Guardians of Eriador 1.0

• Versions
• 1.0

(Using cards up to Against the Shadow since that's as far as I've progressed through the game.)

Built to be more thematic than powerful, I've found that this deck can nevertheless be competitive in most quests. It's partner to the Elrond's Host deck and together they represent the peoples around Rivendell (aka The Last Homely House).

When deck building from such a big card pool I find it can be a refreshing challenge to try to stick within parameters of some theme. This deck focuses on Aragorn and the sons of Elrond, but rather than use only a limited number of Noldor and Dunedain allies, I've bent the theme slightly to include strong support from the Eagles (Support of the Eagles is played through the other deck). I've avoided any other thematic concessions here, at the expense of power. Keeping Count is a fun combo between the twins as Elladan can quickly build up a number of resources on the card if it can be played early - then it's just a matter of finding the second copy!

In terms of gameplay, this deck doesn't quest well, even when established but Aragorn with Celebrían's Stone attached can provide some willpower. Combat and direct damage is the deck's forte. Sneak Attack is intended for Descendant of Thorondor on this occasion. Getting a weapon card in the opening hand can be important to make best use of the free events cards that require one. With ally Arwen Undómiel in the sister deck and Support of the Eagles, Song of Wisdom and A Burning Brand (admittedly a lot of set-up!), Elrohir can become a complete wall.

With no thematic resource generation available, resources in particular can be a problem. Extra copies of A Good Harvest could be handy here.

If looking to make a more powerful version, resource acceleration should be the first priority since all three heroes have abilities that can suck up resources. Cards from later packs will keep the theme as well as increasing the playability of these decks - Arwen Undómiel to provide said resources stands out but I'm sure there are plenty more. I look forward to updating this after I've played through a few more cycles.