The Lord of the Rings TCG - Revision history

189.203.6.23: /* Movie Era Sets */

2026-03-07T23:39:53Z

Movie Era Sets

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:39, 7 March 2026
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	# '''The Return of the King (November 5, 2003)''' - In addition to completely replacing the site path once again, the third base set added the new mechanics of threats (tokens that had to be assigned as wounds when a companion or ally was killed) and initiative, which either Free Peoples or Shadow player had based on the number of cards in their hands. This set contained no cards of {{C\|Dunland}}, {{C\|Isengard}} and {{C\|Moria}} cultures, but added Minas Morgul orcs to the previously Nazgûl-only {{C\|Ringwraith}} culture.		# '''The Return of the King (November 5, 2003)''' - In addition to completely replacing the site path once again, the third base set added the new mechanics of threats (tokens that had to be assigned as wounds when a companion or ally was killed) and initiative, which either Free Peoples or Shadow player had based on the number of cards in their hands. This set contained no cards of {{C\|Dunland}}, {{C\|Isengard}} and {{C\|Moria}} cultures, but added Minas Morgul orcs to the previously Nazgûl-only {{C\|Ringwraith}} culture.
	# '''Siege of Gondor (March 10, 2004)''' - This set significantly boosted the [Raiders] culture by enhancing it with the Corsairs of Umbar and added the Dead Men of Dunharrow to the [Gondor] culture. It also introduces Shelob as the only other minion for the [Gollum] culture and featured characters with the powerful keyword enduring, who increased in strength after gaining each subsequent wound.		# '''Siege of Gondor (March 10, 2004)''' - This set significantly boosted the [Raiders] culture by enhancing it with the Corsairs of Umbar and added the Dead Men of Dunharrow to the [Gondor] culture. It also introduces Shelob as the only other minion for the [Gollum] culture and featured characters with the powerful keyword enduring, who increased in strength after gaining each subsequent wound.
	# '''Reflections (May 12, 2004)''' - Released in between two expansions of The Return of the King block, this special set was the most innovative at the time. Characters from the Prologue of The Fellowship of the Ring such as Elendil and Gil-Galad were introduced for the first time and characters from the books that were ~~abscent~~ from the movies such as Glorfindel and Tom Bombadil were added through the designs created by Weta Workshop specifically for the game. Most importantly, characters other than Frodo were allowed to be the Ringbearer for the first time, featuring versions of Galadriel, Boromir, Smeagol and others who could bear the One Ring instead. More alternative Ringbearers would be added in later sets.		# '''Reflections (May 12, 2004)''' - Released in between two expansions of The Return of the King block, this special set was the most innovative at the time. Characters from the Prologue of The Fellowship of the Ring such as Elendil and Gil-Galad were introduced for the first time and characters from the books that were absent from the movies such as Glorfindel and Tom Bombadil were added through the designs created by Weta Workshop specifically for the game. Most importantly, characters other than Frodo were allowed to be the Ringbearer for the first time, featuring versions of Galadriel, Boromir, Smeagol and others who could bear the One Ring instead. More alternative Ringbearers would be added in later sets.
	# '''Mount Doom (July 14, 2004)''' - The final set of the "movie" release era introduced new powerful versions of several characters such as Éowyn, Arwen and Sam that would remain the preferred choices for many of the deck strategies.		# '''Mount Doom (July 14, 2004)''' - The final set of the "movie" release era introduced new powerful versions of several characters such as Éowyn, Arwen and Sam that would remain the preferred choices for many of the deck strategies.

172.29.0.1: /* Shadows Era */

2024-12-05T23:40:38Z

Shadows Era

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:40, 5 December 2024
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	With the release of [[Shadows]], set 11, Decipher knew they needed to pivot their focus. With no further movies coming out, the game needed to be able to stand on its own release schedule, without tying too much of its identity to the plot of any individual film. Shadows thus introduced the largest changes yet to the core formula, a move that was ultimately very controversial among fans.		With the release of [[Shadows]], set 11, Decipher knew they needed to pivot their focus. With no further movies coming out, the game needed to be able to stand on its own release schedule, without tying too much of its identity to the plot of any individual film. Shadows thus introduced the largest changes yet to the core formula, a move that was ultimately very controversial among fans.

