Rainbow Wounding - Revision history

Teltura: updating magic -> silver bullet

2022-11-09T19:03:21Z

updating magic -> silver bullet

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 9 November 2022
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	There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.		There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.

	As mentioned with the Ninja Gollum matchup, [[~~Hate\|magic~~ bullet]] minions are often a problem. Rainbow Wounding decks often want to run a large rainbow Fellowship, which runs afoul of {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Slaked Thirsts or (ideally multiple copies of) Shadowplay can defang those two minions and most similar [[rainbow]]/[[rule of 6]] hate in other cultures. Shotgun Enquea can also be mitigated with {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}, by transferring the wounds he applies as he applies them to keep him from killing anyone. Just be careful of [[Southron]]s: they can run {{Card\|Southron Leader}}, {{Card\|Southron Commander}}, and {{Card\|Southron Veterans}}, and like Ninja Gollum they can [[recur]] them repeatedly, this time with {{Card\|Ships of Great Draught}}.		As mentioned with the Ninja Gollum matchup, [[silver bullet]] minions are often a problem. Rainbow Wounding decks often want to run a large rainbow Fellowship, which runs afoul of {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Slaked Thirsts or (ideally multiple copies of) Shadowplay can defang those two minions and most similar [[rainbow]]/[[rule of 6]] hate in other cultures. Shotgun Enquea can also be mitigated with {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}, by transferring the wounds he applies as he applies them to keep him from killing anyone. Just be careful of [[Southron]]s: they can run {{Card\|Southron Leader}}, {{Card\|Southron Commander}}, and {{Card\|Southron Veterans}}, and like Ninja Gollum they can [[recur]] them repeatedly, this time with {{Card\|Ships of Great Draught}}.

	Speaking of Southrons, [[archery]] and [[direct wounding]] Shadows will check how good your healing is. Archery/[[grind]] decks, be they [[Sauron Grind]] or [[Moria Archery]] or [[Southron Archery]] or [[Uruk Archery]], all pose basically the same challenge: can you outheal the damage they do every turn? {{C\|Elven}} healing, {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}, or bouncing hobbits are all strong defenses against these grind Shadows. It's also helpful to avoid leaving characters exhausted, so they can't be picked off with {{Card\|Hate}}, {{Card\|Whirling Strike}}, or {{Card\|Caradhras Has Not Forgiven Us}}. [[Condition Removal\|Condition removal]], usually from {{Card\|Elven}} or {{C\|Gandalf}} cultures, is also helpful, since all of these decks rely on key conditions to do damage.		Speaking of Southrons, [[archery]] and [[direct wounding]] Shadows will check how good your healing is. Archery/[[grind]] decks, be they [[Sauron Grind]] or [[Moria Archery]] or [[Southron Archery]] or [[Uruk Archery]], all pose basically the same challenge: can you outheal the damage they do every turn? {{C\|Elven}} healing, {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}, or bouncing hobbits are all strong defenses against these grind Shadows. It's also helpful to avoid leaving characters exhausted, so they can't be picked off with {{Card\|Hate}}, {{Card\|Whirling Strike}}, or {{Card\|Caradhras Has Not Forgiven Us}}. [[Condition Removal\|Condition removal]], usually from {{Card\|Elven}} or {{C\|Gandalf}} cultures, is also helpful, since all of these decks rely on key conditions to do damage.

Cease: /* Greenleaf and Elven Support */ mentioning a few more cards

2022-04-13T10:09:57Z

Greenleaf and Elven Support: mentioning a few more cards

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 13 April 2022
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	While it isn't strictly a wounding card, {{Card\|Glimpse of Fate}} only requires that you have two elves in play to play it, so Greenleaf and an elf ally are sufficient. And if Greenleaf dies afterward, it still keeps working just fine. Rainbow decks in [[Movie Block]] are often running multiples of these conditions, oftentimes with a discard outlet (like {{Card\|Don't Look At Them}}) to activate them. If you need a discard outlet, to activate these initiative conditions or simply to [[cycle]] your hand, {{Card\|Elven Sword}} is an option, although Legolas is a poor skirmisher.		While it isn't strictly a wounding card, {{Card\|Glimpse of Fate}} only requires that you have two elves in play to play it, so Greenleaf and an elf ally are sufficient. And if Greenleaf dies afterward, it still keeps working just fine. Rainbow decks in [[Movie Block]] are often running multiples of these conditions, oftentimes with a discard outlet (like {{Card\|Don't Look At Them}}) to activate them. If you need a discard outlet, to activate these initiative conditions or simply to [[cycle]] your hand, {{Card\|Elven Sword}} is an option, although Legolas is a poor skirmisher.

	Rainbow Wounding often runs a [[Tank\|tank]] companion or two to help manage enemies that can't be wounded or are simply immune to direct wounding. {{Card\|Arwen, Queen of Elves and Men}} is one option for that role, especially with her strong [[possession]]s like {{Card\|Gwemegil}} and {{Card\|Asfaloth}}/{{Card\|Asfaloth, Elven Steed}}. Another choice is {{Card\|Glorfindel, Revealed in Wrath}}, who is cheap, efficient, and also needs no support. Alternately, if you're running a largish elven contingent, {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} on a {{C\|Gondor}} companion is an option. (At some point, though, that deck goes from being Rainbow Wounding to an [[Elfman]] deck.)		Rainbow Wounding often runs a [[Tank\|tank]] companion or two to help manage enemies that can't be wounded or are simply immune to direct wounding. {{Card\|Arwen, Queen of Elves and Men}} is one option for that role, especially with her strong [[possession]]s like {{Card\|Gwemegil}} and {{Card\|Asfaloth}}/{{Card\|Asfaloth, Elven Steed}}, but she also appreciates cross-culture possessions like {{Card\|Brego}} and {{Card\|Horse of Rohan}}. ({{Card\|Lorien Swordsman}} is a somewhat weaker, non-[[unique]] alternative to Arwen.) Another choice is {{Card\|Glorfindel, Revealed in Wrath}}, who is cheap, efficient, and also needs no support. Alternately, if you're running a largish elven contingent, {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} on a {{C\|Gondor}} companion is an option. (At some point, though, that deck goes from being Rainbow Wounding to an [[Elfman]] deck.)

	== Lady of Ithilien and Rohan support ==		== Lady of Ithilien and Rohan support ==

Cease: /* Gimli and Slaked Thirsts */ phrasing here and there

2022-04-01T11:34:02Z

Gimli and Slaked Thirsts: phrasing here and there

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:34, 1 April 2022
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	[[File:LOTR-EN07S014.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame]]		[[File:LOTR-EN07S014.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame]]

