This deck is part of Mormegil’s Deckbox, an effort to create an extensive catalogue of decks for the different archetypes, themes and playing styles available to players. Click here to check out the whole project.
Preferred Player Count: 2-4, (1)
Rating: .5
Premise
This might be listed as an alternative deck, I would almost put it level with my choice for the Hobbit Multiplayer slot. It is a bit lighter on questing power, Tom Cotton (who I am usually not the biggest fan of) does of ton of work here though, defending very well with Inner Strength and your readying tools while also boosting your incoming allies. Sam Gamgee quests and attacks, Merry is great for lowering your threat (maybe after a Legacy of Númenor to boost your tempo beforehand), Pippin draws and quests.
How To Play
What you want to see early on is quite hard to quantify, I usually like some form of draw and an opening hand that "feels right" for the challenge at hand. Depending on the quest, Legacy of Numenor is quite good early to enable a quick swarm. You don't rely on the "lower-than-engagement-cost-shenanigans" that much and are not that afraid of enemies round 1 (Tom being the excellent defender he is) so you can usually absorb the threat well (especially considering Merry and your other threat control tools).
Considerations
Warden of Healing is great (as always), especially if other players do not have the ability to heal and the quest taxes you on direct damage. Power of Command is a straight swap for Inner Strenght if more willpower and less defense/shadow control is required. Steward of Gondor is not very useful for you but can well be used if other players would profit, Sting and Unexpected Courage just barely missed out as great tools because of tough competition.
Enjoy!!!