Lord of the Riddermark 1.0

• Versions
• 1.0

This is a Rohan questing deck designed to complement a Éomer/Elfhelm/Erkenbrand combat deck in general play. (Link here: http://ringsdb.com/deck/view/55814)

The core combo is Gamling and any Rohan ally with a discard effect. Escort from Edoras and Westfold Horse-Breaker are the most effective targets, and the cost reduction from Gríma and Théoden make them free to recur every turn, for the cost of 1 threat.

In order for Gríma to contribute to the allies, the first Song of Travel goes on him. A second copy should go across the table to Elfhelm, both for the boost and the ability to send the Rider of the Mark back across the board to cancel shadow effects. If the Song is already down, then Gríma should get the Keys of Orthanc, so that he stays flush with resources to ready Warden of Healing.

The allies are mostly Rohan, to benefit from Théoden's cost reduction, and are either high-willpower or have beneficial effects, or both. Isengard Messenger is thematically appropriate, and also takes Gríma's threat increase and translates it to increased willpower. Gléowine and Deep Knowledge keep cards in hand across the board, while Westfold Horse-breeder digs through the deck to find the all-important Mount attachments.

Snowmane goes on Théoden for both the +1 and the readying. Windfola generally goes on Éowyn, bringing her to 6. Steed of the Mark goes on Gríma - mostly just for the +1 . A second copy - if it comes out - goes across the deck on Elfhelm, who can use both the stat boost and the readying.

For combat, this deck relies heavily on Erkenbrand, Déorwine, or the Warden of Helm's Deep from the other deck for defense. If necessary, Théoden can serve as an interim defender, or one of the cheap allies can chump block. Théoden with Herugrim attacks for 5 against a single enemy, boosted to 7 with Snowmane and a Song of Battle from the other deck. If more attack power is needed, Háma or the Riders of Rohan can contribute. If Double Back or Prepare for Battle from the other deck is in the victory display, then the Riders of Rohan can even quest and attack in the same round.

The rest of this deck is standard fare, threat control, treachery cancellation, and location control. Ride to Ruin's preferred target is Westfold Horse-breeder, so Gamling can bring it back into hand for extra Mount-searching, or Snowbourn Scout from the other deck, so Éomer can return it to hand with Guthwine for even more location control.

The sideboard covers for quests that punish side quests, replacing Double Back with a third copy of The Galadhrim's Greeting, as well as condition removal for those quests that require it.