User:Cease/Corruption - Revision history

Cease at 09:47, 13 April 2022

2022-04-13T09:47:10Z

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	scroll of isildur, gimli rb, galadriel rb		scroll of isildur, gimli rb, galadriel rb

			== Decks ==
			* [https://lotrtcgwiki.com/forums/index.php?topic=8361 Turbo Corruption]

	----		----

	{{Gameplay_Table}}		{{Gameplay_Table}}

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gollum

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	== gollum ==		== gollum ==

	{{Card\|Heavy Burden}}, {{Card\|Not Yet Vanquished}}, {{Card\|Nasty, Foul Hobbitses}}		{{Card\|Heavy Burden}}, {{Card\|Not Yet Vanquished}}, {{Card\|Nasty, Foul Hobbitses}}, {{Card\|Trap is Sprung}}

	{{Card\|Gollum, Stinker}}		{{Card\|Gollum, Stinker}}

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2022-03-14T10:08:17Z

Ringwraith culture

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	* Woody-end eats a burden, but worth for enquea toto		* Woody-end eats a burden, but worth for enquea toto
	* gates of the dead city + dark fell about him + lingering shadow (+ dark temptation) + duplicitous lieutenant		* gates of the dead city + dark fell about him + lingering shadow (+ dark temptation) + duplicitous lieutenant
			** trap is sprung
	* sense of obligation		* sense of obligation
	* The Witch-king, Black Lord lol exerts, prob too bad to mention		* The Witch-king, Black Lord lol exerts, prob too bad to mention

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2022-03-01T02:43:51Z

Free Peoples counterplay

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	{{Card\|Orthanc Berserker}}? {{Card\|Traitor's Voice}}? {{Card\|Worry}}?		{{Card\|Orthanc Berserker}}? {{Card\|Traitor's Voice}}? {{Card\|Worry}}?

			== Resistance and Alternate Ring-bearers ==

			[[Frodo]] himself is one of the best defenses against corruption, as the [[ring-bearer]] with the highest [[resistance]] (in most cases). He has 10 resistance, and 12 if you're using {{Card\|Frodo, Resolute Hobbit}}. Other [[ring-bearer]]s{{--}}only seen in [[King Block]]/[[Movie Block]] and later{{--}} will generally have less. {{Card\|Bilbo, Bearer of Things Burgled}} has 8, and {{Card\|Galadriel, Bearer of Wisdom}} and {{Card\|Sam, Bearer of Great Need}} will generally have between 8 and 9 if no companions have been killed. The other popular ring-bearers will generally have 5-7 resistance under normal circumstances, but they all have a nasty condition where they generate either burdens or some other downside (generally threats or wounds) if they ever skirmish. So forcing them to skirmish over and over, either with [[swarm]]s or evasive minions like {{Card\|Bill Ferny, Swarthy Sneering Fellow}} or {{Card\|Dark Horseman}}, can lead to them helping to corrupt themselves.

			{{Card\|Elendil, High-King of Gondor}}

	== Free Peoples counterplay ==		== Free Peoples counterplay ==
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	As strong as these strategies may seem, the [[Free Peoples]] player has some [[Counterplay\|counterplay]]. {{C\|Shire}} and {{C\|Gandalf}} [[culture]]s in particular specialize in [[Burden Removal\|burden removal]].		As strong as these strategies may seem, the [[Free Peoples]] player has some [[Counterplay\|counterplay]]. {{C\|Shire}} and {{C\|Gandalf}} [[culture]]s in particular specialize in [[Burden Removal\|burden removal]].

	The biggest problem in {{C\|Shire}} culture is [[Sam]]. The most notorious version of him, albeit one banned in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], is {{Card\|Sam, Son of Hamfast}}, with his ability to remove up to 3 burdens ~~at once~~. Then, he can linger in play and turn any excess [[heal]]ing into more burden removal ~~(and [[Hobbit Hospital]] decks have plenty of healing)~~, or just die to the largest minion. Even when it's not Son of Hamfast, most versions of [[Sam]] can take over as [[ring-bearer]] if Frodo dies. While Sam's [[resistance]] is much lower, all of the existing burdens get wiped when Frodo dies. {{Card\|Helpless}} can help {{C\|Wraith}} decks be a little less vulnerable to Sam shenanigans, but it can't stop Son of Hamfast from coming down and wiping three burdens immediately.		The biggest problem in {{C\|Shire}} culture is [[Sam]]. The most notorious version of him, albeit one banned in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], is {{Card\|Sam, Son of Hamfast}}, with his ability to remove up to 3 burdens immediately after being played. Then, he can linger in play and turn any excess [[heal]]ing into more burden removal, or just die to the largest minion. Even when it's not Son of Hamfast, most versions of [[Sam]] can take over as [[ring-bearer]] if Frodo dies. While Sam's [[resistance]] is much lower, all of the existing burdens get wiped when Frodo dies. {{Card\|Helpless}} can help {{C\|Wraith}} decks be a little less vulnerable to Sam shenanigans, but it can't stop Son of Hamfast from coming down and wiping three burdens immediately.

