Idrean has opened up a whole new avenue of deck building without allies for me. I'm not sure what it is about her that makes these decks possible, but i think the main thing that makes this type of deck possible is that she has the spirit icon and has 3 attack, when paired with spirit Glorfindel and a few readying effects they will be able to attack for six. The other key cards for this type of deck are the ones that get stronger with more resources. Lay of Nimrodel for willpower, Gondorian Fire for attacking, and Blood of Numenor for defending. With these three cards the main stats of the game are covered, and now the the whole strategy is to hoard these resources rather than spend them on allies. The less you spend the stronger your heroes become, as long as you have the cards in hand or attached that is.
So, those 3 cards form the backbone of the strategy, so the most likely deck for solo is going to be spirit and tactics. Idraen was the missing link to making this type of deck, since she has the Dunedain trait and now she is the main target for 2 of the three cards, and the primary quester for the Lay. So far my favorite paring has been with tactics super defender Beregond. But when I decided to take on Into Ithillien I knew Boromir would be the man to replace him.
With each hero contributing 3 attack clearing the Ithilien road is a guarantee. There are a number of events that can keep damage off your heroes, and once Boromir is equipped with Shield and Blood of Numenor he can safely defend any attack. Controlling his threat is an issue, but when Idraen is ready by her response or an Unexpected Courage she can make Boromir's primary role be a defender instead of readying again to attack. A copy of Unexpected Courage can go on Boromir as well and this will remove more of a chance of threating out.
The deck almost always makes it to the hidden passage and at that point Idraen with plenty of resources and Lay of Nimrodel should make it though the willpower quest. I'll even save a dwarven tomb and play the Lay again to make sure I make it through if I have to. The final stage will most likely be siege, and Blood of Numenor on Boromir and possibly Idraen should clear the stage in a round or 2.
The best cards to have in opening had are of course Light of Valinor and Gondorian shield if possible. Everything else should fall into place after that. Most of the time.
Total Cards: (50)
Hero: (3)
1x Boromir (The Dead Marshes)
1x Glorfindel (Foundations of Stone)
1x Idraen (The Three Trials)
Ally: (0)
Attachment: (23)
3x Ancient Mathom (A Journey to Rhosgobel)
3x Blood of Numenor (Heirs of Numenor)
3x Dagger of Westernesse (The Black Riders)
3x Gondorian Fire (Assault on Osgiliath)
3x Gondorian Shield (The Steward's Fear)
3x Light of Valinor (Foundations of Stone)
2x Rivendell Blade (Road to Rivendell)
3x Unexpected Courage (Core Set)
Event: (27)
3x A Test of Will (Core Set)
3x Close Call (The Dunland Trap)
3x Dwarven Tomb (Core Set)
3x Elrond's Counsel (The Watcher in the Water)
3x Foe-hammer (Over Hill and Under Hill)
3x Gondorian Discipline (Encounter at Amon Dîn)
3x Hasty Stroke (Core Set)
3x Lay of Nimrodel (The Morgul Vale)
3x The Galadhrim's Greeting (Core Set)