	[[Gimli]]—almost always {{Card\|Gimli, Bearer of Grudges}} or {{Card\|Gimli, Feared Axeman}}—can bring a lot to a Rainbow Wounding deck. The main benefit to having him is {{Card\|Preparations}} and {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}}. Not only is Slaked Thirsts a powerful card, placing two wounds for the cost of one exertion, ~~you don~~'t need to ~~keep Gimli~~ healthy ~~to use it~~. You can make sure any excess healing (for example, from a [[sanctuary]]) won't go to waste by using it to place Slaked Thirsts on Preparations~~, and~~ Bearer of Grudges ~~with~~ {{Card\|Answer to All Riddles}} ~~has a deep wound pool~~ and ~~is unlikely to take any unexpected wounds against many~~ Shadow sides. Any extra copies of Preparations won't go to waste either, since they can be used as a (weak) direct-wounding card. If you draw Slaked Thirsts, you can play it when you have exactly three other cards in hand to quickly lose then regain initiative for the other cultures' initiative [[condition]]s. Like {{Card\|Shadowplay}} above, Slaked Thirsts is a powerful tool for stymieing obnoxious [[hate]] cards like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}}, {{Card\|Grima, Wormtongue}}, or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Compared to Slaked Thirsts, the {{C\|Dwarven}} wounding cards are fairly anemic. {{Card\|Quick As May Be}} is cheap and basically free, so it's worth finding space for sometimes. {{Card\|Baruk Khazad}} can be useful, but it isn't as strong as Slaked Thirsts and can't easily be replayed. {{Card\|Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin}} is very strong when it works, especially against {{C\|Moria}}, but is a [[dead card]] against decks that don't use [[orc]]s and won't help against many large, dangerous minions.		[[Gimli]]—almost always {{Card\|Gimli, Bearer of Grudges}} or {{Card\|Gimli, Feared Axeman}}—can bring a lot to a Rainbow Wounding deck. The main benefit to having him is the {{Card\|Preparations}} and {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} combo. Not only is Slaked Thirsts a powerful card, placing two wounds for the cost of one exertion, but Gimli doesn't need to be healthy for the turn that you're playing Slaked Thirsts. You can make sure any excess healing (for example, from a [[sanctuary]]) won't go to waste by using it to place Slaked Thirsts on Preparations. With Bearer of Grudges and {{Card\|Answer to All Riddles}}, you have plenty of wounds you can absorb, and most Shadow sides won't unexpectedly wound the ring-bearer. Any extra copies of Preparations won't go to waste either, since they can be used as a (weak) direct-wounding card. If you draw Slaked Thirsts, you can play it when you have exactly three other cards in hand to quickly lose then regain initiative for the other cultures' initiative [[condition]]s. Like {{Card\|Shadowplay}} above, Slaked Thirsts is a powerful tool for stymieing obnoxious [[hate]] cards like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}}, {{Card\|Grima, Wormtongue}}, or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Compared to Slaked Thirsts, the {{C\|Dwarven}} wounding cards are fairly anemic. {{Card\|Quick As May Be}} is cheap and basically free, so it's worth finding space for sometimes. {{Card\|Baruk Khazad}} can be useful, but it isn't as strong as Slaked Thirsts and can't easily be replayed. {{Card\|Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin}} is very strong when it works, especially against {{C\|Moria}}, but is a [[dead card]] against decks that don't use [[orc]]s and won't help against many large, dangerous minions.

	The next most-important reason to bring Gimli is {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}. If you're bringing {{Card\|Legolas, Greenleaf}}, the two of them can share their vitality pool for Greenleaf's exertion ability or Preparations. As with the {{C\|Elven}} contingent above, adding in {{Card\|Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad}} gives them a powerful source of healing every single turn, at the cost of generating some [[twilight]] in the [[Maneuver Phase]].		The next most-important reason to bring Gimli is {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}. If you're bringing {{Card\|Legolas, Greenleaf}}, the two of them can share their vitality pool for Greenleaf's exertion ability or Preparations. As with the {{C\|Elven}} contingent above, adding in {{Card\|Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad}} gives them a powerful source of healing every single turn, at the cost of generating some [[twilight]] in the [[Maneuver Phase]].

Tunadan: /* Counterplay */

2022-03-24T19:07:35Z

Counterplay

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 24 March 2022
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	[[Ninja Gollum]] is a problem. Ninja Gollum plays almost exclusively high-[[vitality]] minions: {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} and various versions of [[Gollum]], occasionally with [[splash]]able [[hate]] minions that it [[recur]]s over and over. Rainbow Wounding has a lot of trouble chewing through [[fat]] [[Enduring]] minions like Shelob, and is often vulnerable to hate like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}} (which it [[recur]]s repeatedly with {{Card\|Evil-smelling Fens}}). It's possible to beat Ninja Gollum: you need a plan for when your main trouble-shooting skirmisher{{--}}usually Lady of Ithilien or Sméagol, Always Helps{{--}}gets excluded by Her Ladyship, you'll need a plan to defang {{Card\|They Stole It}} and {{Card\|Promise Keeping}}, and you'll definitely need a plan like {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} or {{Card\|Shadowplay}} to stop hate minions. Any decent tank companion can usually handle Shelob on turns where Lady of Ithilien/Always Helps can't, and {{Card\|Secret Sentinels}} or {{Card\|Deep In Thought}} can handle the conditions. This is always going to be one of your hardest matchups, though.		[[Ninja Gollum]] is a problem. Ninja Gollum plays almost exclusively high-[[vitality]] minions: {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} and various versions of [[Gollum]], occasionally with [[splash]]able [[hate]] minions that it [[recur]]s over and over. Rainbow Wounding has a lot of trouble chewing through [[fat]] [[Enduring]] minions like Shelob, and is often vulnerable to hate like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}} (which it [[recur]]s repeatedly with {{Card\|Evil-smelling Fens}}). It's possible to beat Ninja Gollum: you need a plan for when your main trouble-shooting skirmisher{{--}}usually Lady of Ithilien or Sméagol, Always Helps{{--}}gets excluded by Her Ladyship, you'll need a plan to defang {{Card\|They Stole It}} and {{Card\|Promise Keeping}}, and you'll definitely need a plan like {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} or {{Card\|Shadowplay}} to stop hate minions. Any decent tank companion can usually handle Shelob on turns where Lady of Ithilien/Always Helps can't, and {{Card\|Secret Sentinels}} or {{Card\|Deep In Thought}} can handle the conditions. This is always going to be one of your hardest matchups, though.

	The other bad matchup is [[Beasterlings]]. [[Easterling]] decks almost always run {{Card\|Easterling Polearm}}, often on a huge awful [[Fierce]] minion like {{Card\|Easterling Captain}}, often with a {{Card\|Raider Bow}}. You need a very strong tank to deal with this, or else you'll need to discard the Easterling Polearm or simply bypass the Easterling Army turns with some sort of trick. Aragorn with {{Card\|Anduril, Flame of the West}} and {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} or {{Card\|Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark}} (if you can exhaust the ~~Army~~ first) can often tank the hits, but be wary of {{Card\|Discovered}}. Gandalf with {{Card\|Roll of Thunder}} or Eowyn with {{Card\|Eowyn's Shield}} can remove the Polearm. {{Card\|Dwarven Armor}} can sometimes get Gimli through it, {{Card\|Gandalf's Staff}} can fend it off at a high cost, and {{Card\|Rohirrim Helm}} (ideally [[recur]]red mid-skirmish with {{Card\|Merry, Swordthain}}) can deal with one turn. This is a rough matchup, but luckily the deck is fairly rare.		The other bad matchup is [[Beasterlings]]. [[Easterling]] decks almost always run {{Card\|Easterling Polearm}}, often on a huge awful [[Fierce]] minion like {{Card\|Easterling Captain}}, often with a {{Card\|Raider Bow}}. You need a very strong tank to deal with this, or else you'll need to discard the Easterling Polearm or simply bypass the Easterling Army turns with some sort of trick. Aragorn with {{Card\|Anduril, Flame of the West}} and {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} or {{Card\|Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark}} (if you can exhaust the minion first) can often tank the hits, but be wary of {{Card\|Discovered}}. Gandalf with {{Card\|Roll of Thunder}} or Eowyn with {{Card\|Eowyn's Shield}} can remove the Polearm. {{Card\|Dwarven Armor}} can sometimes get Gimli through it, {{Card\|Gandalf's Staff}} can fend it off at a high cost, and {{Card\|Rohirrim Helm}} (ideally [[recur]]red mid-skirmish with {{Card\|Merry, Swordthain}}) can deal with one turn. This is a rough matchup, but luckily the deck is fairly rare.

	There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.		There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.