	Sam isn't the only strong {{C\|Shire}} burden removal tool. There are a few standout reusable tools that remove burdens, like {{Card\|A Light In His Mind}}, {{Card\|Bilbo, Aged Ring-bearer}}, and {{Card\|Golden Perch Ale}}. All this burden removal would be excessive, if it weren't for {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}. Multiple copies of the Countryside can turn any burdens and burden removal into quite a lot of healing, which can make a corruption deck's gameplan counterproductive. Countryside engines are fringe in [[Movie Block]], but more common in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], where they can be protected with {{Card\|Scouring of the Shire}}. This is just a tough matchup! {{Card\|Buckland Homestead}} helps somewhat, since it can bypass Scouring to remove conditions, and it can be [[recur]]red with {{Card\|Ulaire Nelya, Third of the Nine Riders}}. No matter what, it's going to be hard to remove Golden Perch Ale, because it can be protected by Scouring ~~and cards that [[Hate\|hit]] [[Support Area]] [[possession]]s are relatively rare~~. It's almost always a tough [[Matchup\|matchup]].		Sam isn't the only strong {{C\|Shire}} burden removal tool. Hobbits have many one-shot cards that remove burdens, too many to list. There are also a few standout reusable tools that remove burdens, like {{Card\|A Light In His Mind}}, {{Card\|Bilbo, Aged Ring-bearer}}, {{Card\|Sting, Weapon of Heritage}}, and {{Card\|Golden Perch Ale}}. All this burden removal would be excessive in most cases, if it weren't for {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}. Multiple copies of the Countryside can turn any burdens and burden removal into quite a lot of healing, which can make a corruption deck's gameplan counterproductive. Countryside engines are fringe in [[Movie Block]], but more common in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], where they can be protected with {{Card\|Scouring of the Shire}}. This is just a tough matchup! {{Card\|Buckland Homestead}} helps somewhat, since it can bypass Scouring to remove conditions, and it can be [[recur]]red with {{Card\|Ulaire Nelya, Third of the Nine Riders}}. No matter what, it's going to be hard to remove Sting or Golden Perch Ale, because it can be protected by Scouring. It's almost always a tough [[Matchup\|matchup]].

	{{C\|Gandalf}} culture also has some very strong burden removal tools. {{Card\|Narya}} will slowly erode any burdens you've stacked, albeit at high cost. {{Card\|Gandalf's Pipe}} can remove quite a few burdens repeatedly, but only appears in [[Pipeweed]] decks, which are rare and not especially strong. After [[Shadows]], in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], {{C\|Gandalf}} gets one of the strongest reusable burden removal tools in the game: {{Card\|Shadowfax, Greatest of the Mearas}} (usually combined with {{Card\|Citadel to Gate}} to wipe the [[threat]]s). {{Card\|Too Great and Terrible}} is one option to remove him, and [[possession]] [[hate]] like {{Card\|Ulaire Cantea, Faster Than Winds}} or {{Card\|Grond, Hammer of the Underworld}} can deal with the horse. Those aren't the only problem cards: {{Card\|Watch and Wait}} is popular in any deck with strong skirmishers (notably [[Ent]]s), and {{Card\|Jarnsmid, Barding Emissary}} is strong, reusable burden removal as well. Just be ready to focus down problematic companions when facing a {{C\|Gandalf}} deck in Expanded.		{{C\|Gandalf}} culture also has some very strong burden removal tools. {{Card\|Narya}} will slowly erode any burdens you've stacked, albeit at high cost. {{Card\|Gandalf's Pipe}} can remove quite a few burdens repeatedly, but only appears in [[Pipeweed]] decks, which are rare and not especially strong. After [[Shadows]], in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], {{C\|Gandalf}} gets one of the strongest reusable burden removal tools in the game: {{Card\|Shadowfax, Greatest of the Mearas}} (usually combined with {{Card\|Citadel to Gate}} and/or {{Card\|Sting, Elven Long Knife}} to wipe the [[threat]]s). {{Card\|Too Great and Terrible}} is one option to remove him, and [[possession]] [[hate]] like {{Card\|Ulaire Cantea, Faster Than Winds}} or {{Card\|Grond, Hammer of the Underworld}} can deal with the horse. Those aren't the only problem cards: {{Card\|Watch and Wait}} is popular in any deck with strong skirmishers (notably [[Ent]]s), and {{Card\|Jarnsmid, Barding Emissary}} is strong, reusable burden removal as well. Just be ready to focus down problematic companions when facing a {{C\|Gandalf}} deck in Expanded.