	The site path was reconfigured for the final time to no longer rely on any one movie's site path. The Shadows-block site path instead removed the numbers from all sites, making them "wildcards" that could be placed in any position. The strategic and mechanical potential was great, but many players decried the ~~lost~~ of thematic movement, and called the new movement "teleporting" between sites. The site path would not be replaced with [[Hunters Block]], but built upon.		The site path was reconfigured for the final time to no longer rely on any one movie's site path. The Shadows-block site path instead removed the numbers from all sites, making them "wildcards" that could be placed in any position. The strategic and mechanical potential was great, but many players decried the loss of thematic movement, and called the new movement "teleporting" between sites. The site path would not be replaced with [[Hunters Block]], but built upon.

	All Shadow [[Cultures]] were also reworked. Rather than sticking to the faction-based divisions ({{C\|Isengard}}, {{C\|Moria}}, {{C\|Sauron}}), all Shadow cultures were rearranged into [[Race]]-based divisions instead, giving way to {{C\|Orc}}, {{C\|Men}}, and {{C\|Uruk-hai}}, as well as the rebranded {{C\|Wraith}} and mostly-unchanged {{C\|Gollum}}. Although it is possible to speculate on the exact reasons for this change, the mechanical benefits are somewhat less obvious, and many players viewed this as a forced obsolescence of already-owned card product.		All Shadow [[Cultures]] were also reworked. Rather than sticking to the faction-based divisions ({{C\|Isengard}}, {{C\|Moria}}, {{C\|Sauron}}), all Shadow cultures were rearranged into [[Race]]-based divisions instead, giving way to {{C\|Orc}}, {{C\|Men}}, and {{C\|Uruk-hai}}, as well as the rebranded {{C\|Wraith}} and mostly-unchanged {{C\|Gollum}}. Decipher said this would let them reuse movie footage for Shadow card art, a limited resource which made extending previous Shadow cultures difficult. Although it is possible to speculate on the exact reasons for this change, the mechanical benefits are somewhat less obvious, and many players viewed this as a forced obsolescence of already-owned card product.

	New mechanics and [[Keyword]]s continued to be added within new sets, and for a time the game struggled on. However, with the strategic failure of WARS in 2005 and the lack of any major successes among any of Decipher's other licensed properties, the LOTR-TCG buckled under the combined strain of unpopular changes to the game on one hand and the financial stress of the company on the other. In 2005 Decipher was forced to lay off much of its staff, which led to a long drawn out spiral as the remaining staff struggled to release product on schedule, which led to major delays and evaporation of retailer and player faith, which led to loss of revenue, which led to more layoffs, until nothing was left of Decipher.		New mechanics and [[Keyword]]s continued to be added within new sets, and for a time the game struggled on. However, with the strategic failure of WARS in 2005 and the lack of any major successes among any of Decipher's other licensed properties, the LOTR-TCG buckled under the combined strain of unpopular changes to the game on one hand and the financial stress of the company on the other. In 2005 Decipher was forced to lay off much of its staff, which led to a long drawn out spiral as the remaining staff struggled to release product on schedule, which led to major delays and evaporation of retailer and player faith, which led to loss of revenue, which led to more layoffs, until nothing was left of Decipher.
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	# '''[[Treachery and Deceit]] (May 2007)''' - Rushed to release before the impending expiration of the license, this set suffered from a lack of playtesting and contained the largest number of overpowered or "broken" cards, for which official errata had to be released almost immediately. This set also received the smallest printing of all and remains incredibly hard to find in circulation.		# '''[[Treachery and Deceit]] (May 2007)''' - Rushed to release before the impending expiration of the license, this set suffered from a lack of playtesting and contained the largest number of overpowered or "broken" cards, for which official errata had to be released almost immediately. This set also received the smallest printing of all and remains incredibly hard to find in circulation.
	# '''[[Age's End]] (June 2007)''' - Released mere weeks before Decipher's license expired, this final "farewell" set consisted of 40 Promo-rarity cards available in a single Deluxe box. It featured the final versions of many prominent characters, some of which have been noted to be more powerful than any of those that came before.		# '''[[Age's End]] (June 2007)''' - Released mere weeks before Decipher's license expired, this final "farewell" set consisted of 40 Promo-rarity cards available in a single Deluxe box. It featured the final versions of many prominent characters, some of which have been noted to be more powerful than any of those that came before.


