Messenger of the Steward 1.0

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• 1.0

This is my newest (and probably final) take on the mono-Leadership Gondor archetype. While I think you can build better Gondor decks with inclusion of the Card draw from Lore I always liked this approach.

People have been calling out for a low threat high willpower Gondor hero for a long time to complete the Boromir + [Denethor] (/card/12001) low willpoer lineup. While Lothíriel is this, her spirit sphere doesn't really fit the archetype and her abilty works better with allies from other traits like Silvan or Rohan.

But with Messenger of the King we have the abilty to create this hero and he's super thematic: Faramir. While giving high willpower, his low start threat helps avoiding enemies in the early game and also gives more time to play Pillars of the Kings for full effect.

This deck is really good in mustering a lot of willpower quickly. Between Faramir, who can be used twice with Heir of Mardil triggered by Denethors abilty, and Visionary Leadership you allies can be boosted by up to +3 willpower. Between Denethors bonus ressources, Herald of Anórien and A Very Good Tale you can muster those allies quickly.

I included most of the Card draw i could found in Leadership with Pillars of the Kings, Soldier of Gondor, Sneak Attack + Gandalf and Rod of the Steward. Because it is still sometimes rough to find your pieces i included 3 copies of every key attachment.

There is a Little bit of Valour Synergy between the Pillars, Soldier of Gondor, Angbor the Fearless and Veteran of Osgiliath. The last two with help from Boromir can take out boss-enemies at the end of the game.

Defending is weak point of the deck, while Denethor and the Knights of the White Tower can block smaller enemies and you can through Squires of the Citadel under bigger ones, this deck struggles to defend a boss enemy for multiple rounds. If the quest allows it, turtle on an earlier stage, play more allies and take them out in a single round of combat.

Sideboard: Guard of the Citadel can replace Warden of Healing in quests where you don't need healing, or replace the Envoy of Pelargir for quests that punish 1 hitpoint questers. White Tower Watchman could counter enemy surprise attacks that are triggered by treacheries or when revealed effects. Strength of Arms looks great for any deck that can play it, but i find it often to be a win more Card. The other Events are stronger and I didn't want to cut allies or any of the key attachments. Gather Information and Prepare for Battle should be played if the quest allows early sidequesting, because you should have willpower to complete them. For them I would probably cut some duplicate attachments because you gain more consistency.