			Most other cultures only have one-shot cards to remove burdens, like {{Card\|Not Listening}} or {{Card\|Elf-song}}. {{Card\|Songs of the Blessed Realm}} is technically reusable, but few {{C\|Elven}} decks run many copies of [[tale]]s. {{Card\|Dwarven}}, {{Card\|Gondor}}, and {{Card\|Rohan}} cultures have no burden-removal tools at all.

	~~not listening, elf-song~~
	but many core cards, including {{Card\|One Good Turns Deserves Another}}, {{Card\|Deagol, Fateful Finder}}, and even [[Smeagol]] himself, add burdens		but many core cards, including {{Card\|One Good Turns Deserves Another}}, {{Card\|Deagol, Fateful Finder}}, and even [[Smeagol]] himself, add burdens


	gondor dwarf rohan rely on a splash		gondor dwarf rohan rely on a splash

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Notable cards in other cultures

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	{{Card\|Saruman, Master of the White Hand}}		{{Card\|Saruman, Master of the White Hand}}

	{{Card\|Orthanc Berserker}}? {{Card\|Traitor's Voice}}?		{{Card\|Orthanc Berserker}}? {{Card\|Traitor's Voice}}? {{Card\|Worry}}?

	== Free Peoples counterplay ==		== Free Peoples counterplay ==

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gollum

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	== gollum ==		== gollum ==

	{{Card\|~~heavy burden~~}}, {{Card\|~~not yet vanquished~~}}		{{Card\|Heavy Burden}}, {{Card\|Not Yet Vanquished}}, {{Card\|Nasty, Foul Hobbitses}}

	{{Card\|~~stinker~~}}		{{Card\|Gollum, Stinker}}

	{{Card\|~~dark~~ as ~~darkness~~}}		{{Card\|Gollum, Mad Thing}} and {{Card\|Reclaim the Precious}}

			{{Card\|Gollum, Dark as Darkness}}

	threat strategies in general		threat strategies in general

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	* {{Card\|Ulaire Otsea, Duplicitous Specter}} ???		* {{Card\|Ulaire Otsea, Duplicitous Specter}} ???
	* Woody-end eats a burden, but worth for enquea toto		* Woody-end eats a burden, but worth for enquea toto
	* gates of the dead city + dark fell about him + lingering shadow (+ dark temptation)		* gates of the dead city + dark fell about him + lingering shadow (+ dark temptation) + duplicitous lieutenant
	* sense of obligation		* sense of obligation
	* The Witch-king, Black Lord lol exerts, prob too bad to mention		* The Witch-king, Black Lord lol exerts, prob too bad to mention

