The Eagles Have Landed (Mirkwood Cycle Progression) 1.0

• Versions
• 1.0

I have been using this deck in combination with a Lore/Spirit question/location deck to play successfully through the Shadows of Mirkwood cycle with only cards released thru Return to Mirkwood.

This deck combines the combat skills of with the toolbox of :

• Théodred's job is to grant an extra resource each quest phase. These can be shared across the table or given to Prince Imrahil as the situation demands (most of the time I find myself alternating from turn to turn).
• Legolas is the attacker. Power him up with Dúnedain Mark in the early game and eventually with Support of the Eagles to allow him to mow down enemies and place progress on the quest.
• Prince Imrahil does it all. He should quest most turns for 2, then ready when an ally inevitably leaves play (either from chump blocking or when Eagles fly off to join Eagles of the Misty Mountains). He should also get Steward of Gondor and Song of Battle as soon as possible so that he can start paying for all of the allies and events.

Questing

Théodred and Prince Imrahil will quest on most turns, but most of this deck's allies are present for combat purposes. Radagast can add his 2 if he hits the table and Faramir can power a late-game push with his ability. I found it helpful to send one Snowbourn Scout on most quests as a way to counter the damage effect of Dol Guldur Orcs (and to grant a ready to Prince Imrahil).

Combat

Legolas and Prince Imrahil combine for 6 from turn 1, but once a copy of Eagles of the Misty Mountains hits the table, the combat engine really gets going. Use The Eagles Are Coming! to grab a bunch of Eagle allies -> play as many Vassal of the Windlords and Winged Guardians as possible -> use their abilities or chump with them -> power up Eagles of the Misty Mountains -> use Support of the Eagles to boost Legolas to crazy numbers. Winged Guardians and Gondorian Spearman can defend across the table (remember to ready Prince Imrahil when they leave play!). For the more troublesome enemies, you can use Feint, pull the Son of Arnor + Forest Snare combo (as long as you are the first player!), or Sneak Attack in either Gandalf or Descendant of Thorondor. Though the latter isn't the most flashy ally, it's really enjoyable to Sneak Attack the Descendant in (dealing 2 damage to an enemy in staging) -> quest, attack, or defend with the Descendant -> it leaves play (dealing 2 more damage on the way out) to power up Eagles of the Misty Mountains.

Miscellaneous

This deck is rounded out by toolbox cards that provide value to both decks. Campfire Tales and Valiant Sacrifice supplement the card draw of deck 1, Celebrían's Stone allows Éowyn to quest for 6 , and Snowbourn Scout adds a bit more help with locations. I didn't end up using the Dúnedain Warnings much, but they can go across the table to allow Eleanor to defend more safely if necessary. This deck really depends on getting increased access to as early as possible, so the majority of card draw early game should be dedicated to digging out Steward of Gondor and Song of Battle. Radagast doesn't see much play, but if he hits the table early enough, his extra resources more than pay for his expensive cost.