Category: Deadmen’s Dike

Starting Hand after mulligan

• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Unexpected Courage x2
• East Road Ranger
• Steward of Gondor
• Hasty Stroke

Setup

• Thaudir and his burdens set aside.
• Protect the Innocent with 2 damage and Fornost Square in the staging area.
• Iarion under my control with his pendant attached.
• Stalwart attached to Denethor
• Threat – 27
• Easy mode – 1 resource on each hero.
• Flip the quest card and put Baleful Shade engaged with me.
• Seal the Tomb and Baleful Shade 2 revealed. I’m very tempted to just reset. If I don’t clear it turn 1 then I most likely will.

Turn 1

1.3 Draw

• Snowbourn Scout

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Steward of Gondor on Denethor.
• Exhaust Steward for +2 resources.
• East Road Ranger

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Seal the Tomb Quest

• Eowyn
• Halbarad
• Iarion
• East Road Ranger
• Total Quest Power = 13

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Broken Battlements
• Total Staging Area Threat = 5

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +8 Seal the Tomb progress (8 / 8) and add it to the victory display.

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Fornost Square

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 – Baleful Shade

• Gandalf mined (discarded from my deck) and Baleful Shade +2 attack
• +1 resource on Fornost Square (1)
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – +1 attack (Cursed Dead)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 1
• +1 damage on Protect the Innocent.
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Baleful Shade

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Halbarad
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 2
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 1 (1 / 5)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Ready Denethor with Unexpected Courage
  • Denethor exhausts to see top encounter card is Dead Lord and put it on the bottom.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 28
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Ranger of Cardolan discarded from my deck.
• +1 resource on Fornost Square (2)
• -1 time from Broken Battlements (2 / 3)

Turn 2

1.3 Draw

• Steward of Gondor 2

1.3 Action(s)

• Exhaust Steward for +2 resources (I’m just going to do this every turn from here on out but won’t record it.)

2.2 Planning

• Sarn Ford Sentry and draw Celebrian’s Stone
• Snowbourn Scout and +1 progress on Broken Battlements

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Protect the Innocent Quest I need the extra willpower to make sure I clear the active location so side questing it is.

• Eowyn
• Halbarad
• East Road Ranger
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Total Quest Power = 11

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Broken Battlements 2
• Total Staging Area Threat = 6

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +4 Fornost Square progress (4 / 4) and explore it.
• -1 Protect the Innocent damage (2 / 10)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Broken Battlements 1
• Sneak Attack mined.

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• Baleful Shade 2

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 – Baleful Shade

• Galadhrim Weaver mined and +2 attack
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Fornost Square)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Denethor readies with Unexpected Courage

6.4b Enemy – Baleful Shade 2

• Northern Tracker mined and +2 attack
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Snowbourn Scout
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (The Shadow World)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 3 (3 / 1)
• +1 Protect the Innocent damage (3 / 10)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Defender destroyed.

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Baleful Shade 1

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Halbarad
  • Denethor
  • Iarion
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 5
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 4 (5 / 5)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Target destroyed.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 29
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Will of the West mined.
• -1 time from Broken Battaments 1 (1 / 3) and 2 (2 / 3)

Turn 3

1.3 Draw

• Daughter of Nimrodel

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Daughter of Nimrodel

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Protect the Innocent Quest

• Eowyn
• Halbarad
• East Road Ranger
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Total Quest Power = 11

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Baleful Shade 3
• Total Staging Area Threat = 4

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +5 Broken Battlements 1 progress (6 / 6) and explore it.
• -2 Protect the Innocent damage (1 / 10)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Broken Battlements 2

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 – Baleful Shade 2

• A Test of Will mined.
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Steward of Gondor, Miner of the Iron Hills, and Star Brooch mined for +2 attack (Terror of the North)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Unexpected Courage readies Denethor.

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Baleful Shade 2

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Halbarad
  • Iarion
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 4
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 3 (3 / 5)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Denethor exhausts to see the top encounter card is Baleful Shade 4 and put it on the bottom of the deck.
  • Daughter of Nimrodel

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 30
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Unexpected Courage 3 mined
• -1 time on Broken Battlements 2 (1 / 3)

Turn 4

1.3 Draw

• Miner of the Iron Hills

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Celebrian’s Stone on Eowyn.
• Unexpected Courage 2 on Denethor.
• Miner of the Iron Hills

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Eowyn
• Halbarad
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Iarion
• Total Quest Power = 13

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Terror of the North mines Erebor Hammersmith, Henamarth Riversong, Dwarven Tomb for +4 staging area threat
• Total Staging Area Threat = 6

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +6 Broken Battlements 2 progress (6 / 6) and explore it.
• +1 quest progress (1 / 11)

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

• Baleful Shade 3

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Baleful Shade 2

• Sneak Attack 2 mined.
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – +X attack for mined card canceled with Hasty Stroke. (Haunted Keep) I didn’t want to risk Gandalf or Beorn being the mined card.
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Unexpected Courage readies Denethor.