	== Post-Decipher Era ==		== Post-Decipher Era ==

172.29.0.1: /* Movie Era Sets */

2024-07-31T14:02:34Z

Movie Era Sets

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:02, 31 July 2024
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	# '''[[The Two Towers]] (November 6, 2002)''' - The second base set brought the first significant overhaul to the game. The site path from The Fellowship of the Ring was completely replaced with new sites from The Two Towers, and sites could now be [[Site Control\|controlled]] by Shadow players and liberated by the Free Peoples. The set contained no cards for {{C\|Moria}}, {{C\|Ringwraith}} or {{C\|Sauron}} cultures, but new Shadow cultures of {{C\|Dunland}} and {{C\|Raider}} (which combined the [[Southron]]s and [[Easterling]]s) were added along with the {{C\|Rohan}} Free People culture.		# '''[[The Two Towers]] (November 6, 2002)''' - The second base set brought the first significant overhaul to the game. The site path from The Fellowship of the Ring was completely replaced with new sites from The Two Towers, and sites could now be [[Site Control\|controlled]] by Shadow players and liberated by the Free Peoples. The set contained no cards for {{C\|Moria}}, {{C\|Ringwraith}} or {{C\|Sauron}} cultures, but new Shadow cultures of {{C\|Dunland}} and {{C\|Raider}} (which combined the [[Southron]]s and [[Easterling]]s) were added along with the {{C\|Rohan}} Free People culture.
	# '''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]] (March 12, 2003)''' - This set brought back the {{C\|Sauron}} culture and also introduced the new {{C\|Gollum}} culture, unique in the game in that it contains both Free People and Shadow cards (reflecting Smeagol/Gollum's dual personality).		# '''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]] (March 12, 2003)''' - This set brought back the {{C\|Sauron}} culture and also introduced the new {{C\|Gollum}} culture, unique in the game in that it contains both Free People and Shadow cards (reflecting Smeagol/Gollum's dual personality).
	# '''Ents of Fangorn (July 2, 2003)''' - This set brought back the [Ringwraith] culture and introduced new versions of the Ents which were more pro-active in combat than the previous versions, which had specific requirements to be allowed to skirmish. It also contained new cards of the [Moria] culture, including a version of the Balrog who could be played on sites other than Underground.		# '''Ents of Fangorn (July 2, 2003)''' - This set brought back the {{C\|Ringwraith}} culture and introduced new versions of the Ents which were more pro-active in combat than the previous versions, which had specific requirements to be allowed to skirmish. It also contained new cards of the {{C\|Moria}} culture, including a version of the Balrog who could be played on sites other than Underground.
	# '''The Return of the King (November 5, 2003)''' - In addition to completely replacing the site path once again, the third base set added the new mechanics of threats (tokens that had to be assigned as wounds when a companion or ally was killed) and initiative, which either Free Peoples or Shadow player had based on the number of cards in their hands. This set contained no cards of [Dunland], [Isengard] and [Moria] cultures, but added Minas Morgul orcs to the previously Nazgûl-only [Ringwraith] culture.		# '''The Return of the King (November 5, 2003)''' - In addition to completely replacing the site path once again, the third base set added the new mechanics of threats (tokens that had to be assigned as wounds when a companion or ally was killed) and initiative, which either Free Peoples or Shadow player had based on the number of cards in their hands. This set contained no cards of {{C\|Dunland}}, {{C\|Isengard}} and {{C\|Moria}} cultures, but added Minas Morgul orcs to the previously Nazgûl-only {{C\|Ringwraith}} culture.
	# '''Siege of Gondor (March 10, 2004)''' - This set significantly boosted the [Raiders] culture by enhancing it with the Corsairs of Umbar and added the Dead Men of Dunharrow to the [Gondor] culture. It also introduces Shelob as the only other minion for the [Gollum] culture and featured characters with the powerful keyword enduring, who increased in strength after gaining each subsequent wound.		# '''Siege of Gondor (March 10, 2004)''' - This set significantly boosted the [Raiders] culture by enhancing it with the Corsairs of Umbar and added the Dead Men of Dunharrow to the [Gondor] culture. It also introduces Shelob as the only other minion for the [Gollum] culture and featured characters with the powerful keyword enduring, who increased in strength after gaining each subsequent wound.
	# '''Reflections (May 12, 2004)''' - Released in between two expansions of The Return of the King block, this special set was the most innovative at the time. Characters from the Prologue of The Fellowship of the Ring such as Elendil and Gil-Galad were introduced for the first time and characters from the books that were abscent from the movies such as Glorfindel and Tom Bombadil were added through the designs created by Weta Workshop specifically for the game. Most importantly, characters other than Frodo were allowed to be the Ringbearer for the first time, featuring versions of Galadriel, Boromir, Smeagol and others who could bear the One Ring instead. More alternative Ringbearers would be added in later sets.		# '''Reflections (May 12, 2004)''' - Released in between two expansions of The Return of the King block, this special set was the most innovative at the time. Characters from the Prologue of The Fellowship of the Ring such as Elendil and Gil-Galad were introduced for the first time and characters from the books that were abscent from the movies such as Glorfindel and Tom Bombadil were added through the designs created by Weta Workshop specifically for the game. Most importantly, characters other than Frodo were allowed to be the Ringbearer for the first time, featuring versions of Galadriel, Boromir, Smeagol and others who could bear the One Ring instead. More alternative Ringbearers would be added in later sets.
	# '''Mount Doom (July 14, 2004)''' - The final set of the "movie" release era introduced new powerful versions of several characters such as Éowyn, Arwen and Sam that would remain the preferred choices for many of the deck strategies.		# '''Mount Doom (July 14, 2004)''' - The final set of the "movie" release era introduced new powerful versions of several characters such as Éowyn, Arwen and Sam that would remain the preferred choices for many of the deck strategies.


