Intro Decks - Spirit 1.0

• Versions
• 1.0

This is an mono- deck designed to introduce new players to the Spirit sphere, alongside a monosphere deck of each of the other spheres.

The basic design philosophy is to build decks that are straightforward to play, and don't require tricky interactions or remembering lasting conditions. However, the decks do include some interesting combinations for new players to explore, and aim to give a brief overview of how the sphere functions. In addition, they aim to give each player something to do during each phase of the game.

The core competency of Spirit is questing, and this deck doubles down on that. Arwen Undómiel is obviously excellent at that, and the suite of allies only boosts that. West Road Traveller, Pelargir Shipwright, and the Rider of Rohan are all high- characters, while the North Realm Lookout can get there if boosted by a Spare Hood and Cloak or a Map of Rhovanion from the deck. Other allies contribute to questing through more roundabout means, like the ever-necessary Northern Tracker or the Rhovanion Outrider.

In addition to a potent questing presence, the deck is designed to be able to offer contributions in the combat phase as well. With an attachment like Gondorian Shield or Ancestral Armor, Eleanor can become a decent defender, while Lanwyn's 3- ranged is useful anywhere on the board. Jubayr can also defend for the deck, while including some shadow control, and the Northern Trackers and Rhovanion Outriders, along with the Riders of Rohan, offer additional combat punch.

In addition, several readying effects are included. Light of Valinor could be played across the table onto Glorfindel, or it could be played onto Arwen Undómiel, letting her defend as well as quest (especially if boosted by Ancestral Armor, for which she qualifies). Unexpected Courage is a clutch card for many reasons, and the Spare Hood and Cloak both boosts the North Realm Lookout, but also offers emergency readying for no cost.

The deck also offers significant threat reduction and a fair amount of cancellation. Eleanor is the premier example, supported by A Test of Will and Hasty Stroke to get the trifecta of encounter deck cancellation. Dwarven Tomb gives us extra uses of whichever is more necessary at any given time.

Elven-light fuels Arwen's resource acceleration, but also provides card draw in a sphere that can otherwise struggle. Finally, a single copy of Fortune or Fate is included for emergencies, and so the new player can feel like they have options if a hero dies.