The Stewards Vanguard (The Massing at Osgiliath Solo progres 1.0

• Versions
• 1.0

This deck worked wonderfully for Massing at Osgaliath. (built assuming only one core and limited card pool).

Denethor's primary roll is defender here, only really scrying when the coast is clear(er) and Rumour from the Earth or Henamarth Riversong are able to give some encounter info that is bad. The ideal defending situation is Denethor with A Burning Brand, Unexpected Courage, Protector of Lórien and support from Arwen Undómiel. Provided you have cards to discard Denethor can take on The Witch King and live. My only issue with A Burning Brand is it will cancel the Ranger of Ilithen if it comes out as a shadow effect, which really sucks.

That brings up a weakness of this deck. Card draw. I should probably swap out Lore of Imladris for another Lórien's Wealth, but no healing makes Denethor sad after a second wolf attack without extra defence. Ancient Mathom on paper should help but timing it with exploration and having a free resource doesn't always work out. Especially with the east and west bank rules, restrictions on card play etc.

Resources are tight but manageable, with most cards only 1 or 2 cost.

Starting threat gives enough turns to take out the snaga scout (engaged) and easterling scout (in staging) with Dúnhere before the wolves of mordor look to get a taste for Denethor.

Stand and Fight is invaluable for the 'Cut off' treachery that discards all allies in hand. It also gives flexibility for discards for Éowyn and Protector of Lórien; discarding expensive allies such as Gildor Inglorion and Haldir of Lórien until late game.

Combat prowess is left a little wanting without the Lore allies - but really this deck is designed to race through the encounter, keep threat low and have Dúnhere sally forth as a rear guard picking off the Massing as we flee for the hills. While technically the Witch King is beatable with some well placed Gandalf x2 and some help, the team are best built to get back to Minas Tirith ASAP.

To make this a true progression deck, only Arwen Undómiel and Bofur need to be swapped out, although you could also argue Elfhelm and West Road Traveller were not available when Massing was released.

So swap Bofur and Arwen Undómiel for 3 Escort from Edoras, and if you really don't want Elfhelm/West Road Traveller then add in either Gléowine, The Riddermark's Finest or Erebor Hammersmith combinations to suit.

Not perfect deck building but it was so much fun to run this quest with my little Rohan/Gondor team.