	== Shadows Era ==		== Shadows Era ==

Teltura at 23:22, 5 July 2024

2024-07-05T23:22:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:22, 5 July 2024
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	{{SplashImage\|LOTR card back.jpg\|The card back, depicting the game's logo and the text upon [[The One Ring]].\|~~200px~~}}		{{SplashImage\|LOTR card back.jpg\|The card back, depicting the game's logo and the text upon [[The One Ring]].\|400px}}

	The '''Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game''' (or '''LOTR-TCG''') is an out-of-print collectible card game produced by [[Decipher\|Decipher, Inc]]. It was a licensed product utilizing the imagery of the New Line Cinema films directed by Peter Jackson, and was first published one month before the films themselves in November 2001. Cards were printed across 19 sets right up until Decipher's license expired in 2007.		The '''Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game''' (or '''LOTR-TCG''') is an out-of-print collectible card game produced by [[Decipher\|Decipher, Inc]]. It was a licensed product utilizing the imagery of the New Line Cinema films directed by Peter Jackson, and was first published one month before the films themselves in November 2001. Cards were printed across 19 sets right up until Decipher's license expired in 2007.

Teltura at 07:12, 17 October 2023

2023-10-17T07:12:01Z

Show changes

Teltura at 21:53, 16 October 2023

2023-10-16T21:53:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:53, 16 October 2023
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	[[File:LOTR-EN01M001.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame\|One of the announcement cards distributed before the game's release.]]		[[File:LOTR-EN01M001.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame\|One of the announcement cards distributed before the game's release.]]

			The '''Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game''' (or '''LOTR-TCG''') is a collectible card game published from 2001-2007 by [[Decipher]] as a licensed product utilizing the imagery of the New Line Cinema films directed by Peter Jackson. It was first published one month before the films themselves, and cards were printed across 19 sets right up until Decipher's license expired in 2007.

			The object of the game is to guide Frodo safely through a series of site locations; if Frodo survives and resists the corruption of the [[One Ring]] at the end of the site path, you win the game. Your opponent will attempt to stop you by playing Orcs, Trolls, Nazgul, and other cards representing the forces of Shadow, and you can protect Frodo by playing Elves, Dwarves, Wizards, and other cards representing the good forces of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.

			The twist is that both you ''and'' your opponent control your own versions of Frodo, and players alternate between guiding their own Frodo and attempting to kill their opponent's. As such, the game is essentially a race between Fellowships. Your [[Draw Deck]] is made up of an equal amount of Free Peoples and Shadow cards, and players must manage both strategies in tandem if victory is to be attained.




