The Dead Ride Behind - A leadership-tactics solo theme deckFe

By Gizlivadi, in Strategy and deck-building

Yup, you read it right. Leadership-tactics solo. However, as of now this would be only a rather rough version of the deck, but maybe some cards in the future will make this into a sort of an archetype. And yes, I'm aware this idea is not new and that some have tried it in the past but I've never seen it posted:

Aragorn (core)

Elladan (TRHG)

Elrohir (RTR)

Allies:

Snowbourn Scout x3

Defender of Rammas x3

Dúnedain Watcher x2

Vassal of the Windlord x3

Gondorian Spearman x3

Trollshaw Scout x2

Erestor x2

Faramir x2

Gandalf x3

Attachments:

Rivendell Blade x3

Gondorian Shled x3

Song of Battle x1

Steward of Gondor x2

Spear of the Citadel x2

Celebrían's Stone x1

Sword that was Broken x3

Dúnedain Warning x2

Dúnedain Mark x2

Horn of Gondor x1

Events:

Sneak Attack x2

Gaining Strength x3

Feint x2

So I know it's a shame not to have a second core set to build this with more Feint, SoG, Sneak Attack, etc. But anyway I haven't tried this deck with too many quests but I did try it against the nemesis of tactics-leadership: The Redhorn Gate and I beat it on the second attempt (the first proper attempt though, since I conceded in the first after an awful setup and a few turns). This deck can amass a pretty considerable willpower and can beef up the heroes inmensely (and they already have pretty good stats) and can also ready them many times which is great. It also can produce a pretty decent amount of resources. Gandalf, though, is the only source of threat reduction so I almost always use that ability, but he can also be player many times thanks to Sneak Attack.

Since the deck is sorta based on the Grey Company chapter from the books and the Paths of the Dead, I'm waiting anxiously for more Dúnedain allies and synergies so it can be even more thematic.

What do you think of if?

EDIT: Crap, I can't change the title typo, lol

Update: Just trounced JDTA. I was producing 11 willpower each turn from the 2nd stage onwards which helped a lot, but chump-blockers are a must against this one.

Edited by Gizlivadi

Well, I guess that says everything about how popular my decks are lol. BTW I changed the Vassals for Errand Riders if anyone cares.

Ha, don't be so discouraged. Generally the good decks don't really require too many comments. I'm bummed you took out the vassals, they have a permanent spot in any deck that utilizes tactics for me.

How much do you like utilize the trollshaw scout and defender of bruinen? I used them a decent bit when they were released but after Heirs of Numenor I don't think I've used them once. I would maybe take them out and add back the Vassals and some envoy if pelagrir's whom are also good in this build as each hero is a noble so it's essentially 1 resource from whomever u want.

Other card I think u should add is foe hammer, you'll need card draw and with 3 rivendell blades, meeting the specifications shouldn't be an issue.

I'll question your use of spear of the citadel too, I love the card but it can't go on your Elrohir unless u get that 1 single copy of song of battle (the lack of card draw would likely seem more apparent). So this means it needs to go likely on an defender of Rammas or Gondorian spearman which generally worries me as I don't want to spend 2 resources on an attachment only to quickly lose it from a shadow effect killing off a weak ally

Just some food for thought

Thanks a lot for the suggestions. Yeah, the ally choices were not really thought very carefully. You're absolutely right about Envoy of Pelargir, I had forgotten about her. And about the elf allies, I have used them but rarely discarded a card to keep them in play, so I guess it would be better to have the Vassals instead. And regarding the attachments, I guess it would be better to ditch the spears as you say, but I don't know about Foe-Hammer. I will try that though.

I highly suggest the foe-hammer as its free, but if you are a bit tentative then maybe even valiant sacrifice would do (or both if you suddenly have the room!). I just think you're going to want some kind of card draw as unless you get a great opening hand, it will seem as tho it takes forever for that steward of gondor, faramir, or (insert card title you need at the time here) to come into play.