Tunadan: Captain is more common that Army

2022-03-24T19:06:36Z

Captain is more common that Army

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 24 March 2022
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	[[Ninja Gollum]] is a problem. Ninja Gollum plays almost exclusively high-[[vitality]] minions: {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} and various versions of [[Gollum]], occasionally with [[splash]]able [[hate]] minions that it [[recur]]s over and over. Rainbow Wounding has a lot of trouble chewing through [[fat]] [[Enduring]] minions like Shelob, and is often vulnerable to hate like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}} (which it [[recur]]s repeatedly with {{Card\|Evil-smelling Fens}}). It's possible to beat Ninja Gollum: you need a plan for when your main trouble-shooting skirmisher{{--}}usually Lady of Ithilien or Sméagol, Always Helps{{--}}gets excluded by Her Ladyship, you'll need a plan to defang {{Card\|They Stole It}} and {{Card\|Promise Keeping}}, and you'll definitely need a plan like {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} or {{Card\|Shadowplay}} to stop hate minions. Any decent tank companion can usually handle Shelob on turns where Lady of Ithilien/Always Helps can't, and {{Card\|Secret Sentinels}} or {{Card\|Deep In Thought}} can handle the conditions. This is always going to be one of your hardest matchups, though.		[[Ninja Gollum]] is a problem. Ninja Gollum plays almost exclusively high-[[vitality]] minions: {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} and various versions of [[Gollum]], occasionally with [[splash]]able [[hate]] minions that it [[recur]]s over and over. Rainbow Wounding has a lot of trouble chewing through [[fat]] [[Enduring]] minions like Shelob, and is often vulnerable to hate like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}} (which it [[recur]]s repeatedly with {{Card\|Evil-smelling Fens}}). It's possible to beat Ninja Gollum: you need a plan for when your main trouble-shooting skirmisher{{--}}usually Lady of Ithilien or Sméagol, Always Helps{{--}}gets excluded by Her Ladyship, you'll need a plan to defang {{Card\|They Stole It}} and {{Card\|Promise Keeping}}, and you'll definitely need a plan like {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} or {{Card\|Shadowplay}} to stop hate minions. Any decent tank companion can usually handle Shelob on turns where Lady of Ithilien/Always Helps can't, and {{Card\|Secret Sentinels}} or {{Card\|Deep In Thought}} can handle the conditions. This is always going to be one of your hardest matchups, though.

	The other bad matchup is [[Beasterlings]]. [[Easterling]] decks almost always run {{Card\|Easterling Polearm}}, often on a huge awful [[Fierce]] minion like {{Card\|Easterling ~~Army~~}}, often with a {{Card\|Raider Bow}}. You need a very strong tank to deal with this, or else you'll need to discard the Easterling Polearm or simply bypass the Easterling Army turns with some sort of trick. Aragorn with {{Card\|Anduril, Flame of the West}} and {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} or {{Card\|Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark}} (if you can exhaust the Army first) can often tank the hits, but be wary of {{Card\|Discovered}}. Gandalf with {{Card\|Roll of Thunder}} or Eowyn with {{Card\|Eowyn's Shield}} can remove the Polearm. {{Card\|Dwarven Armor}} can sometimes get Gimli through it, {{Card\|Gandalf's Staff}} can fend it off at a high cost, and {{Card\|Rohirrim Helm}} (ideally [[recur]]red mid-skirmish with {{Card\|Merry, Swordthain}}) can deal with one turn. This is a rough matchup, but luckily the deck is fairly rare.		The other bad matchup is [[Beasterlings]]. [[Easterling]] decks almost always run {{Card\|Easterling Polearm}}, often on a huge awful [[Fierce]] minion like {{Card\|Easterling Captain}}, often with a {{Card\|Raider Bow}}. You need a very strong tank to deal with this, or else you'll need to discard the Easterling Polearm or simply bypass the Easterling Army turns with some sort of trick. Aragorn with {{Card\|Anduril, Flame of the West}} and {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} or {{Card\|Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark}} (if you can exhaust the Army first) can often tank the hits, but be wary of {{Card\|Discovered}}. Gandalf with {{Card\|Roll of Thunder}} or Eowyn with {{Card\|Eowyn's Shield}} can remove the Polearm. {{Card\|Dwarven Armor}} can sometimes get Gimli through it, {{Card\|Gandalf's Staff}} can fend it off at a high cost, and {{Card\|Rohirrim Helm}} (ideally [[recur]]red mid-skirmish with {{Card\|Merry, Swordthain}}) can deal with one turn. This is a rough matchup, but luckily the deck is fairly rare.

	There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.		There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.

Cease: /* Good Sméagol Always Helps */ mention init here

2022-03-24T15:46:41Z

Good Sméagol Always Helps: mention init here

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:46, 24 March 2022
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	{{Card\|Smeagol, Always Helps}} is a strong addition to any Rainbow Wounding deck. Not only because he wounds minions, first [[exhaust]]ing them with his game text then killing them with a direct-wounding card, but also because of the costs involved in doing so. Rather than exerting himself (and requiring healing), he generates [[threat]]s and consumes cards in [[hand]]. He can also deal with often-troublesome high-vitality minions, especially [[Enduring]] ones, like {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} (assuming he doesn't get excluded from skirmishes by her!) and {{Card\|Sauron, the Lord of the Rings}}.		{{Card\|Smeagol, Always Helps}} is a strong addition to any Rainbow Wounding deck. Not only because he wounds minions, first [[exhaust]]ing them with his game text then killing them with a direct-wounding card, but also because of the costs involved in doing so. Rather than exerting himself (and requiring healing), he generates [[threat]]s and consumes cards in [[hand]]. He can also deal with often-troublesome high-vitality minions, especially [[Enduring]] ones, like {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} (assuming he doesn't get excluded from skirmishes by her!) and {{Card\|Sauron, the Lord of the Rings}}.

	His game text only exhausts minions, and, with his low strength, he may still be in danger. The challenge is finding that last wound. The usual tool is {{Card\|Don't Look At Them}}, which is powerful (often enough to kill minions on its own!) ~~and~~ [[cycle]]s unneeded cards out of your hand, ~~but~~ can usually only be used once or twice a turn. You can also finish off minions with {{Card\|Where Shall We Go}}, or because he has a Frodo [[signet]], {{Card\|No Use That Way}}. A {{C\|Shire}} contingent in your deck means you can also finish off a minion he's exhausted with {{Card\|Mind Your Own Affairs}} or {{Card\|Unheeded}}. Since the exhausting happens when Sméagol is ''assigned'' and not when he actually resolves his skirmish, {{Card\|Eowyn, Lady of Ithilien}} or {{Card\|Bow of the Galadhrim}} can snipe the minion before it becomes time for him to skirmish.		His game text only exhausts minions, and, with his low strength, he may still be in danger. The challenge is finding that last wound. The usual tool is {{Card\|Don't Look At Them}}, which is powerful (often enough to kill minions on its own!), [[cycle]]s unneeded cards out of your hand, and can trigger initiative cards (especially {{Card\|Hardy Garrison}}!). Unfortunately, it can usually only be used once or twice a turn. You can also finish off minions with {{Card\|Where Shall We Go}}, or because he has a Frodo [[signet]], {{Card\|No Use That Way}}. A {{C\|Shire}} contingent in your deck means you can also finish off a minion he's exhausted with {{Card\|Mind Your Own Affairs}} or {{Card\|Unheeded}}. Since the exhausting happens when Sméagol is ''assigned'' and not when he actually resolves his skirmish, {{Card\|Eowyn, Lady of Ithilien}} or {{Card\|Bow of the Galadhrim}} can snipe the minion before it becomes time for him to skirmish.

