Defender

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Perhaps the most infamous archer in the game, Greenleaf has the ability to sacrifice his normal archery contribution to directly wound a minion of your choice.

Archer is a loaded keyword appearing on characters skilled with a bow. At the end of the Archery Phase, each player tallies up the total number of archers on their side (plus or minus any bonuses or penalties), and "fires" that many arrows onto their opponent, which are placed as wounds on eligible targets.

Although archers are the "default" way of increasing the archery total, there are quite a few cards that increase the archery total directly without increasing the number of archers (see Double Shot (1R38) ). Most archery-based deck strategies will revolve around those alternate bonuses rather than relying on archers to succeed on their own.

The Elven culture is the most prominent user of archers in the game, with most other Free Peoples cultures struggling to put arrows in the air and needing to spend resources to only temporarily harry their foes (see Hand Axe (2C10) , Rohirrim Bow (5C88) , and Gondor Bow (7U94) ). Most Shadow cultures have access to at least a limited contingent of archers, notably Moria, Isengard, and Raider.

Rules Entries

From the Comprehensive Rules:

All Shadow players count the number of all their minions with the keyword archer to determine the "minion archery total." No matter how many Shadow players there are, there is only one minion archery total.

As the Free Peoples player, you also count the number of your Free Peoples archer companions to determine the "fellowship archery total." (See ally.)

The Free Peoples player then assigns a number of wounds equal to the minion archery total to his companions (and participating allies), in any way he wishes.

He then chooses one Shadow player who must assign a number of wounds equal to the fellowship archery total to his minions, in any way he wishes.

- archery_phase section


List of Characters with innate Defender bonuses

Portrait Card Name Culture Card Type Game Text
Arwen, Lady of Rivendell (V2_6) Elven Ally • Home 3 • Elf Aragorn is strength +1. While Arwen is exhausted, Aragorn is defender +1.

Each time Aragorn is about to take a wound, you may wound Arwen to prevent that wound.

Ent Horde (6R28) Gandalf Companion • Ent To play, spot 2 Ent companions. Ent Horde’s twilight cost is –2 for each Ent or unbound Hobbit you can spot. While you can spot more minions than companions, Ent Horde is defender +1.
Ghan-bûri-Ghan, Chieftain of the Woses (0P56) Gandalf Companion • Man While you can spot 2 other Men, Ghan-bûri-Ghan cannot be overwhelmed unless his strength is tripled. While at a forest site, Ghan-bûri-Ghan is defender +1.
Aragorn, Ranger of the North (1R89) Gondor Companion • Man Ranger.

Maneuver: Exert Aragorn to make him defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Aragorn, Heir of Elendil (4C109) Gondor Companion • Man Defender +1.
Garrison of Gondor (8R36) Gondor Companion • Man Archer. Knight.

To play, spot 3 companions.

While you can spot a fortification, Garrison of Gondor is defender +1.

Shadow Host (8R43) Gondor Companion • Wraith Enduring. To play, spot 2 exhausted Wraiths and add 2 threats.

While Shadow Host is exhausted, it is defender +1.

Cursed of Erech (10U26) Gondor Companion • Wraith Enduring. To play, add a threat.

When you play Cursed of Erech, exert him twice. At the start of the maneuver phase, you may exert another Wraith to make Cursed of Erech defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Aragorn, Isildur's Heir (13R59) Gondor Companion • Man Aragorn is strength +1 for each card that has a culture token on it.

At the start of each assignment phase, you may exert Aragorn to make an unbound companion that has resistance 7 or more defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Faramir, Prince of Ithilien (13C66) Gondor Companion • Man While you can spot Boromir, Faramir is twilight cost –1.

While you can spot Denethor, Faramir is twilight cost –1.

While Faramir bears a possession, he is defender +1.

Ranger of the White Tree (17S33) Gondor Companion • Man Ranger. Hunter 1.

When this is in your starting fellowship and you can spot an unbound companion with cost 3 or more, his twilight cost is -2.

Maneuver: Exert this companion and spot a roaming minion to make him defender +1 until the start of the regroup phase.

Aragorn, Heir to the Throne of Gondor (18R38) Gondor Companion • Man Hunter 2.

While you can spot 3 Free Peoples cultures, Aragorn is defender +1.

While you can spot 2 Shadow cultures, Aragorn is defender +1.

Aragorn, Well-traveled Guide (19P12) Gondor Companion • Man Fellowship. Ranger.

While the Ring-bearer is the only other companion you can spot, Aragorn is an archer, defender +1, and can take no more than 1 wound each skirmish.