	The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (often abbreviated as LotR-TCG) is a tabletop trading card game produced by [[Decipher]], Inc, as a licensed product of ''!The Lord of the Rings'' feature films directed by Peter Jackson and distributed by New Line Cinema (unlike the films, however, Decipher had access to all book material and referenced many things from the ''Silmarillion''). The game was released in November 2001, one month before the first film, and had expansions roughly every four months until the loss of the license by Decipher and subsequent death of the game in July 2007.		The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (often abbreviated as LotR-TCG) is a tabletop trading card game produced by [[Decipher]], Inc, as a licensed product of ''!The Lord of the Rings'' feature films directed by Peter Jackson and distributed by New Line Cinema (unlike the films, however, Decipher had access to all book material and referenced many things from the ''Silmarillion''). The game was released in November 2001, one month before the first film, and had expansions roughly every four months until the loss of the license by Decipher and subsequent death of the game in July 2007.

Jimcolson: /* Distribution */

2023-06-05T16:04:56Z

Distribution

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 5 June 2023
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	For the first three years of the game's existence, sets were released to coincide with the movies. Every November, from 2001-2003, one month in advance of the movie they matched, ''[[Fellowship of the Ring]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', and ''[[Return of the King]]'' were released in 365-card sets, composed of 121 Common, 121 Uncommon, 121 [[Rarity\|Rare]], and 2 Premium cards apiece. There were two main avenues of obtaining cards; the first, themed [[Starter]] packs, which were premade basic decks centered around a chosen character (in the case of the Fellowship release, players could choose a deck centered around Aragorn or Gandalf). The decks included two Premium copies of their chosen character, a starter rulebook outlining the basic rules, and three completely randomized rares. Once players had some sort of base, [[Booster Packs]] could be purchased. Boosters contained 11 cards; 1 Rare, 3 Uncommon, and 7 Common cards. In addition to the regular set of cards, an alternate-print foil set also existed. Approximately every 1 in 6 booster packs would have one of its nonrare cards replaced with a completely randomized foil card (which of course could result in the pleasant surprise of two rares in a single Booster pack).		For the first three years of the game's existence, sets were released to coincide with the movies. Every November, from 2001-2003, one month in advance of the movie they matched, ''[[Fellowship of the Ring]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', and ''[[Return of the King]]'' were released in 365-card sets, composed of 121 Common, 121 Uncommon, 121 [[Rarity\|Rare]], and 2 Premium cards apiece. There were two main avenues of obtaining cards; the first, themed [[Starter]] packs, which were premade basic decks centered around a chosen character (in the case of the Fellowship release, players could choose a deck centered around Aragorn or Gandalf). The decks included two Premium copies of their chosen character, a starter rulebook outlining the basic rules, and three completely randomized rares. Once players had some sort of base, [[Booster Packs]] could be purchased. Boosters contained 11 cards; 1 Rare, 3 Uncommon, and 7 Common cards. In addition to the regular set of cards, an alternate-print foil set also existed. Approximately every 1 in 6 booster packs would have one of its nonrare cards replaced with a completely randomized foil card (which of course could result in the pleasant surprise of two rares in a single Booster pack).

	In between the main sets, two expansion sets were released per movie, spaced about four months apart; ''Fellowship'' was followed by ''[[Mines of Moria]]'' and ''[[Realms of the Elf-Lords]]''; ''Towers'' by ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep\|Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' and ''[[Ents of Fangorn]]''; and ''King'' was followed by ''[[Siege of Gondor]]'' and ''[[Mount Doom]]''. These sets were composed of only ~~121~~ cards (40 Common, 40 Uncommon, 40 Rare, and 2 Premium) and served to round out the strategies offered by the initial "base" sets.		In between the main sets, two expansion sets were released per movie, spaced about four months apart; ''Fellowship'' was followed by ''[[Mines of Moria]]'' and ''[[Realms of the Elf-Lords]]''; ''Towers'' by ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep\|Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' and ''[[Ents of Fangorn]]''; and ''King'' was followed by ''[[Siege of Gondor]]'' and ''[[Mount Doom]]''. These sets were composed of only 122 cards (40 Common, 40 Uncommon, 40 Rare, and 2 Premium) and served to round out the strategies offered by the initial "base" sets.