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2022-01-21T23:09:08Z

Ringwraith culture

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:09, 21 January 2022
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	In [[Fellowship Block]], this was difficult. {{Card\|Drawn to its Power}} generally won't apply many burdens over the course of a game unless you're winning anyway, and {{Card\|It Wants to be Found}} has a strong effect but requires using [[Twilight (Keyword)\|Twilight]] Nazgûl, which are mostly lousy. Twilight Nazgûl have lots of tempting-looking tools to stack burdens, like {{Card\|Resistance Becomes Unbearable}}, {{Card\|Wraith-World}}, and {{Card\|the twilight world}}, but they tend to [[Hand Clog\|clog up your hand]] as you wait for a perfect setup that never happens. The Twilight Nazgûl minions themselves are generally too expensive and too bad at actually winning skirmishes to ever really get going. A couple strong skirmishers (often armed with {{Card\|Flaming Brand}}) could them off nearly indefinitely, and strong splashable Free Peoples burden removal (particularly {{Card\|Sam, Son of Hamfast}}) could deal with the overflow.		In [[Fellowship Block]], this was difficult. {{Card\|Drawn to its Power}} generally won't apply many burdens over the course of a game unless you're winning anyway, and {{Card\|It Wants to be Found}} has a strong effect but requires using [[Twilight (Keyword)\|Twilight]] Nazgûl, which are mostly lousy. Twilight Nazgûl have lots of tempting-looking tools to stack burdens, like {{Card\|Resistance Becomes Unbearable}}, {{Card\|Wraith-World}}, and {{Card\|the twilight world}}, but they tend to [[Hand Clog\|clog up your hand]] as you wait for a perfect setup that never happens. The Twilight Nazgûl minions themselves are generally too expensive and too bad at actually winning skirmishes to ever really get going. A couple strong skirmishers (often armed with {{Card\|Flaming Brand}}) could them off nearly indefinitely, and strong splashable Free Peoples burden removal (particularly {{Card\|Sam, Son of Hamfast}}) could deal with the overflow.

	{{C\|Ringwraith}} corruption slowly improved in later sets. Two Nazgûl in particular, {{Card\|Ulaire Attea, Wraith on Wings}} and {{Card\|Ulaire Toldea, Winged Sentry}} fit snugly into traditional [[Nazgul Beatdown]]. Attea's game text was a little unreliable -- {{C\|~~Wraith~~}} ~~culture mostly lacks good [[initiative]] tools --~~ but unlike the Twilight Nazgûl, you ~~weren~~'t paying too much for a minion that wasn't particularly fearsome in a skirmish.		{{C\|Ringwraith}} corruption slowly improved in later sets. Two Nazgûl in particular, {{Card\|Ulaire Attea, Wraith on Wings}} and {{Card\|Ulaire Toldea, Winged Sentry}} fit snugly into traditional [[Nazgul Beatdown]]. Attea's game text was a little unreliable unless you're using {{Card\|Streaming to the Field}}, but unlike the Twilight Nazgûl, you aren't paying too much for a minion that wasn't particularly fearsome in a skirmish.

	{{C\|Wraith}} corruption decks finally fully came together in [[Movie Block]], first with [[Morgul Orcs]]. {{Card\|Morgul Brute}} (often in conjunction with {{Card\|Morgul Destroyer}}) forces the ring-bearer to eat a wound or a burden, and the latter is an attractive prospect when faced with the threat of minions like {{Card\|Morgul Whelp}} or {{Card\|Morgul Hound}}. While feeding the burdens to the Brute obviously won't get you any closer to corrupting the ring-bearer, the mere threat of doing so makes it difficult for your opponent to make optimal [[Assignment Phase\|assignments]], and gives you the option to close out the game with violence instead of corruption. The Morgul Orcs deck is also a [[swarm]] deck, and alternate [[ring-bearer]]s (like {{Card\|Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms}}) will corrupt themselves if you keep forcing them into skirmishes.		{{C\|Wraith}} corruption decks finally fully came together in [[Movie Block]], first with [[Morgul Orcs]]. {{Card\|Morgul Brute}} (often in conjunction with {{Card\|Morgul Destroyer}}) forces the ring-bearer to eat a wound or a burden, and the latter is an attractive prospect when faced with the threat of minions like {{Card\|Morgul Whelp}} or {{Card\|Morgul Hound}}. While feeding the burdens to the Brute obviously won't get you any closer to corrupting the ring-bearer, the mere threat of doing so makes it difficult for your opponent to make optimal [[Assignment Phase\|assignments]], and gives you the option to close out the game with violence instead of corruption. The Morgul Orcs deck is also a [[swarm]] deck, and alternate [[ring-bearer]]s (like {{Card\|Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms}}) will corrupt themselves if you keep forcing them into skirmishes.