Boromir, Redeemed (V1_20) Gondor Companion • Man Boromir is strength +2 for each minion he is skirmishing.

At the start of each assignment phase, you may exert another companion with the Aragorn signet to make Boromir defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Théoden, The Renowned (13R137) Rohan Companion • Man While you can spot Éowyn, Théoden is defender +1.

While you can spot Éomer, Théoden is damage +1.

While you can spot Théodred, the move limit is +1.

Rohirrim Warrior (15U139) Rohan Companion • Man Valiant.

At the start of the maneuver phase, you may spot a hunter minion (or exert 2 valiant Men) to make this companion defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Éomer, Northman (17R95) Rohan Companion • Man Damage +1.

While the Ring-bearer is assigned to a skirmish, Éomer is strength +3.

Maneuver: If Éomer is mounted, exert him to make him defender +1 until the end of turn.

Sam, Proper Poet (2C114) Shire Companion • Hobbit Maneuver: Exert Sam twice to make him defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Response: If Frodo dies, make Sam the Ring-bearer (resistance 5). ​


List of Cards that Interact with the Defender Keyword

Portrait Card Name Culture Card Type Game Text
Disquiet of Our People (2C2) Dwarven Event Maneuver: Exert a Dwarf to make that Dwarf defender +1 (or defender +2 if you spot an Orc) until the regroup phase.
So Bold and So Courteous (V1_6) Dwarven Condition • Support Area Each time the fellowship moves, you may exert an Elf to make a Dwarf defender +1 until the regroup phase.
Arwen, Lady of Rivendell (V2_6) Elven Ally • Home 3 • Elf Aragorn is strength +1. While Arwen is exhausted, Aragorn is defender +1.

Each time Aragorn is about to take a wound, you may wound Arwen to prevent that wound.

Wielder of the Flame (2U28) Gandalf Event Spell.

Maneuver: Spot Gandalf to make a companion defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Any Shadow player may remove to prevent this.

Down From the Hills (5R16) Gandalf Event Spell.

Maneuver: Exert Gandalf 3 times to make an unbound companion with the Gandalf signet strength +5, defender +1, damage +2, and unable to take wounds until the regroup phase.

Ent Horde (6R28) Gandalf Companion • Ent To play, spot 2 Ent companions. Ent Horde’s twilight cost is –2 for each Ent or unbound Hobbit you can spot. While you can spot more minions than companions, Ent Horde is defender +1.
Númenor's Pride (7U45) Gandalf Condition • Support Area To play, spot Gandalf and add 3 threats.

Gandalf is defender +1 and cannot take wounds.

Discard this condition at the start of the regroup phase.

Ents Marching (18C20) Gandalf Event • Maneuver If the fellowship is in region 1 or region 2, exert 2 Ents to make an Ent defender +1. If the fellowship is in region 3, spot a companion to draw a card.
Ghan-bûri-Ghan, Chieftain of the Woses (0P56) Gandalf Companion • Man While you can spot 2 other Men, Ghan-bûri-Ghan cannot be overwhelmed unless his strength is tripled. While at a forest site, Ghan-bûri-Ghan is defender +1.
Aragorn, Ranger of the North (1R89) Gondor Companion • Man Ranger.

Maneuver: Exert Aragorn to make him defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Elendil's Valor (1C103) Gondor Event Maneuver: Make a companion defender +1 until the regroup phase.
Swordarm of the White Tower (1C116) Gondor Event Skirmish: Make a companion strength +2 (or +4 if he is defender +1).
Valiant Man of the West (1R118) Gondor Event Maneuver: Make Aragorn defender +1 and he takes no more than 1 wound during each skirmish phase until the regroup phase.
Banner of the White Tree (3R39) Gondor Event Tale.

Maneuver: Exert a companion to make that companion strength +3 and defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Aragorn, Heir of Elendil (4C109) Gondor Companion • Man Defender +1.
Ruins of Osgiliath (4R133) Gondor Condition Plays to your support area.

While the fellowship is at site 7, each Ring-bound Man is defender +1.

Skirmish: Spot a Ring-bound Man and discard this condition to wound an opponent’s Man.

Andúril, King's Blade (7R80) Gondor Artifact • Hand Weapon Bearer must be Aragorn.

If you cannot spot a threat, Aragorn is defender +1.

I Will Go (7C105) Gondor Condition Bearer must be a Man.

If you have initiative, bearer is defender +1.

Garrison of Gondor (8R36) Gondor Companion • Man Archer. Knight.

To play, spot 3 companions.

While you can spot a fortification, Garrison of Gondor is defender +1.