	If Sméagol wins his skirmish, he has powerful tools that trigger from that. {{Card\|Don't Follow The Lights}} can pick off another minion with no need for wounding. {{Card\|Not Listening}} can heal him and remove the burdens placed by the {{C\|Shire}} direct wounding cards (which, in turn, can activate {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}} for more healing, in a {{C\|Shire}} deck.)		If Sméagol wins his skirmish, he has powerful tools that trigger from that. {{Card\|Don't Follow The Lights}} can pick off another minion with no need for wounding. {{Card\|Not Listening}} can heal him and remove the burdens placed by the {{C\|Shire}} direct wounding cards (which, in turn, can activate {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}} for more healing, in a {{C\|Shire}} deck.)

Cease: /* Hobbits */ a bit more on bouncing hobbits; i really need to make a single page for initiative shenanigans

2022-03-16T13:43:42Z

Hobbits: a bit more on bouncing hobbits; i really need to make a single page for initiative shenanigans

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:43, 16 March 2022
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	{{Card\|Shire}} culture also has strong skirmish wounding, generally based on placing [[burden]]s to wound minions who are skirmishing Frodo or Frodo-[[signet]] characters. Some of these don't even require any hobbits, despite being {{C\|Shire}} cards: {{Card\|No Use That Way}} can wound any minion skirmishing a Frodo-[[signet]] companion (like Greenleaf or Always Helps, above!) and {{Card\|Power According to His Stature}} can wound minions skirmishing any [[ring-bearer]], which is especially strong against [[swarm]] decks. Some do have a bit of [[cultural enforcement]], though: {{Card\|Cliffs of Emyn Muil}} can wound any minion skirmishing any hobbit, and {{Card\|Mind Your Own Affairs}} spots Frodo to wound a minion skirmishing a Frodo-signet companion. All of these events can be [[recur]]red with {{Card\|Birthday Present}}, albeit at the cost of even more burdens. {{Card\|Frodo, Wicked Masster!}} has a minion-wounding ability of his own, albeit at such a high cost that he is rarely played.		{{Card\|Shire}} culture also has strong skirmish wounding, generally based on placing [[burden]]s to wound minions who are skirmishing Frodo or Frodo-[[signet]] characters. Some of these don't even require any hobbits, despite being {{C\|Shire}} cards: {{Card\|No Use That Way}} can wound any minion skirmishing a Frodo-[[signet]] companion (like Greenleaf or Always Helps, above!) and {{Card\|Power According to His Stature}} can wound minions skirmishing any [[ring-bearer]], which is especially strong against [[swarm]] decks. Some do have a bit of [[cultural enforcement]], though: {{Card\|Cliffs of Emyn Muil}} can wound any minion skirmishing any hobbit, and {{Card\|Mind Your Own Affairs}} spots Frodo to wound a minion skirmishing a Frodo-signet companion. All of these events can be [[recur]]red with {{Card\|Birthday Present}}, albeit at the cost of even more burdens. {{Card\|Frodo, Wicked Masster!}} has a minion-wounding ability of his own, albeit at such a high cost that he is rarely played.

	The burden costs end up being a soft form of cultural enforcement, however. Firstly, [[Frodo]] generally has the highest practical [[resistance]] of any [[ring-bearer]] in a [[rainbow]] deck, especially if you're playing {{Card\|Frodo, Resolute Hobbit}}. But hobbits also have a very strong [[initiative]] condition that removes a burden almost every turn, sometimes more than once a turn: {{Card\|A Light In His Mind}}. {{Card\|Sam, Resolute Halfling}} can activate it almost at will, while serving as a well of exertions for Shadowplay/Unheeded. ~~That~~ usually isn't enough burden removal on its own, but it can be supplemented with {{Card\|Frodo's Cloak}}, {{Card\|Brace of Coneys}}, {{Card\|Nine-fingered Frodo and the Ring of Doom}}, and, if you're using Sméagol, {{Card\|Not Listening}}. {{Card\|No Help For It}} [[Combo\|combined]] with {{Card\|Frodo, Master of the Precious}} is another way to dump burdens while also healing Sméagol by ~~replaying~~ him.		The burden costs end up being a soft form of cultural enforcement, however. Firstly, [[Frodo]] generally has the highest practical [[resistance]] of any [[ring-bearer]] in a [[rainbow]] deck, especially if you're playing {{Card\|Frodo, Resolute Hobbit}}. But hobbits also have a very strong [[initiative]] condition that removes a burden almost every turn, sometimes more than once a turn: {{Card\|A Light In His Mind}}. {{Card\|Sam, Resolute Halfling}} can activate it almost at will, while serving as a well of exertions for Shadowplay/Unheeded. If you "bounce" Swordthain or WOBAS back to your hand, that can bring you back up to four cards, regaining initiative so you can lose it again to get an extra use of A Light in His Mind. ALIHM usually isn't enough burden removal on its own to support Birthday Present, but it can be supplemented with {{Card\|Frodo's Cloak}}, {{Card\|Brace of Coneys}}, {{Card\|Nine-fingered Frodo and the Ring of Doom}}, and, if you're using Sméagol, {{Card\|Not Listening}}. {{Card\|No Help For It}} [[Combo\|combined]] with {{Card\|Frodo, Master of the Precious}} is another way to dump burdens while also healing Sméagol by "bouncing" him in and out of your discard pile.

	All of this burden removal may seem excessive, but you often want to place and remove as many burdens as possible because of another powerful {{C\|Shire}} card: {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}. Every time you remove a burden, it heals a companion for ''each'' copy of Shire Countryside you have, which can turn into quite a lot of healing! Funnel that healing to a character with a powerful exert-to-wound ability, and you can mow down troublesome minions every turn.		All of this burden removal may seem excessive, but you often want to place and remove as many burdens as possible because of another powerful {{C\|Shire}} card: {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}. Every time you remove a burden, it heals a companion for ''each'' copy of Shire Countryside you have, which can turn into quite a lot of healing! Funnel that healing to a character with a powerful exert-to-wound ability, and you can mow down troublesome minions every turn.

Cease: /* Greenleaf and Elven Support */ a bit more on splendor; it's fine, just not with greenleaf

2022-03-16T13:40:31Z

Greenleaf and Elven Support: a bit more on splendor; it's fine, just not with greenleaf

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 16 March 2022
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	Greenleaf also has a Frodo [[signet]], so you can defend him in a skirmish with some of the Frodo signet [[event]]s discussed below, like {{Card\|Mind Your Own Affairs}} and {{Card\|No Use That Way}}. If you're doing that, then {{Card\|Bow of the Galadhrim}} may be an option: if you kill the minion Legolas is skirmishing with a skirmish event, then you can wound another minion in another skirmish too.		Greenleaf also has a Frodo [[signet]], so you can defend him in a skirmish with some of the Frodo signet [[event]]s discussed below, like {{Card\|Mind Your Own Affairs}} and {{Card\|No Use That Way}}. If you're doing that, then {{Card\|Bow of the Galadhrim}} may be an option: if you kill the minion Legolas is skirmishing with a skirmish event, then you can wound another minion in another skirmish too.

	Legolas can use {{Card\|Double Shot}} to get an additional [[undirected wound]], but most of the other {{C\|Elven}} archery cards have too much [[cultural enforcement]] to work in a rainbow deck. He's terrible at using {{Card\|The Splendor of their Banners}} since it conflicts with his inherent exertion ability, and you need a lot of elf companions for cards like {{Card\|Elven Bow}} or {{Card\|Break the Charge}}.		Legolas can use {{Card\|Double Shot}} to get an additional [[undirected wound]], but most of the other {{C\|Elven}} archery cards have too much [[cultural enforcement]] to work in a rainbow deck. He's terrible at using {{Card\|The Splendor of their Banners}} since it conflicts with his inherent exertion ability, and you need a lot of elf companions for cards like {{Card\|Elven Bow}} or {{Card\|Break the Charge}}. There are other versions of Legolas that can use Splendor effectively in a rainbow deck, like {{Card\|Legolas, Fearless Marksman}}, but they're generally less effective than Greenleaf unless they're a part of a combo not described here.