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Ringwraith culture

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	Their power / relentless charge / beauty ???		Their power / relentless charge / beauty ???

			black marshal

	[[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]] added a bunch of different strong corruption tools, which can be used on their own or in conjunction with Enquea TOTO decks. {{Card\|Woody-end}} eats a burden, but it's both an alternate [[Win Condition\|win condition]] and burden-positive		[[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]] added a bunch of different strong corruption tools, which can be used on their own or in conjunction with Enquea TOTO decks. {{Card\|Woody-end}} eats a burden, but it's both an alternate [[Win Condition\|win condition]] and burden-positive

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Ringwraith culture

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	Those alternate ring-bearers were another boon to {{C\|Wraith}} culture. While {{Card\|Bill Ferny, Swarthy Sneering Fellow}} was nothing new, but previously he was little threat to the ring-bearer as soon as [[Frodo]] had a [[hand weapon]]. However, many of the most popular alternate ring-bearers stack burdens or wounds on themselves every time they get into a skirmish, so now Bill showing up to frown at them actually does some significant damage. Much later, in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], {{Card\|Ulaire Nertea, Dark Horseman}} can often do the same, although most multicultural Free Peoples decks, even with just a [[splash]] of another culture, can keep him from simply homing in on the ring-bearer.		Those alternate ring-bearers were another boon to {{C\|Wraith}} culture. While {{Card\|Bill Ferny, Swarthy Sneering Fellow}} was nothing new, but previously he was little threat to the ring-bearer as soon as [[Frodo]] had a [[hand weapon]]. However, many of the most popular alternate ring-bearers stack burdens or wounds on themselves every time they get into a skirmish, so now Bill showing up to frown at them actually does some significant damage. Much later, in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], {{Card\|Ulaire Nertea, Dark Horseman}} can often do the same, although most multicultural Free Peoples decks, even with just a [[splash]] of another culture, can keep him from simply homing in on the ring-bearer.

	Nazgûl got their day in the, uh, shadows as well. {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Thrall of the One}}, can stack as many as three burdens every time he comes out, as long as you get some wounds on him. Your opponent's archers can help with that, but mainly you'll want cards that exert him, such as {{Card\|Bent on Discovery}}, {{Card\|The Ring Draws Them}}, {{Card\|Between Nazgul and Prey}}, and {{Card\|Ithil Stone}}. This block also introduced many ways to [[recur]] a key Nazgûl, like {{Card\|Out of Sight and Shot}}, {{Card\|Flung Into The Fray}}, {{Card\|Morgul Squealer}}, {{Card\|Ring of ~~Ire~~}}, {{Card\|Ring of ~~Asperity~~}}, and {{Card\|The Witch-king, Morgul King}}. If you're running a whole deck of [[Enduring]] Nazgûl, {{Card\|Dark Swooping Shadows}} is a one-shot option to turn their wounds into more burdens. This deck stays competitive in [[Expanded Format\|Expanded]], and even picks up some new tools like {{Card\|Keening Wail}} and {{Card\|The Witch-king, Captain of the Nine Riders}}.		Nazgûl got their day in the, uh, shadows as well. {{Card\|Ulaire Enquea, Thrall of the One}}, can stack as many as three burdens every time he comes out, as long as you get some wounds on him. Your opponent's archers can help with that, but mainly you'll want cards that exert him, such as {{Card\|Bent on Discovery}}, {{Card\|The Ring Draws Them}}, {{Card\|Between Nazgul and Prey}}, and {{Card\|Ithil Stone}}. This block also introduced many ways to [[recur]] a key Nazgûl, like {{Card\|Out of Sight and Shot}}, {{Card\|Flung Into The Fray}}, {{Card\|Morgul Squealer}}, {{Card\|Ring of Asperity}}, {{Card\|Ring of Rancor}}, and {{Card\|The Witch-king, Morgul King}}. If you're running a whole deck of [[Enduring]] Nazgûl, {{Card\|Dark Swooping Shadows}} is a one-shot option to turn their wounds into more burdens. This deck stays competitive in [[Expanded Format\|Expanded]], and even picks up some new tools like {{Card\|Keening Wail}} and {{Card\|The Witch-king, Captain of the Nine Riders}}.

	Their power / relentless charge / beauty ???		Their power / relentless charge / beauty ???

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	{{Card\|Orthanc Berserker}}? {{Card\|Traitor's Voice}}? {{Card\|Worry}}?		{{Card\|Orthanc Berserker}}? {{Card\|Traitor's Voice}}? {{Card\|Worry}}?

