gandalf

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Arwen and +1 defense to Gandalf
• Firyal and top encounter card is Watch Tower. Discard it.
• Erahil
• Total Quest Power = 14

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Broken Captives canceled with A Test of Will on top of the deck.
• Top card is Word of Command.
• Total Staging Area Threat = 0

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +4 Working Fields progress (4 / 4) to explore it.
• +10 quest progress (10 / 20)
• Erdahil draws Word of Command.
• Top card is Gandalf’s Staff 2.

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• none

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• none

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Ulwarth

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Gandalf
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Recurve Bow)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Ready with Shadowfax

6.4b Enemy – Lorgan

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Gandalf
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Overseer’s Whip)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 1
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Ready with Unexpected Courage.
  • Narya readies Firyal and Gildor with +1 attack and defense.
• Threat – 40

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Lorgan

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Gildor
  • Firyal
  • Beorn
  • Arador
  • Farin and deal 1 damage to Ulwarth (2 / 6)
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 12
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 9 (9 / 8)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Lorgan destroyed and added to the victory display.

6.8b Target – Ulwarth

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Gandalf
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • Flame of Anor discards Gandalf’s Staff from top of my deck to ready Gandalf with +2 attack.
  • Top card is Galadriel’s Handmaiden.
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 5
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 4 (6 / 6)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • +1 resource from Gandalf’s Staff.
  • Warden heals 1 damage on Gandalf (0 / 5) and Beorn (2 / 6)
• Ulwarth destroyed and added to the victory display.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 41
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none

Turn 9

1.3 Draw

• Galadriel’s Handmaiden
• Top card is Daeron’s Runes

1.3 Action(s)

• Daeron’s Runes Jubayr and Resourceful 3 drawn. Discard a Resourceful.
• Top card is Warden of Healing 2

2.2 Planning

• Galadriel’s Handmaiden
• Threat – 40
• Ranger of Cardolan
• +1 resource from Gandalf’s Staff
• Wizard Pipe swaps A Test of Will to the top of the Deck

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Gandalf
• Gildor
• Galadriel’s Handmaiden
• Ranger of Cardolan
• Arwen and +1 defense to Gandalf
• Firyal and top encounter card is Nurn Slaver and discard it.
• Edrahil
• Total Quest Power = 18

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Working Fields
• Total Staging Area Threat = 3

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +15 quest progress (25 / 20) and win!

Score 112 = 8 * 10 + 40 threat + 0 hero damage + 0 dead heroes – 8 victory display

Postmortem

This was the smoothest game with a Gandalf Grey Wanderer deck I’ve ever played. Wow did the 3 Timely Aids come through for me with Gildor and Beorn early on. Narya kept readying and boosting them so I could use Beorn to attack and defend most turns. Willpower was a little behind to start. I might have gotten lucky with Gildor and Firyal early. It will be interesting to see when I play this deck again if the Handmaidens, Bilbo, and Arwen early on would be sufficient.