Dwarf Swarm - The Hobbit - We must away, ere break of day 1.0

• Versions
• 1.0

Build up resources in the first part of the quest. Mulligan your hand if you don't get a dwarf ally you can play immediately to take benefit from the three hero's 5 dwarf abilities.

From there, you can play one or two attachments. If the shadow cards remove them, use the Erebor Hammersmith to get them back before progressing to phase 2.

Use the Longbeard Elder to know what is coming out of the encounter deck each Quest Phase. This will help you manage your progress on Phase 1 so you don't progress too quickly. Use Phase 1 to build up your resources and allies (in your hand mostly).

Don't worry about threat. Use The Galadhrim's Greeting (Narvi's Belt on Thorin Oakenshield) and Gandalf to keep it below 33 for phase 2. Stay engaged with the first Troll and throw down all your allies and quest like there is no tomorrow to remove the encounter deck.

If you can, get Troll Camp in play in Phase 1 so you can remove the first Sack when the first Troll engages you when you enter Phase 2.

Some of the cards are there to help you should you lose allies or heroes in Phase 2 (Brok Ironfist, To me! O my kinsfolk!, Valiant Sacrifice).

Use A Very Good Tale to get lots of allies out just before, or at the start, of Phase 2. Make sure Faramir is there and use his ability to add +1 Willpower to your many, many characters committing to the quest. You can also use spare Lore resources on the Longbeard Map-Maker even better. Aim for 30+ questing power and you'll crush the second phase and finish it strong.

You can only rely on luck if the Troll Key comes out in Phase 1. If it does and you want the treasure, spend a couple of rounds destroying the first troll with hopefully a few Gandalf plays, if you can spare him away from the threat reduction.

Let me know how you would tweak this deck! I've designed it to go through the first Hobbit box.