6.4b Enemy – Baleful Shade 3

• Hasty Stroke 2 mined.
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – +1 attack (Cursed Dead)
• 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 – Baleful Shade 2

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Halbarad
  • Miner of the Iron Hills
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 3
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 2 (5 / 5)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Target destroyed.

6.8b Target – Baleful Shade 3

• 6.8b Attackers
  • East Road Ranger
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 2
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 1 (1 / 5)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Unexpected Courage 2 readies Denethor
  • Denethor sees the top encounter card is Fornost Square and put it back on top.
• Target destroyed.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 31
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Faramir mined.

Turn 5

1.3 Draw

• Stand and Fight 1

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• none

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Eowyn
• Halbarad
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Total Quest Power = 10

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Fornost Square
• Total Staging Area Threat = 1

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +9 quest progress (10 / 11)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Fornost Square

4.2 Action(s)

• Denethor exhausts and sees the top encounter card is Thaurdir’s Damned and put it back on top. That’s a perfect card to see as a shadow!

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)

• Unexpected Courage readies Denethor

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Baleful Shade

• A Test of Will 2 mined.
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Thaurdir’s Damned)
• 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 – Baleful Shade

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Halbarad
  • Iarion
  • Miner of the Iron Hills
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 5
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 4 (5 / 5)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Unexpected Courage 2 readies Denethor
  • Denethor exhausts to see the top card is The Power of Angmar and put it on the bottom.
• Target destroyed.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 32
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Northern Tracker 2 mined.

Turn 6

1.3 Draw

• East Road Ranger 2

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• East Road Ranger 2
• Use Stalwart’s planning action to play Unexpected Courage 3 on Denethor.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Eowyn
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Total Quest Power = 8

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Norbury Tombs
• Total Staging Area Threat = 2

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +4 Fornost Square progress (4 / 4) and explore it.
• +2 quest progress (12 / 11)
• Advance to Stage 2
• Thaurdir added to the staging area with Thaurdir’s Spite attached. Of course it’s the one of the three that I really, really didn’t want. I’ll just have to make sure to keep Denethor healed or find a way for Eowyn to take some damage safely.
• Cursed Dead revealed and add Iarion’s Pendant to the victory display to cancel the when revealed effect.

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

• Cursed Dead
• Thaurdir

5.3 Action(s)

• Denethor exhausts to see the top encounter card is Dark Sorcery and leave it on top.
• Unexpected Courage readies Denethor.

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Thaurdir

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Miner of the Iron Hills I can’t risk losing Denethor to a bad shadow effect.
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Ranger of Cardolan mined for +4 attack (Haunted Keep)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 9 (9 / 2)
• +1 damage Protect the Innocent (2 / 10)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Defender destroyed and mined Stand and Fight 2, Galadhrim Weaver 2, and Celebrian’s Stone 2 to keep Thaurdir engaged.

6.4b Enemy – Cursed Dead

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – whiffs because no copy of Denethor in my discard pile (Dark Sorcery)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Unexpected Courage 2 readies Denethor.

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Cursed Dead

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Halbarad
  • Denethor
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 3
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 2 (2 / 2)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Unexpected Courage 3 readies Denethor
• Target destroyed.

6.8b Target – Thaurdir

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Iarion
  • East Road Ranger x2
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 6
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 2 (2 / 9)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Denethor sees the top encounter card is Heavy Curse and put it on the bottom of the deck.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 33
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none

Turn 7

1.3 Draw

• Beorn

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• none

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• Denethor exhausts to see the top card is Ancient Causeway and put it back on top.

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Eowyn
• Halbarad
• Total Quest Power = 8

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Ancient Causeway
• Total Staging Area Threat = 5

3.3 Action(s)

• Discard Steward of Gondor 2 for +1 willpower

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +3 quest progress (4 / 13)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Ancient Causeway

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• none

5.3 Action(s)

• Unexpected Courage readies Denethor.
• Denethor exhausts to see the top card is Unnatural Fog and leave it on top.
• Unexpected Courage 2 readies Denethor.

