Gimli's Pipe (3U2)
 Book of Mazarbul (3R1)
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Mines of Khazad-Dum (3R3) 
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Gimli's Pipe (3U2) is a 
Dwarven Possession from the Realms of the Elf-Lords set.
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Strategy[edit]
Gameplay Strategy[edit]
Of all the pipe possessions available, Gimli's pipe is perhaps the most peculiar. Aside from being able to exert Gimli for no reason, it is the only pipe that does not come with an effect it can provide on its own. However, where any other pipe still only counts as one, this one can count for two, three or possibly even more. As such, it can be especially useful for support outside of dedicated pipe decks, alongside just one or two other pipes, freeing space for other strategies, while still enabling a potent use of one's pipeweed.
Its ability comes at the expense of Gimli's vitality, though, making its use rather limited and risky. Right off the bat, it clashes with the ability of the popular Gimli, Son of Gloin (1R13)
and synergizes rather poorly with the healing effects of Aragorn’s Pipe (1U91)
and Frodo's Pipe (3U107)
. While on paper it can work well with burden removing Gandalf’s Pipe (1U74)
, the utility of such burden removal is rather situational, not to mention needlessly clumsy next to alternatives like Sam, Son of Hamfast (1C311)
or Elf-song (1C39)
.
This leaves only two other pipes that can reasonably benefit from Gimli's exertion – Bilbo's Pipe (1U285)
and The Gaffer's Pipe (1U292)
.
Deckbuilding Strategy[edit]
In combination with The Gaffer's Pipe (1U292)
, Gimli's Pipe presents an interesting choking alternative to Consorting With Wizards (2R97)
. With the two pipes in play, discarding pipeweed alone, the player can remove 
. Any exertion on top of that can remove 
more, similarly to Consorting With Wizards (2R97)
. Further capitalizing on the choking aspect, Gimli, Dwarf of the Mountain-race (2P121)
is a natural bearer for the pipe. Alternatively, errated Gimli, Dwarf of Erebor (1U12)
can be allowed to use his ability multiple times per turn.
Bilbo's Pipe (1U285)
offers different kind of synergy, one that practically asks for the inclusion of Gimli's Pipe. Whereas a full-blown pipe deck cannot provide much space for tales, a deck with focus on Bilbo's Pipe (1U285)
and Gimli's pipe can.
Whatever the use case is, cards that can keep Gimli healthy will increase the effect his pipe can have on the game and protect Gimli from dangers posed by minions and wounding cards like Hate (1R250)
. Perhaps of special note here is the oft overlooked Dwarven Heart (1C10)
, whose downside becomes much easier to stomach, provided one immediately puts the regained vitality to good use. The fact that it costs 0 twilight also means it doesn't take away from the twilight removal done with The Gaffer's Pipe (1U292)
.
There are other options too. When paired with Bilbo's Pipe (1U285)
and some Dwarven tales, Mines of Khazad-Dûm (3R3)
can be used to great, albeit delayed effect, appropriate for a more restrained use of the pipe's ability. Likewise, Gimli, Dwarf of Erebor (1U12)
can be slowly healed with Aragorn, King in Exile (1P365)
. Meanwhile, Gimli, Dwarf of the Mountain-race (2P121)
can be brought to full health quickly with Frodo's Pipe (3U107)
at the cost of more pipeweed.
Strengths and Weaknesses[edit]
Synergizes With...[edit]
Strong Versus...[edit]
- nothing in particular
Weak Versus...[edit]
- direct wounding (e.g. Hate (1R250)
)
- possibly Caradhras Has Not Forgiven Us (1R123)