Shadow Host (8R43) Gondor Companion • Wraith Enduring. To play, spot 2 exhausted Wraiths and add 2 threats.

While Shadow Host is exhausted, it is defender +1.

Cursed of Erech (10U26) Gondor Companion • Wraith Enduring. To play, add a threat.

When you play Cursed of Erech, exert him twice. At the start of the maneuver phase, you may exert another Wraith to make Cursed of Erech defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Armor of the Citadel (11U55) Gondor Possession • Armor Bearer must be a Man.

Each minion skirmishing bearer loses all damage bonuses. While bearer is at a battleground site and unwounded, he or she is defender +1.

Elendil’s Valor (12C46) Gondor Event • Maneuver Make a companion defender +1 until the regroup phase.
Aragorn, Isildur's Heir (13R59) Gondor Companion • Man Aragorn is strength +1 for each card that has a culture token on it.

At the start of each assignment phase, you may exert Aragorn to make an unbound companion that has resistance 7 or more defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Faramir, Prince of Ithilien (13C66) Gondor Companion • Man While you can spot Boromir, Faramir is twilight cost –1.

While you can spot Denethor, Faramir is twilight cost –1.

While Faramir bears a possession, he is defender +1.

Ranger of the White Tree (17S33) Gondor Companion • Man Ranger. Hunter 1.

When this is in your starting fellowship and you can spot an unbound companion with cost 3 or more, his twilight cost is -2.

Maneuver: Exert this companion and spot a roaming minion to make him defender +1 until the start of the regroup phase.

Aragorn, Heir to the Throne of Gondor (18R38) Gondor Companion • Man Hunter 2.

While you can spot 3 Free Peoples cultures, Aragorn is defender +1.

While you can spot 2 Shadow cultures, Aragorn is defender +1.

Horn of Boromir, The Great Horn (18R53) Gondor Possession Bearer must be a Man.

Maneuver: Exert bearer and discard a follower from play to make bearer strength +4 until the regroup phase (if bearer is Boromir, he is also defender +1 and cannot be overwhelmed unless his strength is tripled).

Ranger of the North (18R55) Gondor Condition Bearer must be a Man.

Maneuver: If the fellowship is in region 1 or region 2, you may exert bearer to make him or her defender +1.

Regroup: Discard this to heal a companion.

Aragorn, Well-traveled Guide (19P12) Gondor Companion • Man Fellowship. Ranger.

While the Ring-bearer is the only other companion you can spot, Aragorn is an archer, defender +1, and can take no more than 1 wound each skirmish.

Boromir, Redeemed (V1_20) Gondor Companion • Man Boromir is strength +2 for each minion he is skirmishing.

At the start of each assignment phase, you may exert another companion with the Aragorn signet to make Boromir defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Firefoot (4R274) Rohan Possession • Mount Bearer must be a Man.

If bearer is Éomer, he is defender +1.

At the start of each skirmish involving bearer, each minion skirmishing bearer must exert.

Forth Eorlingas! (4U275) Rohan Event Maneuver: Exert Théoden to make a companion who has the Théoden signet defender +1 until the regroup phase.
No Rest for the Weary (5R86) Rohan Event Maneuver: Spot 3 valiant Men to make one of those Men defender +1 until the regroup phase.
Protecting the Hall (11U149) Rohan Condition Toil 2. (For each character you exert when playing this, its twilight cost is –2.) Bearer must be a Man.

Assignment: Discard this condition from play to make bearer defender +1.

Rohirrim Mount (11U156) Rohan Possession • Mount Bearer must be a Man.

At the start of each skirmish involving bearer, each minion skirmishing bearer must exert. While bearer is at a plains site, he or she is defender +1.

Firefoot, Mearas of the Mark (13R126) Rohan Possession • Mount Bearer must be a Man.

When you play Firefoot, you may reinforce a token.

At the start of the maneuver phase, if bearer is Éomer, you may remove 2 tokens to make him defender +1 and strength +1 until the regroup phase.

Théoden, The Renowned (13R137) Rohan Companion • Man While you can spot Éowyn, Théoden is defender +1.

While you can spot Éomer, Théoden is damage +1.

While you can spot Théodred, the move limit is +1.

Burial Mounds (15R122) Rohan Event • Assignment Make a companion defender +1 and minions skirmishing that companion cannot take wounds during a skirmish involving that companion until the regroup phase.
Rohirrim Warrior (15U139) Rohan Companion • Man Valiant.

At the start of the maneuver phase, you may spot a hunter minion (or exert 2 valiant Men) to make this companion defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Spear of the Mark (15U140) Rohan Possession • Hand Weapon Bearer must be a Man.