	While it isn't strictly a wounding card, {{Card\|Glimpse of Fate}} only requires that you have two elves in play to play it, so Greenleaf and an elf ally are sufficient. And if Greenleaf dies afterward, it still keeps working just fine. Rainbow decks in [[Movie Block]] are often running multiples of these conditions, oftentimes with a discard outlet (like {{Card\|Don't Look At Them}}) to activate them. If you need a discard outlet, to activate these initiative conditions or simply to [[cycle]] your hand, {{Card\|Elven Sword}} is an option, although Legolas is a poor skirmisher.		While it isn't strictly a wounding card, {{Card\|Glimpse of Fate}} only requires that you have two elves in play to play it, so Greenleaf and an elf ally are sufficient. And if Greenleaf dies afterward, it still keeps working just fine. Rainbow decks in [[Movie Block]] are often running multiples of these conditions, oftentimes with a discard outlet (like {{Card\|Don't Look At Them}}) to activate them. If you need a discard outlet, to activate these initiative conditions or simply to [[cycle]] your hand, {{Card\|Elven Sword}} is an option, although Legolas is a poor skirmisher.

Cease: /* Gimli and Slaked Thirsts */

2022-03-13T07:23:54Z

Gimli and Slaked Thirsts

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	[[File:LOTR-EN07S014.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame]]		[[File:LOTR-EN07S014.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame]]

	[[Gimli]]—almost always {{Card\|Gimli, Bearer of Grudges}} or {{Card\|Gimli, Feared Axeman}}—can bring a lot to a Rainbow Wounding deck. The main benefit to having him is {{Card\|Preparations}} and {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}}. Not only is Slaked Thirsts a powerful card, placing two wounds for the cost of one exertion, you don't need to keep Gimli healthy to use it. You can make sure any excess healing (for example, from a [[sanctuary]]) won't go to waste by using it to place Slaked Thirsts on Preparations, and Bearer of Grudges with {{Card\|Answer to All Riddles}} has a deep wound pool and is unlikely to take any unexpected wounds against many Shadow sides. Any extra copies of Preparations won't go to waste either, since they can be used as a (weak) direct-wounding card. If you draw Slaked Thirsts, you can play it when you have exactly three other cards in hand to quickly lose then regain initiative for the other cultures' initiative [[condition]]s. Like {{Card\|Shadowplay}} above, Slaked Thirsts is a powerful tool for stymieing obnoxious [[hate]] cards like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}}, {{Card\|Grima, Wormtongue}}, or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Compared to Slaked Thirsts, the {{C\|Dwarven}} wounding cards are fairly anemic. {{Card\|Quick As May Be}} is cheap and basically free, so it's worth finding space for sometimes. {{Card\|Baruk Khazad}} can be useful, but it isn't as strong as Slaked Thirsts and can't easily be replayed. {{Card\|Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin}} is very strong when it works, especially against {{C\|Moria}}, but a dead card against decks that don't use [[orc]]s and won't help against many large, dangerous minions.		[[Gimli]]—almost always {{Card\|Gimli, Bearer of Grudges}} or {{Card\|Gimli, Feared Axeman}}—can bring a lot to a Rainbow Wounding deck. The main benefit to having him is {{Card\|Preparations}} and {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}}. Not only is Slaked Thirsts a powerful card, placing two wounds for the cost of one exertion, you don't need to keep Gimli healthy to use it. You can make sure any excess healing (for example, from a [[sanctuary]]) won't go to waste by using it to place Slaked Thirsts on Preparations, and Bearer of Grudges with {{Card\|Answer to All Riddles}} has a deep wound pool and is unlikely to take any unexpected wounds against many Shadow sides. Any extra copies of Preparations won't go to waste either, since they can be used as a (weak) direct-wounding card. If you draw Slaked Thirsts, you can play it when you have exactly three other cards in hand to quickly lose then regain initiative for the other cultures' initiative [[condition]]s. Like {{Card\|Shadowplay}} above, Slaked Thirsts is a powerful tool for stymieing obnoxious [[hate]] cards like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}}, {{Card\|Grima, Wormtongue}}, or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Compared to Slaked Thirsts, the {{C\|Dwarven}} wounding cards are fairly anemic. {{Card\|Quick As May Be}} is cheap and basically free, so it's worth finding space for sometimes. {{Card\|Baruk Khazad}} can be useful, but it isn't as strong as Slaked Thirsts and can't easily be replayed. {{Card\|Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin}} is very strong when it works, especially against {{C\|Moria}}, but is a [[dead card]] against decks that don't use [[orc]]s and won't help against many large, dangerous minions.

	The next most-important reason to bring Gimli is {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}. If you're bringing {{Card\|Legolas, Greenleaf}}, the two of them can share their vitality pool for Greenleaf's exertion ability or Preparations. As with the {{C\|Elven}} contingent above, adding in {{Card\|Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad}} gives them a powerful source of healing every single turn, at the cost of generating some [[twilight]] in the [[Maneuver Phase]].		The next most-important reason to bring Gimli is {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}. If you're bringing {{Card\|Legolas, Greenleaf}}, the two of them can share their vitality pool for Greenleaf's exertion ability or Preparations. As with the {{C\|Elven}} contingent above, adding in {{Card\|Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad}} gives them a powerful source of healing every single turn, at the cost of generating some [[twilight]] in the [[Maneuver Phase]].

Cease: /* Gimli and Slaked Thirsts */ a bit more

2022-03-13T07:23:34Z

Gimli and Slaked Thirsts: a bit more

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:23, 13 March 2022
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	[[File:LOTR-EN07S014.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame]]		[[File:LOTR-EN07S014.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame]]

	[[Gimli]]—almost always {{Card\|Gimli, Bearer of Grudges}} or {{Card\|Gimli, Feared Axeman}}—can bring a lot to a Rainbow Wounding deck. The main benefit to having him is {{Card\|Preparations}} and {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}}. Not only is Slaked Thirsts a powerful card, placing two wounds for the cost of one exertion, you don't need to keep Gimli healthy to use it. You can make sure any excess healing (for example, from a [[sanctuary]]) won't go to waste by using it to place Slaked Thirsts on Preparations, and Bearer of Grudges with {{Card\|Answer to All Riddles}} has a deep wound pool and is unlikely to take any unexpected wounds against many Shadow sides. Any extra copies of Preparations won't go to waste either, since they can be used as a (weak) direct-wounding card. If you draw Slaked Thirsts, you can play it when you have exactly three other cards in hand to quickly lose then regain initiative for the other cultures' initiative [[condition]]s. Like {{Card\|Shadowplay}} above, Slaked Thirsts is a powerful tool for stymieing obnoxious [[hate]] cards like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}}, {{Card\|Grima, Wormtongue}}, or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Compared to Slaked Thirsts, the {{C\|Dwarven}} wounding cards are fairly anemic. {{Card\|Quick As May Be}} is cheap and basically free, so it's worth finding space for sometimes. {{Card\|Baruk Khazad}} can be useful, but it isn't as strong as Slaked Thirsts and can't easily be replayed. {{Card\|Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin}} is very strong when it works, especially against {{C\|Moria}}, but a dead card against decks that don't use [[orc]]s.		[[Gimli]]—almost always {{Card\|Gimli, Bearer of Grudges}} or {{Card\|Gimli, Feared Axeman}}—can bring a lot to a Rainbow Wounding deck. The main benefit to having him is {{Card\|Preparations}} and {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}}. Not only is Slaked Thirsts a powerful card, placing two wounds for the cost of one exertion, you don't need to keep Gimli healthy to use it. You can make sure any excess healing (for example, from a [[sanctuary]]) won't go to waste by using it to place Slaked Thirsts on Preparations, and Bearer of Grudges with {{Card\|Answer to All Riddles}} has a deep wound pool and is unlikely to take any unexpected wounds against many Shadow sides. Any extra copies of Preparations won't go to waste either, since they can be used as a (weak) direct-wounding card. If you draw Slaked Thirsts, you can play it when you have exactly three other cards in hand to quickly lose then regain initiative for the other cultures' initiative [[condition]]s. Like {{Card\|Shadowplay}} above, Slaked Thirsts is a powerful tool for stymieing obnoxious [[hate]] cards like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}}, {{Card\|Grima, Wormtongue}}, or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Compared to Slaked Thirsts, the {{C\|Dwarven}} wounding cards are fairly anemic. {{Card\|Quick As May Be}} is cheap and basically free, so it's worth finding space for sometimes. {{Card\|Baruk Khazad}} can be useful, but it isn't as strong as Slaked Thirsts and can't easily be replayed. {{Card\|Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin}} is very strong when it works, especially against {{C\|Moria}}, but a dead card against decks that don't use [[orc]]s and won't help against many large, dangerous minions.