	Following the release of ''Elf-Lords'', Decipher introduced the concept of "Draft Packs", similar to a booster pack but with a twist: these packs were to be part of a ~~Blind~~ Draft game type, where players would get 1 Draft Pack and 3 Boosters, and then play a tournament with the ~~completely randomized~~ deck this created. Draft packs were composed of ~~overstocked~~ cards from ~~the whole~~ ''Fellowship'' block~~, and so~~ the ~~spread was extremely random~~. ~~There was no controlled rarity, so you might end up with a handful~~ of ~~rares or none~~. Decipher repeated the release of Draft Packs at the ~~end~~ of ~~each block~~, ~~with~~ a ~~repackaging~~ and ~~rebranding each time~~.		Following the release of ''Elf-Lords'', Decipher introduced the concept of "Draft Packs", similar to a booster pack but with a twist: these packs were designed to be part of a Sealed Draft game type, where players would get 1 Draft "fat" Pack and 3 Boosters, They players would sit at a table, each open a pack, and draft one card from each pack and pass the remainders to the adjacent player, each player would then draft one card from the remaining cards in that pack, and pass it again, etc... until those packs were fully drafted. This processes repeated with each of the 4 packs. After all the cards were 'drafted' then each player would build a deck from that "pool" of drafted cards and then play a tournament with the deck this process created. Draft packs were composed of Reprinted cards from a very select group of ''Fellowship'' block. This allowed for there to be much less underutilized cards in the Draft format. The packs consisted of 1 reprinted rare (without the "1st edition icon in the copyright line) and multiple select common and uncommon reprints. Decipher repeated the release of Draft Packs for just two of the 3 main movie blocks Fellowship of the Ring, and The Two Towers blocks only, there was no Return of the King Draft Pack released. On a collectors note, Decipher printed additional Rares during the original printing of The Two Towers set knowing they would be producing the TTT draft packs, so the Rares found in the TTT draft packs are still 1st Edition, as they had no need to reprint them since they were available from the original printing run. However, all the commons and uncommons found in the TTT draft packs were reprints and don't have the 1st Edition icon in the copyright line.

	In the case of ''Helm's Deep'' and ''Ents'', Decipher attempted to rectify a perceived problem, in that ~~new~~ players were often ~~confused~~ by the 3 random rares~~, as they usually did~~ not ~~fit the strategy~~, or even the [[cultures\|culture]] of the cards in the rest of the deck. Decipher thus changed the way that Starter decks were composed by preemptively determining three rares that fit the culture and strategy of the rest of the cards, removing all random selection to the Starters. While this may have alleviated any ~~confusion~~ from ~~newbies~~, it made the starters next to worthless to seasoned players and of course killed the value of those 12 rares selected. Starting with the release of ''Return of the King'' the previous random selection in the Starter decks was reinstated.		In the case of ''Helm's Deep'' and ''Ents'', Decipher attempted to rectify a perceived problem in sealed deck play, in that players were often disappointed by the three random rares not fitting into sealed deck play strategies, or even the [[cultures\|culture]] of the cards in the rest of the deck. Decipher thus changed the way that Starter decks were composed by preemptively determining three rares that fit the culture and strategy of the rest of the cards, removing all random selection to the Starters. While this may have alleviated any disappointment from sealed deck play, it made the starters next to worthless to seasoned players and of course killed the value of those six rares selected from each of the two sets. Starting with the release of ''Return of the King'' the previous three random Rares selection in the Starter decks was reinstated.

	Around this time Decipher partnered with Worlds Apart to produce [[Lord of the Rings Online]], an online officially-sanctioned virtual version of the game. Virtual Boosters could be purchased as they could with real cards, and an extensive set of deckbuilding and collection management tools were available. In addition, many online-only cards and mechanics were produced. A fan-based version, dubbed [[SDA]] also sprung up, although Decipher sought to eliminate it entirely.		Around this time Decipher partnered with Worlds Apart to produce [[Lord of the Rings Online]], an online officially-sanctioned virtual version of the game. Virtual Boosters could be purchased as they could with real cards, and an extensive set of deckbuilding and collection management tools were available. In addition, many online-only cards and mechanics were produced. A fan-based version, dubbed [[SDA]] also sprung up, although Decipher sought to eliminate it entirely.