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Thaurdir

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Unnatural Fog)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 2 (2 / 3)
• +1 Protect the Innocent Damage (3 / 10)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • Unexpected Courage 3 readies Denethor

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Thaurdir

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Halbarad
  • Iarion
  • East Road Ranger x2
  • Sarn Ford Sentry
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 9
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 5 (7 / 9)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Denethor exhausts and sees top card is Deadman’s Gate and put it back on top.
  • Daughter of Nimrodel heals 2 damage on Denethor.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 34
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none

Turn 8

1.3 Draw

• Sarn Ford Sentry 2

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Sarn Ford Sentry 2 and draw Gandalf. I have plenty of resources to play Gandalf now, deal damage to Thaurdir, and quest for the win. I think I can manage another turn to clear off most of the damage from Protect the Innocent.
• Stand and Fight to put Faramir into play.
• Gandalf and reduce my threat to 29.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Protect the Innocent Quest

• Eowyn
• Halbarad
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Total Quest Power = 10

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Deadman’s Gate
• Total Staging Area Threat = 6

3.3 Action(s)

• Exhaust Faramir for +3 willpower (13 quest power)

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +2 Ancient Causeway progress and explore it.
• Threat – 31
• -3 Protect the Innocent damage (0 / 10)

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)

• Denethor exhausts to see the top card is Restless Evil and put it back on top.
• Unexpected Courage readies Denethor.

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Thaurdir

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Gandalf
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – +1 attack and defense (Restless Evil)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 3 (3 / 4)
• +1 Protect the Innocent damage (1 / 10)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Thaurdir

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Halbarad
  • East Road Ranger x2
  • Iarion
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 8
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 3 (10 / 9)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • Denethor exhausts to see the top card is Norbury Tombs 2 and put it back on top.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 30
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Gandalf discarded.

Turn 9

1.3 Draw

• Daughter of Nimrodel 2

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Daughter of Nimrodel 2

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Eowyn
• Halbarad
• Denethor
• Iarion
• East Road Ranger x2
• Daughter of Nimrodel x2
• Sarn Ford Sentry x2
• Total Quest Power = 19

3.2 Action(s)

• Exhaust Faramir for +10 willpower (29 quest power)

3.3 Staging

• Norbury Tombs 2
• Total Staging Area Threat = 8

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +21 quest progress (25 / 13) to win!

Score

99 = 8 rounds * 10 + 30 threat + 0 hero damage + 0 dead heroes – 11 victory points

Campaign Resolution

• 1 Protect the Innocent damage
• Protect the Innocent becomes Arnor Ravaged.
• Added to the campaign pool
• Thaurdir’s Spite
• Amarthuil’s Courage Iarion’s Pendant has been great, but +1 hit point on Amarthuil is going to be big for making him into a solid secondary defender. I also know it will really help when I get to Battle of Carn Dum.

Postmortem

Denethor with Unexpected Courage made this much easier especially once I cleared out the shades. Also Iarion’s Pendant canceling the When Revealed on the Cursed Dead at just the right moment. It’s going to hurt not having it for later scenarios but it goes into my deck and Amarthuil’s Courage will be put into play at setup. As Ted often points out a card is only good if you draw it. I won’t have an issue with that for Amarthuil’s Courage.

Starting Hand

• Secret Paths
• The Long Defeat
• East Road Ranger x2
• Derndingle Warrior
• Ranger of Cardolan

Setup

• Thaurdir set aside
• Fornost Square in the staging area
• Baleful Shade put into play engaged.
• Heavy Cursed revealed and attached to the quest. Surge reveals Terror of the North that mines Ranger of Cardolan, Beechbone, and Henamarth Riversong and adding 2 the staging area threat until the end of the round. Add 1 resource token to Fornost Square.
• Threat – 30
• Much like how my last attempt with the other deck started. At least I have Miner of the Iron Hills in this deck.

Turn 1

1.3 Draw

• Erebor Hammersmith

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• None, I’m hoping I to play an East Road Ranger and Derndingle next turn.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Aragorn
• Beravor
• Iarion
• Total Quest Power = 5

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Terror of the North mines Feint, Honour Guard, and Wellinghall Preserver adding 4 to the staging area threat.
• Add 1 resource token to Fornost Square.
• Total Staging Area Threat = 9

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• Fail at questing
• Threat – 34

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Fornost Square
• Goodnews my staging area is clear right now. Bad news is that was a rough first round of questing.

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 – Baleful Shade

• Forest Snare mined.
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – +1 attack (Cursed Dead)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 35
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Wellinghall Preserver 2 mined.