	The next most-important reason to bring Gimli is {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}. If you're bringing {{Card\|Legolas, Greenleaf}}, the two of them can share their vitality pool for Greenleaf's exertion ability or Preparations. As with the {{C\|Elven}} contingent above, adding in {{Card\|Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad}} gives them a powerful source of healing every single turn, at the cost of generating some [[twilight]] in the [[Maneuver Phase]].		The next most-important reason to bring Gimli is {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}. If you're bringing {{Card\|Legolas, Greenleaf}}, the two of them can share their vitality pool for Greenleaf's exertion ability or Preparations. As with the {{C\|Elven}} contingent above, adding in {{Card\|Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad}} gives them a powerful source of healing every single turn, at the cost of generating some [[twilight]] in the [[Maneuver Phase]].

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	There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.		There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.

	As mentioned with the Ninja Gollum matchup, [[~~Hate\|magic~~ bullet]] minions are often a problem. Rainbow Wounding decks often want to run a large rainbow Fellowship, which runs afoul of {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Slaked Thirsts or (ideally multiple copies of) Shadowplay can defang those two minions and most similar [[rainbow]]/[[rule of 6]] hate in other cultures. Shotgun Enquea can also be mitigated with {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}, by transferring the wounds he applies as he applies them to keep him from killing anyone. Just be careful of [[Southron]]s: they can run {{Card\|Southron Leader}}, {{Card\|Southron Commander}}, and {{Card\|Southron Veterans}}, and like Ninja Gollum they can [[recur]] them repeatedly, this time with {{Card\|Ships of Great Draught}}.		As mentioned with the Ninja Gollum matchup, [[silver bullet]] minions are often a problem. Rainbow Wounding decks often want to run a large rainbow Fellowship, which runs afoul of {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Slaked Thirsts or (ideally multiple copies of) Shadowplay can defang those two minions and most similar [[rainbow]]/[[rule of 6]] hate in other cultures. Shotgun Enquea can also be mitigated with {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}, by transferring the wounds he applies as he applies them to keep him from killing anyone. Just be careful of [[Southron]]s: they can run {{Card\|Southron Leader}}, {{Card\|Southron Commander}}, and {{Card\|Southron Veterans}}, and like Ninja Gollum they can [[recur]] them repeatedly, this time with {{Card\|Ships of Great Draught}}.

	Speaking of Southrons, [[archery]] and [[direct wounding]] Shadows will check how good your healing is. Archery/[[grind]] decks, be they [[Sauron Grind]] or [[Moria Archery]] or [[Southron Archery]] or [[Uruk Archery]], all pose basically the same challenge: can you outheal the damage they do every turn? {{C\|Elven}} healing, {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}, or bouncing hobbits are all strong defenses against these grind Shadows. It's also helpful to avoid leaving characters exhausted, so they can't be picked off with {{Card\|Hate}}, {{Card\|Whirling Strike}}, or {{Card\|Caradhras Has Not Forgiven Us}}. [[Condition Removal\|Condition removal]], usually from {{Card\|Elven}} or {{C\|Gandalf}} cultures, is also helpful, since all of these decks rely on key conditions to do damage.		Speaking of Southrons, [[archery]] and [[direct wounding]] Shadows will check how good your healing is. Archery/[[grind]] decks, be they [[Sauron Grind]] or [[Moria Archery]] or [[Southron Archery]] or [[Uruk Archery]], all pose basically the same challenge: can you outheal the damage they do every turn? {{C\|Elven}} healing, {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}, or bouncing hobbits are all strong defenses against these grind Shadows. It's also helpful to avoid leaving characters exhausted, so they can't be picked off with {{Card\|Hate}}, {{Card\|Whirling Strike}}, or {{Card\|Caradhras Has Not Forgiven Us}}. [[Condition Removal\|Condition removal]], usually from {{Card\|Elven}} or {{C\|Gandalf}} cultures, is also helpful, since all of these decks rely on key conditions to do damage.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:34, 1 April 2022
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	[[File:LOTR-EN07S014.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame]]		[[File:LOTR-EN07S014.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame]]

	[[Gimli]]—almost always {{Card\|Gimli, Bearer of Grudges}} or {{Card\|Gimli, Feared Axeman}}—can bring a lot to a Rainbow Wounding deck. The main benefit to having him is {{Card\|Preparations}} and {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}}. Not only is Slaked Thirsts a powerful card, placing two wounds for the cost of one exertion, ~~you don~~'t need to ~~keep Gimli~~ healthy ~~to use it~~. You can make sure any excess healing (for example, from a [[sanctuary]]) won't go to waste by using it to place Slaked Thirsts on Preparations~~, and~~ Bearer of Grudges ~~with~~ {{Card\|Answer to All Riddles}} ~~has a deep wound pool~~ and ~~is unlikely to take any unexpected wounds against many~~ Shadow sides. Any extra copies of Preparations won't go to waste either, since they can be used as a (weak) direct-wounding card. If you draw Slaked Thirsts, you can play it when you have exactly three other cards in hand to quickly lose then regain initiative for the other cultures' initiative [[condition]]s. Like {{Card\|Shadowplay}} above, Slaked Thirsts is a powerful tool for stymieing obnoxious [[hate]] cards like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}}, {{Card\|Grima, Wormtongue}}, or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Compared to Slaked Thirsts, the {{C\|Dwarven}} wounding cards are fairly anemic. {{Card\|Quick As May Be}} is cheap and basically free, so it's worth finding space for sometimes. {{Card\|Baruk Khazad}} can be useful, but it isn't as strong as Slaked Thirsts and can't easily be replayed. {{Card\|Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin}} is very strong when it works, especially against {{C\|Moria}}, but is a [[dead card]] against decks that don't use [[orc]]s and won't help against many large, dangerous minions.		[[Gimli]]—almost always {{Card\|Gimli, Bearer of Grudges}} or {{Card\|Gimli, Feared Axeman}}—can bring a lot to a Rainbow Wounding deck. The main benefit to having him is the {{Card\|Preparations}} and {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} combo. Not only is Slaked Thirsts a powerful card, placing two wounds for the cost of one exertion, but Gimli doesn't need to be healthy for the turn that you're playing Slaked Thirsts. You can make sure any excess healing (for example, from a [[sanctuary]]) won't go to waste by using it to place Slaked Thirsts on Preparations. With Bearer of Grudges and {{Card\|Answer to All Riddles}}, you have plenty of wounds you can absorb, and most Shadow sides won't unexpectedly wound the ring-bearer. Any extra copies of Preparations won't go to waste either, since they can be used as a (weak) direct-wounding card. If you draw Slaked Thirsts, you can play it when you have exactly three other cards in hand to quickly lose then regain initiative for the other cultures' initiative [[condition]]s. Like {{Card\|Shadowplay}} above, Slaked Thirsts is a powerful tool for stymieing obnoxious [[hate]] cards like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}}, {{Card\|Grima, Wormtongue}}, or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}}. Compared to Slaked Thirsts, the {{C\|Dwarven}} wounding cards are fairly anemic. {{Card\|Quick As May Be}} is cheap and basically free, so it's worth finding space for sometimes. {{Card\|Baruk Khazad}} can be useful, but it isn't as strong as Slaked Thirsts and can't easily be replayed. {{Card\|Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin}} is very strong when it works, especially against {{C\|Moria}}, but is a [[dead card]] against decks that don't use [[orc]]s and won't help against many large, dangerous minions.

