Despair (1R243)

The Dark Lord's Summons (1U242)

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Desperate Defense of the Ring (1R244)

Strategy

Collection

History

Data

Despair (1R243) is a Sauron Event from the Fellowship of the Ring set.

EN Nonfoil First Edition EN Foil First Edition DE Nonfoil First Edition DE Foil First Edition FR Nonfoil First Edition FR Foil First Edition IT Nonfoil First Edition IT Foil First Edition ES Nonfoil First Edition ES Foil First Edition PL Nonfoil First Edition PL Foil First Edition PT Nonfoil First Edition PT Foil First Edition ZH Nonfoil First Edition ZH Foil First Edition

Collection Info Title Despair Unique No Collectible Yes Set 1 - The Fellowship of the Ring Rarity R - Rare Card Number 243 Language EN - English Revision 0

Gameplay Info Playable Yes Culture Sauron Side Shadow Card Type Event Twilight Cost 2 Game Text Maneuver: If the total number of burdens and companions in the dead pile is at least 12, spot a Orc to corrupt the Ring-bearer. Lore “‘The Nameless Enemy has arisen again. Smoke rises once more from Orodruin that we call Mount Doom.'”

Translations DE - German Card Name Verzweiflung Game Text Manöver: Wenn die Summe aus Lastmarken und der Zahl der toten Gefährten mindestens 12 beträgt, entdecke einen Ork, damit der Ringträger der Versuchung des Einen Rings erliegt. Lore "Der Namenlose Feind ist wieder auferstanden. Rauch steigt wieder über dem Orodruin, den wir Schicksalsberg nennen, auf.“ ES - Spanish Card Name Desesperación Game Text Maniobra: Si el numero total de cargas y compañeros en la pila de muertos es de al menos 12, avista un Orco para corromper al Portador del Anillo. Lore “El Enemigo sin nombre se ha alzado de nuevo. El humo asciende otra vez desde el Orodruin que nosotros llamamos Monte del Destino.” FR - French Card Name Désespoir Game Text Manœuvre : Si le nombre total de points-fardeau et de compagnons dans le cimetière est de 12 ou plus, désignez un Orque pour corrompre le Porteur de l’Anneau. Lore “‘L'Ennemi sans Nom s'est de nouveau mis en branle. La fumée s'élève une fois de plus d'Orodruin, que nous appelons la Montagne du Destin.'” IT - Italian Card Name Disperazione Game Text Manovra: Se il numero totale dei segnalini fardello e dei compagni presenti nella pila dei morti è almeno 12, avvista un Orco per corrompere il Portatore dell’Anello. Lore “‘Il nemico Innominato è risorto. Il fumo s'innalza nuovamente dall'Orodruin, che noi chiamiamo Monte Fato.'” PL - Polish PT - Portuguese ZH - Chinese

Technical Info Wiki Base Card ID LOTR-EN01S243.0 TLHH ID LOTR01243 GEMP ID 1_243 LOTRO Hex ID 43 33 F4 LOTRO Image ID 01_243

Strategy

A "winner takes all" event, Despair creates an instant win when certain conditions are met by the Shadow player. Despair requires [2] twilight in the Maneuver phase, a [Sauron] Orc in play, and a combination of twelve burdens or companions in the dead pile. In theory, the event sounds reasonable enough--such a complete attack should have the opponent against the ropes. In practice, the card is not very playable. While the [2] twilight and Orc are easy enough spotting requirements, the combination of burdens and dead companions is remarkably high at 12. At even numbers, 6 burdens and 6 companions in the dead pile suggests the Shadow player is already incredibly close to winning the game in most cases. In fact, many decks--particularly in Fellowship Block format--do not contain more than 5 companions in total, meaning the Shadow player would need eight burdens and the four companions killed.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strong Versus...

• Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul can spot burdens to weaken or kill companions
• Desperate Defense of the Ring, Thin and Stretched, and The Ring Is Mine are solid [Sauron] burden cards

Weak Versus...

• Hand clog early in the game
• Incredibly situational
• Alternate Ring-Bearers are often corrupted long before the card can be played