Inspired by the interview with artist Magali Villeneuve in the latest episode of Cardboard of the Rings, I have decided to build a deck consisting solely of cards which feature her art. When I first sat down to create this deck, I assumed that it would be mostly ornamental; a thing of beauty, but of little functional value. It is a testament to Magali’s contribution to the game that it is possible to make a fully-formed deck using only cards with her work.
The strategy here is non-traditional, to say the least. This deck features two heroes, in Elrond and Glorfindel, that are always paired with certain attachments. However, because Vilya, Light of Valinor and Asfaloth do not feature Magali’s art, we will have to get creative with the way that we use these heroes. Also, because A Test of Will is not a Magali card, we will be using Eleanor for treachery cancellation. These changes will not prevent the deck from being effective as these heroes have stats and abilities that give them versatility.
Since he won’t be using his ring, Elrond can be our primary quester. Glorfindel, while admittedly less powerful without Light of Valinor or his mount, is still very effective in combat. Eleanor, when not protecting us from treacheries, will actually serve as a defender. Between Arwen, Blood of Númenor and Protector of Lorien, the noblewoman from Gondor can become an imposing wall on defense.
We will make use of resource generation effects like Resourceful, and Imladris Stargazer plus Zigil Miner to ensure that she has plenty of resources. Song of Wisdom also helps us pay for the more expensive Lore cards. The Stargazer also works perfectly with Expert Treasure-Hunter to give us super-efficient card draw. The Galadhrim’s Greeting, Elfhelm and Damrod all help to keep our threat low, which allows us to keep Gandalf in play for as long as possible.
Any talk of strategy is really missing the point of this deck. Shuffle it up, draw a hand, and what will you see? In a word: beauty. Magali has created some truly magnificent pieces of art, works that provide a magical sense of immersion into the world of Middle-Earth. For anyone who has yet to check out the interview over at Cardboard of the Rings, I highly recommend it. It was great to hear her insights into creating art for the Lord of the Rings. In appreciation for all that she has done for this fine game, this deck is a tribute to Magali Villeneuve.
Heroes:
Elrond
Eleanor
Glorfindel (FoS)
Allies: 26
Envoy of Pelargir x3
Imladris Stargazer x3
Zigil Miner x3
Westfold Horse-Breaker x3
Arwen Undomiel x2
Daughter of the Nimrodel x3
Silvan Tracker x2
Haldir of Lorien x1
Damrod x1
Elfhelm x1
Gildor Inglorion x1
Gandalf (H:OHaUH) x3
Attachments: 15
Expert Treasure-Hunter x3
Protector of Lorien x3
Blood of Númenor x2
The Favor of the Lady x2
Song of Wisdom x3
Resourceful x2
Events: 9
Word of Command x2
The Galadhrim’s Greeting x3
Gildor’s Counsel x2
Lorien’s Wealth x2
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