			== Resistance and Alternate Ring-bearers ==

			[[Frodo]] himself is one of the best defenses against corruption, as the [[ring-bearer]] with the highest [[resistance]] (in most cases). He has 10 resistance, and 12 if you're using {{Card\|Frodo, Resolute Hobbit}}. Other [[ring-bearer]]s{{--}}only seen in [[King Block]]/[[Movie Block]] and later{{--}} will generally have less. {{Card\|Bilbo, Bearer of Things Burgled}} has 8, and {{Card\|Galadriel, Bearer of Wisdom}} and {{Card\|Sam, Bearer of Great Need}} will generally have between 8 and 9 if no companions have been killed. The other popular ring-bearers will generally have 5-7 resistance under normal circumstances, but they all have a nasty condition where they generate either burdens or some other downside (generally threats or wounds) if they ever skirmish. So forcing them to skirmish over and over, either with [[swarm]]s or evasive minions like {{Card\|Bill Ferny, Swarthy Sneering Fellow}} or {{Card\|Dark Horseman}}, can lead to them helping to corrupt themselves.

			{{Card\|Elendil, High-King of Gondor}}

	== Free Peoples counterplay ==		== Free Peoples counterplay ==
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	As strong as these strategies may seem, the [[Free Peoples]] player has some [[Counterplay\|counterplay]]. {{C\|Shire}} and {{C\|Gandalf}} [[culture]]s in particular specialize in [[Burden Removal\|burden removal]].		As strong as these strategies may seem, the [[Free Peoples]] player has some [[Counterplay\|counterplay]]. {{C\|Shire}} and {{C\|Gandalf}} [[culture]]s in particular specialize in [[Burden Removal\|burden removal]].

	The biggest problem in {{C\|Shire}} culture is [[Sam]]. The most notorious version of him, albeit one banned in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], is {{Card\|Sam, Son of Hamfast}}, with his ability to remove up to 3 burdens ~~at once~~. Then, he can linger in play and turn any excess [[heal]]ing into more burden removal ~~(and [[Hobbit Hospital]] decks have plenty of healing)~~, or just die to the largest minion. Even when it's not Son of Hamfast, most versions of [[Sam]] can take over as [[ring-bearer]] if Frodo dies. While Sam's [[resistance]] is much lower, all of the existing burdens get wiped when Frodo dies. {{Card\|Helpless}} can help {{C\|Wraith}} decks be a little less vulnerable to Sam shenanigans, but it can't stop Son of Hamfast from coming down and wiping three burdens immediately.		The biggest problem in {{C\|Shire}} culture is [[Sam]]. The most notorious version of him, albeit one banned in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], is {{Card\|Sam, Son of Hamfast}}, with his ability to remove up to 3 burdens immediately after being played. Then, he can linger in play and turn any excess [[heal]]ing into more burden removal, or just die to the largest minion. Even when it's not Son of Hamfast, most versions of [[Sam]] can take over as [[ring-bearer]] if Frodo dies. While Sam's [[resistance]] is much lower, all of the existing burdens get wiped when Frodo dies. {{Card\|Helpless}} can help {{C\|Wraith}} decks be a little less vulnerable to Sam shenanigans, but it can't stop Son of Hamfast from coming down and wiping three burdens immediately.

	Sam isn't the only strong {{C\|Shire}} burden removal tool. There are a few standout reusable tools that remove burdens, like {{Card\|A Light In His Mind}}, {{Card\|Bilbo, Aged Ring-bearer}}, and {{Card\|Golden Perch Ale}}. All this burden removal would be excessive, if it weren't for {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}. Multiple copies of the Countryside can turn any burdens and burden removal into quite a lot of healing, which can make a corruption deck's gameplan counterproductive. Countryside engines are fringe in [[Movie Block]], but more common in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], where they can be protected with {{Card\|Scouring of the Shire}}. This is just a tough matchup! {{Card\|Buckland Homestead}} helps somewhat, since it can bypass Scouring to remove conditions, and it can be [[recur]]red with {{Card\|Ulaire Nelya, Third of the Nine Riders}}. No matter what, it's going to be hard to remove Golden Perch Ale, because it can be protected by Scouring ~~and cards that [[Hate\|hit]] [[Support Area]] [[possession]]s are relatively rare~~. It's almost always a tough [[Matchup\|matchup]].		Sam isn't the only strong {{C\|Shire}} burden removal tool. Hobbits have many one-shot cards that remove burdens, too many to list. There are also a few standout reusable tools that remove burdens, like {{Card\|A Light In His Mind}}, {{Card\|Bilbo, Aged Ring-bearer}}, {{Card\|Sting, Weapon of Heritage}}, and {{Card\|Golden Perch Ale}}. All this burden removal would be excessive in most cases, if it weren't for {{Card\|The Shire Countryside}}. Multiple copies of the Countryside can turn any burdens and burden removal into quite a lot of healing, which can make a corruption deck's gameplan counterproductive. Countryside engines are fringe in [[Movie Block]], but more common in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], where they can be protected with {{Card\|Scouring of the Shire}}. This is just a tough matchup! {{Card\|Buckland Homestead}} helps somewhat, since it can bypass Scouring to remove conditions, and it can be [[recur]]red with {{Card\|Ulaire Nelya, Third of the Nine Riders}}. No matter what, it's going to be hard to remove Sting or Golden Perch Ale, because it can be protected by Scouring. It's almost always a tough [[Matchup\|matchup]].