Turn 2

1.3 Draw

• Gandalf

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Erebor Hammersmith
• Return Forest Snare from discard pile to hand.
• Derndingle Warrior and exhaust him.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Beravor
• Iarion
• Total Quest Power = 3

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Restless Evil boosts Baleful Shade
• Total Staging Area Threat = 0

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +3 Fornost Square 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

• none

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Baleful Shade

• Forest Snare 2 mined
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Mine The Long Defeat 2 and +1 attack (Haunted Keep)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 1
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none33

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Baleful Shade

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Aragorn
  • Hammersmith
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 4 with -1 defense but negated by +1 from Restless Evil.
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 3
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • none

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 36
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Gondorian Spearman mined.

Turn 3

1.3 Draw

• Galadhrim Healer

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• East Road Ranger

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Beravor
• Iarion
• Erebor Hammersmith
• East Road Ranger
• Total Quest Power = 5

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Thaudir’s Damned
• Total Staging Area Threat = 3

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +1 Fornost Square Progress (4 / 4) and explore it.
• +1 quest progress (1 / 8)

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

• Thaudir’s Damned
• Wellinghall Preserver and East Road Ranger mined. Beravor, Aragorn, Iarion, and East Road Ranger each assigned 1 damage. Erebor Hammersmith assigned 2.

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Thaudir’s Damned

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Derndingle Warrior
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Mine The Long Defeat 3 and +1 attack (Haunted Keep)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • Deal 1 damage for +3 defense
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 1 (2 / 3)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.4b Enemy – Baleful Shade

• Protector of Lorien mined
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Denethor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Broken Battlements)
• 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 – Baleful Shade

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Aragorn
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 3 with -1 defense
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 3 (6 / 5)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Target destroyed.

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 37
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Galadhrim Healer 2 mined.

Turn 4

1.3 Draw

• Sarn Ford Sentry

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Gandalf drawn

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Beravpr
• Iarion
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Total Quest Power = 5

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Thaurdir’s Damned 2
• Total Staging Area Threat = 3

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +2 quest progress (3 / 8)

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

• Thaurdir’s Damned 2
• Derndingle Warrior 2 and Secret Vigil mined. Iarion, Sarn Ford Sentry, and East Road Ranger each assigned a damage.

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Thaurdir’s Damned 1

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Erebor Hammersmith
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Denethor exhausted (Baleful Shade)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 4 (6 / 3)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Defender destroyed.

6.4b Enemy – Thaurdir’s Damned 2

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Derndingle Warrior
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – East Road Ranger exhausted (Baleful Shade)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 3 (5 / 3)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none
• Defender destroyed.

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Thaurdir’s Damned 1

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Aragorn
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 3 with -1 defense
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 2 (2 / 6)
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • none

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 38
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Favor of the Valar mined. It’s not looking good for me. Maybe I should have played one of my Gandalfs.

Turn 5

1.3 Draw

• Gandalf 3

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Gandalf and deal 4 damage to Thaurdir’s Damned 1.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Beravor
• Iarion
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Total Quest Power = 5

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Norbury Tombs
• Total Staging Area Threat = 2

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +3 Quest Progress (6 / 8)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• None, Exploring the tombs would be nice but I’d like to get rid of Heavy Curse more.

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 – Thuardir’s Damned

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Gandalf
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Seal the Tomb)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 1
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.7 Player Attacks

6.8b Target – Thaurdir’s Damned

• 6.8b Attackers
  • Denethor
  • Aragorn
  • East Road Ranger
• 6.8.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.8.2 Total Attack – 6 with -1 defense
• 6.8.3 Damage Dealt – 5
• 6.8.3 Action(s)
  • none

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 39
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Secret Paths mined.
• Gandalf discarded.

Turn 6

1.3 Draw

• Derndingle Warrior

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• The Long Defeat attached to the main quest.

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• Exhaust Denethor to see top encounter card is Restless Evil and leave it on top.

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Beravor
• Sarn Ford Sentry
• Total Quest Power = 4

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Restless Evil
• Total Staging Area Threat = 2

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +2 quest progress (8 / 8) and advance to Stage 2.
• Thaurdir added to the staging area.
• Deadman’s Gate revealed.
• The Long Defeat heals 1 damage from all my heroes and 2 from Iarion.

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Deadman’s Gate I don’t see how I’ll quest with this in the staging area.

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• Thaurdir

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Thaurdir

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – East Road Ranger
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – +1 attack and reveal an encounter card if character is destroyed
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 5 (7 / 3)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none
• East Road Ranger destroyed.
• Reveal Terror of the North.
• I concede it there because Thaurdir will attack again killing Aragorn leaving Iarion to die to Thaurdir’s Damned.