	The next most-important reason to bring Gimli is {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}. If you're bringing {{Card\|Legolas, Greenleaf}}, the two of them can share their vitality pool for Greenleaf's exertion ability or Preparations. As with the {{C\|Elven}} contingent above, adding in {{Card\|Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad}} gives them a powerful source of healing every single turn, at the cost of generating some [[twilight]] in the [[Maneuver Phase]].		The next most-important reason to bring Gimli is {{Card\|Shoulder to Shoulder}}. If you're bringing {{Card\|Legolas, Greenleaf}}, the two of them can share their vitality pool for Greenleaf's exertion ability or Preparations. As with the {{C\|Elven}} contingent above, adding in {{Card\|Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad}} gives them a powerful source of healing every single turn, at the cost of generating some [[twilight]] in the [[Maneuver Phase]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 24 March 2022
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	[[Ninja Gollum]] is a problem. Ninja Gollum plays almost exclusively high-[[vitality]] minions: {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} and various versions of [[Gollum]], occasionally with [[splash]]able [[hate]] minions that it [[recur]]s over and over. Rainbow Wounding has a lot of trouble chewing through [[fat]] [[Enduring]] minions like Shelob, and is often vulnerable to hate like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}} (which it [[recur]]s repeatedly with {{Card\|Evil-smelling Fens}}). It's possible to beat Ninja Gollum: you need a plan for when your main trouble-shooting skirmisher{{--}}usually Lady of Ithilien or Sméagol, Always Helps{{--}}gets excluded by Her Ladyship, you'll need a plan to defang {{Card\|They Stole It}} and {{Card\|Promise Keeping}}, and you'll definitely need a plan like {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} or {{Card\|Shadowplay}} to stop hate minions. Any decent tank companion can usually handle Shelob on turns where Lady of Ithilien/Always Helps can't, and {{Card\|Secret Sentinels}} or {{Card\|Deep In Thought}} can handle the conditions. This is always going to be one of your hardest matchups, though.		[[Ninja Gollum]] is a problem. Ninja Gollum plays almost exclusively high-[[vitality]] minions: {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} and various versions of [[Gollum]], occasionally with [[splash]]able [[hate]] minions that it [[recur]]s over and over. Rainbow Wounding has a lot of trouble chewing through [[fat]] [[Enduring]] minions like Shelob, and is often vulnerable to hate like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}} (which it [[recur]]s repeatedly with {{Card\|Evil-smelling Fens}}). It's possible to beat Ninja Gollum: you need a plan for when your main trouble-shooting skirmisher{{--}}usually Lady of Ithilien or Sméagol, Always Helps{{--}}gets excluded by Her Ladyship, you'll need a plan to defang {{Card\|They Stole It}} and {{Card\|Promise Keeping}}, and you'll definitely need a plan like {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} or {{Card\|Shadowplay}} to stop hate minions. Any decent tank companion can usually handle Shelob on turns where Lady of Ithilien/Always Helps can't, and {{Card\|Secret Sentinels}} or {{Card\|Deep In Thought}} can handle the conditions. This is always going to be one of your hardest matchups, though.

	The other bad matchup is [[Beasterlings]]. [[Easterling]] decks almost always run {{Card\|Easterling Polearm}}, often on a huge awful [[Fierce]] minion like {{Card\|Easterling Captain}}, often with a {{Card\|Raider Bow}}. You need a very strong tank to deal with this, or else you'll need to discard the Easterling Polearm or simply bypass the Easterling Army turns with some sort of trick. Aragorn with {{Card\|Anduril, Flame of the West}} and {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} or {{Card\|Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark}} (if you can exhaust the ~~Army~~ first) can often tank the hits, but be wary of {{Card\|Discovered}}. Gandalf with {{Card\|Roll of Thunder}} or Eowyn with {{Card\|Eowyn's Shield}} can remove the Polearm. {{Card\|Dwarven Armor}} can sometimes get Gimli through it, {{Card\|Gandalf's Staff}} can fend it off at a high cost, and {{Card\|Rohirrim Helm}} (ideally [[recur]]red mid-skirmish with {{Card\|Merry, Swordthain}}) can deal with one turn. This is a rough matchup, but luckily the deck is fairly rare.		The other bad matchup is [[Beasterlings]]. [[Easterling]] decks almost always run {{Card\|Easterling Polearm}}, often on a huge awful [[Fierce]] minion like {{Card\|Easterling Captain}}, often with a {{Card\|Raider Bow}}. You need a very strong tank to deal with this, or else you'll need to discard the Easterling Polearm or simply bypass the Easterling Army turns with some sort of trick. Aragorn with {{Card\|Anduril, Flame of the West}} and {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} or {{Card\|Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark}} (if you can exhaust the minion first) can often tank the hits, but be wary of {{Card\|Discovered}}. Gandalf with {{Card\|Roll of Thunder}} or Eowyn with {{Card\|Eowyn's Shield}} can remove the Polearm. {{Card\|Dwarven Armor}} can sometimes get Gimli through it, {{Card\|Gandalf's Staff}} can fend it off at a high cost, and {{Card\|Rohirrim Helm}} (ideally [[recur]]red mid-skirmish with {{Card\|Merry, Swordthain}}) can deal with one turn. This is a rough matchup, but luckily the deck is fairly rare.

	There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.		There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 24 March 2022
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	[[Ninja Gollum]] is a problem. Ninja Gollum plays almost exclusively high-[[vitality]] minions: {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} and various versions of [[Gollum]], occasionally with [[splash]]able [[hate]] minions that it [[recur]]s over and over. Rainbow Wounding has a lot of trouble chewing through [[fat]] [[Enduring]] minions like Shelob, and is often vulnerable to hate like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}} (which it [[recur]]s repeatedly with {{Card\|Evil-smelling Fens}}). It's possible to beat Ninja Gollum: you need a plan for when your main trouble-shooting skirmisher{{--}}usually Lady of Ithilien or Sméagol, Always Helps{{--}}gets excluded by Her Ladyship, you'll need a plan to defang {{Card\|They Stole It}} and {{Card\|Promise Keeping}}, and you'll definitely need a plan like {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} or {{Card\|Shadowplay}} to stop hate minions. Any decent tank companion can usually handle Shelob on turns where Lady of Ithilien/Always Helps can't, and {{Card\|Secret Sentinels}} or {{Card\|Deep In Thought}} can handle the conditions. This is always going to be one of your hardest matchups, though.		[[Ninja Gollum]] is a problem. Ninja Gollum plays almost exclusively high-[[vitality]] minions: {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} and various versions of [[Gollum]], occasionally with [[splash]]able [[hate]] minions that it [[recur]]s over and over. Rainbow Wounding has a lot of trouble chewing through [[fat]] [[Enduring]] minions like Shelob, and is often vulnerable to hate like {{Card\|Grima, Chief Counselor}} or {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul}} (which it [[recur]]s repeatedly with {{Card\|Evil-smelling Fens}}). It's possible to beat Ninja Gollum: you need a plan for when your main trouble-shooting skirmisher{{--}}usually Lady of Ithilien or Sméagol, Always Helps{{--}}gets excluded by Her Ladyship, you'll need a plan to defang {{Card\|They Stole It}} and {{Card\|Promise Keeping}}, and you'll definitely need a plan like {{Card\|Slaked Thirsts}} or {{Card\|Shadowplay}} to stop hate minions. Any decent tank companion can usually handle Shelob on turns where Lady of Ithilien/Always Helps can't, and {{Card\|Secret Sentinels}} or {{Card\|Deep In Thought}} can handle the conditions. This is always going to be one of your hardest matchups, though.