	{{C\|Gandalf}} culture also has some very strong burden removal tools. {{Card\|Narya}} will slowly erode any burdens you've stacked, albeit at high cost. {{Card\|Gandalf's Pipe}} can remove quite a few burdens repeatedly, but only appears in [[Pipeweed]] decks, which are rare and not especially strong. After [[Shadows]], in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], {{C\|Gandalf}} gets one of the strongest reusable burden removal tools in the game: {{Card\|Shadowfax, Greatest of the Mearas}} (usually combined with {{Card\|Citadel to Gate}} to wipe the [[threat]]s). {{Card\|Too Great and Terrible}} is one option to remove him, and [[possession]] [[hate]] like {{Card\|Ulaire Cantea, Faster Than Winds}} or {{Card\|Grond, Hammer of the Underworld}} can deal with the horse. Those aren't the only problem cards: {{Card\|Watch and Wait}} is popular in any deck with strong skirmishers (notably [[Ent]]s), and {{Card\|Jarnsmid, Barding Emissary}} is strong, reusable burden removal as well. Just be ready to focus down problematic companions when facing a {{C\|Gandalf}} deck in Expanded.		{{C\|Gandalf}} culture also has some very strong burden removal tools. {{Card\|Narya}} will slowly erode any burdens you've stacked, albeit at high cost. {{Card\|Gandalf's Pipe}} can remove quite a few burdens repeatedly, but only appears in [[Pipeweed]] decks, which are rare and not especially strong. After [[Shadows]], in [[Expanded (Format)\|Expanded]], {{C\|Gandalf}} gets one of the strongest reusable burden removal tools in the game: {{Card\|Shadowfax, Greatest of the Mearas}} (usually combined with {{Card\|Citadel to Gate}} and/or {{Card\|Sting, Elven Long Knife}} to wipe the [[threat]]s). {{Card\|Too Great and Terrible}} is one option to remove him, and [[possession]] [[hate]] like {{Card\|Ulaire Cantea, Faster Than Winds}} or {{Card\|Grond, Hammer of the Underworld}} can deal with the horse. Those aren't the only problem cards: {{Card\|Watch and Wait}} is popular in any deck with strong skirmishers (notably [[Ent]]s), and {{Card\|Jarnsmid, Barding Emissary}} is strong, reusable burden removal as well. Just be ready to focus down problematic companions when facing a {{C\|Gandalf}} deck in Expanded.

			Most other cultures only have one-shot cards to remove burdens, like {{Card\|Not Listening}} or {{Card\|Elf-song}}. {{Card\|Songs of the Blessed Realm}} is technically reusable, but few {{C\|Elven}} decks run many copies of [[tale]]s. {{Card\|Dwarven}}, {{Card\|Gondor}}, and {{Card\|Rohan}} cultures have no burden-removal tools at all.

	~~not listening, elf-song~~
	but many core cards, including {{Card\|One Good Turns Deserves Another}}, {{Card\|Deagol, Fateful Finder}}, and even [[Smeagol]] himself, add burdens		but many core cards, including {{Card\|One Good Turns Deserves Another}}, {{Card\|Deagol, Fateful Finder}}, and even [[Smeagol]] himself, add burdens


