This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend Con of the Rings 2022 and it was a wonderful experience. It was nice reconnecting with folks I haven’t seen all year, playing lots of games, and sharing some fun alt-art promotional cards. I brought the latest version of the Bear Draft to Con of the Rings 2022 and it was a joy to watch players participate in this novel format.
Work had me busy right up until the day before the convention, and unfortunately I forgot to pack the signature cards for each hero. This means that players were not able to bolster their starting heroes with critical supporting cards. My apologies for this oversight, sometimes the bear can be a bit fur-brained. In any case, the drafted decks did not disappoint and I commend the players for making do with even more extreme constraints. Congratulations to the winning team of Rolento and Truck. Their decks were excellent and their four round victory is unlikely to be beaten any time soon. I’ve listed each of the drafted decks below:
Rolento’s Draft Deck
Truck’s Draft Deck
Dominic Ford’s Draft Deck
Sabina Ford’s Draft Deck
Robb’s (SchadenfreudeNE) Draft Deck
Erik’s Draft Deck
Ben’s Draft Deck
Doug’s Draft Deck
The winning decks speak for themselves, but there are two other decks I’d like to highlight here. Sabina Ford was the youngest player, not only at this draft, but who has ever participated in one of my draft events. Even though the draft features a cooperative two player game, most players draft powerful solo decks. Sabina’s deck was one of the best support decks I’ve ever seen drafted; she certainly captured the spirit of fellowship at the heart of this game. This deck would be welcome in any multiplayer game.
Con of the Rings 2022 – Bear Draft – Sabina Ford
Hero (3)
Haldir of Lórien
Rowan
Thurindir
Ally (22)
1x Elrond (TRD)
2x Envoy of Pelargir (HoN)
1x Galadhrim Healer
2x Imladris Caregiver
1x Ioreth (SoCH)
2x Long Lake Trader
2x Mirkwood Explorer
2x Mirkwood Hunter
2x Naith Guide (TDT)
1x Ranger of Cardolan
1x Wandering Exile
3x Warden of Healing
2x Warden of Helm’s Deep
Attachment (6)
1x Entangling Nets
1x Forest Snare
2x Half-pint
2x Woodmen’s Clearing
Event (2)
2x Lore of Imladris
The other deck that I want to highlight was built by Doug and is dear to this old bear’s heart. It often happens in the draft that certain archetypes or traits are ignored by most players. An attentive player can benefit by scooping up all of these cards as they are passed, and build a powerful draft deck. That is exactly what Doug has done here, with a powerful deck built around Beorning recursion effects and Thengel. This is an impressive deck list for a limited format, and I’m not just saying that because it features my favorite faction.
Con of the Rings 2022 – Bear Draft – Doug
Hero (3)
Arwen Undómiel
Grimbeorn the Old
Thengel
Ally (14)
1x Beorn (Core)
2x Beorning Skin-changer
1x Birna
1x Derndingle Warrior
1x Escort from Edoras (JtR)
1x Giant Bear
1x Grimbold
1x Legolas (ToS)
1x North Realm Lookout
1x Rhovanion Outrider
1x Súlien
1x Wilyador
1x Winged Guardian
Attachment (13)
1x Ancient Mathom (JtR)
2x Beorn’s Welcome
1x Hauberk of Mail
1x Horn of the Mark (TCoU)
1x Light of Valinor (FoS)
2x Raiment of War
1x Silver Circlet
1x Silver Harp
2x Steed of Imladris
1x War Axe (TCoU)
Event (12)
1x A Test of Will (Core)
1x Beorn’s Rage
1x Desperate Defense (FotW)
1x Elrond’s Counsel (WitW)
1x Elven-light
1x Feint (Core)
2x Foe-hammer (OHaUH)
1x Quick Strike (Core)
2x Sterner than Steel
1x The Galadhrim’s Greeting
A bear-sized thank you to everyone who participated. I promise that next year I won’t forgot the signature cards. As always, I will analyze the cards drafted and the winning deck, and make further tweaks to the draft pool. Also, ALeP should be announcing their second cycle soon, so I will have new player cards to include in next years draft. I cannot wait to see what surprises are in store for Bear Draft v8. Thanks to everyone at the convention, and all of my readers wherever you are. Collectively, you continue to make the community around the Lord of the Rings LCG the best there is.
Hall of Beorn 