I wanted to create a thematic / deck that doesn’t include the notorious Sneak Attack and Gandalf combo already for a long time. Only when Wilds of Rhovanion appeared I finally got an idea. This deck focuses on engaging all the enemies possible, hence the relatively high starting threat. To be able to survive their attacks you need some defenders. Gimli and occasionally Aragorn will definitely be able to do that, but the real defense star in this deck is Redwater Sentry. Attaching Hauberk of Mail and Raiment of War to this guy will cost only one resource in total and will give him +3 defense and +3 health! An alternative, neutral (thus easier to play) target for this combo is Defender of the Naith, but he doesn’t get the discount at the armor store. Déorwine is another option but probably as a later, second defender. All defenders with the armor attachments can negate shadow effects with Sterner than Steel.
Now that we know how to defend from those nasty enemies it’s time to put them to sleep and there are many tools to do that: Legolas, Aragorn, Marksman of Lórien, Dúnedain Hunter and Azain Silverbeard are your men, elves and a dwarf for the job. Equip them with Bow of Yew and they will easily kill the lesser enemies. Aragorn's effect, Rivendell Blade and Marksman of Lórien will help to lower the guard of those tougher ones. First Rivendell Blade goes on Legolas. Second can go to either the Marksman of Lórien or Glorfindel from the supporting deck. The same with the Rivendell Bow, but this one could also be used by Aragorn giving him Ranged. With this trio of heroes I just could not omit Keeping Count although you need to be lucky in early draw to make this one useful.
The ideal starting hand includes Redwater Sentry, Hauberk of Mail, Raiment of War and Captain's Wisdom to be able to play the Sentry and the atrachments on the first turn and let the heroes do some questing or prepare for attack.
Other included cards:
This deck obviously needs some support. I play it alongside a Elrond, Glorfindel and Arwen Undómiel / deck that helps with questing, healing, location management etc. With all the Sentinel and Ranged characters here, the other deck does not need to worry about the enemies.