	As the ''King'' block drew to a close, Decipher changed up the Draft Pack with the introduction of the ''[[Reflections]]'' set in between ''Siege of Gondor'' and ''!Mount Doom''. This set was composed of 52 all-foil cards, all Rare with half designated Rare Plus (R+). ''Reflections'' Boosters were composed of 18 cards, 3 of which would be Rares from the new set and all the rest repackaged unsold cards from the first six sets (Fellowship through Ents). ~~Once every two-and-a-~~half packs ~~or so~~, one of the Rare Plus cards would replace one of the included cards. A major change with these cards was the inclusion of alternate Ring-bearers, a position previously held exclusively by Frodo. Thus began Decipher's journey into the realm of What-If, which could be viewed alternatively as a breath of fresh air or the beginning of a long and arduous end.		As the ''King'' block drew to a close, Decipher changed up the Draft Pack with the introduction of the ''[[Reflections]]'' set in between ''Siege of Gondor'' and ''!Mount Doom''. This set was composed of 52 all-foil cards, all Rare with half designated Rare Plus (R+). ''Reflections'' Boosters were composed of 18 cards, two of which would be all foil Rares from the new set and all the rest repackaged unsold cards from the first six sets (Fellowship through Ents). In approximately one half of the packs, one of the Rare Plus cards would replace one of the included cards. A major change with these cards was the inclusion of alternate Ring-bearers, a position previously held exclusively by Frodo (and Sam in the case of Frodo's untimely demise). Thus began Decipher's journey into the realm of What-If, which could be viewed alternatively as a breath of fresh air or the beginning of a long and arduous end.

	==Shadows and Beyond==		==Shadows and Beyond==

Teltura: fixed up the images using the old wiki syntax

2022-02-20T07:47:24Z

fixed up the images using the old wiki syntax

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:47, 20 February 2022
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	~~=The Lord~~ of ~~The Rings TCG=~~		[[File:LOTR-EN01M001.0_card.jpg\|right\|frame\|One of the announcement cards distributed before the game's release.]]

	The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (often abbreviated as LotR-TCG) is a tabletop trading card game produced by [[Decipher]], Inc, as a licensed product of ''!The Lord of the Rings'' feature films directed by Peter Jackson and distributed by New Line Cinema (unlike the films, however, Decipher had access to all book material and referenced many things from the ''Silmarillion''). The game was released in November 2001, one month before the first film, and had expansions roughly every four months until the loss of the license by Decipher and subsequent death of the game in July 2007.		The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (often abbreviated as LotR-TCG) is a tabletop trading card game produced by [[Decipher]], Inc, as a licensed product of ''!The Lord of the Rings'' feature films directed by Peter Jackson and distributed by New Line Cinema (unlike the films, however, Decipher had access to all book material and referenced many things from the ''Silmarillion''). The game was released in November 2001, one month before the first film, and had expansions roughly every four months until the loss of the license by Decipher and subsequent death of the game in July 2007.
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	Support of the game by its fans has at times been shaky since its death, but there has always been some form or another of life in the community, whether in discussion of strategy or in actual competition on various virtual platforms. Especially with the advent of [[GEMP]], the game proves again how deeply satisfying it can be to numerous players from around the globe.		Support of the game by its fans has at times been shaky since its death, but there has always been some form or another of life in the community, whether in discussion of strategy or in actual competition on various virtual platforms. Especially with the advent of [[GEMP]], the game proves again how deeply satisfying it can be to numerous players from around the globe.

	~~{{ http://lotrtcgwiki.com/images/LOTR01M01.jpg?250 \|One of the announcement cards distributed before the game's release. }}~~

	----		----
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	==Shadows and Beyond==		==Shadows and Beyond==

			[[File:LOTR-EN01S127.0_card.jpg\|200px\|right\|thumb\|Something Old.]] [[File:LOTR-EN11S194.0_card.jpg\|200px\|right\|thumb\|Something New.]]