Postmortem

The increased combat power of this deck did better than my last one. I was running low on cards in my deck with only 14 left. I was feeling the lack of resource acceleration with Heavy Curse out there to start. Plus the combo with Terror in the North to slow things down right away didn’t help. I didn’t see either Miner of the Iron Hills to really help. The better defense definitely helped as Denethor could block the starting Shade for a while. Derndingle Warrior at least blocked twice before dying. I was still sitting on a lot of cards that didn’t get played however. I might just get lucky if the cards fall the right way with this deck or maybe Easy mode would make a big difference. It is also tempting to look at Leadership Tactics. Then I use Horn of Gondor and Valiant Sacrifice with chump blocks to make that all less painful. I would lose access to healing other than Honour Guard damage cancelation although my allies and heroes managed to soak a lot of damage from the Thaurdir’s Damned. The Angmar Awakened campaign box is supposed to release in the next week. Hopefully the print and play files will come out right away and I can just dive in with Intruders in Chetwood and take it from there. Maybe there will be some boons to help steer things in a certain direction.

Starting Hand

• A Test of Will
• Unexpected Courage
• Forest Snare
• Galadhrim Healer
• Elven-Light
• Galadhrim Weaver

Setup

• Thaurdir set aside
• Fornost Square in the staging area
• Baleful Shade put into play engaged.
• Heavy Cursed revealed and attached to the quest. Surge reveals Unnatural Fog that whiffs except Doomed 2.
• Threat – 31
• *Heavy Curse on setup is pretty rough. At least right now I don’t have cards in the discard pile. Of course, I took Miner of the Iron Hills out when modifying my deck from Intruders testing. *

Turn 1

1.3 Draw

• The Long Defeat

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Discard Elven-Light for a resource on Arwen.
• After a lengthy rules discussion with alonewolf84 and sappidus, it is going to cost 2 to play from the discard per this ruling, https://ffg-forum-archive.entropicdreams.com/topic/197836-record-attachment-and-heavy-curse/page/1/#comment-1977203

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Arwen
• Halbarad
• Iarion
• Total Quest Power = 6

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Cursed Dead
• Total Staging Area Threat = 2

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +4 Quest progress (4 / 11)

3.4 Action(s)

• none

4.2 Travel

• Fornost Square

4.2 Action(s)

• none

5.2 Optional Engagement

• none

5.2 Action(s)

• none

5.3 Engagement

• Cursed Dead

5.3 Action(s)

• none

6 Combat Phase

6.2 Action(s)

• none

6.3 Enemy Attacks

6.4b Enemy – Baleful Shade

• Sneak Attack mined
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beravor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – none (Fornost Square)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 0
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.4b Enemy – Cursed Dead

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Halbarad
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Sneak Attack 2 mined for +1 attack (Haunted Keep)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 2 (2 / 4)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

7 Refresh

• 7.3 Threat – 32
• 7.4 Action(s)
  • none
• Galadhrim Weaver mined.

Turn 2

1.3 Draw

• Sarn Ford Sentry

1.3 Action(s)

• none

2.2 Planning

• Unexpected Courage on Beravor

3.1 Quest Phase 3.1 Action(s)

• none

3.2 Committed Characters vs Main Quest

• Arwen
• Halbarad
• Total Quest Power = 5

3.2 Action(s)

• none

3.3 Staging

• Cursed Dead 2
• Total Staging Area Threat = 1

3.3 Action(s)

• none

3.4 Quest Resolution

• +4 Fornost Square progress (4 / 4) and explore it.

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 – Baleful Dead

• Hasty Stroke mined
• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beravor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Unexpected Courage mined for +2 attack (Haunted Keep)
• 6.4.2 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.3 Determine combat damage – 2 (2 / 4)
• 6.4.3 Action(s)
  • none

6.4b Enemy – Cursed Dead

• 6.4b Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.1 Defender – Beravor
• 6.4.1 Action(s)
  • none
• 6.4.2 Shadow – Discard top 3 cards and +1 attack fore each different type discarded.

I scoop on that because it is at least +1 attack that will kill Beravor.

Postmortem

Heavy Curse is a bit rough on Elven-light. It wouldn’t be a big deal if I had gotten Steward, but I probably would have put Steward on Beravor to get Baleful Shade under Forest Snare. Shadows are just as bad in this scenario as they were in Intruders but didn’t get Hasty Stroke. I’m still feeling the lack of defense in this very limited card pool. I might just have to try Lore Denethor and see if 3 defense to start makes a difference. I’ll probably try this deck once more to make sure it wasn’t just a rough start with so many enemies.