The Balrog

[tristelune]

Hi!
I usually like straight moria swarm but decided to try something different this time. Being inspired by a deck I saw a long time ago, this is what I've built. Your suggestions are welcome.

Shadow only (will be paired with Ents)
35 cards:

goblin Armory x4
Goblin Runner x4
goblin sneak X4
Goblin Scavengers x4
Goblin Scimitar x4
Goblin Scrabbler
Moria Scout x2
Host of Thousands x2
the Balrog,TOFaS x3
power and terror x3
Whip of Many Thongs X2 (to get rid of armors)
The underdeep of Moria
Goblin swarms

As you can see, I am not able to completely get rid of the swarm thing... With only 1 copy of each, I may drop the Goblin swarms and underdeep, what do you think?

I also came across a nice deck by NappyKorn (http://lotrtcgdb.com/forums/index.php/topic,921.0.html) that only focus on the Blarog:

•   The Balrog, Demon of Might x4 (would be TOFaS)
•   Goblin Runner x4
•   Moria Scout x4
•   Goblin Sneak x3
•   Goblin Scrabbler x2
•   The Balrog's Sword x3
•   Whip of Many Thongs x3
•   Relics of Moria
•   Fill With Fear x2
•   Power and Terror x4
•   Foul Things x3

I like that deck too. Do you think it is more viable than my Balrog / swarm? Is there a way to make a Balrog (TOFaS) fierce? I don't think so but maybe I missed something.
Anyway, Thanks for your help!


T

[Sam, Great Elf Warrior]

Do you think it is more viable than my Balrog / swarm? Is there a way to make a Balrog (TOFaS) fierce? I don't think so but maybe I missed something.

The only cards that could do it are:
Legions of Morgul
Throne of Isengard

Neither of these are TS, of course.

[ket_the_jet]

Emyn Muil and Emyn Muil*. Wrong blocks though.

And Slunk Out of Sight, if you get the assist.
-wtk

[Witchkingx5]

If you run a Balrog Deck, I'd play Whip of Many Thongs, Weapon of Flame and Shadow    to make him fierce and Final Cry to finish off the companions.

[ket_the_jet]

If you run a Balrog Deck, I'd play Whip of Many Thongs, Weapon of Flame and Shadow    to make him fierce and Final Cry to finish off the companions.

Towers Standard.
-wtk

[tristelune]

If you run a Balrog Deck, I'd play Whip of Many Thongs, Weapon of Flame and Shadow    to make him fierce and Final Cry to finish off the companions.

Wow, that card is cool! Too bad we are playing TS but I sure will add it if I use the deck in expanded.

[Witchkingx5]

Sure Weapon of Flame and Shadow is much better than Whip of many thongs, making the opponent often helpless by discarding his events.

[sharkey]

Actually, I've been running an expanded Gandalf/Balrog deck. The goal is to dig for The Balrog and his weapons with cards like Shed a Little Light and Discoveries, and then polish them off. It's called terraforming, if I remember correctly.

[Cw0rk]

I've played vs a pretty neat Balrog deck in Movie Block.

It included Fill with Fear vs archery and the Final Cry vs Cirdan. It was pretty fun. It's good as well if you pair it with a fellowship that can double-move because you won't win if you move one site at the time with 1 big minion trying to kill the whole fellowship.

[Gwaihir]

Unless they have exhaust/kill combos or other effective ways to inflict many wounds (Eowyn LoI).  Final cry though will make a quick end to her.

[Cw0rk]

Unless they have exhaust/kill combos or other effective ways to inflict many wounds (Eowyn LoI).  Final cry though will make a quick end to her.

I would just put 2 Grìma, CC to get rid of Eowyn. Anyway, Slaked Thirsts and Eowyn LoI aren't an issue in Tower Standard. However, tristelune's deck should include at least 2 Fill with Fear.

[tristelune]

I would just put 2 Grìma, CC to get rid of Eowyn. Anyway, Slaked Thirsts and Eowyn LoI aren't an issue in Tower Standard. However, tristelune's deck should include at least 2 Fill with Fear.

Noted (and agreed), thanks! I did not see the purpose of final cry with a Dam +2 Balrog but now that you mention Cirdan and Eowyn (in movie block), I understand the importance of this card! Thanks!

T

[Sam, Great Elf Warrior]

Fill with Fear would also stop Mablung (by discarding his Ranger's Bow; otherwise, he can kill a roaming Balrog with 2 exertions).

[Cw0rk]

I would just put 2 Grìma, CC to get rid of Eowyn. Anyway, Slaked Thirsts and Eowyn LoI aren't an issue in Tower Standard. However, tristelune's deck should include at least 2 Fill with Fear.

Noted (and agreed), thanks! I did not see the purpose of final cry with a Dam +2 Balrog but now that you mention Cirdan and Eowyn (in movie block), I understand the importance of this card! Thanks!

T

However, Final Cry isn't a necessity in Tower Standard. You could still put 1 if you really want it.

You could also consider having Saruman, BT with his staff which is a pretty nice splash minion in this block due to Orthanc Balcony.

[ket_the_jet]

Final Cry can be a nice surprise against a loaded Gandalf or a loaded Aragorn.
-wtk

[tristelune]

Final Cry can be a nice surprise against a loaded Gandalf or a loaded Aragorn.
-wtk

True.
Tested the first deck. Drew only one Balrog and no Power and terror. Balrog did his job (killing a comp) but the swarm was more effective. I think I should go either plain swarm or with 4 balrogs and 4 power and terror as in the 2nd deck. But I need to test it more than once...

Edit: I will remove the underdeep and replace it with fill with fear. Maybe drop the Goblin swarms for another fill with fear? I am hesitant as I see Goblin swarms as an insurance

[legolas3333]

i might throw in a durin's tower to increase the chances of killing off a companion