	gondor dwarf rohan rely on a splash		gondor dwarf rohan rely on a splash

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	In [[Fellowship Block]], this was difficult. {{Card\|Drawn to its Power}} generally won't apply many burdens over the course of a game unless you're winning anyway, and {{Card\|It Wants to be Found}} has a strong effect but requires using [[Twilight (Keyword)\|Twilight]] Nazgûl, which are mostly lousy. Twilight Nazgûl have lots of tempting-looking tools to stack burdens, like {{Card\|Resistance Becomes Unbearable}}, {{Card\|Wraith-World}}, and {{Card\|the twilight world}}, but they tend to [[Hand Clog\|clog up your hand]] as you wait for a perfect setup that never happens. The Twilight Nazgûl minions themselves are generally too expensive and too bad at actually winning skirmishes to ever really get going. A couple strong skirmishers (often armed with {{Card\|Flaming Brand}}) could them off nearly indefinitely, and strong splashable Free Peoples burden removal (particularly {{Card\|Sam, Son of Hamfast}}) could deal with the overflow.		In [[Fellowship Block]], this was difficult. {{Card\|Drawn to its Power}} generally won't apply many burdens over the course of a game unless you're winning anyway, and {{Card\|It Wants to be Found}} has a strong effect but requires using [[Twilight (Keyword)\|Twilight]] Nazgûl, which are mostly lousy. Twilight Nazgûl have lots of tempting-looking tools to stack burdens, like {{Card\|Resistance Becomes Unbearable}}, {{Card\|Wraith-World}}, and {{Card\|the twilight world}}, but they tend to [[Hand Clog\|clog up your hand]] as you wait for a perfect setup that never happens. The Twilight Nazgûl minions themselves are generally too expensive and too bad at actually winning skirmishes to ever really get going. A couple strong skirmishers (often armed with {{Card\|Flaming Brand}}) could them off nearly indefinitely, and strong splashable Free Peoples burden removal (particularly {{Card\|Sam, Son of Hamfast}}) could deal with the overflow.

	{{C\|Ringwraith}} corruption slowly improved in later sets. Two Nazgûl in particular, {{Card\|Ulaire Attea, Wraith on Wings}} and {{Card\|Ulaire Toldea, Winged Sentry}} fit snugly into traditional [[Nazgul Beatdown]]. Attea's game text was a little unreliable -- {{C\|~~Wraith~~}} ~~culture mostly lacks good [[initiative]] tools --~~ but unlike the Twilight Nazgûl, you ~~weren~~'t paying too much for a minion that wasn't particularly fearsome in a skirmish.		{{C\|Ringwraith}} corruption slowly improved in later sets. Two Nazgûl in particular, {{Card\|Ulaire Attea, Wraith on Wings}} and {{Card\|Ulaire Toldea, Winged Sentry}} fit snugly into traditional [[Nazgul Beatdown]]. Attea's game text was a little unreliable unless you're using {{Card\|Streaming to the Field}}, but unlike the Twilight Nazgûl, you aren't paying too much for a minion that wasn't particularly fearsome in a skirmish.

	{{C\|Wraith}} corruption decks finally fully came together in [[Movie Block]], first with [[Morgul Orcs]]. {{Card\|Morgul Brute}} (often in conjunction with {{Card\|Morgul Destroyer}}) forces the ring-bearer to eat a wound or a burden, and the latter is an attractive prospect when faced with the threat of minions like {{Card\|Morgul Whelp}} or {{Card\|Morgul Hound}}. While feeding the burdens to the Brute obviously won't get you any closer to corrupting the ring-bearer, the mere threat of doing so makes it difficult for your opponent to make optimal [[Assignment Phase\|assignments]], and gives you the option to close out the game with violence instead of corruption. The Morgul Orcs deck is also a [[swarm]] deck, and alternate [[ring-bearer]]s (like {{Card\|Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms}}) will corrupt themselves if you keep forcing them into skirmishes.		{{C\|Wraith}} corruption decks finally fully came together in [[Movie Block]], first with [[Morgul Orcs]]. {{Card\|Morgul Brute}} (often in conjunction with {{Card\|Morgul Destroyer}}) forces the ring-bearer to eat a wound or a burden, and the latter is an attractive prospect when faced with the threat of minions like {{Card\|Morgul Whelp}} or {{Card\|Morgul Hound}}. While feeding the burdens to the Brute obviously won't get you any closer to corrupting the ring-bearer, the mere threat of doing so makes it difficult for your opponent to make optimal [[Assignment Phase\|assignments]], and gives you the option to close out the game with violence instead of corruption. The Morgul Orcs deck is also a [[swarm]] deck, and alternate [[ring-bearer]]s (like {{Card\|Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms}}) will corrupt themselves if you keep forcing them into skirmishes.