Recently finished this scenario so thought I would post about it. I like to use only cards that have been released up until the point of the scenario's release, so it's about in the middle of the Mirkwood cycle. Also, I play solo one handed.

Obviously you need some Lore cards because that's where the healing cards are (this quest is about healing an eagle). I also played Leadership so I can get the resources to pay for cards to play. Once you get used to having Steward of Gondor around, it spoils you.

My strategy was to tear through the quest as quickly as possible, to avoid putting more wounds on Wilyador. And hopefully in the meantime you come up with a healing card and an athelas, at least. I find it takes me about five rounds to get through the quest (give or take a round or two).

I was playing with Radagast and some eagle allies in the deck, but really if you go through the quest that quickly, Radagast isn't going to build up many resources to heal with himself, or to buy eagle allies, so he isn't all that useful (he has a cost of 5) except for questing (will 2). So it's more about the athelas and the healing cards.

I played Aragorn, Theodred, and Glorfindel, with Glorfindel mainly questing. If I got a Steward of Gondor, I slapped it on Glorfindel so he could buy the Lore healing cards.

I've also seen a suggestion of using Lore Bilbo, because he provides more card draw. Probably worth a go.

Remember that if you use Glorfindel's healing ability on Wilyador, you would have to discard him (Glorfindel) from the game!

I threw Radagast in there as well. I played this four times, one handed solo as well. One game I barely one, that was quite drawn out, 10+ turns. He was really helpful in that game, healing 4-5 damage, slowing down the buildup, in time for me to find another Athelas.

I also had Lore and those Lore of Imradis or whatnot healing cards.

I think you are right that speed is the essence. If you can find a healing card in hand to start, and blast through the quest, hopefully you'll get either an Athelas or the location that produces an Athelas once you explore it soon.

2 hours ago, TwiceBorn said:

Remember that if you use Glorfindel's healing ability on Wilyador, you would have to discard him (Glorfindel) from the game!

Yes, you are right. Besides, Glorfindel can only heal one wound per round, not very impressive in this case. I suppose at the right time, in the right situation it would come in handy though.

My normal go to deck is Leadership/Spirit with Aragorn, Theodred, and Eowyn. So for this one Glorfindel basically plays Eowyn's role as primary quest hero. Plus he provides access to the Lore cards, which are handy in this scenario for both the healing and card drawing. I do want to try this with Bilbo, give me a chance to use him.

On second thought, I'm not sure Bilbo would work that well. I was thinking he had two will and he only has one, plus he's pretty fragile with only two hit points. I'll still probably give him a try.

Try Lore / Spirit mix with Denethor. That got me through Rhosgobel. Denethor with Unexpected Courage can help find Athelas.

I dont think I tried racing the encounter deck. Sounds like it may work out. I may have to go back and give that a try.

17 hours ago, Vermithrax said:

Try Lore / Spirit mix with Denethor. That got me through Rhosgobel. Denethor with Unexpected Courage can help find Athelas.

Spirit is my favorite sphere, but of course they're all limited. You need Lore for this one because of the healing.

Like I said, I get spoiled with Leadership because I like the extra money (greedy in life, greedy in the game lol).