	Decipher only had license to use New Line's imagery until July of 2007, three years after the last expansion of Moria]], [[Isengard Culture\|Isengard]] and [[Sauron Culture\|Mordor]]) to a race-based division (leaving only [[Orc Culture\|Orc]], [[Men Culture\|Men]], and [[Uruk-hai Culture\|Uruk-hai]] cultures, as well as the virtually unchanged [[Gollum Culture\|Gollum]] and [[Wraith Culture\|Ringwraith cultures). No longer having specific paths to follow alongside the movies, they also restructured the use of sites to allow selection in any order, which, while conceptually ridiculous (ah! we're finally out of the Dead Marshes, to find ourselves in....Moria?), it did allow for additional strategy and flexibility.		Decipher only had license to use New Line's imagery until July of 2007, three years after the last expansion of Moria]], [[Isengard Culture\|Isengard]] and [[Sauron Culture\|Mordor]]) to a race-based division (leaving only [[Orc Culture\|Orc]], [[Men Culture\|Men]], and [[Uruk-hai Culture\|Uruk-hai]] cultures, as well as the virtually unchanged [[Gollum Culture\|Gollum]] and [[Wraith Culture\|Ringwraith cultures). No longer having specific paths to follow alongside the movies, they also restructured the use of sites to allow selection in any order, which, while conceptually ridiculous (ah! we're finally out of the Dead Marshes, to find ourselves in....Moria?), it did allow for additional strategy and flexibility.
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	Due to the delays, the last two planned expansions, ''[[The Great Eye]]'' and ''[[Shelob's Lair]]'', had to be cut and were never released. ''[[Ages End\|Age's End]]'' was the last sendoff of Decipher's highly lauded, if slightly corroded, franchise. Decipher soon after lost the license to the Star Trek CCG and as of this writing has not recovered.		Due to the delays, the last two planned expansions, ''[[The Great Eye]]'' and ''[[Shelob's Lair]]'', had to be cut and were never released. ''[[Ages End\|Age's End]]'' was the last sendoff of Decipher's highly lauded, if slightly corroded, franchise. Decipher soon after lost the license to the Star Trek CCG and as of this writing has not recovered.

	{{ ~~http://lotrtcgwiki.com/images/LOTR01127.jpg?200 \|Something Old.~~}}~~{{ http://lotrtcgwiki.com/images/LOTR11194.jpg?200 \|Something New.}}~~		{{clear}}

	''Comparison of the Pre- and Post-Shadows Lurtz. The differences are most apparent in the template design; colors are more saturated, font is a bit thinner, and of course the graphic design for the culture symbol is garbage.''

	~~<div 90%>~~

	==The Virtual Era==		==The Virtual Era==

Tunadan: /* The Lord of The Rings TCG */

2021-11-20T22:11:11Z

The Lord of The Rings TCG

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 20 November 2021
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	The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (often abbreviated as LotR-TCG) is a tabletop trading card game produced by [[Decipher]], Inc, as a licensed product of ''!The Lord of the Rings'' feature films directed by Peter Jackson and distributed by New Line Cinema (unlike the films, however, Decipher had access to all book material and referenced many things from the ''Silmarillion''). The game was released in November 2001, one month before the first film, and had expansions roughly every four months until the loss of the license by Decipher and subsequent death of the game in July 2007.		The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (often abbreviated as LotR-TCG) is a tabletop trading card game produced by [[Decipher]], Inc, as a licensed product of ''!The Lord of the Rings'' feature films directed by Peter Jackson and distributed by New Line Cinema (unlike the films, however, Decipher had access to all book material and referenced many things from the ''Silmarillion''). The game was released in November 2001, one month before the first film, and had expansions roughly every four months until the loss of the license by Decipher and subsequent death of the game in July 2007.

	Support of the game by its fans has at times been shaky since its death, but there has always been some form or another of life in the community, whether in discussion of strategy or in actual competition on various virtual platforms. Especially with the advent of [[~~Gemp-LotR~~]], the game proves again how deeply satisfying it can be to numerous players from around the globe.		Support of the game by its fans has at times been shaky since its death, but there has always been some form or another of life in the community, whether in discussion of strategy or in actual competition on various virtual platforms. Especially with the advent of [[GEMP]], the game proves again how deeply satisfying it can be to numerous players from around the globe.

	{{ http://lotrtcgwiki.com/images/LOTR01M01.jpg?250 \|One of the announcement cards distributed before the game's release. }}		{{ http://lotrtcgwiki.com/images/LOTR01M01.jpg?250 \|One of the announcement cards distributed before the game's release. }}

Teltura: Teltura moved page Lord of the rings tcg to The Lord of the Rings TCG: formatting

2021-09-30T07:45:11Z

Teltura moved page Lord of the rings tcg to The Lord of the Rings TCG: formatting

← Older revision	Revision as of 07:45, 30 September 2021
(No difference)