	The other bad matchup is [[Beasterlings]]. [[Easterling]] decks almost always run {{Card\|Easterling Polearm}}, often on a huge awful [[Fierce]] minion like {{Card\|Easterling ~~Army~~}}, often with a {{Card\|Raider Bow}}. You need a very strong tank to deal with this, or else you'll need to discard the Easterling Polearm or simply bypass the Easterling Army turns with some sort of trick. Aragorn with {{Card\|Anduril, Flame of the West}} and {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} or {{Card\|Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark}} (if you can exhaust the Army first) can often tank the hits, but be wary of {{Card\|Discovered}}. Gandalf with {{Card\|Roll of Thunder}} or Eowyn with {{Card\|Eowyn's Shield}} can remove the Polearm. {{Card\|Dwarven Armor}} can sometimes get Gimli through it, {{Card\|Gandalf's Staff}} can fend it off at a high cost, and {{Card\|Rohirrim Helm}} (ideally [[recur]]red mid-skirmish with {{Card\|Merry, Swordthain}}) can deal with one turn. This is a rough matchup, but luckily the deck is fairly rare.		The other bad matchup is [[Beasterlings]]. [[Easterling]] decks almost always run {{Card\|Easterling Polearm}}, often on a huge awful [[Fierce]] minion like {{Card\|Easterling Captain}}, often with a {{Card\|Raider Bow}}. You need a very strong tank to deal with this, or else you'll need to discard the Easterling Polearm or simply bypass the Easterling Army turns with some sort of trick. Aragorn with {{Card\|Anduril, Flame of the West}} and {{Card\|The Last Alliance of Elves and Men}} or {{Card\|Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark}} (if you can exhaust the Army first) can often tank the hits, but be wary of {{Card\|Discovered}}. Gandalf with {{Card\|Roll of Thunder}} or Eowyn with {{Card\|Eowyn's Shield}} can remove the Polearm. {{Card\|Dwarven Armor}} can sometimes get Gimli through it, {{Card\|Gandalf's Staff}} can fend it off at a high cost, and {{Card\|Rohirrim Helm}} (ideally [[recur]]red mid-skirmish with {{Card\|Merry, Swordthain}}) can deal with one turn. This is a rough matchup, but luckily the deck is fairly rare.

	There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.		There are a few other Shadow decks that can make minions (mostly or conditionally) immune to direct wounding as well. Most of the other similar Shadow cards don't protect minions during the skirmish phase, so Lady of Ithilien, Don't Look At Them, and the Frodo-signet wounding get free rein. {{Card\|Broad-Bladed Sword}}, {{Card\|High Vantage}}, and {{Card\|Line of Defense}} can all shut down archery (particularly Greenleaf) and most uses of Unheeded, but they're not too problematic in general. {{Card\|Broad-bladed Sword}} or {{Card\|Isengard Warrior}} can be problematic in combination with {{Card\|Saruman's Snows}}, but those cards are fortunately rare in Movie Block, and it's even possible to pick off the Isengard Warrior with Unheeded and either Slaked Thirsts or two copies of Shadowplay.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:46, 24 March 2022
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	{{Card\|Smeagol, Always Helps}} is a strong addition to any Rainbow Wounding deck. Not only because he wounds minions, first [[exhaust]]ing them with his game text then killing them with a direct-wounding card, but also because of the costs involved in doing so. Rather than exerting himself (and requiring healing), he generates [[threat]]s and consumes cards in [[hand]]. He can also deal with often-troublesome high-vitality minions, especially [[Enduring]] ones, like {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} (assuming he doesn't get excluded from skirmishes by her!) and {{Card\|Sauron, the Lord of the Rings}}.		{{Card\|Smeagol, Always Helps}} is a strong addition to any Rainbow Wounding deck. Not only because he wounds minions, first [[exhaust]]ing them with his game text then killing them with a direct-wounding card, but also because of the costs involved in doing so. Rather than exerting himself (and requiring healing), he generates [[threat]]s and consumes cards in [[hand]]. He can also deal with often-troublesome high-vitality minions, especially [[Enduring]] ones, like {{Card\|Shelob, Her Ladyship}} (assuming he doesn't get excluded from skirmishes by her!) and {{Card\|Sauron, the Lord of the Rings}}.

	His game text only exhausts minions, and, with his low strength, he may still be in danger. The challenge is finding that last wound. The usual tool is {{Card\|Don't Look At Them}}, which is powerful (often enough to kill minions on its own!) ~~and~~ [[cycle]]s unneeded cards out of your hand, ~~but~~ can usually only be used once or twice a turn. You can also finish off minions with {{Card\|Where Shall We Go}}, or because he has a Frodo [[signet]], {{Card\|No Use That Way}}. A {{C\|Shire}} contingent in your deck means you can also finish off a minion he's exhausted with {{Card\|Mind Your Own Affairs}} or {{Card\|Unheeded}}. Since the exhausting happens when Sméagol is ''assigned'' and not when he actually resolves his skirmish, {{Card\|Eowyn, Lady of Ithilien}} or {{Card\|Bow of the Galadhrim}} can snipe the minion before it becomes time for him to skirmish.		His game text only exhausts minions, and, with his low strength, he may still be in danger. The challenge is finding that last wound. The usual tool is {{Card\|Don't Look At Them}}, which is powerful (often enough to kill minions on its own!), [[cycle]]s unneeded cards out of your hand, and can trigger initiative cards (especially {{Card\|Hardy Garrison}}!). Unfortunately, it can usually only be used once or twice a turn. You can also finish off minions with {{Card\|Where Shall We Go}}, or because he has a Frodo [[signet]], {{Card\|No Use That Way}}. A {{C\|Shire}} contingent in your deck means you can also finish off a minion he's exhausted with {{Card\|Mind Your Own Affairs}} or {{Card\|Unheeded}}. Since the exhausting happens when Sméagol is ''assigned'' and not when he actually resolves his skirmish, {{Card\|Eowyn, Lady of Ithilien}} or {{Card\|Bow of the Galadhrim}} can snipe the minion before it becomes time for him to skirmish.

	If Sméagol wins his skirmish, he has powerful tools that trigger from that. {{Card\|Don't Follow The Lights}} can pick off another minion with no need for wounding. {{Card\|Not Listening}} can heal him and remove the burdens placed by the {{C\|Shire}} direct wounding cards (which, in turn, can activate {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}} for more healing, in a {{C\|Shire}} deck.)		If Sméagol wins his skirmish, he has powerful tools that trigger from that. {{Card\|Don't Follow The Lights}} can pick off another minion with no need for wounding. {{Card\|Not Listening}} can heal him and remove the burdens placed by the {{C\|Shire}} direct wounding cards (which, in turn, can activate {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}} for more healing, in a {{C\|Shire}} deck.)