If bearer is mounted, bearer is defender +1.

Éomer, Northman (17R95) Rohan Companion • Man Damage +1.

While the Ring-bearer is assigned to a skirmish, Éomer is strength +3.

Maneuver: If Éomer is mounted, exert him to make him defender +1 until the end of turn.

Let This Be the Hour (V2_50) Rohan Event • Assignment Exert a valiant companion to make that companion defender +1. That companion is strength +1 for each minion skirmishing them until the regroup phase.
Sam, Proper Poet (2C114) Shire Companion • Hobbit Maneuver: Exert Sam twice to make him defender +1 until the regroup phase.

Response: If Frodo dies, make Sam the Ring-bearer (resistance 5).

For the Shire (V3_108) Shire Event • Assignment Spot a Hobbit companion (except the Ring-bearer).

In region 1, hinder all other Hobbits.

In region 2, make that Hobbit defender +2 until the regroup phase.

In region 3, make that Hobbit enduring until the regroup phase.

Sirannon Dam (V1_65) Moria Artifact • Support Area,Support Area Rivers and sites with no other terrain keywords gain marsh.

Companions are defender +1.

Skirmish: Remove 2 burdens to have Watcher in the Water replace a tentacle skirmishing an unbound companion.

Destroyers and Usurpers (18U78) Orc Condition • Support Area Each companion loses all defender bonuses and cannot gain defender bonuses.

Maneuver: Spot 2 minions to make the fellowship's current site gain battleground until the regroup phase.

Steps of Edoras (7U334) Site Site Each companion is defender +1 until the end of the turn.
Window on the West (11S265) Site Site Underground. Each unwounded Man is defender +1.

​




Loaded Keywords
Numeric Decipher Damage + X • Defender + X • Ambush X • Hunter X • Toil X
Non-numeric Decipher Aid • Archer • Enduring • Fierce • Lurker • Muster • [Roaming] • Sanctuary • Ring-bearer • Unhasty
Player's Council Relentless
Item Class Decipher [Classless] • Support Area • Armor • Box • Bracers • Brooch • Cloak • Gauntlets • Hand Weapon • Helm • Mount • Palantír • Phial • Pipe • Ranged Weapon • Ring • Shield • Staff


Defender +X

From the Comprehensive Rules 4.0:

During the assignment phase, if your assigned companion has the keyword defender +1, you may assign that character to one additional unassigned minion. Defender +2 allows that companion to defend against two additional unassigned minions, and so on. A character with defender +2 (or greater) satisfies any requirement for defender +1.

Frodo and Aragorn face two Uruk-hai. The Free Peoples player could assign Aragorn to one and Frodo to the other. However, this version of Aragorn has defender +1, so he may be assigned to defend against both minions, leaving Frodo unharmed.

When a character with defender +X is given an additional defender +X by a card or special ability, the bonuses are added together.

Further Explanations

Resolving a skirmish: If the total strength of one side is more than the strength of the other side (but less than double), the side with the most strength wins that skirmish. (If there is a tie, the Shadow side wins.) Place one wound on each character on the losing side. When the winning side has one or more characters with the keyword damage +1, then each losing character takes one additional wound for each damage +1.

For Example:

  • If your Defender +1 wins against 2 Minions, each Minion gains one wound.
  • If your Defender +1 and Damage +1 wins against 2 Minions, each Minion gains two wounds.
  • If your Defender +1 loses against 2 Minions, your defender gains one wound.
  • If your Defender +1 loses against 2 Minions one of which has Damage +1, your defender gains two wounds.
  • If your Defender +1 loses against 2 Minions each with Damage +1, your defender gains three wounds.

Companions with intrinsic access to Defender bonuses

Gandalf

Gondor

Rohan

Shire

Cards that Provide Defender bonuses

Dwarven

Gandalf

Gondor

Rohan

Sites

Cards that Support companions with Defender bonuses

Gondor

Sites

Cards that Counter Defender Bonuses

Some Shadow (or Site) cards can counter defender bonuses, or at least reduce their usefulness. There's many ways to do that, including but not limited to: preventing more than 1 minion from being assigned to the same companion, triggering harmful effects when a companion is assigned, assigning a minion directly to the defender +X companion to impair the assignment possibilities, assigning directly a minion to a companion which'd be otherwise protected by a defender +X companion, or by simply preventing a defender +X companion from being assigned to a skirmish.

Dunland

Gollum

Isengard

Men

Moria

Orc

Raider

Sauron

Uruk-hai

Wraith

Sites

loaded keyword table  

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